Name: A Christmas Story the Musical
Start: 2025-11-23T14:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-23T16:00:00-05:00
Location: Walnut Street Theatre

2025 Must-See Fall and Holiday Theater Shows and Concerts in Philadelphia & the Main Line

The Philadelphia and Main Line theater scene is bringing the WOW factor to the stage this fall and holiday season

October 17, 2025

The temperatures outside may be turning chilly, but indoors the fall and holiday theater and concert season is just heating up. Fall and winter are the perfect times to plan an outing to the theater, so we’ve curated a list of outstanding performances for every age. From the Main Line to Philadelphia, watch performers break a leg at these family-friendly shows and concerts.

And if the Main Line and Philadelphia theater offerings below have you hankering for more live entertainment, join the audience at a Bucks County show as well.

Not-to-Be-Missed Theater Productions and Musical Offerings for a Lively Fall and Holiday Season

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Fall Theater Productions and Concerts in the Main Line and Philadelphia

There are plenty of options for enjoying a family-friendly theater offering or orchestral concert this fall in the Main Line and greater Philadelphia area. Choose from memorable musicals and concerts, as well as children’s books and movies adapted for the stage. Read on — you’re sure to find performances to satisfy various interests and attention-spans in the area this autumn.

Kids performing on stage in Bryn Mawr on the Main Line — Photo Courtesy of Wolf Performing Arts Center

Into the Woods

SALT Performing Arts Center, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs
October 10–26, 2025

Join SALT Performing Arts this fall season for Into the Woods. This musical brings Brothers Grimm fairytale characters together for a show exploring themes of wishes, family, and the consequences of our choices. A thought-provoking modern classic, the show weaves familiar storybook tales into a narrative that resonates with audiences. Please note that this show is rated PG-13 for mature content.

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” Jr.

The Media Theater, 104 East State Street, Media
October 11–26, 2025

Let’s get silly! Gerald and Piggie, the beloved main characters from Mo Willems’ celebrated children’s books, sing and dance their way on to the stage in Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” Jr. With familiar characters, goofy songs, and a story line about friendship, this show is the perfect introduction to the theater for young audiences.

Halloween Spectacular with the Philadelphia Orchestra

Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
October 18, 2025 at 11:30 am

This October, let the Philadelphia Orchestra take your family on a spellbinding adventure at their Halloween Spectacular conducted by Naomi Woo. This family-friendly concert features a bewitching mix of classic Halloween tunes and seasonal favorites. Bring your little witches and ghosts in costume for a magical morning filled with music, giggles, and festive fun. Get there at 10:30 am for pre-concert activities including a craft project, photo booth, and costume contest.

Fun at a Halloween performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra — Photo of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Halloween Spectacular by Allie Ippolito

Dragon Dinner Party

Wolf Performing Arts Center, 1240 Montrose Ave., Bryn Mawr
November 14–16, 2025

In Dragon Dinner Party, a delightful musical adaptation of the children’s book Dragons Love Tacos, a young host prepares a taco party for a group of hungry dragons. Despite his best efforts to follow all the rules, one small mistake leads to a hilariously fiery disaster. This creative production teaches young audiences about responsibility and learning from our mistakes. What’s more, the sho is performed by 1st and 2nd grade actors.

Back to the Future, the Musical

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
November 18–30, 2025

The ’80’s film classic Back to the Future rockets into Philadelphia as a thrilling Broadway musical bringing Marty McFly’s time-traveling adventure to the stage. When Marty accidentally gets transported to 1955 in Doc Brown’s time machine, he must race against time to fix history and find his way back to the future. This high-energy production promises to accelerate musical theater into a new dimension.

Back to the Future musical at the Academy of Music in Philly — Marty McFly jamming out in *Back to the Future* at the Academy of Music. Photo courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly.

Holiday Theater in the Main Line and Philadelphia

The 2025 holiday season is packed with theatrical faves from A Christmas Story The Musical and The Nutcracker, to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Blippi, and more. So sit back and enjoy some rousing entertainment and holiday cheer at one of these area productions.

