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Ann Arbor Christmas Performances - Actors on stage dancing near Christmas tree

Experience Spectacular Christmas Shows Near Ann Arbor

There are several spectacular Christmas Shows near Ann Arbor each December. For many families, attending one of the local Christmas Shows is an annual tradition.

Note we are still updating our list for. 2024

Live Christmas performances near Ann Arbor include several plays or musicals, concerts, and of course Nutcracker ballets. 

Some of these Christmas shows in Michigan are single performances. Other holiday shows near us run through the whole season. There are also shows in Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, and more. As always, if I missed any performances, let me know in the comments or on Facebook.

If you’re looking for a Nutcracker ballet, they are included below. They are also available in our Nutcracker performances.

Ann Arbor Nutcracker Performances - a young ballerina laying down while cradling a wooden nutcracker

Enchanting Nutcracker Performances near Ann Arbor 2024

For many families seeing The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition. We are lucky to have a number of Ann Arbor Nutcracker performances to choose from.

Featured Ann Arbor Christmas Shows

Disclosure: These performances have paid for increased exposure

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Ann Arbor Christmas Performances 2024

Check out all the Christmas Plays in Michigan, specifically the Ann Arbor area. Annual Christmas Concerts in Michigan include:

  • Ebird & Friends Holiday Show at The Ark
  • The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops

Theatre Nova’s The Year without Santa Panto is a good choice if you want to see a holiday musical near Ann Arbor.

December 1 – Paul Keller Ensemble Holiday Jazz Concert

Ypsilanti District Library – Whittaker Rd – 5577 Whittaker Rd Ypsilanti
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Cost: Free
The Paul Keller Ensemble is back!   Join Paul Keller and his talented band of musicians as they joyfully celebrate the season with swinging jazz and good cheer. Their performance promises to be entertaining, energetic, engaging, and fun for all ages. Don’t miss out—everyone is welcome! Sponsored by the Friends of YDL. For all ages.

December 6 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio

Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.

December 7 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio

Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 1:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.

December 7 – The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio

Power Center – 121 Fletcher St Ann Arbor
Time: 5:00pm
Cost: $25+
This December, immerse yourself in Clara’s magical world of toy soldiers, sleigh rides, and dancing sugar plums! The Nutcracker ballet is back in Ann Arbor at the Power Center for Performing Arts. Take a break from your busy December for a chance to watch a whimsical and engaging ballet with the entire family! The show will be performed Friday at 7p, Saturday at 1p and 5p.

December 8 – Chelsea Chamber Players Annual Hometown Holiday Concert

St Joseph Church – 6805 Mast Rd Dexter
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate the season with music that warms the heart! Join us for the Chelsea Chamber Players’ annual Hometown Holiday Concert on December 8th at 2pm at St Joseph Church, Dexter and 7pm at Chelsea First United Methodist Church. This collaborative community event features enchanting performances by the Chelsea Chamber Players, talented students from CHS orchestra and choir, along with the angelic voices of choirs from CFUMC and St. Joseph. Admission is Free.

December 8 – Tuba Christmas

Ann Arbor Farmers Market – 315 Detroit St Ann Arbor
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Cost: Free
Tuba Christmas returns to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Dozens of tuba and euphonium players will be playing Christmas favorites for a holiday sing along. Note: We added this on 11/6 and at that point there were no times listed. We updated the date and left the previous times.

December 8 – Chelsea Chamber Players Annual Hometown Holiday Concert

Chelsea First United Methodist Church – 128 Park Street Chelsea
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate the season with music that warms the heart! Join us for the Chelsea Chamber Players’ annual Hometown Holiday Concert on December 8th at 2pm at St Joseph Church, Dexter and 7pm at Chelsea First United Methodist Church. This collaborative community event features enchanting performances by the Chelsea Chamber Players, talented students from CHS orchestra and choir, along with the angelic voices of choirs from CFUMC and St. Joseph.

