6 Holiday Performances to Catch Across Ohio This December

If your December plans could use a little extra magic, Ohio’s theaters are ready to deliver. This season’s performances range from beloved classics to fresh takes on holiday traditions, with music and dancing brightening stages from Cleveland to Cincinnati.

A Christmas Story
There’s something distinctly Cleveland about settling in for “A Christmas Story” at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre. Running Nov. 30 through Dec. 22, the production welcomes audiences back to Ralphie’s world with all the humor and heart that made the story a local treasure. From the glow of the leg lamp to the pink bunny suit to the infamous triple-dog dare, the show leans into every nostalgic moment. The story has long been embraced as part of the city’s holiday identity, making this production feel right at home. playhousesquare.org

The Nutcracker at BalletMet
When BalletMet’s “Nutcracker” returns to the Ohio Theatre each December, it signals the official arrival of the holiday season in Columbus. Running Dec. 11 through 28, the production carries audiences from Clara’s family celebration into shimmering winter scenes and vibrant dances from far-off lands. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score wraps the experience in classic holiday charm. Whether you’re experiencing it as part of a family tradition or for a first-time visit, BalletMet’s “Nutcracker” remains one of the city’s most magical holiday performances. capa.com

David Choate’s Hot Chocolate
Cincinnati’s holiday season gets a dynamic twist with “David Choate’s Hot Chocolate,” returning Dec. 19 through 21 for its fifth anniversary at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Produced by Revolution Dance Theatre, the show blends ballet with hip-hop and contemporary styles, performed by an all-Black cast. From sugar plums that express dynamic movement to a battle scene filled with ballroom-inspired flair, the performance reshapes familiar holiday music into something vibrant and locally rooted. cincinnatiarts.org

Voctave: It Feels Like Christmas
Dayton gets its turn at holiday harmonies when Voctave arrives at the Victoria Theatre on Dec. 17. The 11-member a cappella ensemble is known for its intricate arrangements that have earned the group more than 160 million views on social media. The performance features holiday favorites from the group’s chart-topping album, offering a festive evening of music for all ages. Formed in 2015 by producer and arranger Jamey Ray, Voctave’s members bring diverse musical backgrounds and extensive recording credits to the stage. daytonlive.org

A Night of Holiday Soul
Playhouse Square closes out December with a powerhouse lineup as Will Downing, Leela James and AverySunshine take the stage for “A Night of Holiday Soul” on Dec. 28. Downing, known as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul, draws from a nearly four-decade career featuring interpretations of R&B hits like “A Million Ways” and “Sorry I.” Leela James brings chart-topping singles such as “Complicated” and the RIAA-certified gold track “Fall for You,” while AverySunshine rounds out the evening with her signature blend of piano, vocals and songwriting. playhousesquare.org

Jim Brickman: The Magic Gift of Christmas
Cleveland audiences can settle into something cozy when Jim Brickman brings “The Magic Gift of Christmas” to Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre on Dec. 20 and 21. The pianist and songwriter blends seasonal standards with some of his best-loved originals, including “The Gift,” “Destiny” and “Valentine,” and ties it all together with stories and easygoing humor. Brickman’s soft, melodic style creates an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting, offering a peaceful pause amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays. playhousesquare.org