Beyond the Nutcracker: 26 Family Holiday Shows and Theater in LA for 2026!
Family holiday shows in LA go way beyond the Nutcracker in 2026, from a slapstick Christmas Carol at the Ahmanson and a sing-along inside Walt Disney Concert Hall to a free L.A. County Holiday Celebration on Dec. 20 and puppet magic in Highland Park. We rounded up 26 holiday plays, concerts, puppet shows and spectaculars across LA, the Valley and Orange County, with 2026 dates, ages and ticket details.
Whether your kids are ready for a two-and-a-half-hour Broadway musical or happiest with a 30-minute Charlie Brown, there's a show here that fits your crew. And if ballet is more your family's speed, our guide to Nutcracker performances in and near Los Angeles has you covered.
Key Takeaways
Free pick: The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and free reservations open Dec. 8 at 10 a.m.
Best for little kids: Bob Baker's Holiday Wonderland Special (about an hour) and A Charlie Brown Christmas in La Habra (about 30 minutes).
Best for big kids: Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Ahmanson and Elf The Musical at the Hollywood Pantages (ages 5 and up).
Sing-along fun: The LA Phil Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, Dec. 19 welcomes kids ages 2 and up.
Sensory-friendly shows: A Noise Within (Nov. 29), South Coast Repertory (Dec. 1), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 12) and Bob Baker (Dec. 19).
Mexican holiday traditions: Nochebuena at The Soraya, Campana Sobre Campana in Orange and Las Posadas on Olvera Street.
Holiday Shows in Downtown LA and Hollywood
Downtown's Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall go all in for the holidays, and Hollywood brings the Broadway sparkle.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Tickets: Free, but reservations are required. Reservations open Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. and close Dec. 10 (up to four tickets).
Ages: All ages are welcome.
Parking: Check the Music Center website for garage parking details.
For its 67th year, LA's free holiday tradition moves from Christmas Eve to the Sunday before Christmas. Expect a festive lineup of music, dance and choral groups that reflect the many cultures of LA County, all on the Dorothy Chandler stage.
Parent Tip: Set a phone alarm for Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. Free tickets for a show this popular tend to go quickly.
Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Dec. 12, 2026 through Jan. 10, 2027, with evening shows and weekend matinees.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Check Center Theatre Group for current pricing.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance. The show runs about 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Parking: Check the Music Center website for garage parking details.
The team behind The Play That Goes Wrong takes on Dickens, and nothing goes according to plan. Scenery collapses, effects misfire and a determined theater troupe keeps the show going anyway, which makes it a giggle-filled pick for kids who love physical comedy.
Parent Tip: Matinees on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. are perfect for families on winter break.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets start at $39.
Ages: Children ages 2 and up are permitted. Each show runs about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Parking: The garage beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall is the closest option. Metro is also nearby.
Nobody sits quietly at this one. Host Melissa Peterman leads the whole audience through holiday favorites, backed by a jazz combo, a choir and the hall's famous pipe organ.
Parent Tip: Dress the kids in holiday sweaters or Santa hats and plan to arrive about an hour early.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at 11 a.m. Free holiday activities and Santa photos start at 10 a.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Check the Master Chorale website.
Ages: All ages are welcome. The concert is about one hour long.
Parking: The garage beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall is the closest option.
This one-hour concert is made for wiggly little listeners. Two of Santa's helpers host, the Master Chorale and Youth Chorus LA sing lively classics, and everyone is invited to join in.
Parent Tip: Come at 10 a.m. for Santa photos before the crowds arrive.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Check the LA Phil website.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance. The film is rated PG.
Parking: The garage beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall is the closest option.
The whole movie plays on a giant screen while the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs John Williams' score live. Thanksgiving weekend is a fun time to kick off the season with Kevin's booby traps.
Parent Tip: The Saturday matinee is the easiest pick for school-age kids.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets start at $67.
Ages: Children ages 2 and up are permitted. The show runs about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Parking: The garage beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall is the closest option.
Buddy's journey from the North Pole to New York plays on the big screen while the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs the score live, with composer John Debney listed as conductor. It's a fun first concert-hall outing for kids who know the movie by heart.
Parent Tip: Choose the Sunday matinee if bedtime is a concern.
Crypto.com Arena, 1111 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
2026 dates: Thursday, Dec. 17 and Friday, Dec. 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary by performance and seat, with all-in pricing that includes fees.