December 12 – The Ebird & Friends Holiday Show

The Ark – 316 S. Main St Ann Arbor
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: $25-50
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14. Produced by Erin Zindle, the singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist of Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, this concert series has become the most warm-hearted way to begin the holiday season. This unique concert showcases a creative approach to seasonal music, with old chestnuts, deep cuts, and original tunes from a wide range of genres and traditions. These songs bring us in from the cold and…read more…

December 13 – Joy Holiday Concert

Morris Lawrence Building – 4800 E. Huron River Dr Ann Arbor
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Washtenaw Community Concert Band will be performing their annual holiday concert - Joy They continue the theme of “Elemental Forces” with a holiday program titled “Joy.” While it may be cold outside, you’ll stay warm as they take a musical ride through the joyful landscape of the holidays. You have an express ticket to sing along in celebration of the season and ring in a new year of good cheer.

December 13 – The Ebird & Friends Holiday Show

The Ark – 316 S. Main St Ann Arbor
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: $35-75
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14. Produced by Erin Zindle, the singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist of Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, this concert series has become the most warm-hearted way to begin the holiday season. This unique concert showcases a creative approach to seasonal music, with old chestnuts, deep cuts, and original tunes from a wide range of genres and traditions. These songs bring us in from the cold and…read more…

December 14 – Lucy Ann Lance Hometown Christmas Show

Briarwood Mall – 100 Briarwood Circle Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Free
The Lucy Ann Lance Hometown Christmas Show is held each December at Briarwood Mall for the 16th Annual Lucy Ann Lance Holiday Hometown Christmas Show! Join us Saturday, December 14th from 10AM-3PM in the JCPenney Court to kick off the holiday season. The event will feature live musical performances, gift card giveaways, and plenty of holiday cheer broadcasted on 1290 WLBY. Performances to be announced closer to the show date.

December 14 – The Ebird & Friends Holiday Show

The Ark – 316 S. Main St Ann Arbor
Time: 2:00pm
Cost: $25-50
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14. Produced by Erin Zindle, the singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist of Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, this concert series has become the most warm-hearted way to begin the holiday season. This unique concert showcases a creative approach to seasonal music, with old chestnuts, deep cuts, and original tunes from a wide range of genres and traditions. These songs bring us in from the cold and…read more…

December 14 – The Ebird & Friends Holiday Show

The Ark – 316 S. Main St Ann Arbor
Time: 8:00pm
Cost: $35-75
Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the Ebird and Friends Holiday Show has become known for connecting audiences with stellar artists in the Michigan music community. Four performances of this festive revue will occur December 12 through 14. Produced by Erin Zindle, the singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist of Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, this concert series has become the most warm-hearted way to begin the holiday season. This unique concert showcases a creative approach to seasonal music, with old chestnuts, deep cuts, and original tunes from a wide range of genres and traditions. These songs bring us in from the cold and…read more…

December 20 – Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More

First Presbyterian Church – 1432 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor
Time: 8:45pm-9:45pm
Cost: $26-57.50 depending on seating zone
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Ann Arbor. Get your tickets now to discover music inspired by the winter and holiday spirit at First Presbyterian Ann Arbor under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative music included in the program are: Holiday Medley – Various “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” “The First Noël” “Deck the Halls” “O Holy Night” – Adolphe Adam “Ma’oz Tzur” – Traditional Hanukkah Song “The Snow is Dancing” – Claude Debussy “The Seasons, Op. 37a” – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky I. January. “By the Hearth” XII.…read more…

December 21 – Holiday Pops

Hill Auditorium – 825 N. University Ave Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $31.50-94.50/Adult, $47.25-$15.75/Student or Youth
Featuring your holiday favorites! As in 2023, the 2024 concert features the earlier 7p concert time and a Saturday show. My daughter and I attended the traditional 8p show when she was in elementary school and it was definitely late for her. Join the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in welcoming the holidays with some of the most beloved music of the season. Hill Auditorium will glow with the magical spirt of this cherished A2SO tradition. The concert will feature special guests Measure for Measure. The concert includes music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, Glenn Crytzer’s Keep A…read more…

