Philadelphia Holiday Shows: Festive Guide For 2025

Philadelphia does the holidays with a kind of cinematic confidence. The city’s historic architecture looks even better under twinkle lights, Center City sidewalks feel extra lively after dark, and Broad Street’s marquee glow turns an ordinary winter evening into something that feels like an occasion. If you’re visiting in December and want to plan your itinerary around Philadelphia holiday shows, you’re in the right place—because Philly’s seasonal lineup delivers big, classic “must-see” productions alongside family-friendly theater and concerts that bring the room together in that warm, holiday way.

Below are four standout holiday and Christmas shows in Philadelphia for 2025, each with a different vibe—so you can build the perfect weekend (or weeklong) winter trip.

Philadelphia Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

If you’re looking for the signature “only-in-December” event in Philly, this is it. Philadelphia Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker runs December 5–31, 2025, at the Academy of Music, making it one of the city’s biggest and most tradition-rich holiday runs.

What makes it special isn’t just the story—fighting mice, toy soldiers, and a trip to the Land of Sweets—it’s the setting. The Academy of Music has that gilded, old-world theater energy that instantly elevates the night. If you want your holiday plans to include “dress up a little,” take photos under the marquee, and feel like you’re stepping into a classic winter postcard, prioritize this one early.

Weekend performances and the final stretch between Christmas and New Year’s tend to be the first to tighten up, so it’s smart to lock tickets in as soon as your travel dates are set.

The Philly Pops — A Philly Holiday Spectacular

For a pure “Deck the Halls” concert experience, The Philly Pops brings the seasonal energy in a big way. A Philly Holiday Spectacular hits Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center with two performances: Saturday, December 13, 2025 and Sunday, December 14, 2025.

This is the kind of show that feels instantly communal—full orchestra, holiday favorites, and a room that’s ready to celebrate together. The Pops also lean into the Philly personality: big vocals, big moments, and a program designed for maximum cheer. If your group wants something festive that isn’t strictly “theater” or “ballet,” this is an easy win.

The Kimmel Center sits right on Broad Street, so you can make the whole night feel effortless—dinner nearby, show, then a post-concert walk through Center City while the city is lit up for the season.

The Philadelphia Orchestra — The Glorious Sound of Christmas

If your ideal holiday night is elegant, warm, and a little bit goosebump-inducing, put The Glorious Sound of Christmas on your short list. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s holiday programming runs December 18–20, 2025, at Marian Anderson Hall.

This is an excellent pick for travelers who want the “classic holiday concert” experience—seasonal music performed at the highest level in one of the city’s premier concert spaces. It’s also a nice counterbalance if your trip includes more high-energy sightseeing: the orchestra gives you a two-hour reset that still feels intensely seasonal.

If you’re visiting with a group that spans different ages (or other music tastes), orchestra holiday concerts often land right in the sweet spot: festive, accessible, and memorable without needing everyone to be a classical superfan.

Walnut Street Theatre for Kids — A Christmas Carol

Traveling with kids (or want something lighter and shorter that still feels classic)? Walnut Street Theatre’s hour-long musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is designed specifically for families—and it’s a great way to weave a show into a busy holiday itinerary without committing to a full-length evening production. The run is December 6–21, 2025.

Because it’s streamlined and kid-focused, it’s an ideal daytime add-on: see the show, then head to lunch, a holiday market, or a stroll around Center City. It also hits that sweet spot of being undeniably Christmas without requiring late-night logistics—especially helpful if your trip includes little ones who are running on pure holiday excitement.

The production notes indicate it includes theatrical effects (haze, flashing lights, and sound effects), which helps plan if anyone in your group is sensitive to them.

Plan Your Philadelphia Holiday Shows Early

Philadelphia holiday shows are popular for a reason: they’re seasonal, tradition-driven, and they tend to cluster around the same high-demand weekends. If your trip dates are fixed, buying early gives you better seat options and less stress—especially for prime December nights.

When you’re ready to compare shows, dates, and venues, visit BoxOfficeTicketSales.com to find tickets for Philadelphia’s top holiday performances and build a winter itinerary you’ll be talking about long after the lights come down.