A Christmas Story The Musical

Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
November 18, 2025–January 4, 2026

Experience the charm and humor of A Christmas Story The Musical as Ralphie, his family, and their hilarious antics entertain audiences this holiday season. Although he has only one holiday wish for a Red Rider BB gun, Ralphie finds himself foiled at every turn by broken eye glasses, neighborhood meanies, and his goofy family. Will he get his wish or “shoot (his) eye out?” Find out at Kids Night at the Walnut on December 2nd, when one child age 17 and under can get a free ticket for every paid adult ticket—call the theater for details.

A Christmas Carol

People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern
November 19, 2025–January 4, 2026

This winter, join People’s Light for their creative re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Featuring both original songs and traditional English carols, this performance sets the stage for a memorable holiday season exploring themes of family and forgiveness. Plan an outing the whole family will enjoy at this heartfelt performance in Malvern.

The Pirates of Penzance

Quintessence Theatre Group, 7137 Germantown Avenue, Mt. Airy, Philadelphia
November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026

Set sail this holiday season at the beloved comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance. In this show, when a young pirate turns 21, he expects freedom from his pirate apprenticeship. Then a shocking discovery about his birth certificate changes everything. Join pirates and beautiful maidens, as well as bumbling police officers in this timeless tale of duty and love complete with a touch of absurdity.

The Enchanted Nutcracker with the Rock School

The Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
December 4–7, 2025

The Rock School presents an inclusive performance of The Enchanted Nutcracker in a one-hour format with light narration. This show maintains the lively characters, costumes, and gorgeous dancing of the holiday classic. However, the simplified narration ensures every audience member feels included and at ease. It’s a joyful celebration designed to bring the community together to experience the holiday season in a welcoming environment.

The Nutcracker is brought to life by the Philadelphia Ballet this holiday season. — A magical Christmas scene is brought to life in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Iziliaev, courtesy of the Philadelphia Ballet

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The Philadelphia Ballet, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
December 5–31, 2025

Treat your family to the memorable experience of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, performed by the Philadelphia Ballet. This must-see holiday classic is an annual tradition unlike any other. Cross swords with the Mouse King and dine with the Sugarplum Fairy in this quintessential celebration of the holidays, all set to the beautiful, eternal Tchaikovsky score.

A Wrinkle in Time

Arden Theater Co., 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
December 6, 2025–January 25, 2026

Arden Children’s Theater presents the stage adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s novel, A Wrinkle in Time. Join Meg Murray, her brother, and friend Calvin as they travel through space and time in an attempt to find Meg’s father. Offering a touch of the fantastical, the Arden’s performance will transport audiences to other worlds this holiday and winter season! Check the theater’s calendar for special matinee performances and American Sign Language interpretive offerings.

Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
December 6–21, 2025

This holiday season, the Walnut Street Theatre for Kids presents a special hour-long musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Perfect for kids and families, this production uses classic songs to re-tell Dickens’ fantastical story. Come along as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the past, present, and possible future. Enjoy your choice of dates for a matinee performance with one evening show offering on December 21st.

Shrek the Musical KIDS

Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media
December 6, 7, and 13, 2025

The Hedgerow Theatre School students bring everyone’s favorite green ogre to the stage with their performance of Shrek the Musical KIDS. Laugh along the way as Shrek, Donkey, and a cadre of eccentric fairytale friends attempt to save Princess Fiona and reclaim Shrek’s swamp home from Lord Farquaad. These performances of Shrek the Musical KIDS are the culmination of a Musical Theatre class for Thriving Thespians in grades 3–8.

Kids rehearsing for theater show in Media on the Main Line — Come join these young thespians at Shrek The Musical KIDS at the Hedgerow Theatre

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

The Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
December 10, 2025 at 6 pm

Blippi and friends, including live musicians, dance their way into Philadelphia this December for the Blippi: Join the Band Tour. Young audience members will be introduced to concepts such as rhythm and the use of different instruments to make music in this lively performance. Please note that all attendees including babies require a ticket for the show.

