What Christmas shows are on in Denver?
The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House has a live orchestra, and the DCPA's A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre is a musical Denver tradition. The Colorado Symphony's A Colorado Christmas adds a carol sing-along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For something different, there's the Hip Hop Nutcracker, or FROST, A Cirque Holiday Extravaganza at the PACE Center in Parker.
The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet
The Nutcracker by Colorado Ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House is a cherished holiday tradition, with Tchaikovsky's score played live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Professional dancers and students from the Colorado Ballet Academy share the stage with mischievous mice, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a symphony of snowflakes. Buy online ahead, since shows can sell out (the box office opens 90 minutes before each performance). Look for a Sensory Friendly Performance too.
A Christmas Carol
The DCPA Theatre Company's A Christmas Carol at the Wolf Theatre is a Denver tradition, a joyous and opulent musical take on Dickens' tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's overnight turnaround. Expect lavish Victorian costumes and an opulent set. It's recommended for ages 6 and up, and children 4 and up are welcome. Tickets run $41.00 to $195.00. The Arts Complex garage fills quickly, so arrive early, or take light rail lines D or H to the Convention Center/Theatre District Station.
A Colorado Christmas
The Colorado Symphony's A Colorado Christmas at Boettcher Concert Hall brings holiday favorites and traditional carols with the Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Children's Chorale. Host and vocalist Devin DeSantis leads the sing-alongs, Taylor Martin conducts, and Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by to see who's naughty and who's nice. Arrive early for HalfNotes, a family-friendly pre-show activity. Tickets run $20 to $124 plus fees, and children need a ticket.
Handel's Messiah by Colorado Symphony
The Colorado Symphony presents Handel's Messiah at Boettcher Concert Hall, with full orchestra, the Symphony Chorus, and soloists. It's a holiday tradition built around one of classical music's greatest works, and yes, the 'Hallelujah' chorus is part of it. Look for multiple performances, including matinee options for anyone who would rather be home before dark.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Buell Theatre blends Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score with hip-hop dance and culture, with a DJ, a violinist, dynamic digital graffiti, and hip-hop pioneer MC Kurtis Blow. The story is set on New Year's Eve with a modern twist, including a mouse-ear-wearing gang and a nightclub Land of the Sweets. It's a fresh spin for anyone who knows the traditional version by heart.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Broadway-style musical of Dr. Seuss' holiday classic, plays the Buell Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Expect spectacular staging, vibrant performances, and iconic songs like 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas.' It's made for families with kids of all ages, and the story of the Grinch's change of heart never gets old. Small Grinches welcome.
Elf in Concert
Elf in Concert puts Will Ferrell's holiday comedy on the big screen at Boettcher Concert Hall while the Colorado Symphony performs the score live. It's a mix of movie night and symphony concert, and a fun way to see a holiday favorite with a full orchestra in the room. This is one orchestra concert where laughing out loud fits right in.
Holiday Brass
The Colorado Symphony's Holiday Brass fills Boettcher Concert Hall with the powerful sounds of brass instruments playing beloved holiday melodies. It's a festive, all-ages concert at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The DPAC and Convention Center garages are often full by 6:30 p.m. on concert nights, so have a backup plan, or take the D, F, or H light rail line to the Theatre District/Convention Center stop.
Nutcracker of Parker (Parker)
Nutcracker of Parker has been a Parker tradition since 2003, with local dancers and professionals performing to Tchaikovsky's score at the PACE Center. Follow Clara from the Stahlbaum Christmas party to her battle with the Mouse King, a sleigh ride through a snow forest, and the Kingdom of the Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Tickets are $44/$40/$36, and every child needs a ticket, no exceptions.
FROST, A Cirque Holiday Extravaganza (Parker)
FROST, A Cirque Holiday Extravaganza lands at the PACE Center in Parker with aerial stunts, acrobatics, dance, and intricate choreography, all set to live music. Cutting-edge lighting and immersive visuals round out the high-energy show. Pick between an evening performance and a matinee. Tickets are $69/$64, every child needs one, and all sales are final. Gravity gets the night off.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical (Parker)
Veritas Productions stages Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical at The Schoolhouse in Parker. World War II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis take their song-and-dance act to a Vermont inn owned by their former commander, chasing two singing sisters. Expect romance, comedy, and Irving Berlin songs like 'Blue Skies,' 'I Love a Piano,' and the title song. Tickets are $39/$34, and every child needs a ticket.
The Swingles: Together at Christmas! (Lone Tree)
The Swingles bring Together at Christmas to the Lone Tree Arts Center, an a cappella holiday concert made with nothing but voices. The program spans six decades of music, with jazz-inspired originals, folk tunes, and reimagined carols, plus beatboxing and vocal imitations of string and horn sections. No horn section? No problem. You can book up to 15 tickets in one order.
Kalani Pe‘a’s Hawaiian Christmas (Lone Tree)
Kalani Pe‘a's Hawaiian Christmas brings traditional, Hawaiian, and original holiday songs to the Lone Tree Arts Center, drawing on both western and Hawaiian roots. Aurora-based hula dancers Kumu Glenda Florez and Hālau Kalama join him, along with backup vocalist Keilana. Come early for a free pre-show chat on winter holiday history and traditions in the Event Hall, no reservation needed. Parking is free on site, with more across the street at Target.
