There’s a long history of singing and dancing in the cannon of holiday entertainment. Maybe we can thank those Hollywood holiday classics, especially the musicals. As we compiled our annual list of All the Holiday Concerts in the Springs, we realized we needed a whole other list for all the musicals, plays and variety shows available in local theaters during the holiday season.
So here it is. Whether you’re into the naughty or nice and whether you’re more Ebenezer Scrooge, Jack Skellington or Buddy the Elf, you’re sure to find a live show to give you all the holiday feels in just the way you want them. Here’s the list, including family fun, irreverent variety and all the in between for your holiday entertainment.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Nov. 13
Pikes Peak Center
Good grief. How long has a Charlie Brown Christmas been showing? The Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz (who lived in the Springs at one time) has warmed the hearts of millions of fans for more than 55 years after it first aired on TV. Now the animated classic comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation. The whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Pair this with Skate in the Park for an early deep dive into the holiday spirit.
The Little Prince
Nov. 24 – Dec. 17
Theatreworks at Ent Center for the Arts
You might not think of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince as a holiday story, but the Theatreworks performance is celebrating magic this holiday season. Beloved by generations of readers for its poignant reflections on friendship and love, The Little Prince follows an aviator who crash-lands in the Sahara Desert (inspired by the author’s own life) and then meets a little prince from a distant world. Theatreworks’ stage production will feature an enchanting blend of live performance and puppetry, for a feel-good holiday experience for the whole family.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Nov. 30
Ivywild School
OK, this one’s not live. It’s an actual screening of the Tim Burton movie. But it’s a free screening with a live audience, so we’re including it. If Tim Burton and Jack Skellington are your vibe, then this show by the Independent Film Society of Colorado is for you.
Elf: The Musical
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31
Fine Arts Center Theatre
Will Ferrell put Buddy the Elf in the Holiday Character Hall of Fame with the likes of Kevin McAllister, Ralphie, Clark Griswold, The Grinch, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and, dare we say it, even Santa himself. And while Ferrell won’t be on the FAC Theatre Company stage, the musical adaptation of this much-loved story will be filled with all the magic and laughter — and we’re sure singing loud for all to hear.
Christmas This Year: Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 2-3
Friends of Club 21 at Ent Center for the Arts
Celebrate the holiday season with passionate performances, stunning stories of hardship and triumph, dance, music and celebration in this family variety show by and for the Down syndrome and special needs community. Local performing artist and worship leader Jared Anderson hosts the concert to raise awareness for special needs, and all proceeds go to support Friends of Club 21 and its affiliated school in South Africa for individuals with Down syndrome.
The Modbo Ho-Ho at the Millibo
Dec. 8-9
Millibo Art Theatre
This R-rated production definitely isn’t for kids but it’s perfect for some irreverent holiday fun. The beloved Modbo gallery has closed, but its holiday cabaret lives on each year at the Millibo Theatre. Enjoy tawdry songs, laughs, dances and some brief moments of holiday earnestness at this year’s performance.
Santa’s Elves Present: Whose Got Talent
Dec. 9-23
Millibo Art Theatre
Refurbish the Elf returns to the North Pole just in time for the annual Talent Show judged by the Big Guy himself. All of the other elves have talent galore and show off their incredible dancing, singing, aerial acrobatics and elfen magic can’t even decide what his talent is. Will refurbish find it in time for the Big Show? Expect big laughs for the whole family!
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Dec. 13
Pikes Peak Center
If you’ve ever been to a Cirque show, you know to expect dazzling acrobatics, aerialists and choreography. The Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland blends that grace and athleticism with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. Prepare to be wowed by this holiday spectacular.Combining timeless seasonal songs with dazzling acrobatics, the audience for Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland are in for an unforgettable holiday performance.
Colorado Springs Conservatory’s Holiday Extravaganza
Dec. 16
Ent Center for the Arts
The talented students of the Colorado Springs Conservatory host their festive annual holiday music showcase. Prepare to be inspired for the season and blown away by the local young talent performing their musical and theatrical selections.
coloradospringsconservatory.org
Yule Be Naughty … One More Time
Dec. 14-16 & 21-23
Millibo Art Theatre
Grab some glogg and get ready for the Millibo’s annual; holiday cabaret and its irreverent celebration of all things December. Join Babette and an all-star cast as they sing, dance, circus and poke fun at the trials and tribulations of this most Merry Season. Definitely for adults.
The Clairvoyants Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 21
Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers
Join Amélie and Thommy as they weave their spellbinding magic and psychic artistry into a festive spectacle like no other. Expect a unique blend of mind-bending illusions and heartwarming moments — and the world’s first mind-reading dog.
Read More
All the Holiday Concerts in Colorado Springs 2023
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