Ages: All ages are welcome. Every guest age 2 and older needs a ticket.
Parking: Check the arena website for parking options.
Mickey and friends host a skating parade of stories from Moana 2, Inside Out 2, Toy Story, Encanto, Frozen and Zootopia. Can't make downtown? The show also skates into Honda Center in Anaheim (Dec. 11 to 14), Toyota Arena in Ontario (Dec. 24 to 27) and Long Beach Arena (Dec. 31 to Jan. 3).
Parent Tip: Arrive early for Olaf's Festive Preshow, a holiday sing-along included with tickets.
Avila Adobe, Olvera Street, 10 Olvera St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
2026 dates: Nightly, Dec. 16 through 24, 2026. The children's piñata starts at 6:30 p.m. and the procession at 7:15 p.m.
Tickets: Free.
Ages: All ages are welcome. The piñata is for kids ages 3 to 12.
Parking: Union Station and nearby paid lots are the easiest options. Metro is a great choice.
LA's oldest street turns into a candlelit stage as angels and shepherds lead Mary and Joseph from shop to shop, singing traditional Spanish carols. On Dec. 24, a live Mary and Joseph join the procession.
Parent Tip: Everyone gets a cup of champurrado and a piece of pan dulce afterward, so save room.
Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Tickets are sold through AXS.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance.
Parking: Paid lots and garages are nearby on Broadway and Hill Street.
Aerialists and acrobats spin through a snowy holiday dreamland, set to festive music inside one of Broadway's most gorgeous historic theaters. Kids who love gymnastics will be wide-eyed.
Parent Tip: Grab dinner early downtown and take a stroll past the lit-up Broadway marquees.
Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
2026 dates: Dec. 1 through 13, 2026. Tuesdays to Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Tickets are sold through Broadway in Hollywood.
Ages: Must be 5 or older to enter. The show runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Parking: Check the theater website for nearby lots. The Metro B Line stops at Hollywood/Vine.
Buddy heads to New York to find his dad, and the songs, dancing elves and big holiday finale make this a sweet first Broadway show. The Sunday, Dec. 13 matinee offers ASL interpretation, audio description and captioning.
Parent Tip: Weekend matinees are the best fit for younger kids.
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
2026 dates: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Family four-packs and reduced child and student tickets are available. Check the website for prices.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance.
Parking: Check the Barnsdall Park website for parking.
Singer Monet Bagneris blends original songs and holiday favorites with live musicians and surprise guests in a cozy 299-seat theater. Families are invited to bring new Play-Doh to donate to kids at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Parent Tip: Let your kids pick out the Play-Doh themselves. It's a sweet way to talk about giving.
Holiday Shows in Northeast LA, Pasadena and Sierra Madre
Puppets, a candlelit Christmas Carol and a Grammy-winning holiday concert make this corner of LA a festive day trip.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
2026 dates: Nov. 14, 2026 through Jan. 17, 2027. Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Weekday shows begin the week of Dec. 2.
Tickets: $25. Kids 2 and under are free.
Ages: All ages are welcome. The show runs about one hour.
Parking: Check the theater's planning page for parking and directions.
LA's beloved marionette theater fills its stage with dancing puppets, holiday music and plenty of up-close moments for little ones sitting on the floor in front. It's a gentle, magical first show for toddlers and preschoolers.
Parent Tip: A sensory-friendly performance is on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m. (sold separately).
A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
2026 dates: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24, 2026. Most shows are Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Check the website for prices. Pay What You Choose tickets ($10 or $20) are offered for the Dec. 3 show at 7 p.m.
Ages: Ages 5 and up. Babies and toddlers are not permitted.
Parking: The theater has an on-site parking structure, and the Metro A Line Sierra Madre Villa station is a short walk away.
Pasadena's favorite holiday play wraps Scrooge's story in music and warmth. A relaxed performance on Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. welcomes guests with sensory needs, and Teen Nite on Dec. 5 adds pre-show fun for ages 13 to 19.
Parent Tip: The production uses fog and haze, so check ahead if your child is sensitive to it.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101
2026 dates: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.
Ages: All ages are welcome. Best for school-age kids and up.
Parking: Check the Pasadena Civic website for parking.
Fifteen musicians play more than 20 instruments alongside big multimedia visuals, giving holiday classics the group's signature mix of classical and rock. It's a Sunday matinee grandparents will love, too.
