Christmas on Stage in NH

Whether you’re already feeling the holiday spirit or need a push to get into the Christmas mood, here’s a list of live performances from around the state — including “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol” productions. Looking for other holiday events? Our calendar features craft fairs, opportunities to meet Santa, tree lightings, holiday house tours, holiday strolls and plenty more festive fun. Plus, visit our Holiday Guide page for a list of places to cut your own Christmas tree, gift ideas, recipes and everything else you might need to enjoy this merry season.

Where to see “The Nutcracker”

What’s it all about? Get whisked away with Clara to the Land of Sweets with these local performances of this magical holiday tradition.

Kingswood Arts Center

Begin the holiday season with a trip to the Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker in Northeastern Ballet Theatre’s full-length, professional production of this classic ballet.

When: December 9 – December 17,  2023
December 9: Show at 7:00 p.m.
December 10: Show at 2 p.m.

December 16: Show at 7 p.m.

December 17: Show at 2 p.m.

Where: Kingswood Arts Center
396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro
Tickets: $17.50-$30
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The Palace Theatre

Don’t miss this classic ballet performed by the Southern New Hampshire Dance Theatre at Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre.

When: Thursday, November 16- Sunday, November 19, 2023
Shows at 7:00 p.m. on November 16, 7:30 p.m. on November 17, 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on November 18, and 12 and 5 p.m. November 19.
Where: The Palace Theatre
80 Hanover St., Manchester
Tickets: $28-$49
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Salem High School Theater

This full-scale professional holiday production includes a cast of 100, featuring the NH Philharmonic Orchestra, plus Philadelphia Ballet and Philadelphia Ballet stars who will grace the Salem stage. Presented by the New England Dance Ensemble.

When: 4 p.m. November 25 & 26, 2023
Where: Seifert Performing Arts Center
44 Geremonty Dr., Salem
Tickets: $33-$55
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Exeter High School

This performance is put on by the Portsmouth School of Ballet.

When: December 2 & 3, 2023
December 2: Show at 5 p.m.
December 3: Shows at 10 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Exeter High School
1 Blue Hawk Dr., Exeter
Tickets: $25
Tickets are available for purchase at the Portsmouth School of Ballet office and will also be available for purchase at the theater the day of the performance.
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Capitol Center for the Arts

Follow battle-ready Clara with her beloved Nutcracker Prince as they battle the evil Mouse Queen and her minions, performed by Safe Haven Ballet.

When: December 16, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts
44 S. Main St., Concord
Tickets: $40-$53
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The Rochester Opera House

Sole City Dance returns for their 17th season with elaborate sets, costumes, special effects and outstanding dancers.

When: November 30- December 3, 2023
November 30: Show at 7:00 p.m.

December 1: Show at 7:00 p.m.
December 2: Show at 2:00 p.m.
December 3: Show at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.
December 3: Show at 2:00 p.m.

Where: The Rochester Opera House
31 Wakefield St., Rochester
Tickets: Prices starts at $22
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Concord City Auditorium

Dancers from Concord’s Turning Pointe Center of Dance perform the full length ballet. This production has something for all ages, and is a tradition not to be missed.

When: December 9, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Where: Concord City Auditorium
2 Prince St., Concord
Tickets: $23 in advance, $25 at the door
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Where to see “A Christmas Carol”

From the a production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

What’s it all about? Follow Scrooge’s journey as he learns the true meaning of Christmas in this classic play by Charles Dickens.

The Palace Theatre

Voted Best Live Theatrical Production and Best Theatre Event of the Year in Manchester by Hippo Press readers in 2019, this show has become an audience holiday favorite at the Palace.

When: Various dates and times from November 24- December 23, 2023
Where: The Palace Theatre
80 Hanover St., Manchester
Tickets: $28-$49
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The Rochester Opera House

This ghostly tale of the past, present and future is brought to life in this exciting new musical adaptation. Keeping true to the original text, it draws upon the themes of time, family and society’s ills to warm even the coldest of hearts. Bringing the atmosphere of Victorian Christmas traditions to the stage, this vibrant and joyous musical takes you on a journey of discovery.

When: December 8-17, 2023
Shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: The Rochester Opera House
31 Wakefield St., Rochester
Tickets: $22-$28
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The Players’ Ring

The Players’ Ring presents Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” with action prevailing over narration in this engaging production. Adapted by Tom Frey and directed by Debra Martuscello Wiley, the show features over 100 costume pieces and wigs and plenty of period set pieces and props.

When: December 1-23, 2023
Shows at 7:00pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Where: The Players’ Ring
105 Marcy St., Portsmouth
Tickets: $18-$31
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Nashua Center for the Arts

Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, will appear in a one-man show of the beloved holiday classic.

When: November 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Nashua Center for the Arts
201 Main St., Nashua
Tickets: $37-47
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Holiday Concerts and Entertainment

Even more great events from around the state to celebrate the holiday season.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

When: November 24, 2023 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: SNHU Arena
555 Elm St., Manchester
Tickets: Starting at $43
Available in person at the box office, via Ticketmaster or by phone (800) 745-3000
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“A New England Christmas”

Each season, Pontine’s artistic directors, Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers, ring in the holiday season by staging a selection of stories and poems by New England authors. This year’s program features an original staging of Donald Hall’s “Christmas Snow,” written for the New Yorker Magazine in 1964. In the story, Hall recounts a holiday trip to Eagle Pond Farm, his grandfather’s home in Wilmot, New Hampshire, in 1938, when he was 10 years old. This memoir blends reminiscences, anecdotes and vignettes that capture continuity of family and the quiet delights of rural life.

