2021 Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus

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.

2021 Christmas Theater and Christmas Concerts in Columbus

The Nutcracker with Movement on Main Center for Dance (website)

Dates: November 27-28, 2021
Tickets: $15-$25
Location: Secrest Auditorium and Music Hall, 334 Shinnick St, Zanesville, Ohio

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: 
Wednesday, December 1, 7:30pm
Thursday, December 2, 7:30pm
Friday, December 3, 8pm*
Saturday, December 4, 8pm
Sunday, December 5, 3pm
Livestream and in-person tickets available
Tickets: $10-$68 for in person concert; $20 for household live-streaming at www.jag.tv
Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215 AND digital tickets available

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis (website)

Dates: Saturday, December 4 at 8 pm
Tickets: $39-$89
Location: Palace Theatre

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: Saturday, December 4 at 8 pm
Tickets: $26.50-$56.50
Location: Palace Theatre

An Acoustic Christmas with Over The Rhine (website)

Dates: December 4, 2021 at 8 pm
Tickets: $37
Location: Davidson Theatre; Riffe Center Theatre Complex

Dave Koz & Friends 2021 (website)

More than two decades ago, GRAMMY nominee Dave Koz launched his first-ever Christmas tour. Now, fans and families across the country await his arrival with the kind of anticipation formerly reserved for St. Nick himself, earning the saxophonist extraordinaire the nickname “Santa Koz.” 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: Thursday, December 9 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$80
Location: Palace Theatre

A Magical Cirque Christmas (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: Friday, December 10, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40.75-$72.75
Location: Palace Theatre

Christine’s Christmas (website)

Columbus community will gather together once again for 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: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Tickets: 
Location: Palace Theatre

Santa and the Symphony – sensory friendly (website)

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: Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 4 pm
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 (website)

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: Sunday, December 19, 2021 at 3 pm
Tickets: $18-$26
Location: Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas (website)

Jim Brickman, the multiple Grammy nominated songwriter and piano sensation is back this festive season with his annual holiday tour “The Gift of Christmas,” a magical evening celebrating music, love and family. 
Dates: Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $34-$69
Location: Southern Theatre

2020 events; tba for 2021

Shadowbox Live: Holiday Hoopla (details)

Dates:
Holiday Hoopla: November 27 – December 26: (Slightly) raunchy Christmas Fun and Rock and Roll. Tickets are purchased in groups of 2 or 4 to ensure each table is a private party. Lots of safety procedures are in place! Great for dates and groups of friends for a night out!!
Legends From Liverpool: Opens November 5 – December 27. Celebrating the Music of John, Paul, George & Ringo. 
Tickets: prices vary per show; see above
Location: 503 S. Front St. • Suite#260 • Columbus, OH • 43215

Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical (website)

Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish – The Musical is based on the heartfelt book of the same name by Chicago creative powerhouse Denise McGowan Tracy and tells the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in a magical world. Despite her love for her North Pole family, including Santa, Mrs. “Cookie” Claus, Clara Claus, and the elves – Twinkle, Sprinkle, and Sparkle – Eleanor’s very merry Christmas wish is for a best friend and home of her own.
Dates: November 27 – December 27 
Tickets: $20 for streaming; use code MCCOOH20. The stream is available to view for 48-hours beginning with the first viewing of the show after you have entered your email, password and household viewing access code.
Location: Virtual only

BalletMet The Nutcracker (website)

BalletMet won’t be performed in person at Ohio Theatre in 2020, but fan can enjoy “A Nutcracker Holiday”, a hub online for all things Nutcracker. While you won’t enjoy BalletMet The Nutcracker in person, there are videos and activities that will bring you the spirit of The Nutcracker, along with excerpts from the show, and behind the scene looks – plus fun activities. This is a great way to experience the story as a family, and get kids interested in the performance for future years. 
Dates: December 5-27, 2020
Tickets: FREE
Location: All events are online at balletmet.org

Capital University Christmas Festival: Together We, A Virtual Concert Experience (website)

The 2020 Christmas Festival, Together We, will be offered in an online format and free to our viewers, giving us the opportunity to share the joy and hope of the season with audiences near and far. Together We will include video highlights of several past Christmas Festivals performed by the renowned Conservatory of Music choral ensembles and instrumentalists. This virtual Christmas Festival will also feature a recorded performance by the 2020-21 Chapel Choir. Join us as together we celebrate the miracle and wonder of the Christmas story.
Dates: Virtual Concert on December 5, 7:30 p.m. and December 6, 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free; donations accepted
Location: Virtual concert. Typically held at Mees Hall, Capital University, E Mound St, Bexley, OH 43209

