24 holiday shows: Don’t miss these upcoming performances, movies and more

The holiday season goes by quickly, so we thought it would be helpful to gather all of the upcoming shows, movies and other ticketed events in one place. These are all included in our Big Holiday Fun Guide, which also includes light shows, outdoor events, visits with Santa and much more. We also have a separate guide listing 16 great places to see the Pittsburgh region’s best holiday lights.

For kid-friendly indoor entertainment, here’s what’s coming up in the Pittsburgh area through the end of December:

Now through Dec. 8: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Little Lake Theater

A small town is about to put on their annual Christmas pageant. But this year, everything is about to change when the Herdman family – the meanest kids in town – decide to take over the pageant. Will the pageant survive the chaos? Best for ages 6 and older.  Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.

Now through Dec. 24: “Polar Express,” Carnegie Science Center

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie stars the voice of Tom Hanks and offers select viewings in 3D. Catch it at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Image courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.

Now through Jan. 2: Laser Holiday Magic, Carnegie Science Center

This festive laser celebration features traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes. Sing along while vibrant animations and gorgeous abstracts dance above your head. Tickets are $7.

Dec. 2: Mark Milovats’ Christmas Wonderland, Byham Theater

Showman singer Mark Milovats brings his Santa Belle Dancers, Holiday Pops Orchestra, live penguins and special celebrity guests to this Christmas show. Tickets are $44.50-$56.50.

A scene from a previous production of “A Christmas Story: The Play” at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Photo by Michael Henninger.

Dec. 4-22: “A Christmas Story: The Play,” O’Reilly Theater

You’ve seen the movie (again and again!). Now experience the live performance. Pittsburgh Public Theater returns with this PG-rated fan favorite. Tickets are $35-$88.

Dec. 5-8 and Dec. 12-15: “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some),” South Park Theatre and Mon River Arts

Instead of performing “A Christmas Carol” for the millionth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told in a madcap show. Tickets are $18.

Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Dec. 6-27: “The Nutcracker,” Benedum Center

Set in turn-of-the-century Pittsburgh, “The Nutcracker” sweeps audiences into a thrilling journey with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through sparkling snow into the Land of Enchantment. Those with tickets for the Dec. 7 matinee can register for the free Nutcracker Family Workshop. An Artist Q&A follows the Dec. 7 evening performance. Tickets are $28-$128.

Dec. 7: “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” Carnegie Science Center

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets appear in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine stars as the penny-pitching Ebenezer Scrooge. See it at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.

Dec. 7-22: “Sleeping Beauty’s Holiday,” Gemini Children’s Theater

When Charley’s imagination starts going, fairy tales seem to come to life. When he gets a visit from Sleeping Beauty, he’s sure he can send her back to her story. But the evil Malfeasance has also found Charley’s world, which means trouble. In this fun interactive production, kids in the audience are key to helping the fairies save Sleeping Beauty. Tickets are $15, $5 for ages 2 and younger.

Dec. 7: Handel’s Messiah, Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs this stirring piece.  From the powerful “Hallelujah” chorus to the uplifting arias and choruses, Handel’s “Messiah” is a musical journey that transcends time. Tickets are $25-$105.

Dec. 7: Holiday Handbell, The Frick Pittsburgh

The Ring Pittsburgh ensemble presents a holiday concert as a refreshingly new musical experience. This ensemble combines sacred, secular and popular renditions of seasonal favorites. Tickets are $5.

Dec. 9: A Very Yinzer Christmas, Benedum Center

A Very Yinzer Christmas concert features performances by over 25 Pittsburgh music icons. Proceeds benefit Band Together Pittsburgh, a local organization that creates music programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Tickets are $46.50-$56.50.

Dec. 10: Elvis Christmas Show, Heinz Hall

This show ventures into the Fifties with the Pittsburgh Symphony for a night of Elvis Presley’s holiday hits. Terry Mike Jeffrey, endorsed by Graceland and known worldwide for his presentation of Elvis Presley’s music, sings classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Silver Bells.” Tickets are $25-$75.

Photo courtesy of Little Lake Theatre,

Dec. 13-21: “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” Little Lake Theater

Marley’s one chance to escape his own chains is to redeem Ebeneezer Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal. Best for ages 10 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 18 and younger.

Dec. 13-22: Holiday Pops, Heinz Hall

The Pittsburgh Symphony, the Mendelssohn Choir and guest vocalist Mamie Parris perform in this annual offering of music for the season. Featuring “Sleigh Ride,” the “Hallelujah” chorus as well as sing-alongs and a very special guest. Tickets are $25-$107.

Dec. 13-22: Pittsburgh CLO’s “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Byham Theater

Charles Shaughnessy (“Days of Our Lives,” “The Nanny”) stars as Scrooge in this production, with dazzling special effects, treasured holiday carols and ticket prices even Scrooge can’t resist. On Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10:00 am, families can visit for a sensory-friendly show (adjusted with lower sound levels and limited special effects) in partnership with Autism Connection of PA. Tickets are $18-$84.50.

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.

Dec. 14: “Elf,” Carnegie Science Center

Buddy the Elf can’t help but feel out of place in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. When Buddy discovers he is not an elf, he ventures to a magical land called New York City to meet and save his father from Santa’s naughty list.  Tickets are $12.

Dec. 17: Holiday Brass Spectacular, Heinz Hall

The virtuosic brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is renowned for its brilliance, refinement and incredible power. From traditional Baroque favorites to new arrangements of most-loved holiday tunes, this evening is sure to usher in the merry season. Tickets are $25-$60.

Photo courtesy of Hip Hip Nutcracker.

Dec. 17: “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Benedum Center

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic. It smashes hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Tickets are $25-$90.

Dec. 18: The Polar Express Experience, Benedum Center

Fans of “The Polar Express” will get a kick out of this interactive experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a conductor and stow-a-ways who will punch your tickets. The event will include the movie on the big screen, live musical performances, prima ballerinas, the Northern Lights and a visit from Santa. Kids are invited to come dressed in their PJs. Tickets are $45.50-$55.50. The Polar Pack Add-on is $25.

Dec. 18-22: “A Lyrical Christmas Carol,” Gargaro Theater

Pittsburgh Musical Theater has been busting the humbug and performing this holiday tradition for more than 30 years. Tickets are $15.50-$25.50.

Dec. 19: “Love Actually” in Concert, Heinz Hall

Watch “Love Actually” on the big screen while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the score. Tickets are $35-$120.

Dec. 21: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Carnegie Science Center

Whoville is at the center of a dastardly plan as the bitter Grinch schemes to steal their Christmas away. The plan unravels when he encounters Cindy Lou Who and discovers that maybe Christmas isn’t as humbug as he’s believed it to be. Tickets are $12.

Photo courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.

Dec. 28: “Frozen: Sing Along Edition,” Carnegie Science Center

Come dressed as Anna, Elsa, Olaf or Sven to watch this beloved movie and sing along with the crowd. The film plays at the Rangos Giant Cinema. Tickets are $12.