Parent Tip: Make it a day with lunch in Old Pasadena before the show.
Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Tickets: $25 per person.
Ages: Designed for kids in grades K through 12. The whole family is welcome.
Parking: Free parking is available near the theater.
This interactive take on Dickens pulls kids right into the story, with moments where young audience members step on stage beside the cast. It's short, funny and a wonderful first Christmas Carol. See our Sierra Madre Playhouse holiday shows guide for more.
Parent Tip: Older kids and teens may also enjoy A Jet Set Christmas, a swinging jazz holiday concert here on Dec. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m.
Holiday Shows in Burbank, the San Fernando Valley and Thousand Oaks
Candlelit carols, a British-style panto and a dazzling Mexican Christmas spectacular round out the Valley lineup.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 18, Saturday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 26, 2026, at 7:45 p.m.
Tickets: From $47.52.
Ages: Ages 8 and up. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult. Each concert is about 60 minutes.
Parking: Check the venue for parking details.
A string ensemble plays holiday favorites surrounded by the glow of hundreds of candles. For an earlier option, Candlelight Burbank: Christmas Carols on Strings plays at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 18, 19 and 20.
Parent Tip: The hour-long format is just right for tweens trying their first classical concert.
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Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
2026 dates: Dec. 11 through 27, 2026. Check the website for showtimes.
Tickets: Check the website for prices.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance.
Parking: Check the venue website for parking.
5-Star Theatricals presents a British-style holiday panto packed with pop songs, larger-than-life characters, comedy and lots of audience participation. Kids are encouraged to cheer, boo and shout along.
Parent Tip: Teach your kids the classic panto response before you go: when someone says "Oh no it isn't!", you yell "Oh yes it is!"
The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 18, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
Tickets: Check the website for prices.
Ages: All ages are welcome.
Parking: Check The Soraya website for campus parking details.
Now in its 11th season, this colorful celebration of Mexico's Christmas Eve traditions stars special guest Aida Cuevas, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Pueblo Viejo. The lobby fills with Christmas trees, photo spots, tamales, conchas and Abuelita hot chocolate.
Parent Tip: The 1 p.m. matinees are easy to fit around naps and holiday plans.
Holiday Shows in the South Bay and Southeast LA County
Irish fiddles and festive mariachi make the South Bay and Gateway Cities worth the drive.
James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr.
Torrance, CA 90503
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, in the evening. Check the website for showtime.
Tickets: Reserved seats in three price sections. Check the website for prices.
Ages: Best for school-age kids, tweens and teens. The show runs about two hours.
Parking: Check the Torrance Cultural Arts website for parking.
Fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada leads top Irish musicians, singers and step dancers through carols, toe-tapping tunes and stories about Christmas in Ireland. The flying feet keep kids glued to the stage.
Parent Tip: All sales are final, so double-check your date before buying.
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr.
Cerritos, CA 90703
2026 dates: Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Prices TBA. Tickets are sold through the Cerritos Center and Ticketmaster.
Ages: All ages are welcome.
Parking: Check the Cerritos Center website for parking.
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández mixes Christmas carols and seasonal favorites with bright trumpets, sweeping violins and sparkling charro suits. Families get songs they know plus traditional Mexican holiday music.
Parent Tip: The Sunday matinee is the easiest choice with younger kids.
Holiday Shows in Orange County
From a 30-minute Peanuts special to OC's longest-running Christmas Carol, Orange County has a show for every attention span.
The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot, 311 S. Euclid St.
La Habra, CA 90631
2026 dates: Dec. 4 through 20, 2026, on Friday evenings and weekend mornings and afternoons. No shows on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Tickets: Check the website for prices. Every person needs a ticket, including lap babies.
Ages: Great for preschoolers and young kids. The show runs about 30 minutes.
Parking: Check the theater website for parking.
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Linus come to life on stage in a faithful take on the classic special, wobbly little tree and all. A sensory-friendly performance is on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
Parent Tip: Strollers aren't allowed inside, but booster seats are available near the entrance.
Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way
Westminster, CA 92683
2026 dates: Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, 2026 (seven performances). Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Check the website or call (714) 793-1150 for prices.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance. The show runs about two hours with one intermission.
Parking: Check the theater website for parking.
Westminster's musical version of the Dickens classic packs carols, costumes and a big-hearted Scrooge transformation into one festive evening.
