As nice as it is to gather together and celebrate the holidays at home, we could all use some time out of the house. Luckily, St. Louis is welcoming the season with a variety of exciting performances that will keep you in the festive spirit all the way to New Year’s. So grab your coats, book your tickets, and add a few of these events to your holiday schedule.
The Nutcracker: Gen Hourichi’s The Nutcracker will be performed by the Saint Louis Ballet in a grand and traditional production of the Christmas classic. Before the holidays arrive, families can welcome Christmastime with the classic holiday fairytale performed on “glorious sets” by both Saint Louis Ballet’s professional dancers students from the Saint Louis Ballet School. 1 Touhill Cir. November 27-December 23, 2:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
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Matthew Lombardo’s Who’s Holiday: Everyone’s favorite little Who, Cindy Lou Who, is all grown up in Matthew Lombardo’s Who’s Holiday. Actress Sarah Polizzi plays the Christmas-loving little girl from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in her adult life, giving the audience a glimpse into how Cindy Lou Who grows up after that legendary encounter with the Grinch. 2336 Tennessee Ave. December 2-18, Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.
Holiday Extravaganza at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center: To celebrate its 15th season, Winter Opera St. Louis is hosting its first ever annual Holiday Extravaganza event, welcoming in the holiday season both opera favorites and holiday classics. To emphasize the holiday cheer, Winter Opera will be singing alongside a local children’s chorus during the celebration. 210 E. Monroe Ave. December 4, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo: Brothers Lazaroff and friends return to The Big Top this season for the 11th Annual Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo, a St. Louis holiday tradition. Last year’s Hanukkah Hullabaloo was moved online due to the pandemic, but it was still highly successful, and the band is excited to be back and bringing klezmer, mystic poetry, jazz, psychedelic rock, and soul to a live audience again. 3401 Washington Ave. December 4, 7-10 p.m.
A Christmas Carol: The Rep is launching a new holiday tradition this year with its first-ever annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge and his many haunting companions have finally made their way to the Mainstage, and audiences can expect this adaptation of the heartwarming ghost story to delight the whole family. 130 Edgar Rd., December 4-23, 7 p.m., 8 p.m.
2nd Annual All-St. Louis Holiday Reading of A Christmas Carol : Whether they choose to attend Metro Theater Company’s live reading December 7 or wait for the version streaming from December 18-25, audiences are sure to enjoy hearing excerpts from Charles Dickens’ holiday tale read by some familiar faces, including Emmy nominee Ellie Kemper, Regional Arts Commission CEO Vanessa Cooksey, Lt. Governor Michael Kehoe, and Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. Live: 3648 Washington Blvd. December 7, 8 p.m. Streaming: Online December 18-25, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
A Gospel Christmas with Oleta Adams: The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is welcoming audiences to celebrate the arrival of the holidays with guest conductors, solo performances, and festive events all month long. Oleta Adams will be ringing in the holiday season with gospel renditions of holiday favorites alongside the SLSO and its IN UNISON chorus. 718 N. Grand Blvd. December 9, 7:30 p.m.
Sounds of the Season: Carol Dickens’ A Christmas Charles: Continuing with old traditions, the Ambassadors of Harmony chorus returns to rekindle the joy and magic of Christmas with its popular concert, Sounds of the Season: Carol Dickens’ A Christmas Charles — a comedic holiday classic. The chorus will put on five concerts of seasonal musical favorites they’ve performed for more than three decades. 1 Touhill Cir. December 10-12, 8 p.m.
Holiday Extravaganza at the St. Louis ArtWorks: Come for the shopping and stay for the music at Holiday Extravaganza at the St. Louis ArtWorks, which showcases original works of art from more than 30 St. Louis ArtWorks fall program youth apprentices. Arrive by noon to see the drum call and Kwanzaa Ceremony, followed by a performance from the Red and Black Brass Band. 5959 Delmar Blvd. December 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas: Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas springs from Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. The recreation of A Visit from St. Nicholas takes place in the west of Ireland in the 1940s, showing neighbors gathering to share music, dance, and stories. This is the first time in the show’s 26-year touring history it will play St. Louis. 531 N. Grand Blvd. December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve and Other Stories: Welcome the new year early with live music and holiday spirit with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s concert, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” a larger-than-life performance of symphonic-rock music, light displays, and visual effects.1401 Clark Ave. December 30, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
