Central Mass and the surrounding MetroWest region truly sparkle during the holidays! If you’re searching for family-friendly Christmas shows near Worcester or the perfect place to see The Nutcracker this year, look no further. We’ve gathered the must-see holiday shows that will create cherished holiday memories for your family across Central MA this season.
Wed, Nov 26 through Sun, Dec 14
‘Twas the Night Before…By Cirque du Soleil (Wang Theater, Boston)
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. This festive show brings a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, thrilling acrobatics, and hugely lovable characters that will create a new holiday tradition for families to cherish.
Fri, Nov 28th – Sun, Nov 30th
The Nutcracker (The Hanover Theatre, Worcester)
Kick off Thanksgiving weekend with this classic ballet featuring the Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra providing live accompaniment.
Sat, Nov 29th
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (DCU Center, Worcester)
An electrifying, must-see holiday rock opera concert known for its spectacular lights and pyro effects.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (Shubert Theatre, Boston)
Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics!
Sat, Nov 29th – Sun, Nov 30th
Fri, Dec 5th
The 2025 Boston Pops Holiday Tour (The Hanover Theatre, Worcester)
Join Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra for their sparkling and beloved Holiday Pops concert, joined by the Metropolitan Chorale. Santa makes an appearance!
Sat, Dec 6th
Handel’s Messiah (Mechanics Hall, Worcester)
A beautiful, long-running tradition featuring The Worcester Chorus and soloists performing Handel’s 1741 masterpiece.
“A Christmas Carol” (Gore Place, Waltham)
An elaborate reading of the classic Dickens story in the historic 1793 Carriage House, enriched with live violin and soprano vocals. Hot chocolate included!
Sat, Dec 6th & Sun, Dec 7th
FPAC Holiday Productions’ The Nutcracker (Franklin High School Auditorium, Franklin)
A popular production featuring a live orchestra, special guest artists, and over 100 area dancers.
Sun, Dec 7th
Dance Prism Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Rogers Theater, LSRHS, Sudbury)
Part of Dance Prism’s regional tour, offering a professional staging with lively choreography.
Sat, Dec 13th
Dance Prism Ballet’s The Nutcracker(Littleton Performing Arts Center, Littleton)
Part of Dance Prism’s regional tour, offering a professional staging with lively choreography.
Sun, Dec 14th
Dance Prism Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Mechanics Hall, Worcester)
A family-friendly production featuring a towering Christmas tree, captivating choreography, and a special photo opportunity with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy after the show.
The Nutcracker Ballet (Hopkinton High School, Hopkinton)
Step into the Magic of the Season with HCA Dance’s The Nutcracker Ballet!
Wed, Dec 17th – Sun, Dec 28th
A Christmas Carol (The Hanover Theatre, Worcester)
New England’s largest annual production of the Dickens favorite, accompanied by the theatre’s spectacular Mighty Wurlitzer Organ! (Includes a Sensory-Friendly performance on Dec 17th and ASL/Audio Description on Dec 21st).
Did we miss your favorite show this holiday season? Let us know in the comments so we can add it!
