The Best Holiday Shows in Tampa Bay to See With the Kids
The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are among the holiday shows in Tampa Bay that have become a tradition for local families. These beloved holiday performances are back on stage in 2026 along with many more Christmas shows you won’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to explore our list of Best Christmas Events in Tampa Bay and Where to Take Pictures with Santa!
Ok–now let’s dive into some of our favorite holiday shows to help you plan out your December to remember!
Featured Christmas Shows in Tampa Bay
We’re giving the following partners’ events an extra shout-out since their support helps us provide this amazing holiday shows guide to you for free!
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live on Stage!
- Date: Sunday, November 25, 2026
- Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater
This November, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage! returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall to spread holiday cheer with the timeless characters, music and heart that have made it a cherished family tradition for generations. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season.
More Christmas Shows in Tampa Bay
(Listed in order of date of appearance.)
Zubrick Magic Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular
- Dates: Select dates, November 12 – January 3, 2027, various showtimes
- Location: St. Pete
Celebrate the season with Zubrick Magic Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular, a dazzling 70-minute performance created and produced by Illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick. Featuring world-class magic, holiday-inspired surprises, audience interaction and plenty of unexpected moments, this special production blends audience favorites with fresh seasonal touches. It’s a festive tradition for families, friends and anyone looking to experience something truly magical this holiday season in downtown St. Petersburg.
Annie
- Dates: November 13-22, 2026, various times
- Location: Straz Center
Set in 1930s New York City, Annie follows the spirited young orphan whose endless optimism helps her overcome life at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage and embark on an adventure that changes her life forever!
‘Twas the Night Before … by Cirque du Soleil
- Date: November 18-29, 2026, various times
- Location: Straz Center
For years, Isabella and her father have read “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, but now, Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. Suddenly, the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastic journey.
Lindsey Stirling – Snow Waltz Tour
- Date: November 19, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Ruther Eckerd Hall
Lindsey Stirling returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall with her acclaimed Snow Waltz Holiday Tour, combining breathtaking violin performances, stunning choreography, and holiday magic!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
- Date: Friday, November 20, 2026, at 8 p.m.
- Location: Mahaffey Theatre, St. Pete
Don’t miss the holiday spectacular everyone will be talking about! A Magical Cirque Christmas is coming to the Mahaffey Theater for one unforgettable evening of world-class cirque artistry, comedy, magic and music. Featuring breathtaking aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and specialty performers, this dazzling production brings beloved Christmas classics to life with a fresh, modern twist. Filled with jaw-dropping feats, festive fun and unforgettable moments, “A Magical Cirque Christmas” is the perfect holiday experience for the whole family, a festive night out or a gathering with friends.
The Nutcracker
- Date: December 3-5, 2026, at various times
- Location: Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Avenue N, St. Pete
The St. Petersburg Ballet Company will perform The Nutcracker at the Palladium Theater in St. Pete.
DISNEY TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT
- Date: December 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m., and December 6, 2 p.m.
- Location: Mahaffey Theatre
Experience the contemporary holiday classic on the big screen in full symphonic glory with composer Danny Elfman’s musical score performed live to the film by The Florida Orchestra.
Holiday Shows to be Announced
Tampa Theatre Holiday Classics
- Date:2026 TBA
- Location: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa
Pop over to the Tampa Theatre this Christmas and enjoy holiday movies and other late-night activities. It’s not just a movie, it’s a whole experience right at your fingertips. Tickets are $14 ($9 for Tampa Theatre Members) and are available for purchase at the historic Franklin Street Box Office or online at www.TampaTheatre.org! Want to know more? Check out the Holiday Classics Series coming to the theater this year!
- MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)
- Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 3 pm
- Before the film, guests are invited to meet and snap photos with Old St. Nick himself, starting at 2:00 pm in the lobby.
- Sing-Along WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)
- Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3 pm
- ELF (2003)
- Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 pm
- IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
- Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7 pm
- Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 7 pm
- Monday, December 22, 2025, at 3 pm & 7 pm
- Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 3 pm & 7 pm
- Love Actually (2003)
- Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 3 p.m.
If the “nice list” nostalgia of the Holiday Classics isn’t your cup of cocoa, their late-night Friday REWIND offerings might be just the thing to frost your cookies. All Friday REWIND showings are $9 for general admission and $6 for Tampa Theatre members.
Vienna Light Orchestra in St. Pete
- Date: December 10, 2025, at 7 pm
- Location: The Mahaffey Theater: 400 First Street South, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $58
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas with Vienna Light Orchestra’s Christmas Tour 2025. Celebrated for their captivating performances, this world-renowned ensemble features the musical brilliance of musicians and stunning sopranos from seven different countries, delivering a breathtaking evening of holiday magic.
