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 2024 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!
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The Best Christmas Shows in Tampa Bay
(Listed in order of date of appearance.)
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Straz
- Dates: November 12-17, 2024
- Location: The Straz, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $48
Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and help remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season.
Unwrap the Magic of the Holidays at the Zubrick Magic Theatre in St. Pete
- Dates: November 15-December 29, 2024 on select nights
- Location: 1211 First Ave North, Suite 101 in St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $49.99
If you’re seeking to make this holiday season truly enchanting, there’s one essential experience you can’t miss in Tampa Bay: the Zubrick Magic Theatre. From November 17th to New Year’s Day, prepare to be captivated by the exceptional illusionists Chris & Ryan Zubrick as they unveil never-before-seen Christmas-themed magic sprinkled throughout their performance. Additionally, consider sharing the magic with your loved ones by gifting them special Zubrick Magic Theatre gift certificates, just in time for the festive season. Why settle for a gift they might like when you can offer them an experience you’re certain they’ll adore?
Holiday Classics at the Tampa Theatre in Downtown Tampa
- Dates: Select nights November 29, 2024 through January 7, 2024
- Location: 711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $10 for non-members
Holiday Classics are returning to the silver screen at the historic and beautiful Tampa Theatre with screenings of Mircale on 34th Street, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and more! There will be a Christmas Carol sing-a-long before select shows too.
The Nutcracker at Palladium Theater in St. Pete
- Date: December 6-8, 2024
- Location: Palladium Theatre, 253 5th Avenue N, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $30
The St Petersburg Ballet Company will perform The Nutcracker at the Palladium Theater in St. Pete. Tickets start at $30 and $10 each for group tickets of 10 or more (December 6 only).
St. Petersburg City Theater presents White Christmas the Musical in St. Pete
- Dates: December 7, 14, and 21, 2024
- 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 $28
In one night, Ebenezer Scrooge sees his past, present & future come to haunt him & discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A host of beloved characters come to life on stage in this spectacular annual production.
Trans-Siberia Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
- Date: December 15, 2024 at 2:30 and 7:30 pm
- Location: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $59.99
The Trans-Siberia Orchestra is back at Amalie Arena in Tampa with an ALL-NEW version of Christmas Eve and other stories.
St. Pete Opera: Holiday Sparkle
- Dates: December 17-18, 2024 at 7:30 pm
- Location: The Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg
- Tickets: $20 to $90
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 20: The Straz Center in Tampa a 8 pm
- December 21: Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 2 pm and 8 pm
- December 22: Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
- Tickets: Kids 5-18 can get tickets for $20
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 20, 2024, at 4 pm and 8 pm
- Location: The Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First Street S, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $46
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 20-23, 2024
- 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!
Rockapella Christmas in Clearwater
- Date: December 21, 2024 at 8 pm
- Location: Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleaveland Street, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $30
Rockapella brings its exciting, internationally acclaimed, acappella 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.
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland in Clearwater
- Date: December 21, 2024 at 7 pm
- Location: Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater
- Tickets: Tickets start at $38
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.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Straz Center
- Dates: December 26-28, 2024
- Location: The Straz, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa
- Tickets: Tickets start at $21.25
Cirque Dreams Holidazewill keep the seasonal cheer going with a dazzling celebration of the red and the green. Characters from holiday stories come to life on stage as acrobats soar above, dancers sparkle, and contortionists contort in ways not thought possible. Classic holiday songs get a twist as well in this whimsical holiday show.
The Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete
- Dates: December 28, 2024 at 3 pm
- Location: The Mahaffey Theater, 400 First Street South, St. Pete
- Tickets: Tickets start at $37
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!