By Liz Eichler
If live theatre is your tradition during the Holiday Season–and everyone you know should see a live show*–Cincinnati area professional theatres are offering a variety of heartwarming, hilarious, and magical theatre productions.Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a nostalgic dive into holiday traditions, or an irreverent twist on the season, there’s something for everyone. Let’s unwrap this festive feast of entertainment.
December 4–29 | Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | Alice in Wonderland
Start your holiday adventure by falling down the rabbit hole at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Alice in Wonderland promises to be a whimsical treat, combining vibrant sets, clever staging, and ETC’s signature contemporary twist. This reimagined classic invites audiences of all ages to journey with Alice through Wonderland, offering a delightful escape into a world of curiosity and wonder.
With a book by Joseph McDonough and music and lyrics by David Kisor, Alice is directed by THE D. Lynn Meyers. The cast features standout performances by Sara Mackie as the commanding Red Queen, Elli Maddock as the curious and courageous Alice, and Brooke Steele as the enigmatic Cheshire Cat, alongside many other ETC favorites. FAMILY FRIENDLY (age 4+); OTR; Run time: ~1 hr, 40 min with one intermission
December 5–29 | Covedale Center for the Performing Arts | Beauty and the Beast
The tale as old as time comes to life this holiday season at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. Perfect for families, Beauty and the Beast features enchanting music, dazzling costumes, and a heartfelt story about love and redemption. Make this beloved Disney classic part of your holiday tradition and watch the magic unfold. FAMILY FRIENDLY; WEST SIDE; Run time: usually 2+ hours with one intermission
Dec 6–27 | Know Theatre | Die Hard is a Christmas Movie
Yippee-ki-yay! Know Theatre brings a playful and irreverent twist to the season with Die Hard is a Christmas Movie. This tongue-in-cheek production dives into the debate over Bruce Willis’ iconic action film’s place in holiday canon while serving up plenty of laughs, action, and a healthy dose of festive chaos. Ideal for anyone who loves holiday traditions with a side of humor. This 90-minute World Premiere Die Hard is a Christmas Movie is written by A.J. Baldwin & Alexx Rouse, directed by Tatiana Godfrey and the Cast includes Beasley, Phineas Clark, Andrew Ian Adams and Alexx Rouse. Rated: PG-13; OTR; Run time: 1 hour and 45 minutes + intermission
Dec 7–16 | The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | Santa Claus: The Musical
Bring the little ones to experience the joy and magic of Santa Claus: The Musical at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Back by popular demand, this charming production celebrates the jolliest man of the season with a story full of music, merriment, and the spirit of giving. It’s a perfect way to introduce kids to the magic of live theatre and the joy of the holidays. Starring Local12’s own Bob Herzog. TRAILER Family Friendly (Ages 4+); Downtown
Dec 10–15 | Broadway in Cincinnati | How The Grinch Stole Christmas
He’s a mean one—but also one of the most beloved characters of the season. Broadway in Cincinnati presents the hit musical How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Featuring memorable songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” this heartwarming tale about the true meaning of Christmas is sure to delight audiences young and old. This professional touring production is at the Aronoff, so you can include a whole day of downtown entertainment! All-ages; Downtown Aronoff Center; Run time: 1 hr. 30 minutes
Dec 11–22 | Human Race Theatre Company | A Frosty Night
Step into a winter wonderland with A Frosty Night at Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company. In this world premiere farce, Mark Brown (creator of last season’s musical smash This is Tom Jones!), takes on winter with a twist! Sharon Frosty, Frosty the Snowman’s wife, knows that he’s up to no good and follows his trail to the North Pole. Will she catch him in the act?
“Mark’s lively characters are set in these outrageous circumstances that perfectly fit our usual 18 and over winter productions,” notes Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race Theater Company. She adds, “this production was commissioned to fulfill The Human Race’s quest for non-traditional winter stories, and part of our ongoing commitment to developing new work.” So bring your friends and grab a cold one in the lobby.
Special Nights at The Loft: Inside Track Thursday, December 12, 7:30pm – Pre-show Discussion at 6:45pm ; Industry Night/ Sawbuck on Sunday, December 15, 7:30 pm – $10 tickets available at 6:00 pm and the popular Parent’s Day Out Sunday, December 15 & 22, 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo) . Explore their website for more information. Rated PG-13; Downtown Dayton; Run TIme: 90 minutes
Dec 13–29 | Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company puts a hilarious spin on holiday traditions with Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!). This fast-paced comedy crams countless holiday tales, pop culture references, and festive chaos into one laugh-out-loud show. It’s a perfect pick for those who want to celebrate the season with a hearty dose of humor. This year, Billy Chace stars as Santa! Read the write-up from last year’s fun. Rated PG13 (Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa); in OTR; Run Time: 90 minutes
*Everyone you know should see a live show” is paraphrased from CSC’s Brian Isaac Phillip’s Opening Night greetings.
Now through Dec.29 | Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | A Christmas Carol
With a beloved and familiar story, featuring dazzling set, costume and lighting designs, A Christmas Carol promises a magical holiday experience for your family! Ideal for the whole family. Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic and originally directed by Blake Robison, this refreshed version is directed by Bridget Leak. “God Bless Us, Everyone.” All-Ages (Children 5+); In Eden Park, Run Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission. 2 hours 20 minutes + 20-minute intermission
Now through Dec.29 | Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | The Second City
The Second City is back! Celebrate 65 years of legendary laughs with some all-time favorite songs, sketches and characters written by some of The Second City’s most illustrious alumni. The Second City’s 65th Anniversary Show is recommended for adults and older teenage audiences. So if you like your holiday entertainment that is unpredictable, with some audience participation, and likely very adult themes and language, this is the show for you! Due to heavy demand, SIX SHOWS WERE RECENTLY ADDED. PG-13; In Eden Park; 2 hours 20 minutes + 20-minute intermission
Live Theatre Makes Merriment and Memories
From timeless classics to modern twists, LCT member theatres are pulling out all the stops this holiday season. Gather your friends and family, pick your favorite show (or see them all!), and immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre.
Tickets for these productions are selling fast, so be sure to reserve your seats soon by clicking on the active links above. Cincinnati stages are brimming with cheer, creativity, and holiday spirit.
The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) is an alliance of member theatres and theatre supporters who want to ensure everyone knows about our vibrant theatre scene. Go to our website to learn more about live professional, semi professional and academic theatre in the greater Cincinnati area.