St. Petersburg City Theater presents A Christmas Carol in St. Pete
- Dates: December 12-21, 2025
- Location: St. Petersburg City Theatre’s MainStage, 4025 31st Street South, St. Pete
- Tickets: Children 10 and younger are $10, Students are $15 and adult tickets are $23
The beloved holiday tradition returns! Join ST. Petersburg City Theater for Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by spirits of past, present, and future. With heartwarming music, dazzling costumes, and a powerful message of compassion and generosity, A Christmas Carol is a must-see event for the whole family.
Frozen Live in Concert with Live Orchestra
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2 pm and 7 pm
- Location: Mahaffey Theater
- Cost: $20+
Experience Disney’s Frozen with The Florida Orchestra performing Christophe Beck’s GRAMMY®-nominated score live to film on the big screen!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
- Date: December 14, 2025, at 3:00 and 7:30 pm
- Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $57
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back at Amalie Arena in Tampa with the NEW version of Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
Next Generations Ballet’s Nutcracker at The Straz Center
- Date: December 19-23, 2025, multiple show times available
- Location: 1010 NW C MacInnes Pl., Tampa
- Cost: $26.50+
Enter Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and some of ballet’s most famous music during Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker!
St. Pete Opera: Holiday Sparkle
- Dates: December 19-21, 2025, at various times
- Location: The Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg
- Tickets: $25 to $95
Holiday Pops at its grandest! Our Holiday Sparkle fills the Palladium with an outpouring of musical holiday joy. You’ll be swept away by the glorious sounds of our 40-piece orchestra, and our holiday sparkle singers will touch your heart with their choral and solo renderings of popular favorites, both sacred and secular. Share the season’s joy with family and friends!
The Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops
- December 19, 2025: The Straz Center in Tampa at 8 pm
- December 20, 2025: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 2 pm and 8 pm
- December 21, 2025: Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
- Tickets: Tickets start at $30
The Florida Orchestra will make its rounds in Tampa Bay to perform holiday classics at The Staz in Tampa, Mahaffey in St. Pete, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. There are two matinee shows on schedule for kiddos who can’t stay up late.
A Very Broadway Christmas in St. Pete
- Dates: December 21, 2025, at 3 pm and 7 pm
- Location: The Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First Street S, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $57
Broadway on the Bay’s A Very Broadway Christmas is an enchanting holiday experience featuring musical numbers from some of your favorite Broadway Christmas shows as well as some holiday classics. Come spend an evening at the Mahaffey Theater with multiple Broadway stars representing an array of Broadway shows.
The Nutcracker at The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa
- Dates: December 19-23, 2025
- Location: The Straz, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $21.25
Enter Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents and some of ballet’s most famous music. Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker features award-winning young dancers from NGB alongside guest star dancers from American Ballet Theatre, Chloe Misseldine and Jarod Curley. Curley is the first NGB alumnus from a major American ballet company to guest star in NGB’s Nutcracker. This glittering Tampa holiday tradition should not be missed!
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland in Clearwater
- Date: December 19, 2025, at 7 pm
- Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $49
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland, the must-see holiday event, comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall! “Wonderland” is an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled, unforgettable holiday-themed show experience. Featuring the talented cast of Cirque Musica, spectators will be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer.
Rockapella Christmas in Clearwater
- Date: December 20, 2025, at 8 pm
- Location: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleaveland Street, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $38
Rockapella brings its exciting, internationally acclaimed a cappella sound back to the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre with a night of holiday classics! For their new Christmas show, the a capella superstars will perform holiday classics like “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “White Christmas” with their original holiday hits “The Hope We Hold,” “Christmas Without You,” and more.
Celtic Angels Christmas in Clearwater
- Date: December 20, 2025, at 7 pm
- Location: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleaveland Street, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $44
Celtic Angels Christmas is back at The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre! Get swept away with The Celtic Angels in this dazzling collection of Holiday and Irish favorites. A truly joyous seasonal celebration from start to finish. Feel the magic of the Celtic Angels as they invite you to immerse yourself in the electric ambience of an Irish Christmas. Witness the power and precision of the world-class Irish step dancers, The Celtic Knights, accompanied by the thrilling live tunes of the Trinity Ensemble.
Dolly Parton’s Rocky Mountain Christmas in Clearwater
- Dates: December 22-23, 2025
- Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $44
Celebrate the holidays with a new take on a classic as Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol makes it’s Clearwater debut at Ruth Eckerd Hall! Featuring music and lyrics by eleven-time GRAMMY® winner Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a heartwarming musical that reinvents Dickens’ classic in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee of the 1930s. This unforgettable production and amazing cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest gift we have.
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete
- Dates: December 28, 2025, at 12 pm, 4 pm, and 8 pm
- Location: The Mahaffey Theater, 400 First Street South, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $43
The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete is celebrating the story of the Nutcracker with an all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics!