The top holiday performances in Indianapolis
PSSST: We were really happy to work with our sponsor, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, to share this information with you!
This season always brings a fun array of holiday performances. From the Nutcracker to Yuletide by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, there’s lots to choose from for date night, family night, or ‘me’ night.
Here’s our list of top holiday performances in Indianapolis:
1. The AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
One of Indiana’s most storied holiday performances returns! Emmy-nominated singer Frankie Moreno returns to host as the musicians of the ISO perform new holiday music as well as beloved favorites, but the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration is more than an orchestra performance - it’s the best holiday party in Indianapolis! New this year are the incredibly gifted Moipei, featuring triplets Mary, Maggy, and Marta who will take the stage at Hilbert Circle Theatre for the first time! The show will also feature the internationally acclaimed Expressenz Dance Center, the fabulous Yuletide Lights, a tribute to the beloved movie The Polar Express, and a virtuosic solo performance by ISO Concertmaster Kevin Lin. It just isn’t the holidays in Indianapolis until Yuletide begins!
Dates: December 2-23, 2022
Tickets: Start at $33/pp.
2. A Christmas Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre
A Christmas Carol shines a light on the power of kindness and love in this uplifting tale of one man’s journey to redemption. As the weather turns cold, warm your heart with the IRT as we joyfully reimagine and tenderly bring this annual holiday treasure to new life. Runtime is 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. Virtual and streaming options available as well.
Dates: November 26-December 26, 2022
Tickets: Start at $25/pp.
3. The Polar Express IMAX Experience at the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum
Another tradition returns this year - pack the fam in their PJs and head to the downtown IMAX to see Polar Express on the big screen. This inspiring adventure - based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg - follows a doubting young boy as he takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Dates: November 28- December 14, 2022
Tickets: Start at $14/pp.
4. The Nutcracker Ballet - multiple locations around the city
So many ways to see The Nutcracker Ballet in Indianapolis this season! Peek our sister post here for all the details.
5. A Christmas Story at The Tarkington
Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun.
Dates: December 2-24, 2022
Tickets: Start at $60.50/pp.
6. Elf The Musical at Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel
Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit, Elf features the story of Buddy, a young orphan we have all come to know and love, after he mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts, is raised in the North Pole, and returns to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Dates: December 3-24, 2022
Tickets: Start at $58/pp.
Don’t miss this CityMom fave!
Tickets for the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are now on sale!
7. Another Christmas Carol option, thanks to Beef and Boards Theatre
From the pages of Dickens comes this delightful musical adaptation of the holiday classic with traditional carols. Experience the transformation of the miserly Scrooge into someone who understands the true meaning of kindness and love, accomplished with the help of three spirits from the past, present, and future. This one-hour show is performed without intermission and includes a buffet lunch or dinner prior to all performances.
Dates: December 3-21, 2022
Tickets: Start at $34/pp.
