Take in one of the many magical Christmas theater shows or Christmas concerts in Columbus to get in the holiday spirit.
Start a new annual tradition with one of the regular events, or enjoy a new performance each year!
BalletMet the Nutcracker
Columbus is host to many great Christmas theater performances and concerts each year. There are plenty to choose from at all price points! If you know of other great performances, please email info@columbusonthecheap.com to be included.
2022 Christmas Theater and Christmas Concerts in Columbus
Shadowbox Live: Holiday Hoopla (details)
Dates:
Holiday Hoopla: November 17 – December 23: (Slightly) raunchy Christmas Fun and Rock and Roll. Tickets are sold by the table, ranging from $45-$270 per table, depending on table selection and date/time. Great for dates and groups of friends for a night out!!No So Silent Night: Opens November 27 – December 18. Not So Silent Night follows the story of a DJ taking requests and dedications on Christmas Eve, leading to a sweet, fun and song-filled holiday night.
Tickets: prices vary per show; see above
Location: 503 S. Front St. • Suite#260 • Columbus, OH • 43215
photo courtesy of Shadowbox Live
The Nutcracker with Movement on Main Center for Dance (website)
Dates: November 26-27, 2022 at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$25
Location: Secrest Auditorium and Music Hall, 334 Shinnick St, Zanesville, Ohio
The Nutcracker presented by The Central Ohio Youth Ballet (website)
Dates: November 26-27, 2022
Tickets: $14-$24 (price does not include fees)
Location: Midland Theatre, 36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055
Uptown Scrooge in Westerville (details)
This interactive walking tour performance of “A Christmas Carol” takes audience members on Scrooge’s journey, with plenty of laughter, drama and surprises along the way.
Guided through the charming streets and unique shops of Uptown Westerville by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, audiences will enjoy the magic of Dickens’ classic tale like never before.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, November 27-December 18, 2022, tours run between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22 for adults; $10 for students and seniors.
Location: Tours start at 30 E. College Ave. Westerville
Lisa Ferraro: Jazz Up The Holidays (website)
Benefiting non-profit SoulCall Global, Jazz Up the Holidays, will be both LIVE and VIRTUAL CONCERT this year
Dates: November 30, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Location: McConnell Arts Center, 77 Evening St Worthington, OH 43085
Home for the Holidays with CJO (website)
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s annual Home for the Holidays concerts are always festive, heart-warming and totally swingin’. A holiday musical treat featuring Nashville-based singer-songwriter Vanessa Campagna.
Dates: November 30 – December 4, 2022
Tickets: $14-$82.95; From now through Thanksgiving, use code HOHOJAZZ for BOGO on Loge & Mezzanine Tickets
Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Cirque Dreams Holidaze (website)
The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
Dates: December 1-2, 2022 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $33-$103
Location: Palace Theatre
Capital University Christmas Festival (website)
The 2022 Christmas Festival in person concerts feature the Chapel Choir, Choral Union, Cantabile, Consort, and a variety of instrumentalists. This festival is a long-standing holiday tradition enjoyed by the university, its friends and the greater Columbus community.
Dates: December 1-4, 2022
Tickets: $20 for students/seniors, $35 for adults
Location: Mees Hall at Capital University
Vaud-Villities Holiday Road (website)
Vaud-Villities Productions, is a non-profit performing arts organization providing over 75 years of vocal and dance entertainment in Columbus, Ohio. “America’s Longest-Running Music and Dance Spectacular.” Performances are typically held at the Northland Performance Arts Center (NPAC) just off Morse Road in the Northland area. Vaud-Villities offers musical shows with family values for the young and old at heart.
Dates: December 2-4, 2022
Tickets: Ages 18-64, $25/ticket, Ages 6-17, $15/ticket, Ages 5 and under, free, Age 65+, $20/ticket, Student ID, $15/ticket
Location: Ohio Dominican University’s Matesich Theatre, 1216 Sunbury Road, Columbus, OH 43219
Holiday Pops with CSO (details)
The Columbus Symphony’s holiday tradition is back with spectacular performances of your favorite holiday songs and carols featuring the Columbus Children’s Choir and starring Tony DeSare and your Columbus Symphony.