1940s Ball: The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Holiday Spectacular! 2026 (Broomfield)
The 1940s Ball turns the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield into a 1940s and 1950s holiday party across two ballrooms, with candlelight and twinkling trees. Dance to The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Hot Tomatoes Orchestra, and the After Midnight Jazz Band. Every ticket includes a souvenir photo, a printed keepsake, and free parking; Gold and VIP add dinner and reserved seating, and VIP adds a swing dance lesson. Coat check is complimentary too.
Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra Presents Sugarplums & Snowflakes (Lone Tree)
The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra presents Sugarplums & Snowflakes at the Lone Tree Arts Center, a holiday concert built around Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Expect waltzes, winter scenes, and both Christmas and Hanukkah selections, plus a special visitor from up North. You choose a performance when you book. Standard tickets are $26.00, and kids 12 and under are $10.00, with the service charge included.
A Classic Parker Holiday (Parker)
A Classic Parker Holiday brings the Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra together on the PACE Center mainstage for an annual community concert. The program mixes traditional carols, familiar holiday favorites, and a few musical surprises. Tickets are $40/$36, every child needs a ticket (fire code rules), and all sales are final, so lock in your plans before you buy.
Holiday Family Movie: A Muppet Christmas Carol (Lone Tree)
Lone Tree Arts Center hosts a Holiday Family Movie afternoon built around A Muppet Christmas Carol. Before the screening in the Main Stage Theater, there are games, light bites, and holiday activities, with snacks and nonalcoholic drinks for everyone. An adult-priced ticket includes one complimentary cocktail. A movie-only ticket covers just the screening, without the activities or snacks, so pick the full ticket if the kids want the games.
Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road Tour
Straight No Chaser brings its annual Holiday Road Tour to the Paramount Theatre on Glenarm Place. The a cappella group sings classic and contemporary Christmas songs with its signature vocal harmonies and humor, in an energetic show that leans funny. Tickets generally run $40 to $75. All voices, no instruments, and a fair number of jokes.
Holiday Festival (Boulder)
CU Presents' Holiday Festival at Macky Auditorium is an annual CU Boulder College of Music tradition, a winter concert of holiday favorites and new music. Orchestras, bands, choirs, jazz ensembles, and opera singers share the stage, with student ensembles alongside faculty, surrounded by twinkling lights and seasonal greenery. Tickets come as an add-on to a season ticket package through the box office, with no individual discounts. The auditorium is wheelchair accessible.
The Nutcracker (Northglenn)
Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents a full-length production of The Nutcracker at Parson's Theatre in Northglenn. Tchaikovsky's score carries Clara to the Land of Sweets, with professional guest artists dancing alongside local dancers, plus the Waltz of the Snowflakes. Plan on about 2 to 3 hours with intermissions. There's also a Sensory Friendly Nutcracker performance for anyone with sensory sensitivities.
Denver Ballet Theatre at Parker Arts (Parker)
Denver Ballet Theatre brings a full-length production of The Nutcracker to the PACE Center in Parker. The professional company performs Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet with talented dancers, beautiful costumes, and spectacular choreography. There are multiple performances throughout the week, so it's easier to find a show that fits your schedule. Pick a performance and settle in for the whole story.
Ballet Ariel: Little Women & The Nutcracker Suite
Ballet Ariel presents a double bill of Little Women and The Nutcracker Suite, two beloved stories in a single performance. The professional ballet company brings classical dance to various Denver venues, with multiple performances to choose from. Two stories, one ticket, and a nice option if your crew has already seen plenty of full-length Nutcrackers.
Dual Star Academy: The Nutcracker Experience
Dual Star Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker Experience at the Elaine Wolf Theatre, a family-friendly performance designed for young children and families. It introduces little ones to classical ballet in an engaging, age-appropriate format, which makes it an easy first Nutcracker for the youngest ballet fans. Bonus, it's a morning show, so nobody has to stay up past bedtime.
Farndale Christmas Carol (Aurora)
Aurora Fox Arts Center on East Colfax presents the Farndale Christmas Carol, a comedy that puts a funny twist on the Dickens classic. It's lighthearted holiday entertainment from community theater with professional quality, for anyone who enjoys theatrical humor. Know the original by heart? Good, the jokes land better that way.
A Christmas Carol Burlesque Revue
The Clocktower Cabaret presents A Christmas Carol Burlesque Revue, an adult-oriented burlesque and comedy take on the Dickens classic. It mixes theatrical performance with burlesque entertainment for a festive yet risqué night in an intimate cabaret setting on the 16th Street Mall. This one is strictly for grown-ups. Dickens never pictured it quite like this.
Holiday Roast Comedy Show
Comedy Works at Larimer Square hosts the Holiday Roast Comedy Show, where comedians dressed as fictional characters roast each other with holiday-themed humor. Expect a mix of stand-up and roast-style comedy from several comics. It's for mature audiences, so make it a grown-ups' night out while the kids stay home with a sitter.
Heroes and Holidays by Denver Concert Band (Lone Tree)
The Denver Concert Band presents Heroes and Holidays at the Lone Tree Arts Center, a concert that celebrates the season with festive holiday music and patriotic pieces honoring heroes. It's a family-friendly program, so the kids can come along. Tickets typically run $15 to $25. It's a good fit for anyone who wants something a little different from the usual carols.
A Christmas Story Screening
Harkins Theatres on South Colorado Boulevard shows A Christmas Story on the big screen, following Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. The family-friendly comedy is a holiday tradition for many families, and there are multiple showtimes to choose from. Someone in your row will quote the movie out loud. Let them.