The holiday season is officially here, bringing everything from intimate gatherings to citywide celebrations, and that means an extra dose of magic is coming to our local stages. It kicked off with “Elf: The Musical” at the Robinson Center last weekend, and it’s full-on festive mode until the new year.
So whether you’ve been caroling for weeks or are looking for something to ease you into the season, these are the shows that’ll have you humming there’s no place like home for the holidays.
“Frozen”
Murry’s Dinner Playhouse | Nov. 12 – Dec. 31
Set the magic free with Disney’s spectacular, award-winning musical “Frozen.” This jaw-dropping production will melt hearts of all ages with its extravagant beauty, iconic music and hilarious fun. As one young woman struggles to find her voice and harness her powers within, the other embarks on an epic adventure to bring her family together once and for all. Both are searching for love. They just don’t know how to find it.
“The Thanksgiving Play”
The Weekend Theater | Nov. 21 – Dec. 7
Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in this wickedly funny satire. Four well-meaning white people struggle to write a historically accurate first Thanksgiving play for children that doesn’t piss off the funders, the founders, the parents or the universe.
“Holiday! 2025”
St. James United Methodist Church | Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, 4
Under the direction of conductor David Glaze, the River City Men’s Chorus will present its annual holiday concert performances featuring an array of Christmas classics that will kick off the season in grand style. The concerts are free and open to the public.
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour
Robinson Center | Dec. 2
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Vienna Light Orchestra’s Christmas Tour 2025. World-renowned musicians and stunning sopranos from seven different countries bring the warmth and nostalgia of your favorite holiday classics — like “White Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Grown-Up Christmas List,” “O Holy Night” and “Ave Maria” — to life. This awe-inspiring performance, filled with soaring strings, timeless melodies, holiday lights, snowfall and more, promises to create unforgettable moments of joy for all. You may have just found your new Christmas holiday tradition.
“Happy Holidays”
UA-PTC CHARTS | Dec. 4
[The Little Rock Wind Symphony embraces] the spirit of the season in a big way with holiday favorites featuring a choir of youthful voices, energetic tap dancers, a stunning baritone soloist and, of course, Santa. It’s more than just a concert, it’s a night filled with merriment. There will be a silent auction before the concert, offering lots of unique items to fill those Christmas stockings.
“Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
Simmons Bank Arena | Dec. 4
The 2025 TSO tour promises a reimagined and expanded presentation of the beloved holiday show “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neill and based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD TV special, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” follows the journey of a runaway child who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on Dec. 24. Following this powerful rock opera, the 2025 tour will also deliver a visually stunning second set packed with more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan-favorites and unexpected delights to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Beethoven’s Last Night.
“A Brass Band Christmas”
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church | Dec. 5
Festival of the Senses, the unique North Little Rock performing arts series created in 2011, will present the Natural State Brass Band in “A Brass Band Christmas” … The event is free and open to the public. A reception with food and drink in the Parish Hall will follow the performance.
“Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
Laugh and learn with Junie B. Jones this holiday season! This hilarious and heartwarming tale, based on Barbara Park’s bestselling book series, is a festive treat for all.
Tattletale May is constantly spoiling Junie B.’s fun. So, Junie hatches the perfect plan to teach her a lesson when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa. But, as her first-grade teacher Mr. Scary advises, “The holidays are the time of year that we spread peace and goodwill.”
Junie B. has a tough choice to make — keep the best gift for herself or discover the joy of giving to others.
Like many children, Junie B. struggles with resolving her conflicts peacefully and taking in others’ perspectives. Through her hilarious antics, young audiences explore meaningful lessons about friendship, empathy and the true spirit of the season.
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”
Argenta Contemporary Theatre | Dec. 10-21
Back by popular demand, come join Ralphie and his quirky family in this musical adaptation of the beloved holiday classic. With catchy songs and all your favorite moments — from the leg lamp to the triple-dog dare — this heartwarming show is perfect for the entire family and a joyous way to celebrate the season.
“A Very Electric Christmas”
UA-PTC CHARTS | Dec. 12
Since bursting to national acclaim after appearing as semi-finalists on “America’s Got Talent” and winning the top honors on TRU TV’s “Fake Off,” Lightwire Theater has gone on to enthrall audiences worldwide with their unique combination of skill and grace as told through the technological innovations of moving light characters. People of all ages will be captivated by the dazzling visuals and unique menagerie of characters that magically appear out of the darkness. Combining the arts of puppetry, theater and dance with the music of timeless holiday hits, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope creates a truly one-of-a-kind, inspired and exhilarating holiday experience that will be a treasured memory for years to come.
“The Nutcracker Spectacular”
Robinson Center | Dec. 12-14
“The Nutcracker Spectacular” is Arkansas’ largest and longest-running holiday production, presented with live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and supported by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. As one of America’s Top 75 Ballet Companies, Ballet Arkansas brings this beloved holiday tradition to life with stunning choreography, enchanting music and dazzling costumes and sets. Don’t forget to stop by the Nutcracker Boutique to take a piece of the production home with you. Features a community cast of performers.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Wildwood Park for the Arts | Dec. 12-21
For [Stage 13’s] inaugural production, the classic animated television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
“Holiday Radio Live”
Arkansas Repertory Theatre | Dec. 17-21
[Turn] the dial to cheer for a variety hour that’s all sparkle, no static. Featuring a glittering lineup of timeless tunes, playful stories, local legends, (and the Solid Gold Dancers?) all spun from the season’s most festive frequencies. It’s nostalgia with a wink, holiday cheer with a beat and proof that the best way to celebrate is to tune in together.
This holiday family special features performances from Tawanna Campbell, Miranda Jane, radio legend Craig O’Neill and Ricardo Richardson with a heavenly host of surprise guests in store. Created by The Rep’s artistic director Steve H. Broadnax III with Keith A. Wallace, it is directed by Broadnax featuring music direction by Ricardo Richardson and choreography by Allison Wilson.
“Home for the Holidays”
Robinson Center | Dec 19-21
Join [the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra] and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes such as Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You,” The Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling,” David Foster’s “My Grown-up Christmas List” and more, plus, pre-concert music in the lobby each day and the Sunday children’s craft fair.
Featuring vocalists Bijoux and Stephanie Smittle, the Bryant High School Choir, Little Rock Central High School Madrigals, Parkview Arts & Science Magnet School and Episcopal Collegiate School Steelpan Ensemble.
(Show descriptions written by theaters/performers.)
Visit the above websites for more information on showtimes and tickets, and check out their social media pages for updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