Bring a new toy for the Firefighters 4 Kids toy drive and receive a voucher for one free lawn seat at a 2022 Picnic with the Pops performance. Limit one ticket per person. No cash value.
Dates: December 2-4, 2022
Tickets: $18.70-$88
Location: Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
NABC The Nutcracker (website)
Presented by the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre. Experience the delightful orchestral sounds, colorful costuming and graceful dancing of over 220 youth and professional dancers with the NACBT’s production of The Nutcracker.
Dates: December 2-3 & 9-11, 2022
Tickets: $38.50-$65.50
Location: Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054
Lights, Camera, Christmas (website)
The Worthington Chorus is proud to present songs from everyone’s favorite Christmas movies.
Dates: December 3, 2022 at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $12, free for 12 and under
Location: McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St, Columbus, OH 43085
Hip Hop Nutcracker (website)
A holiday mash-up for the entire family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a re-mixed and re-imagined contemporary dance spectacle that transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, this unique and joyful production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, an electric violinist, and one of hip hop’s founding fathers, MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show with a short set.
Dates: December 4, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $34-$64
Location: Palace Theatre
Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols
Saint Mark’s Choir and the Canterbury Choir will lead the the service of Lessons and Carols, which alternates Advent-themed lessons with beautiful and inspiring music, all in preparation for the Christmas season.
Music will include choral works by Malcom Archer, Gustave Holst, Giovanni Pierlugi da Palestrina, Mark Sirett, Natalie Sleeth, Conrad Susa, and Healy Willin. A reception will follow.
Date: December 4, 2022 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: FREE, donations will be accepted in support of the Special Music Fund at Saint Mark’s.
Location: Saint Mark’s, 2151 Dorset Road, Upper Arlington. Parking is available in the Tremont Shopping Center and the Upper Arlington library lot.
The service is also live-streamed on the website and Facebook page.
A Very Merry Holiday Pops with Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra (website)
Ring in the holiday season with the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra’s A Very Merry Holiday Pops! under the direction of Russel C. Mikkelson.This community tradition features the Denison University Choirs under the direction of Harris Ipock.
Date: December 4, 2022 at 7:00pm
Tickets: $15-$20
Location: Midland Theatre, 36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055
An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine (website)
Dates: December 6, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $39
Location: Southern Theatre
Kenny G The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour 2022 (website)
Date: December 7, 2022 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $59-$125 (does not include fees)
Location: Midland Theatre, 36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055
image: Balletmet Columbus
BalletMet The Nutcracker (details)
BalletMet The Nutcracker returns to the Ohio Theatre in 2022! This family-friendly performance has become a holiday tradition for all ages. Tickets are limited and will sell out.
Dates: December 8-24, 2022
Tickets: $38.70 to $112.20
Location: Ohio Theatre
The Best Christmas Pagent Ever (website)
The Worthington Community Theater is proud to present its performance of The Best Christmas Pagent Ever.
Dates: December 8-11, 2022
Tickets: Adults $15, Seniors & Students $10
Location: McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St, Columbus, OH 43085
Luminare (website)
Drawing from his many years as keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung (of STYX fame) and lead keyboardist for Mannheim Steamroller, John Blasucci and Luminare have created a new and exciting musical experience that will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through the holiday season and beyond.
LUMINARE is made up of world class musicians whose international credits include Foreigner, Chicago, Camerata Strumetale Italiana, Orchestra Sinfonica del Conservatorio Guiseppe Tartini di Trieste, Rock of Ages, American idol, THE VOICE to name only a few.
