Denver’s Top Holiday Theater & Dance Events 2025

Tired of overcooked turkey and endless small talk? Denver’s vibrant theater and dance scene offers the perfect holiday escape this season. From classic ballets to irreverent comedies and dazzling drag shows, there’s a warm seat and festive fun waiting to transport you.

Embrace the Classics: Timeless Holiday Traditions

Nothing says holiday magic quite like Denver’s beloved classic performances. Whether you’re drawn to a heartwarming tale of redemption or the enchanting world of sugar plum fairies, these productions are sure to become cherished memories.

A Christmas Carol

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Theatre Company brings Dickens’s timeless tale to life at the Wolf Theatre from November 21 to December 28. Directed by Anthony Powell, this lavish production of Scrooge’s journey is a feast of Victorian spectacle, grand music, and a heart as big as Tiny Tim’s smile.

The Nutcracker Extravaganza: A Ballet for Every Taste

Denver offers a dazzling array of “Nutcracker” ballets this holiday season, each with its unique charm. This iconic production is a staple, delighting audiences with its whimsical story and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.

• Colorado Ballet: The “crown jewel” of Denver’s holiday calendar, running November 29 to December 28 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with the full Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Elegant, heartfelt, and steeped in 65 seasons of tradition.
• Boulder Ballet: Taking its magic on the road from November 28-December 14, with performances at Macky Auditorium (Boulder), Vance Brand Auditorium (Longmont), and the Stanley Hotel (Estes Park). Features live accompaniment and a sensory-friendly “Gentle Nutcracker” on December 6.
• Belliston Ballet: A Denver favorite for over thirty years, showcasing talented young dancers alongside stunning costumes and classic choreography, November 29-30 at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts.
• Talmi Entertainment presents NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: This dazzling production blends classical ballet with puppetry, acrobatics, and an international cast, November 29-30 at the Paramount Theatre.
• World Ballet Company: Based in Los Angeles, this Broadway-caliber production features forty world-class dancers, 150 handcrafted costumes, and hand-painted sets for a single evening performance on December 6 at the Newman Center.
• Ballet Ariel’s Nutcracker Suite: Part of a double bill with “Little Women,” this production offers refreshed choreography and highlights from Tchaikovsky’s score, December 12-14 (Lakewood) and December 27-28 (Northglenn).

Laughter and Lighthearted Escapes

Need a break from holiday stress? Denver’s stages are brimming with comedies and unique takes on festive stories designed to bring cheer without the fuss.

Festive Comedies & Humorous Twists

• Let Nothing You Dismay: A fast-paced comedy by Topher Payne running November 22-December 21 at Firehouse Theater Company. Eight actors juggle 22 characters as a Christmas Day adoption plan goes hilariously awry.
• The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol: Catch this delightfully disastrous sendup of the holiday classic, November 28-December 21 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. Expect technical mishaps and plenty of unintentional chaos.
• Stocking Stuffers: From the creators of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, this brand-new, adults-only comedy promises outrageous characters and catchy tunes. Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, November 28-December 28.
• Santa’s Big Red Sack – The Final Season: After more than two decades, Denver’s most irreverent Christmas tradition takes its final bow. Expect outrageous sketches, musical mayhem, and twisted humor, December 4-24 at The People’s Building.

Nostalgic & Engaging Performances

• It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: Travel back to the golden age of radio at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, November 29-December 28. This inventive retelling of the holiday classic features live sound effects and period music.
• A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin: Join Macaulay Culkin himself for a big-screen showing of Home Alone, followed by an exclusive live Q&A. Paramount Theatre, December 9.

Dazzling Drag & Modern Holiday Twists

For those seeking holiday cheer with a side of sass, Denver’s contemporary and drag performances offer sparkle, wit, and unforgettable entertainment.

Queens of Christmas

• A Drag Queen Christmas: Hosted by Nina West and featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alums, this show promises holiday hilarity, high heels, and festive songs, November 29 at the Buell Theatre (ages 18+).
• The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show: Drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring their acclaimed show to the Paramount Theatre for one glitter-drenched night, December 12.
• HoliSLAY: Meow Wolf Denver hosts this fabulous holiday tradition featuring the House of L’Whor. Expect fierce performances, camp, and cabaret for a 21+ crowd, December 19-20 at The Perplexiplex.

Contemporary & Offbeat Productions

• Holidays at the Hideaway Hotel: Contemporary dance group Wonderbound turns the season upside down with this new black comedy from Artistic Director Garrett Ammon. Blending dark humor, surreal storytelling, and live music, December 11-21.
• A John Waters Christmas: The “Pope of Trash,” John Waters, returns for a one-man sleigh ride through the filthiest corners of festive cheer. Expect wicked wit and outrageous anecdotes, December 14 at the Boulder Theater.

Family-Friendly Holiday Fun

Beyond the Nutcracker, there’s another beloved tale perfect for the whole family, ensuring smiles all around.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

The Grinch returns to the Buell Theatre from December 3-7 to steal Christmas and your heart. This colorful stage adaptation features classic songs, playful choreography, and a quick 85-minute run time, ideal for families and anyone who loves a good redemption story.

To help you choose the perfect ballet, here’s a quick comparison of the Nutcracker productions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver’s Holiday Shows

• Are these events suitable for families?
  Many events like “A Christmas Carol,” “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” and various “Nutcracker” ballets are perfect for all ages. Always check specific show descriptions for age recommendations.
• Where can I find tickets?
  Ticket information and links are typically available on the individual theater or ballet company websites mentioned in the article. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
• Are there any adult-only holiday shows?
  Absolutely! For mature audiences, consider “Stocking Stuffers,” “A Drag Queen Christmas,” “Santa’s Big Red Sack,” “Holidays at the Hideaway Hotel,” “A John Waters Christmas,” and “HoliSLAY.”
• What are the key dates for holiday shows?
  Most shows run from late November through December. Popular productions like “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” often span a full month, while many unique shows are single-day or limited runs, making early booking crucial.
• Is there a sensory-friendly option for “The Nutcracker”?
  Yes, Boulder Ballet offers “The Gentle Nutcracker,” a sensory-friendly version specifically crafted for neurodiverse audiences, on December 6th in Longmont.

Don’t let the holiday season pass you by without experiencing the magic of Denver’s performing arts. Whether you seek tradition, laughter, or a vibrant new twist, securing your tickets early is key to making memories that truly sparkle.

Denver Top Holiday Theater Dance Events