From “The Nutcracker” to “A Drag Queen Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol,” there are many holiday season performances to check out in Pittsburgh.
As always, check performance websites for updated and current information.
DRUMLine Live Holiday Spectacular
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19 — Benedum Center
DRUMLine Live Holiday Spectacular brings a high-energy mix of gospel, jazz, soul, Motown, hip-hop and HBCU marching band traditions to holiday favorites. Featuring dazzling vocals, choreography and a show-stopping “Little Drummer Boy,” the production blends classics with hits from Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber for festive family entertainment.
A Drag Queen Christmas
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24 — Byham Theater
Have a gay old holiday season as Nina West hosts “A Drag Queen Christmas” with several of her friends. The show is considered the longest-running drag tour in America. Queens expected to appear: Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, Darlene Mitchell, Juicy Love Dion, Discord Addams, Crystal Methyd and Silky Ganache. A separate ticketed VIP event is planned before the show.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 24-29 — Benedum Center
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” brings the beloved holiday story to the stage with colorful sets, whimsical costumes and familiar songs including “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Narrated by Max the Dog, the musical follows the Grinch’s plan to steal Christmas from Whoville before discovering the season’s true meaning.
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration LIVE!
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 — Byham Theater
Jim Brickman returns for the holidays with “A Christmas Celebration,” featuring Christmas favorites, stories, audience requests and some of his best-known songs, including “The Gift,” “Love of My Life” and “Valentine.”
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 — Byham Theater
BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are bringing “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” back to the stage for another season. The production combines comedy, original songs, dance numbers and elaborate costumes, with the pair putting their own irreverent spin on holiday traditions while also focusing on friendship and community.
Who’s Holiday!
Dec. 2-23 — Greer Cabaret Theater
“Who’s Holiday!” finds Cindy Lou all grown, with cocktails, curses and a life of her own. Matthew Lombardo’s R-rated show mixes raunchy fun with holiday glow, but beneath every joke and mischievous cue is a simple reminder: a little kindness can go a long way, too.
Hey Hon, It’s a Wonderful Life
Dec. 3-20 — The Lillie Theatre (South Side)
“It’s a Wonderful Life” gets a Pittsburgh twist in “Hey Hon, It’s a Wonderful Life” — a holiday tale about hometahn hero George Bailey, who’s feeling ready to throw in the terrible towel on Christmas Eve. But when an angel swoops dahn to show him what really matters, George learns that friends, family and community are what make life wonderful n’at.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 4-27 — Benedum Center
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will present Terrence S. Orr’s “The Nutcracker” for the final time before a new production debuts in 2027. Set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, the longtime Pittsburgh holiday tradition will take audiences into its sparkling world of Christmas magic for one last season.
Handel’s Messiah
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 — Heinz Hall
Handel’s “Messiah” remains one of the composer’s most distinctive and enduring works. Drawn entirely from biblical text, the oratorio unfolds in three parts, tracing the advent, passion and resurrection of Christ. With prominent choruses and a deeply sacred focus, the work was intended to inspire audiences as much as entertain them.
Leslie Odom Jr. The Christmas Tour 2026
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8 — Heinz Hall
Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. will perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as part of his “The Christmas Tour 2026.” The concert will feature holiday standards, songs from Odom’s Christmas albums and selections from “Hamilton,” including music tied to his Tony-winning role as Aaron Burr.
Straight No Chaser
8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8 — Benedum Center
A cappella group Straight No Chaser is returning to the road for a holiday tour featuring seasonal favorites, new arrangements and the group’s signature humor. The nine-member ensemble has sold more than three million albums and earned more than one billion streams during its more than two decades of performing.
A Musical Christmas Carol
Dec. 11-23 — Byham Theater
“A Musical Christmas Carol” returns with the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. The holiday production follows Scrooge’s journey toward redemption, with seasonal carols, special effects and a message centered on family, friendship and love.
Highmark Holiday Pops
Dec. 11-20 — Heinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh will come together for Highmark Holiday Pops. The annual tradition features seasonal favorites including “Sleigh Ride” and the “Hallelujah” chorus, along with audience sing-alongs, special guests and plenty of Christmas cheer.
It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert
7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 16 — Heinz Hall
“It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert” pairs the classic holiday film with a live performance of Dimitri Tiomkin’s score by a symphony orchestra. The movie, starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, follows a man in crisis who is shown by his guardian angel how much his life has meant to others.
A Lyrical Christmas Carol
Dec. 16-20 — Gargaro Theater
Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Young Artist Production of “A Lyrical Christmas Carol” returns as a holiday tradition dating to 1990. Adapted by Ken and Jane Gargaro from Charles Dickens’ classic, the production follows Scrooge’s Christmas Eve transformation and features holiday carols, with PMT Conservatory students performing onstage and working behind the scenes.
Holiday Brass Spectacular
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17 — Heinz Hall
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s brass section takes center stage for its annual Holiday Brass Spectacular. The concert features a mix of Baroque selections and new arrangements of familiar holiday favorites, showcasing the ensemble’s powerful sound in a festive program for audiences of all ages.
Whose Trick is it Anyway? Holiday Edition
Dec. 17-27 — Liberty Magic
“Whose Trick is it Anyway? Holiday Edition” returns with an unscripted mix of magic and comedy featuring Pittsburgh magicians Dan Harmon, Eric Meredith and Michael Misko. The holiday show blends card tricks, mentalism, sleight of hand and improvisation.
Feel The Love – A B.E. Taylor Christmas
7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 22 — Heinz Hall
The B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert will return to Heinz Hall this December for a one-night performance honoring B.E. and Veronica Taylor. The concert celebrates the holiday tradition the couple built over three decades and will be dedicated to Veronica Taylor.
It's Christmas 365 