Date: December 9, 2022 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $32-$47, does not include fees
Location: Midland Theatre, 36 N Park Pl, Newark, OH 43055
A Christmas Carol (website)
The Hilliard Arts Council is once again proud to present the holiday classic A Christmas Carol
Dates: December 9-11, 2022
Tickets: Please bring one of the following per person attending: A minimum cash donation of $5 (feel free to donate more if the spirit moves you) A new, unwrapped toy or five canned food items
Location: Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center, 5425 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Dave Koz & Friends 2022 (website)
More than two decades ago, GRAMMY nominee Dave Koz launched his first-ever Christmas tour. Together, Koz and his remarkable guest artists will perform fresh renditions of Christmas classics as well as a Chanukah medley and hits from their respective catalogs.
Dates: December 10, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $49
Location: Palace Theatre
Christine’s Christmas – The Finale (website)
Columbus community will gather together for the 19th and final Christine’s Christmas annual concert event in memory of Christine Wilson.
This year’s event promises to be the best yet, with music from accomplished pianist, Dr. Mark King, outstanding local vocalists and musicians, CMC Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, and Capriccio Columbus!
Dates: December 10, 2022
Tickets: $100
Location: Riffe Center
The Happy Elf (website)
Presented by Columbus Children’s Theatre
Dates: December 10-23, 2022
Thurs. – Sat. at 7 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m.
Additional Performances: Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 7:00 p.m., and Friday, Dec. 23rd at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$50
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St.
Mad, Mad Men concert Swingin’ Holiday Show (website)
Playing hits from the great American song book as well as Holiday faves from the early 1960s, these talented and seasoned members of the well-known “Phil Dirt and the Dozers” band are sure to turn out another memorable show!
Date: December 15-17, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30 per Adult
Location: McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening Street, Worthington, OH 43085
PBJ & Jazz: Songs of the Season (website)
Get into the holiday spirit with Big Band: Songs of the Season.
PBJ & Jazz concerts are 45-minute long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families. Featuring some of Columbus’ finest musicians and ensembles, PBJ & Jazz concerts are a great introduction to live music for the youngest audience member.
Date: December 17, 2022 at 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $5 per person
Location: Lincoln Theatre
Santa and the Symphony – sensory friendly (details)
These concerts are designed for those on the autism spectrum, our friends in the dementia/Alzheimer’s community, or for those audience members needing a more relaxed concert experience. Performances are never longer than an hour and include pre-concert lobby activities.
Dates: December 17, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $9
Location: Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054
Holiday Spectacular New Albany Symphony Orchestra (details)
The New Albany Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the New Albany Symphony Chorus in a festive performance of holiday favorites. Don’t forget to arrive early for the gift basket fundraiser.
Dates: December 18, 2022 at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$28
Location: Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054
Merry TubaChristmas (website)
Dates: Monday, December 19, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Participants welcome to register to play for $10. Free for audience, but they are collecting canned goods for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
Location: Mees Hall at Capital University
Plaid Tidings: Holiday Edition of Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross (website)
They’re back for another “astro-technical” phenomena ride! The PLAIDS Doo-wop group is brought back from heaven to bring a little harmony into a discordant world, which is the one thing Sparky, Jinx, Smudge and Francis love to do— harmonize!
This family-friendly musical is sprinkled with classic favorites like “Mambo Italiano,” and features all your favorite Christmas tunes— Plaidtized! This “heaven-sent” holiday favorite is a heartwarming hit in perfect harmony.
Dates: Dec 20 – 23 and 26 – 29, 2022
Tickets: $15-$37
Location: Weathervane Playhouse, 100 Price Rd, Newark, Ohio 43055
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (website)
Dates: December 23, 2022 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: starting at $52
Location: Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
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Looking for more Christmas fun?
Here’s the day-by-day list of Christmas events in Columbus!
Monday, November 28, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Friday, December 2, 2022
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Monday, December 5, 2022
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Friday, December 9, 2022
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Monday, December 12, 2022
More from my site
Shadowbox Live Holiday Shows make a great seasonal night out!
Uptown Scrooge brings interactive holiday spirit to historic Uptown Westerville
Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow, Holiday Blooms, and Seasonal fun
Experience a Victorian Christmas with Ohio Village Dickens of a Christmas
Create a holiday tradition with BalletMet The Nutcracker
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