Holiday Magic Awaits: The Best Christmas Shows for Kids in DC This 2025 Season

The 2025 holiday season is the perfect time for families in the DC area to trade screen time for stage lights and make new traditions together. From beloved storybook characters to high-flying circus spectacles, there are countless Christmas shows for kids in DC that turn a simple night out into a memory everyone talks about for years. Whether you have little ones seeing their first live performance or teens who think they’ve seen it all, there are Christmas shows in DC that will have the whole family laughing, singing, and cheering together. To see the complete lineup of festive offerings, be sure to visit our Holiday & Christmas Plays in DC page, where you’ll find the full list of holiday shows in DC this season.

Below are just a few of the family-friendly productions lighting up stages around the region this year, each offering its own magical entry into the spirit of the season.

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The National Theatre

Dec 30 – Jan 4, 2026
The classic Dr. Seuss tale bursts to life onstage as the Grinch, with a heart “two sizes too small,” plots to swipe Christmas from the joyful Whos down in Whoville. Guided by Max the Dog, the story unfolds with lively choreography, dazzling sets, and costumes that look as if they’ve leapt straight out of the original illustrations. Featuring favorite songs like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” this musical wraps humor, heart, and holiday cheer into one colorful package, reminding families that the true spirit of the season can’t be stolen.

The 37th Annual Nutcracker at The Puppet Co.

Nov 28 – Dec 31, 2025
The Puppet Co.’s long-running tradition returns with a playful twist on Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet. Through imaginative puppetry, Clara’s magical night with her Nutcracker prince is retold with nursery rhyme flavor and a cozy, storybook feel that’s especially welcoming for younger children. The familiar music and fantastical characters—from toy soldiers to dancing sweets—create a gentle introduction to a classic holiday tale, making it a perfect first Nutcracker for kids and a cherished annual outing for families.

Elf The Musical at Toby's Dinner Theatre

Through Jan 4, 2026
Buddy the Elf’s larger-than-life enthusiasm takes center stage in this musical adaptation of the modern holiday favorite. Raised at the North Pole but clearly not elf-sized, Buddy discovers he’s actually human and heads to New York City to find his birth father and reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, his boundless optimism collides with big-city skepticism, leading to plenty of laughs, big musical numbers, and a heartfelt reminder that the holidays are about believing in each other. Paired with Toby’s signature in-the-round staging and dinner-theatre experience, it’s a festive night out that keeps everyone—from kids to grandparents—fully entertained.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Theater at MGM National Harbor

Dec 19 – Dec 20, 2025
For families who love spectacle, Cirque Dreams Holidaze turns holiday traditions into a high-flying celebration. Acrobats, jugglers, dancers, and singers come together in a fast-paced show where toy soldiers flip through the air, ornaments spin and twirl, and snowflakes seem to defy gravity. This production blends the feel of a Broadway musical with the thrills of a contemporary circus, all set to a festive soundtrack and eye-popping visuals. It’s the kind of event where kids sit on the edge of their seats and adults find themselves applauding just as loudly.

Frosty The Snow Man at Adventure Theatre MTC

Nov 26 – Jan 11, 2026
Adventure Theatre MTC brings the world’s most famous snowman to life in a warm-hearted wintertime romp. In this lively stage adaptation, Frosty springs to life for one unforgettable day filled with playful mischief, close calls, and plenty of laughter. Younger audiences will delight in Frosty’s wide-eyed wonder and silly antics, while parents will appreciate the show’s gentle message about friendship, kindness, and making the most of the time we have. It’s a charming choice for families looking for Christmas shows for kids in DC that capture the joy of snowy days and holiday magic.

Madeline's Christmas at Creative Cauldron

Dec 5 – Dec 21, 2025
Creative Cauldron’s beloved holiday tradition invites audiences into the vine-covered house in Paris where Madeline and her classmates live “in two straight lines.” In this musical adaptation, Christmas Eve arrives just as the girls and their teacher all fall ill, threatening to keep them from traveling home to their families. Madeline, as brave as ever, steps up to save the day with the help of a mysterious rug merchant and a bit of holiday magic. Filled with catchy songs, heartwarming humor, and the spirited charm of Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic character, this show is ideal for families who love stories about courage, friendship, and looking out for one another.

The Snowman and the Snowdog at Imagination Stage

Nov 22 – Jan 4, 2026
Imagination Stage presents a soaring new musical based on the enchanting follow-up to Raymond Briggs’ beloved “The Snowman.” Combining live actors, intricate puppetry, and immersive projections, the production tells the story of a boy who has just moved into a new home and is grieving the loss of his dog. When he builds a snowman—and a snowdog to keep it company—the two come to life, whisking him away on a magical nighttime journey. The show treats young audiences with sensitivity and wonder, offering a gentle exploration of loss, friendship, and healing that still feels full of holiday sparkle. It’s one of the most touching Christmas shows in DC for families looking for both beauty and emotional depth.

From snowmen and storybook heroines to gravity-defying acrobats and a certain green Christmas grump, the DC theatre scene is overflowing with holiday options that make it easy to gather the whole family and share the joy of live performance. And these productions are only a sample of what’s on stage this season. To explore the complete list of Christmas shows in DC for the 2025 holiday season, be sure to visit our Holiday Shows in DC page.