Mad, Mad Men concert Swingin’ Holiday Show (website) CANCELLED

Join Mad, Mad Men Tony Alfano and Mark Frye virtually for a one-night-only performance! The witty banter and classic Rat Pack hits you know and love are back at the MAC, COVID style. 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: Thursday, December 10 streaming at 7:30PM
Tickets: $25 per Adult, $45 for Household 
Location: Livestream only, streaming from McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening Street, Worthington, OH 43085

Columbus Children’s Theatre ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (website)

Show Description: ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring… well except in one house. Henry can’t seem to sleep on Christmas Eve, and neither can his Dad who is not feeling the Christmas spirit after a difficult year. When suddenly Santa appears and gives them the bad news they are on the naughty list, but there is still a chance to turn things around. With the help of some of Santa’s elves the family must perform 3 good deeds before midnight. Featuring classic Christmas songs, and dances, watch the magic unfold as the family discovers the real meaning of Christmas. An original musical written for Columbus Children’s Theatre, this is sure to be a holiday event enjoyed by the whole family.
Date: Streaming December 10-31, 2020
Tickets: Virtual Streaming $10-$50, DVD;s $30
Location: Streaming only. Visit the website to purchase streaming passes or DVD packages.

Vaud-Villities Productions (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. 

2020 virtual holiday performance is available to watch on YouTube featuring past show performances and new virtual recordings

• “There’ll Always Be A Christmas” – A Holiday Revue 2020 Virtual Performance. Watch here.

Holiday Jingles and Movement Mingles

Join Vaud-Villities choreographers on Facebook Live at 6:30pm on any of the dates below for an at-home dance lesson. All are welcome. Questions? Email vvartisticteam@gmail.com.

• 12/9: Maggie 
• 12/13: Emily and Mallory
• 12/15: Courtney
• 12/17: Rita
• 12/18: Tony
• 12/20: Heather

A Columbus Christmas Carol (website)

Don’t miss this virtual contemporary retelling of Dickens’ timeless classic set in Columbus as bank owner Ebony Scrooge embarks upon a journey of family, redemption, and love.
Dates: December 16 – 27, 2020 (virtual)
Tickets: Virtual tickets can be purchased for $20 at www.catco.org/columbus-christmas-carol. Patrons will receive a link of the show to view for 24 hours. 
Location: Virtual only

Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O (website)

A hit on NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts, jazz drummer Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O takes a unique approach to holiday chestnuts – sometimes roasting them with tender sentiment, other times cracking them open with sly wit and abundant humor. Don’t miss this jazzy holiday sleighride featuring the master drummer and showman.
Dates: Recorded live and in person on December 17, 2020 at 8 pm
Tickets:
$15 – Single digital concert sold at www.jag.tv – On-Demand viewing on www.JAG.tv: Friday, December 18 – Sunday, December 27
$30 – Limited in-theatre seating sold at www.cbusarts.com for December 17.
$50 – Package of all four Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre series digital concerts sold at www.jag.tv
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 769 East Long Street Columbus, OH 43203 AND digital tickets available

PBJ & Jazz : Rachel Azbell Quintet (website)

Get into the holiday spirit with music inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra & Billie Holiday. Leading a quintet of trailblazing women in jazz from around Ohio, vocalist Rachel Azbell showcases your holiday favorites performed in her uniquely swinging and infectious style.
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. All PBJ & Jazz concerts can be viewed live online at JAG TV.
Dates: December 19 at 11 am
Tickets:
$5 – Single digital concert sold at www.jag.tv.

Grieve with Hope Virtual Christmas Concert

Join Cornerstone of Hope, a center for grieving children, teens, and adults for our Grieve With Hope Virtual Christmas Concert to build the holiday spirit of joy and peace within the homes in our communities. Concert will be premiering on Facebook and YouTube. Artists from across the nation will be sharing their talent to renew all of us in HOPE this Christmas Season. Be sure to follow us to receive the latest notifications. 
Dates: Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 7 pm
Tickets: Free; Event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/COHCleveland or https://www.facebook.com/CornerstoneofHopeColumbus/
Location: Livestreaming to your home 

Columbus Symphony Holiday Spectacular (website)

For the first time in its history, the Columbus Symphony takes its holiday celebration to the broadcast airwaves with “The Columbus Symphony Holiday Spectacular – Home with You for the Holidays.”  Conducted by CSO Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz and performed by a full, socially distanced Columbus Symphony at the Ohio Theatre, the hour-long, family-friendly concert celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with classic carols, beloved holiday pop songs, and other seasonal favorites. The performance will feature the Columbus Symphony Chorus, Columbus Children’s Choir, and special guest vocalist N’Kenge. And of course, viewers can expect a special appearance from Santa. 
Dates: Friday, December 25, 7 pm
Tickets: Free; watch on WCMH-TV NBC 4
Location: Live stream from the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054