The Trail to Oregon!

Wolf Performing Arts Center, 1240 Montrose Ave., Bryn Mawr
December 11–13, 2025

The Trail to Oregon! follows a hilariously inept American family as they embark on a perilous 1800s journey from Missouri to Oregon. This musical parody of the classic Oregon Trail video game delivers non-stop laughs through memorable songs and absurd humor. Expect a riotous adventure that turns the challenges of westward expansion into pure comedic gold. Featuring local youth actors in grades 7–12.

A Philly Holiday Spectacular with the Philly Pops

Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
December 13–14, 2025

Get your holiday started on a festive footing as the Philly Pops present A Philly Holiday Spectacular. Conducted by new Musical Director, Chris Dragon, this show will be filled with holiday favorites and special guests including The Philadelphia Boys’ Choir, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir, the Philly Pops Chorus, and a visitor from the North Pole. With an afternoon and evening showtime option, this must-see performance will certainly remind you why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Evil Dead The Musical

Footlighters Theater, 58 Main Avenue, Berwyn
December 5–14, 20l25

Footlighters Theater is a non-profit theater that has provided quality, affordable family and adult entertainment to the Main Line for over 90 years. This holiday season, the theater is featuring Evil Dead The Musical, a show that turns concepts from a duo of horror films into a comedic musical. In it, five college students travel to a remote cabin and accidentally turn themselves into demons. Expect flying blood (beware, audience members), severed limbs, demon wisecracks, and memorable songs in this gore-filled, horror-comedy adventure.

Annie

The Media Theatre, 104 East State Street, Media
November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026

The Media Theatre’s Broadway Series brings the story of optimistic orphan Annie to their Delco stage this winter. Sing along with the classic songs you’ve grown to know and love this holiday season. Immerse yourself in a world of impressive dancing and acting as this feel-good story comes to life in Media.

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical Jr.

The Springer Studio Youth Theater, 751 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville
December 12–14, 2025

Catch the musical production of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical Jr. in Phoenixville this holiday season. This show explores the humble beginnings of everyone’s favorite red-nosed holiday hero. With an upbeat musical score and lovable characters, this performance features children in grades 4 through 8. The Springer Studio Youth Theater is a small, privately owned theater company focused on musical theater training and education for youth.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

The Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia
December 23–28, 2025

Cirque Dreams Holidaze returns to Philadelphia this holiday season with a dazzling production, combining Broadway-style theatrical magic with breathtaking contemporary circus arts. Featuring world-renowned performers in aerial acts, acrobatics, juggling, and more, this thrilling holiday spectacular delights audiences with singers, dancers, toy soldiers, and reindeer. Enjoy original music, unique twists on holiday classics, and striking new sets and costumes at this show for all ages.

Witness acrobatics and enjoy holiday songs at Cirque Dreams Holidaze in Philly — Photo of Cirque Dreams Holidaze courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly

Disney On Ice presents Jump In!

Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
December 26, 2025–January 3, 2026

Get ready to turn up the fun as Disney On Ice presents Jump In! Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy as they guide audiences through beloved Disney stories with the help of their Magical MousePad. Featuring musical journeys from Zootopia, Inside Out 2, Moana 2, Toy Story, Frozen, Encanto, as well as the unforgettable Disney princesses, watch the excitement unfold on the ice right before your eyes. Disney On Ice creates the perfect opportunity to experience magical moments with loved ones and make new memories together in Philly this winter.

That’s a Wrap

With a diverse range of shows to choose from, there’s no better time to plan fall and holiday theater outings. So grab your tickets, settle into your seat, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of live performance this season.

Lead photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios, courtesy of Arden’s Children’s Theatre.

Find fun things to do with your family every day of the week on the Main Line Parent curated event calendar!