Our Favorite Things: Holiday Musicals Edition
It probably comes as no shock to anyone that one of our favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season here at BSB is with a Christmas musical or two! There are so many stage productions that capture the spirit of the holiday, from classics from our childhood to newer shows that speak to the holly and holiday cheer deep within our hearts. So, where does one even begin choosing which film to watch or shows to attend with our families and friends to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year? Here’s a Top 10 Musical Theatre Shows to See During the Holiday Season—curated with a critic’s eye and a music lover’s heart. These aren’t just seasonal cash-ins; they’re shows that understand why people go to the theater in December: comfort, spectacle, catharsis, and a little emotional wreckage before dessert.
1. A Christmas Carol
We’re starting the list off strong, with a show that some might wonder why it’s on our top-10 holiday musicals list: A Christmas Carol. It’s not controversial in that we’re debating whether it’s a holiday show, but more in the sense of whether it constitutes a Christmas musical. There are so many incredible productions of A Christmas Carol, both here locally and across the world, many of which are straight shows. However, for every straight show is a production that puts song to Charles Dickens’ story! This is the Everest of holiday theatre, and when done right—with a full score, thoughtful pacing, and a Scrooge who understands restraint—it’s transcendent. Dickens endures because redemption never goes out of season, which is why it’s the perfect Christmas show.
2. The Nutcracker
Now I know what some of you are thinking, The Nutcracker isn’t a musical, it’s a ballet! And for all intents and purposes, you’re right. However, whether you call it a ballet or dance theatre (which is definitely where we’re classifying it for this list), The Nutcracker is still rooted in Christmas tradition, and it deserves a spot on our list of holiday classics! Tchaikovsky’s score alone justifies the ticket price, and the impressive dancers just push this incredible show over the top. Even non-ballet fans tend to surrender to its sensory magic in December.
3. White Christmas
Whether it’s the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, or a stage production of Irving Berlin’s musical, White Christmas harkens back to the pure, golden-age joy of musical theatre. Big chorus numbers, tap breaks, romantic harmonies, and unapologetic sentimentality. It’s warm, tuneful, and knows exactly what it is, and you just can’t help but be filled with Christmas cheer after watching it for the holiday.
4. Elf: The Musical
Based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film of the same name, Elf: The Musical is so much better than it has any right to be. When staged with energy and sincerity, Elf captures the chaos of the holidays without becoming cloying. Bonus points for any production of this musical that casts a Buddy who can really sing.
5. A Christmas Story: The Musical
This one sneaks up on people, especially for fans of the original film. It’s smartly written, surprisingly melodic, and deeply aware of its own nostalgia. The humor lands, the heart is earned, and it plays beautifully to multi-generational audiences. This is easily one of those musicals that speak to those who love theater and those who enjoy the film that predates it.
6. The Sound of Music
Now…The Sound of Music isn’t explicitly a holiday show, but tell me families don’t flock to it in December. There’s something about the musical (in our household, it’s the Julie Andrews film) that is synonymous with the holiday season. Snow, nuns, resistance, and that final chord? It’s a seasonal catharsis in musical form.
7. Frozen: The Musical
Snow, sisterhood, and spectacle—Frozen earns its holiday placement for a multitude of reasons! “Let It Go” aside, the stage adaptation deepens character relationships and thrives on winter atmosphere and theatrical magic. If we’re going on pure vibes, Frozen: The Musical is one of the best shows to bring the charm of winter into a theater near you!
8. Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn
Messy, charming, historically important, and musically undeniable. “White Christmas” alone makes this essential viewing for musical theatre lovers during the season.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
This lives or dies by its Grinch—but when the casting works, it’s a theatrical delight. It captures the Dr. Seuss story we all love, featuring a short runtime perfect for families with younger children, an iconic score, and a surprisingly effective emotional punch. You can’t end the holiday season without How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Either on your television screen or at the theater!
10. Christmas Cabarets & Holiday Revues
Often overlooked, frequently excellent, these shows thrive on personality, vocal fireworks, and audience rapport. They’re intimate, flexible, and often the most fun night out of the season.
With so many incredible shows to watch during the holiday season, which ones are your favorites? Let us know on social media @BoxSeatBabes on all social media!
Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret– A Sassy Seasonal Celebration
