Feel the Holiday Cheer at These Festive Performances

This holiday season, start a new family tradition and enjoy one of Wisconsin’s special seasonal performances. From sweet symphonies to heartwarming musicals and new twists on old favorites, these shows are sure to get your whole group in the joyful spirit.

A Madison Symphony Christmas

This annual tradition at the impressive Overture Center for the Arts is a great way to kick off the holiday season with friends and family. The Madison Symphony Chorus, Madison Youth Choirs and the Mt. Zion Gospel Choir join together to perform both Christmas classics and newer pieces, starting with caroling in the lobby beforehand to set the joyful mood.

Nutcracker in the Castle

Make your way to Oshkosh this holiday season to experience a fairytale come to life. Each room within the historic 1920s mansion of the Paine Art Center and Gardens is elaborately decorated to reveal a different chapter from the classic Nutcracker tale, with magical sights, sounds and surprises. From the opening party scene with a giant Christmas tree to the Land of Sweets and beyond, follow the adventure of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. As part of your journey, visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café for a scrumptious treat! Book a guided tour to be treated to live musical, acting and dance performances, sure to transport you into the story.

For more traditional performances of the beloved ballet, visit Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, Oconomowoc Arts Center, Capitol Civic Centre in Manitowoc, the Grand Theater in Wausau and the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison.

A Christmas Carol at the Milton House 

Enjoy a memorable, interactive performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Milton House Museum near Janesville. The historic building transforms into a beautiful set for performances of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, presented by Creative Outlets Theater. The lively production is sure to fill your heart with warmth and a touch of Christmas magic!

A Wonderful Life: The Musical

This holiday favorite has been transformed into a Broadway-style production performed at the popular Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Gather friends and family to spend time together, enjoying a delicious meal and a funny, heartwarming show based on the classic story.

CPKC Holiday Train

Each year, the Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City (KC) Holiday Train travels across the U.S., putting on amazing live musical performances and raising money for local food banks. With stops in 13 Wisconsin cities, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch an unforgettable show set against a backdrop of a mesmerizing light display. Wherever you watch from, plan for a whole day of festive fun with loved ones. And don’t forget to bring a food bank donation to spread holiday cheer.

A Frank's Christmas

For a modern, comedic take on the tale of the Grinch, check out A Frank’s Christmas at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay. With performances every weekend in December, you and your crew have lots of opportunities to experience this out-of-the-box musical that’s become a Northeast Wisconsin tradition.

Christmas in the Dells

At Legacy Dinner Theater in Wisconsin Dells, enjoy a truly showstopping performance that includes singing, dancing, comedy, pyrotechnics, a live band and more. The largest Christmas production in the entire Midwest, you’ll be treated to all your holiday favorites as well as a tasty four-course dinner to savor during the show. With sugar plum fairies, dancing elves and a live nativity scene, this performance is sure to get you excited for the holidays.

Musical Traditions at the Grand Theater

In Wausau, the Grand Theater offers a whole lineup of holiday performances to choose from. Whether you want to jam out to jazz, blues, rock, gospel and holiday standards at John Altenburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza, enjoy Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics or experience a rocking symphony at Jingle Ball Rock The Hall, everyone in your group is sure to feel the holiday spirit here. 

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Travel back to the 1940s and enjoy this uplifting Christmas classic at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. You’ll listen to the iconic story as five multi-talented actors portray dozens of characters with vintage sound effects, favorite songs and lovable Christmas spirit. A mix of humor, heart and hope, this enchanting show is sure to entertain the whole family.

Find more festive fun at these holiday light shows throughout the state.