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: January 8-10; live stream available – check link
Tickets: $25 live stream at home
Location: Live stream from the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, OH 43054

The Nutcracker with Central Ohio Youth Ballet (website)

Presented by The Central Ohio Youth Ballet. Enter into the Land of Sweets and come see Central Ohio Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Thanksgiving weekend. The magic is ever expanding: now with new costumes, backdrops, and choreography! Come dream with us!
Dates: Rescheduled to January 22-24, 2021
Tickets: tba; tickets go on sale in December. Show is subject to cancellation based on COVID statistics
Location: The Woodward in Mt. Vernon

Christmas Theater and Music cancelled for 2020

Handel: Messiah (website)
Columbus Symphony Music Director Rossen Milanov, the Columbus Symphony and Chorus, and a quartet of exquisite soloists come together to perform Handel’s deeply spiritual oratorio, Messiah, for an unforgettable concert experience at the intimate Southern Theatre.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $10
Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main Street, Columbus,OH 43215

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (website)
This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Nebraska Theatre Caravan is rich with thrilling ensemble music, alive with color and movement and is created to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy. 
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $25
Location: Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Cirque Musica presents Holiday Wishes (website)
Cirque Musica invites you and your family to Wish this Holiday season! Cirque Musica presents Holiday Wishes brings a holiday story to life in a full theatrical cirque event for the entire family. Featuring the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica with your favorite holiday hits all performed LIVE by a full symphony orchestra.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $38
Location: Palace Theatre, 34 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Worthington Civic Band Holiday Concert (website)
The program will include a variety of holiday standard and classic pieces: “Sleigh Ride,” “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Charlie Brown Christmas,” and many more.
Date: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: $10 for adults, kids 12 and under free.
Location: McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening Street, Worthington, OH 43085

Holiday Pops with CSO (website)
A great annual Columbus tradition continues as Ronald J. Jenkins leads the Columbus Symphony and Chorus in some of the season’s most-loved holiday songs and carols. Santa will also stop by to help spread the holiday cheer!
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $20
Location: Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

The Celtic Nutcracker (website)
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $15
Location: Lincoln Theatre, 769 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43203

Worthington Chorus Presents: Christmas Around the World (website)
Join the Chorus as we celebrate the holidays with songs from all around the world.  We will be making stops in Austria, France, Wales, Spain, Africa and Hawaii to name a few.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: $10 for adults, free for 12 and under
Location: Bronwynn Theatre, McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St, Columbus, OH 43085

Very Merry Holiday Pops! (website)
Treat your entire family to an evening of your favorite Holiday Classics. Join the NGSO along with choirs from Newark and Granville High School for this annual NGSO tradition.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: $25-$30
Location: The Midland Theatre – 36 North Park Place – Newark, OH 43055

Messiah Side-by-Side Singalong (website)
Join the orchestra, community members, and the Ohio State University’s Director of Choral Studies Robert Ward for a beloved holiday tradition! Raise your voice in song with friends, families, and church choirs, and sing selections from Handel’s Messiah. 
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $23
Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215

A Christmas Carol (website)
The Hilliard Arts Council is once again proud to present the holiday classic A Christmas Carol 
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
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

Worthington Community Theatre presents – Bah Humbug! (website)
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: Adults $12, Students and Seniors $10$10 for adults, free for 12 and under
Location: Bronwynn Theatre, McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St, Columbus, OH 43085

ProMusica’s Sounds of the Season (website)
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $16
Location: Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Hilliard Arts Council’s Handel’s Messiah (website)
The Hilliard Arts Council is producing its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: Free, but a goodwill offering will be collected
Location: St. John Lutheran Church, 6135 Rings Rd., Dublin, OH 43016

Merry TubaChristmas (website)
Dates: tba for 2020
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

A Christmas Story, The Musical (website)
A Christmas Story, The Musical, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage! The musical chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: $37 Adults, $35 Seniors (60 and over), $26 Students with ID, $15 Children (12 and younger)
*Special Ticket Deal Performance on December 22, 2019 at 2PM. (General Admission seating). Tickets are only $19!
Location: Weathervane Playhouse, 100 Price Rd, Newark, Ohio 43055

An Irish Christmas Carol (website)
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Grandview Carriage Place Players present “An Irish Christmas Carol”, the classic holiday tale with an Irish twist.
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: tickets are $5 at the door
Location: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department 1111 E Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 43205

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (website)
Dates: Cancelled for 2020
Tickets: starting at $49
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!

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Thursday, November 4, 2021