Parent Tip: The Sunday matinees are the best pick for families with younger kids.
Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
2026 dates: Previews Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, then Dec. 4 through 27, 2026. Showtimes vary, with weekend matinees.
Tickets: Check SCR's website for prices.
Ages: Ages 6 and up. Children under 6 are not admitted. The show runs about two hours with a 15-minute intermission.
Parking: Check SCR's directions and parking page.
Orange County has made this production a holiday tradition for more than 45 years. A sensory-friendly performance is on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., and an ASL performance is on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m.
Parent Tip: Sunday shows at noon are a sweet spot for school-age kids.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
2026 dates: Monday, Dec. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. The Laguna Flutes play in the lobby at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Check the Pacific Symphony website for prices.
Ages: Check the website for age guidance.
Parking: Check the Segerstrom Center website for parking.
Organist Todd Wilson and members of Pacific Symphony fill the hall with carols and holiday classics on the 4,322-pipe concert organ. Kids who love big sounds will feel this one in their toes.
Parent Tip: Arrive early to hear the flutes in the lobby.
Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell St.
Orange, CA 92866
2026 dates: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets start at $33.
Ages: Open to the public. Check the website for age guidance. The show runs about 105 minutes with an intermission.
Parking: Check the Musco Center website for parking.
Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande tell the story of Christmas through Mexican holiday traditions, music and dance.
Parent Tip: Pair the Sunday matinee with a stroll around the Old Towne Orange Plaza.
Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr.
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
2026 dates: Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Tickets: Check the website for prices. Students get 15% off with a valid school ID at the box office.
Ages: Ages 5 and older. Every guest needs a ticket.
Parking: Arrive about 45 minutes early to park on the Soka University campus.
Eric Rigler, often called the world's most recorded piper, joins guitarist Dirk Freymuth and guests on fiddle, vocals and traditional Irish percussion for holiday music from Ireland, Scotland and beyond.
Parent Tip: Kids who have never heard uilleann pipes up close are in for a treat, so sit closer to the stage if you can.
Tips for Taking Kids to a Holiday Show
Check the age rules first: Several shows set minimums, like Elf The Musical (5+), A Noise Within (5+) and South Coast Repertory (6+).
Every seat counts: Many venues require a ticket for every person, even babies on a lap.
Pick matinees for little ones: Afternoon shows mean happier kids and an easier bedtime.
Look for sensory-friendly shows: A Noise Within, SCR, A Charlie Brown Christmas and Bob Baker all offer relaxed performances.
Arrive early: Holiday crowds and parking take longer, and many shows have pre-show fun like Santa photos or sing-alongs.
Parent Tip: Talk through the story before you go. Kids enjoy A Christmas Carol much more when they already know who Scrooge and the three ghosts are.
Takeaway
Family holiday shows in LA come in every size and style this season, from free shows and 30-minute puppet plays to full Broadway musicals and candlelit concerts. Pick one that matches your kids' ages and attention spans, book a matinee and let the music do the rest.
Want more festive plans? Browse our Christmas and holiday events for LA families and start building your December calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family holiday shows in Los Angeles in 2026?
Top picks include the LA Phil Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Ahmanson, Elf The Musical at the Hollywood Pantages, Bob Baker's Holiday Wonderland Special in Highland Park and the free L.A. County Holiday Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026.
Is there a free holiday show in LA in 2026?
Yes. The L.A. County Holiday Celebration is free on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Reservations are required and open Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. Las Posadas on Olvera Street is also free nightly from Dec. 16 to 24.
What holiday shows are good for toddlers in LA?
Bob Baker's Holiday Wonderland Special is about an hour long, and kids 2 and under get in free. A Charlie Brown Christmas in La Habra runs about 30 minutes, and Carols for Kids at Walt Disney Concert Hall is a one-hour concert with Santa photos beforehand.
Where can I see A Christmas Carol in LA in 2026?
Families can choose from A Noise Within in Pasadena, Will & Company's interactive show at Sierra Madre Playhouse, Rose Center Theater in Westminster and South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. For a comedy twist, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong plays at the Ahmanson Theatre downtown.
What age is Elf The Musical at the Pantages for?
Elf The Musical at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre requires guests to be 5 or older to enter, and the show runs about two and a half hours. It plays Dec. 1 through 13, 2026, with weekend matinees at 1 p.m. that work well for younger kids.
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