December 21 – Beyond Christmas Concert

Pease Auditorium – 494 College Place Ypsilanti
Time: 7:30pm-9:00pm
Cost: Pay What you Can
Step into the season with Beyond Christmas, a magical concert brought to you by Beyond Choir! This December, join us for an inspiring evening where cherished holiday carols blend seamlessly with fresh, contemporary arrangements that extend the warmth and joy of the season. From timeless favorites to new, inventive takes on holiday classics, this unique performance will uplift and surprise, wrapping you in the true spirit of the holidays. The concert is a pay what you can concert.

Christmas Shows We’ve Got our Eye on For 2024

Many groups hold a performance each year – either the same show or a different holiday show. We are awaiting updates on the shows below for 2024 or possibly in the future.

2023 Shows

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
November 30, 2023
7:00pm
Saline Area Players presents “Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles“
at The Well Church, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
December 1, 2023
7:00pm
Saline Area Players presents “Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles“
at The Well Church, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
December 2, 2023
3:00pm
Saline Area Players presents “Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles“
at The Well Church, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
December 2, 2023
7:30pm
Handel's Messiah
at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 3, 2023
2:00pm
Handel's Messiah
at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 3, 2023
3:00pm
Saline Area Players presents “Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles“
at The Well Church, Saline Michigan
💙🆓
December 5, 2023
6:55pm-7:10pm
Holiday Tree Lighting
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙
December 8, 2023
7:00pm
Hometown Holiday Concert
at Chelsea High School Performing Arts Center, Chelsea Michigan
💙🎟
December 8, 2023
7:00pm
Not Just For Kids: Lightwire Theater Presents: A Very Electric Christmas
at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟
December 8, 2023
7:30pm
Holidays in Hawai'i
at Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟
December 9, 2023
2:00pm
The Nutcracker
at Milan High School, Milan Michigan
💙🆓🎟
December 10, 2023
2:00pm-3:00pm
Corey Strong: A Holiday Concert for Rosie
at Morris Lawrence Building, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟
December 10, 2023
2:00pm
The Nutcracker
at Milan High School, Milan Michigan
💙🎟
December 10, 2023
3:30pm
YSO Holiday Concert
at Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🎟
December 15, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 16, 2023
2:00pm
Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
at George E. Potter Center, Jackson Michigan
💙🎟
December 16, 2023
3:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 16, 2023
7:00pm
Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
at George E. Potter Center, Jackson Michigan
💙🎟
December 16, 2023
7:00pm
The Nutcracker
at Saline High School, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
December 16, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 17, 2023
2:00pm
Ballet Chelsea's The Nutcracker
at George E. Potter Center, Jackson Michigan
💙🎟
December 17, 2023
2:00pm
The Nutcracker
at Saline High School, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
December 17, 2023
2:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 22, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 23, 2023
3:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 23, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 24, 2023
2:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 29, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 30, 2023
3:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 30, 2023
7:30pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
December 31, 2023
2:00pm
The Year Without a Panto Claus
at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor Michigan

Ann Arbor Christmas Guide

Arbor Annie’s Guide to an Amazing Ann Arbor Christmas

Our Guide to Christmas Events in Ann Arbor has all the fun local activities to celebrate the holidays. Find the best activities for Ann Arbor holiday celebrations to keep you in the holiday spirit. Note: We update the Christmas Ann Arbor Guide throughout the season as we find new events. Check back through the season to find […]

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1 thought on “Experience Spectacular Christmas Shows Near Ann Arbor”

  1. John Neville-Andrews

    Of course you could take the kids to THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at the Power Center, December 7th thru 10th. Slapstick comedy, chases through the audience, skeletons in the closet, song and dance!

    Shakespeare’s accessible and only farce, plenty of visual humor for the kids not to mention an easily understood text. Get kids involved and enjoying live theatre and Shakespeare at an early age – much better than video games, movies, electronic devices, etc.

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