Orange County has some amazing Christmas Plays, Christmas Shows and Musical Christmas Performances happening this year! Gotta make up for last year...right! There are shows that are suited for all audiences, so find the ones that your family will enjoy thee most!
Here is a List of Christmas Shows Happening in Orange County in 2023
The Christmas Theater, Music and Choir Performances are happening in Orange County this 2023 season. Tickets are available now!
A Christmas Carol
November 25 - December 24, 2023
6pm
Segerstrom Stage
South Coast Reperatory, Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues! From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle.
Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 19 - 24, 2023
Segerstrom Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theatres in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theatre-goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
Who Stole Christmas
December 8 - 10, 2023
Times Vary
Rose Center Theater
14140 All American Way, Westminster, CA
Clifton Dance Project holds an annual winter performance of 'Who Stole Christmas' at the Westminster Rose Center Theater!
Live Holiday Musical Performance at Pacific City
From Black Friday through Christmas Eve | Times Vary
Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
FREE
Pacific City shoppers will enjoy a number of live musical performances at various locations throughout the center. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on five Fridays (November 25th, December 2nd, December 9th, December 16th and December 23rd), the YuleTones, a contemporary pop a cappella group, will sing holiday favorites around the Christmas tree. On Small Business Saturday (November 26th) as well as three Sundays in December (December 4th, December 11th and December 18th), from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Cara LaGreen, jazz aficionado, will share her singing talents on the Ocean Deck. These performances are free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required.
Silent Night Silent Disco
December 8, 2023
Julianne and George Argyros Plaza
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
FREE
We can’t guarantee calm, but we can guarantee bright! Ring in the holiday season with us this year at the next Silent Night Silent Disco! With three upbeat channels to choose from to play on your own light-up wireless headphones, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you love the holiday classics or hits from the Top 40, The Silent DJs will have you rockin’ around the dance floor all night long!
Handel’s Messiah
December 3, 2023
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries of fads and fashions, Handel's "Messiah" is an event of joy, reflection, and renewal. Thrill to blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and the electrifying, uplifting "Hallelujah" chorus!
Tis' the Season
December 17-18, 2023
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall rings with the sounds of holiday cheer when the Grammy-winning Pacific Chorale presents its annual extravaganza! One of Orange County’s favorite musical traditions, Tis the Season! offers a selection of holiday favorites seasoned with delightful surprises in a concert the entire family can enjoy.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer the Musical
November 16, 2023 | 6:30pm
Downey Theater
8435 Firestone Boulevard, Downey, CA
Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL.
The Skivvies - Best in Snow
December 11 & 12, 2023
The Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
The Skivvies are back! Broadway's Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley return to the Laguna Playhouse for two nights of the most outrageous holiday show of the season. This undie-rock, comedy pop, award-winning duo perform stripped-down, mashed-up versions of holiday favorites and more. Expect to see ukulele, electric cello and an array of zany instruments.
A Cinderella Christmas
December 7 - 29, 2023
The Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
This holiday season, put on your glass slippers and join us for our annual Lythgoe Family Panto, A Cinderella Christmas! Based on the traditional British panto, where the audiences' participation is part of the show, expect a hilarious, heartwarming evening full of song, dance and holiday merriment!
Sister's Christmas Catechism
December 18 & 19, 2023
The Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA
It's "CSI: Bethlehem" in this holiday mystery extravaganza, from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages - whatever happened to the Magi's gold?
Retelling the story of the nativity, as only Sister can, this hilarious holiday production is bound to become a yearly classic. Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir as well as a gaggle of audience members, Sister creates a living nativity unlike any you've ever seen. With gifts galore and bundles of laughs, Sister's Christmas Catechism sure to become the newest addition to your holiday traditions.
Christmas With THE ALLEY CATS
November 24 - 26, 2023
Curtis Theatre
1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA
The Alley Cats are coming home for Christmas! With their four-part harmony and delightful antics, it’s no wonder why these musical comics are America’s favorite Doo Wop group! The Alley Cats have been Jay Leno’s opening act for the past decade. Additionally, they have opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers and have appeared on numerous television shows for NBC, CBS, and PBS. Their popular Christmas show is a can’t-miss holiday event.
It's a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play
December 14 - 17, 2023
Times Vary
Curtis Theatre
1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
A Christmas with Scrooge
November 24 - December 20, 2023
Musical Theater Village
36 C Mauchly, Irvine, CA
Musical Theatre Village is a community theater in Irvine with over 25 years of experience. We present six family-oriented musical plays each year, featuring local talents such as individuals and family groups.
Tis the Season!
December 19 & 20, 2021
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Let Pacific Chorale set the mood for your holiday festivities with their traditional musical extravaganza, featuring favorite seasonal selections, fun surprises, and a special visitor from the North Pole! We’ve been waiting all year to share this celebration of the holiday spirit with you!
Fiesta Navidad
December 23, 2023
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
One of Orange County’s most beloved holiday events, Fiesta Navidad, features the Grammy Award®-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a concert filled with festive music and dance. This celebration of Mexican holiday traditions is a joyous annual tradition at Segerstrom Center, perfect for the whole family.
Concordia Christmas Concert - Navidad: A Journey to Bethlehem
December 9, 2023
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Celebrate the Christmas season with the voices and instruments of Concordia University Irvine. Concordia's annual Christmas concert tradition returns to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Concordia’s critically-acclaimed choirs, handbells, and orchestra share a sojourn to the birth of the world’s long-awaited Savior!
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas By Chip Davis
December 4, 2021 | 7pm
Segerstrom Stage
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
“Mannheim is on its merry way and music is the star on the Christmas tour.” - USA Today
This ultimate holiday tradition has been America’s favorite for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since the first Christmas album. This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.
The World Was Waiting
December 12, 2023 | 5 & 8pm
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Millennial® Choirs & Orchestras proudly presents The World Was Waiting, featuring some of the most beloved Christmas carols and holiday favorites from across the globe, performed by a stunning musical force of hundreds of musicians: the breathtaking Youth Choirs, the majestic Grand Chorus, and the festive Symphony Orchestra. Join us for this festive celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Holiday Organ Spectacular
December 19, 2023
7:30pm
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Celebrate the season with the king of instruments! Enjoy a magnitude of musical splendors with world-class organist Todd Wilson and members of Pacific Symphony performing a delightful mix of sacred and holiday music. Favorite Christmas carols share the bill with traditional organ works that highlight the 4,322-pipe William J. Gillespie Concert Organ.
A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty
December 14 - 16, 2023
7:30pm
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Santa is making an early delivery this year (to all the good little Broadway-loving girls and boys): Center favorite Megan Hilty is returning with a new holiday show! The star of WICKED and TV’s SMASH, Megan is an artist who has developed a special relationship with our Cabaret audience over just a few years!
We’re so thrilled to have Megan back where she belongs, with us for a brand-new holiday show. Expect to be dazzled, delighted, and thoroughly entertained at these performances in the Center’s Cabaret!
Want to see an Orange County Nutcracker Performance?
How About Attending a Fun Christmas Event in Orange County!
Click here for a complete list of 150 Christmas Events in Orange County.
Carolyn Miller
Thank you so much for this absolutely fabulous list of Holiday events. Everything I could want in one place.
John
I wish that there were affordable performing arts events. As a senior citizen on a very low social security income, accessing these festive events has been impossible.