The lights going dark on Broadway was one of the most surreal moment of the COVID-19 pandemic that reverberated in performance spaces across the country. As a community with so many strong arts organizations, we could not be more overjoyed that the curtains in Columbus' theaters are back up and there is an incredible slate of holiday performances planned for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Please note: Many performing arts venues in Columbus require masks and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry. Be sure to check policies before purchasing tickets.
Holiday Pops
Ohio Theatre | Dec. 3-5
The Columbus Symphony welcomes back its annual Holiday Pops performance with a spectacular event bringing music and joy to all. Hear from the Columbus Children's Choir, enjoy sing-alongs to holiday classics, visit with Santa and more. Purchase tickets here.
Mannheim Steamroller
Palace Theatre | Dec. 3
Columbus is proud to be a stop on the 35th anniversary tour of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. There's nothing quite like a performance by this new-age music group, and tickets for this year's production can be secured here.
An Acoustic Christmas
Davidson Theatre | Dec. 4
The Ohio couple that comprises Over the Rhine promises their 2021 tour will be an "intimate but hopefully holy ruckus." It won't all be Christmas music, so if you're a fan of the group or just acoustic music in general, get back in the spirit of live shows with this concert. Tickets can be purchased here.
WNCI's Jingle Jam
Express Live! | Dec. 9
WNCI's annual raucous holiday concert this year features AJR and Cousin Simple. Join Dave, Jimmy, Kelsey and the whole Morning Zoo gang for an evening of great music and fun. Get tickets here.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Nationwide Arena | Dec. 26
The holiday season doesn't end on Christmas Day! Extend your cheer with the rock-and-roll performance of TSO's "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" that's sure to bring down the house. Get ready to rock by getting your ticket here.
Holiday Hoopla
Shadowbox Live | Nov. 18 - Dec. 23
A Columbus holiday tradition, this is the resident theater company's most popular sketch comedy and music show that celebrates the hustle, bustle and fun of the season. Get tickets here.
The Nutcracker
Ohio Theatre | Dec. 10-26
BalletMet will once again perform their seminal rendition of The Nutcracker. If this magical performance is part of your holiday traditions, be sure to get your tickets here.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Palace Theatre | Dec. 10
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday production, led by magician Lucy Darling, This enchanting production features incredible feats accompanied by all the best holiday song, performed live. Secure your spot in the audience here.
Tosca
Southern Theatre | Dec. 18-19
Try something new this holiday season and join Opera Columbus for their powerful production of Tosca. The performance will be conducted in Italian, but will have English subtitles. If you fell in love with Bridgerton last year, this one is for you. Find tickets here.
Sister Act
Short North Stage | Dec. 2 - Jan. 2
The holidays are all about being in good spirits and Sister Act is sure to make you feel holly and jolly. This feel-good musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film and features original music of by Tony and Oscar winner Alan Menken. Get tickets here to make sure you don't miss the show that was nominated for five Tony Awards.
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Lincoln Theatre | Dec. 9-23
The Columbus Children's Theatre is putting on a hilarious, musical interpretation of the classic movie "A Christmas Story." The show received rave reviews on Broadway and will be a great holiday activity for all ages. Get tickets here.
Dickens of a Christmas
Ohio Village | Saturdays and Sundays, November and December
Enjoy the holidays as Charles Dickens would have with this festive 19th century celebration. Interact with Ohio Village "residents" and characters from "A Christmas Carol" and enjoy music and dance from that period. Local food trucks will be on site as well for a taste of the modern day. Advance registration is required; get tickets here.
A Literary Christmas
The Kelton House | Dec. 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The story of the festive holiday season will be told through readings of Dickens, O'Henry and Dr. Seuss. Costumed docents and plum pudding will make the evening magical. Tickets are timed and can be secured here.
