Christmas Comes Early with White Christmas at Riverside Center

The jack-o'-lanterns are still out, but the Christmas season is already making its grand entrance in the DC theater scene. Starting November 5, 2025, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, Virginia will kick off the holiday theatrical season with a beloved classic that has warmed hearts for generations: White Christmas: The Musical.

White Christmas at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts

Based on the iconic 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this stage adaptation captures all the charm, romance, and nostalgia of the original while bringing the story to vibrant theatrical life. The plot follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two World War II veterans who've traded their army boots for tap shoes and built a thriving song-and-dance career in the postwar years. When they cross paths with the beautiful Haynes sisters, a talented singing duo, romance and adventure ensue as the foursome heads to a picturesque Vermont lodge for a Christmas show. There's just one catch: the lodge happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former commanding officer, who's facing hard times. What follows is a heartwarming tale of loyalty, love, and the magic of pulling together to save the day.

The musical features a dazzling Irving Berlin score packed with standards that have become part of America's cultural fabric. From the wistful "Blue Skies" to the energetic "I Love a Piano" and the romantic "How Deep Is the Ocean," the show is a treasure trove of classic melodies. And of course, no production would be complete without the perennial title song that has soundtracked countless holiday seasons. This wholesome, uplifting production promises to delight audiences of all ages, making it the perfect outing for families looking to start their holiday celebrations early or for theater lovers who simply can't wait for Thanksgiving to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts provides an ideal setting for this festive production. Since opening its doors in 1998 with a production of *Oklahoma!*, this Stafford County venue has established itself as a premier entertainment destination in the mid-Atlantic region. What sets Riverside apart is its unique combination of professional-caliber theater and fine dining. Patrons can enjoy a three-course chef-prepared meal while watching the show, creating an immersive evening that engages all the senses. The venue's traditional proscenium stage features Virginia's only dinner theatre fly loft, allowing for seamless scene transitions that keep the magic flowing throughout the performance.

As a nonprofit organization, Riverside Center has become more than just a theater; it's a cultural cornerstone that enriches the community through educational programs, children's theater, scholarships, and outreach initiatives. The venue regularly attracts Broadway-caliber performers and musicians, ensuring that audiences experience productions of the highest quality. With over 100 mainstage productions and 120 children's musical adaptations under its belt, Riverside has proven its commitment to theatrical excellence while maintaining an accessible, welcoming atmosphere.

White Christmas: The Musical will run from November 5 through December 28, 2025, giving DC area theater lovers nearly two months to experience this holiday favorite. Whether you're looking to make it a new family tradition, planning a festive night out with friends, or simply want to escape into a world of romance, comedy, and timeless music, this production offers the perfect excuse to beat the holiday rush and start celebrating early. After all, when the show features songs this memorable and a story this heartwarming, who needs to wait for December?

For DC theater enthusiasts willing to make the short drive to Fredericksburg, Riverside Center's White Christmas promises to deliver all the sparkle, joy, and theatrical magic the season demands. Sometimes the best way to handle the early arrival of Christmas is to simply embrace it, and there's no better place to do that than in the warm glow of the footlights, with a delicious meal and a classic story that reminds us why this time of year remains so special.