As we transition into the holiday season, many of us seek new activities to celebrate this special time—whether with friends, family, or just ourselves. Luckily for those of us in Boston, the city brims with activities to enjoy this time of year. Whether it is a Christmas-themed play, a classic theater production, an iconic ballet, or a concert by a small artist, Boston has no shortage of performances to see this December.
A holiday classic, The Nutcracker is a must-see. The show tells the tale of a teenage girl who is gifted a nutcracker that comes to life. Numerous variations of this ballet will be performed in Boston. For a classic rendition of the show, check out Mikko Nissonen’s production at the Boston Opera House from Dec. 4 to Dec. 28, or the one-time production Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, showing at the Wang Theatre on Dec. 5. Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker takes a more modern approach to the century-old production and can be seen at the Shubert Theatre from Dec. 14 to Dec. 22.
Whether you love the holiday season or think Christmas is overrated, one thing is certain: How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a musical that most can enjoy. With beautiful costumes, fun songs, and an outstanding cast, this show displays the heart-warming power of holiday cheer that is strong enough to reach even the green crank. How the Grinch Stole Christmas will be running between Dec. 10 and Dec. 23 at Wang Theater. Other holiday shows being performed in Boston this December include Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Shubert Theatre from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8 and A Christmas Carol at Hanover Theatre from Dec. 15 to Dec. 22.
Featuring artists like Tate McRae, Twenty One Pilots, Kesha, and Meghan Trainor, iHeartRadio’s iconic Jingle Ball concert will take place at TD Garden on Dec. 15. For a more traditional holiday experience, The Boston Pops’ Holiday Pops can be found at Symphony Hall between Dec. 5 to Dec. 24. Of course, no discussion of Christmas activities would be complete without mention of Mariah Carey, whose winter tour will be stopping in Boston on Dec. 5 at TD Garden.
For those feeling less spirited this December, there are still plenty of options for non-holiday musicals, plays, concerts, and other performances.
With an all-female cast celebrating womanhood and empowerment, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’s musical Six follows the stories of King Henry VIII’s six wives. The phenomenal soundtrack of this musical, running from Dec. 3 to Dec. 29 at Emerson Colonial Theatre, is sure to remain stuck in the heads of all who watch.
For a comedic play, head to the Lyric Stage Company from Dec. 4 to Dec. 20 to watch a local production of Noises Off by English playwright Michael Frayn. The story follows the opening night of a play, Nothing On, composed of a loveable but dysfunctional cast struggling to remember lines and entrance cues. For those looking for a show that will leave them rolling with laughter and struck by the twists and turns of an unpredictable plot, Noises Off is the place to be this December.
For a standup show, accomplished English comedian Michael McIntyre will be performing at the Shubert Theatre on Dec. 3. McIntyre’s routine promises a lively experience, and it would be a mistake not to see him while he is out of the UK. Comedian and actor Matt Rife will also make an appearance at TD Garden on Dec. 31.
This month additionally anticipates a variety of concerts, ranging from large pop-star productions to more intimate performances by country artists. Highlights include the Dec. 8 performance of Colombian superstar Shakira and the Dec. 14 appearance of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, both at TD Garden. Nordic folk singer-songwriter Aurora will be making a Boston stop on her What Happened to the Earth tour on Dec. 4 at MGM Music Hall, where she will sing her hits “Runaway” and “Cure for Me.”
For anyone interested in Blues, Americana, Country, and Rock music, the annual live Allman Betts Family Revival will be held at the Orpheum Theater on Dec. 5. Featured artists include The Allman Betts Band, Luther Dickinson, Jimmy Hall, Lindsay Lou, Sierra Green, and Robert Randolph. Country singer Kip Moore will also be performing at Royale Boston on Dec. 13 and 14.
In addition to ice skating, baking cookies, decorating, and enjoying special meals, enjoying the arts serves as a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday spirit and soak in the city’s offerings.
Sophie Dauer ’27 (sophiedauer@college.harvard.edu) writes Arts for the Independent.