Los Angeles is lighting up this December with festive holiday performances. From timeless classics to unforgettable musical moments, there are a number of options that will make your season feel extra magical. From marionette marvels to sing-along symphonies, here are the best holiday performances to check out around town. Just be sure to book ahead, as many of these shows sell out fast.
Tinselcolor: Holiday Soundtracks Live
When: December 2–30, 2025
Where: CineVita, Inglewood
If you’ve missed Love Actually Live, don’t worry! For the Record’s new show, Tinselcolor, brings together over 25 holiday movie soundtrack hits inside their new home, CineVita. Hosted by Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block, this immersive musical experience features professional singers, dancers, and musicians performing numbers from Elf, Home Alone, White Christmas, and more. Expect themed cocktails, festive energy, and a nostalgic deep dive into the season’s most iconic songs.
The Nutcracker Suite by American Contemporary Ballet
When: Through December 24, 2025
Where: DTLA
When it comes to nostalgic holiday performances, look no further than The Nutcracker. Set in a snow-draped, immersive venue at the Bank of America Plaza, this 75-minute reimagining of The Nutcracker fuses live musicians with dreamlike staging. With intimate performances and an artist reception following each show, this version from American Contemporary Ballet is both elegant and enchanting. Tickets go fast each season—especially on weekends—so early booking is recommended.
When: Through January 4, 2026
Where: Sierra Madre Playhouse
A beloved holiday tradition since 1969, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater returns with its whimsical puppet-filled spin on The Nutcracker. With intricate marionettes, charming sets, and a rotating schedule of weekend and holiday performances, this family-friendly favorite is as nostalgic as it is delightful. The new venue in Sierra Madre offers an intimate setting for audiences of all ages.
Bob Baker’s Winter Wonderland
When: Through January 18, 2026
Where: Highland Park
Formerly known as Holiday on Strings, this reimagined Bob Baker Marionette Theater show follows host Demitrius Nova Twinklestar III on a holiday adventure through snowy scenes. For family-friendly holiday performances, Bob Baker is always the right move. Enjoy singing puppets and a whimsical trip through Santa’s workshop. The hour-long performance is filled with joyful music and playful puppetry. For a sensory-friendly experience, consider the specially designated performance on December 20 at 4:30 pm.
A Christmas Carol
When: Through December 23, 2025
Where: A Noise Within, Pasadena
A Noise Within delivers a heartfelt and high-quality rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. Directed by company founders Geoff and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and performed by some of the city’s finest classical actors, this musical-infused adaptation is a must-see. Its family-friendly atmosphere and intimate setting make it a great pick for multigenerational holiday outings.
Festival of Carols – L.A. Master Chorale
When: December 20
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA
Enjoy timeless carols performed by the acclaimed Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon, inside the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall. The program features beloved holiday tunes from around the world, a cameo by the venue’s iconic pipe organ, and maybe even a visit from Santa. It’s a soaring, joyful way to usher in the final days before Christmas.
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: Through December 28, 2025
Where: Westwood, Hollywood, and more
Experience this SoCal-twisted take on The Nutcracker with dazzling costumes, graceful choreography, and live orchestration. The Los Angeles Ballet performs across the city—most notably at UCLA and the Dolby Theatre—making it accessible from nearly every neighborhood. With 12 Hollywood performances alone, there are plenty of chances to catch Clara, the Mouse King, and those twinkling sugar plum fairies.
L.A. Master Chorale Messiah Sing-Along
When: December 22
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA
This participatory take on Handel’s Messiah invites the audience to sing alongside the Master Chorale and a full orchestra. You don’t need to be a trained singer to join in—just show up early, warm up at the Carols on the Plaza, and let your holiday spirit soar. For holiday performances, this one-of-a-kind experience sets the bar for music lovers and festive vocalists alike.
L.A. County Holiday Celebration
When: December 24
Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Downtown LA
Now in its 66th year, this free three-hour holiday showcase brings together over 20 local performance groups in one joyous, multicultural event. From mariachi and tap to Korean dance and puppet theater, the variety and talent on stage is dazzling. It’s one of the city’s largest and most inclusive celebrations of the season.