When: November 24 – December 3, 2023
Shows at 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Pontine Theatre
1 Plains Ave., Portsmouth
Tickets: $29-$32
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A Kat Edmonson Christmas “Holiday Swingin’!”

Listen to Kat Edmonson — award-winning singer-songwriter who’s appeared on Austin City Limits, Tiny Desk Concerts and The Late Show with David Letterman — perform her band’s Christmas album at the acclaimed Portsmouth jazz club.

When: December 16, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Where: Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club
135 Congress St., Portsmouth
Tickets: $10-$55
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NH Gay Men’s Chorus’ 25th Anniversary 2022 Holiday Concert Series: “Suddenly Silver Bells”

NHGMC is giving four performances of their 25th Anniversary Holiday Concert Series, “Suddenly Silver Bells.”

When & Where: December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2023
December 2: 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3 Lutheran Dr., Nashua
December 3: 3:00 p.m. at Stratham Community Church UCC, 6 Emery Lane, Stratham
December 9: 7:30 p.m. at The Park Theater, 19 Main St., Jaffrey
December 10: 3:00 p.m. at The Derryfield School, 2108 River Rd., Manchester
Tickets: $25
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Tuba Christmas

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Tuba Christmas, an international event that started as a tribute to famous tuba player William J. Bell, born on Christmas in 1902. Hearing your favorite Christmas tunes in all-tuba form is not your usual yuletide tradition. The event is also an open invitation to all tuba players — registration times and fees are noted on the website, tubachristmas.com. Instructions include whether or not to bring a music stand and what colors to wear.

When: December 3-23, 2023
Where: There are five New Hampshire Tuba Christmas performances: December 3 at 1 p.m. in Keene, December 9 at 2 p.m. in Wolfeboro, December 16 at 2 p.m. in Plaistow, December 17 at 2 p.m. in Manchester and December 23 at 1 p.m. in Columbia.
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Irish Christmas in America

Featuring Irish dancing, heartfelt vocals, history and humor led by master fiddler Oisin Mac Diarmoda.

When: December 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Dana Center for the Humanities
Saint Anselm College
100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester
Tickets: $45
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Rockapella Holiday

Rockapella returns for their annual holiday tradition at the Stockbridge, blending catchy pop songs and contemporary renditions of rock and soul.

When: December 8, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Where: Stockbridge Theatre
5 Pinkerton St., Derry
Tickets: $35-$40
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Boston Pops Holiday Concert

Join the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Conductor Keith Lockhart for this annual, beloved Holiday Pops concert. Attendees can look forward to their favorite holiday songs and crowd sing-alongs.

When: December 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: SNHU Arena
555 Elm St., Manchester
Tickets: $79.50-$149.50
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Winter Solstice Concert with Cold Chocolate

Cold Chocolate is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and Ariel Bernstein on percussion, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals across the country.

When: December 16, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Where: Kaufmann Theatre at the Tillotson Center
14 Carriage Ln., Colebrook
Tickets: $10
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Holiday Pops

Ring in the holiday season with the annual yuletide program featuring the Capital Jazz Orchestra and guest vocalists CJ & Laura Poole, along with narrator Laura Knoy of NHPR reciting her traditional version of “The Night Before Christmas.”

When: December 10, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts
44 S. Main St., Concord
Tickets: $33.25-$66.25
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“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Performed by the Heather Pierson Trio

Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter and performer based in Conway. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” originally telecast in December 1965, was an instant hit with audiences who connected with Peanuts’ creator Charles M. Schultz’s relatable cast of characters. Catch the Heather Pierson Trio’s rendition of Peanuts’ inimitable jazz riffs.

When: November 30, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Loft at Hermit Woods
72 Main St., Meredith
Tickets: $25-$35
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Buzz Ball

Join Greg and the Morning Buzz for the ultimate holiday rock n’ roll variety show, featuring special guest musicians, comedians and actors.

When: Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Where: Capitol Center for the Arts
44 S. Main St., Concord
Tickets: $58.75
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A New England Midwinter Revels

In a special celebration of New England, Revels and Abanaqi traditions, the Midwinter Revels celebrate new beginnings, old traditions and community.

When: December 15 and 16, 2023
December 15: Show at 7 p.m. in Claremont
December 16: Show at 2 p.m. in Canaan
Tickets: $12-$75
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Ed Gerhard

Enjoy a very special evening with one of the country’s finest acoustic guitarists. Gerhard will perform soulful arrangements of well-loved carols, as well as his own concert favorites.

When: December 9, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Orchard Chapel
143 Exeter Rd, Hampton Falls
Tickets: Prices vary
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Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Family Holiday Pops

Join the Portsmouth Symphony and Portsmouth High School Concert Choir and Percussion Ensemble for “Holidays at the Movies,” featuring favorites from “Home Alone,” “The Polar Express,” “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Grinch.”

When: December 20, 2023
December 20: Show at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Portsmouth High School
50 Andrew Jarvis Dr., Portsmouth
Tickets: $15-$35
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Christmas With The Celts

The high-stepping spirited musical selections will have audiences clapping along from the first lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics.

When: December 23, 2023
Where: The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center
39 Main St., Plymouth
Tickets: Start at $39
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