See the Holidays on Stage at These 9 Ohio Events

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a favorite holiday special that they make sure to catch on TV this time of year. While we also love curling up on the couch to watch Buddy the Elf or The Grinch for the umpteenth time, there is something extra magical about seeing beloved stories and music come alive on stage. Take to Ohio’s theaters this season to listen to live holiday music, see incredible dance performances and enjoy these other holiday surprises. 

A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin Following a Screening of Home Alone | Dec. 10
Macaulay Culkin rose to child stardom thanks to his role of Kevin McCallister in the “Home Alone” franchise of films, and now he is coming to the Akron Civic Theatre to recount his experiences from filming the 1990 holiday favorite. Enjoy a full screening of the beloved film that follows McCallister's creative (and hilarious) means of stopping bandits from stealing from his home, followed by a talk from Culkin.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical | Dec. 10-15
We have all felt the emotion when the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes in that classic 1966 Christmas special. Whether the original cartoon is your favorite, or you enjoy the more recent renditions with Jim Carrey or Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role of the furry green being, this musical staged at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center is a take the whole family will love. Enjoy musical numbers that tell the story of the Grinch’s plot to steal Christmas from Whoville and his eventual discovery of what the season is all about.

The Nutcracker | Dec. 12-28
This Tchaikovsky ballet has been a Columbus tradition for decades, dazzling audiences with stunning costumes, beautiful music and a whimsical tale told through dance. Put on by the talented dancers of BalletMet, the ballet follows Clara through her dreams, which star the nutcracker doll she received for the holiday and songs like “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

Holiday Pops | Dec. 13-15
Visit the gorgeous Cincinnati Music Hall all decked out for Christmas during a three-day slate of performances from the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The talented group of local musicians are led by conductor John Morris Russell and joined by singers and dancers from around the Queen City, as well as Broadway performer Norm Lewis, for a six-show run filled with holiday spirit.

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour | Dec. 14
Billed as the longest-running jazz music Christmas tour, Dave Koz returns to the stage this season and is making a stop at the Palace Theatre in Columbus with guests Adam Hawley (guitar), Vincent Ingala (saxophone) and Rebecca Jade (vocals), along with Koz’s performance partner, Johnathan Butler. Since 1997, this tour has been delighting guests, and this year includes a lineup of Christmas favorites along with a medley of songs for Hanukkah.

A Christmas Carol | Dec. 17
The story of Scrooge and his visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future comes to Marietta’s Peoples Bank Theatre for a one-nigh-only performance recounting a tale that Christmas just wouldn’t feel complete without. This take on the Charles Dickens classic features content appropriate for all ages, along with special effects, costuming and acting that make for an evening of dazzling entertainment.

Christmas With C.S. Lewis | Dec. 19-20
Best known for penning the Chronicles of Narnia books, C.S. Lewis also became a Christian later in life, finding new meaning in the story of Jesus’ birth. The late author is depicted on stage at Cleveland’s Hanna Theatre by David Payne. The show is set at Christmastime near Oxford, where “Lewis” shares musings on his life and the holiday season to a group of visiting American writers.

An Evening with Peter Billingsley | Dec. 20
“Don’t shoot your eye out” during this evening packed with holiday nostalgia at Toledo’s Stranahan Theater and Great Hall. The night begins with a screening of the 1983 film (which has cemented a place in Ohio’s film history, largely being shot in Cleveland) and is followed up with a conversation led by Peter Billingsley, who brought the character of Ralphie to life as a child actor.

Jim Brickman’s “Comfort & Joy” | Dec. 21-22
A Cleveland tradition of the holiday season, Jim Brickman is back in Cleveland at the Hanna Theatre. Accompanied by guests Anne Cochran, John Trones and music ensemble Young Original, Brickman brings his piano prowess to the stage for three shows filled with both traditional favorites of the season as well as his own original pieces.

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