Rochester has many wonderful, awe-inspiring opportunities to share the performing arts with our families during the holiday season. From ballet to music to theater, these are some of the magical holiday performances available to our community this year! Be sure to plan ahead for these spectacular ways to get into the holiday spirit, as tickets may go fast!
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular | Kodak Center
November 15, 2025
This show features dazzling illusions, breathtaking, grand-scale magic, and festive surprises for the whole family. A VIP Merchandise package is available for some extra magic!
A Christmas Carol | Geva Theatre
November 22 – December 28, 2025, Select Days
See a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story in this annual show at the Geva Theatre in Rochester. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Be sure to check the Geva calendar for shows that will provide for extra accessibility needs!
The Nutcracker by the Rochester City Ballet | Eastman Theatre
November 26 – 30, 2025
The Rochester City Ballet and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra bring this classic story to life for six performances. This performance is about one hour and 45 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission.
*Note: a sensory-friendly performance will be held at the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas | OFC Creations Theatre Center
November 26 – December 7, 2025
It’s the regional premiere of this show that brings the beloved Jim Henson television special to life as a very merry musical — perfect for the entire family.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | RBTL West Herr Auditorium
December 2, 2025
Performed by an international all-star cast blending ballet with puppets, lavish costumes, and acrobatics for one night only! As a special keepsake, consider purchasing a Wooden Nutcracker Doll to pick up at the show! Also offered this year as an add-on is a special photo with a ballerina before, during intermission, or after the show!
Straight No Chaser (A Cappella) Holiday Road Tour | RBTL West Herr Auditorium Theatre
December 3, 2025
Get in the holiday spirit with the nine-person a cappella group Straight No Chaser!
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage | Kodak Center
December 4, 2025
This critically acclaimed holiday celebration that the whole family can enjoy brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang together live on stage as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas and perform songs from the unforgettable musical score of legendary composer Vince Guaraldi. The Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, lighting, choreography, and colorful costumes has sold more than 300,000 tickets over the prior holiday seasons.
Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour | Blue Cross Arena
December 4, 2025
Enjoy Pentatonix as they reimagine, reinvigorate, and redefine a cappella for the holidays!
Frosty in Snowland | Hochstein Performance Hall
December 7, 2025
The RPO will host a magical winter wonderland featuring live music that celebrates all winter holidays! Expect festive fun, a snow adventure, and sparkling seasonal surprises!
Béla Fleck & Flecktones, Jingle All the Way | Eastman Theatre
December 11, 2025
Kodak Hall Series presents “Jingle All the Way” by four musicians whose sound is touted as impossible to define. Combining a banjoist, harmonica and keyboardist, bassist, and percussionist/drumitarist — this performance will feature the group’s beloved tunes, along with reinvented jazz-infused holiday classics. An upgraded VIP Experience is available for several perks!
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland | Kodak Center
December 13, 2025
Experience this all-new production, a thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry and holiday music. VIP Pre-Show Backstage Tour upgrade will allow you to go behind the scenes, check out the show props, and more!
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra | MVP Arena, Albany, NY
December 17, 2025
Available to Rochesterians a bit further this year, but if you’re committed, the TSO will perform the fan-favorite show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More!” in Albany’s MVP Arena!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical | OFC Creations Theatre Center
December 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Based on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, enjoy toe-tapping music and, of course, Seussian rhymes. The show runs about an hour and 20 minutes, with an intermission. Note: Children under age 5 are not permitted.
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas | RBTL West Herr Auditorium Theatre
December 19, 2025
This show will celebrate the gift of family, friends, peace, and love. Expect a captivating blend of timeless holiday classics, along with Brickman’s biggest hits on his piano.
RPO Gala Holiday Pops | Eastman Theatre
December 19 – 21, 2025
Celebrate the winter holidays with Gala Holiday Pops by RPO as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the season!
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto | Blue Cross Arena
January 1-4, 2026
Step inside the magical adventures of Walt Disney Animation movies Frozen and Encanto, as they come to life on the ice. Sing along and marvel at world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more!
Guide To Holiday Activities For Families
The holiday season in Rochester is filled with festive activities and cherished traditions for all ages. From sparkling light displays and holiday markets to cozy carriage rides and family-friendly events,…
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