Holiday musicals and stage shows are some of our most beloved traditions this time of year. Starting in November and continuing through New Year’s, there are family-friendly shows and live performances on stages at community and professional theaters across central Iowa. If you have a budding ballerina in your midst and Clara’s story is on your “must see” list, we have you covered for local performances of The Nutcracker.
Grab your tickets now, and be sure to check out our list of our favorite holiday traditions for your family this holiday season, including some of the best places to see Santa in the Des Moines area. For even more inspiration visit our Holiday Fun Guide and Events Calendar.
Note: Dates listed are performance beginning and end dates. Please call for specific performance’s dates and times within those ranges, as not all performances take place on a daily basis. And, be sure to confirm dates, times, location and other information before heading to an event or activity, since circumstances may change.
Here’s where you can see the Nutcracker and other holiday shows in the Des Moines area:
A Motown Christmas
Hoyt Sherman Place
November 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $49, $59, $69
A Motown Christmas features a world-class vocal group, assembled from past and present members of Motown’s most legendary groups…Ali Woodson’s Temptations, The Miracles and The Contours. A Motown Christmas is a powerful family-oriented show combining Motown’s greatest hits with everyone’s favorite holiday classics. This show features those famous Motown trademarks… dazzling choreography and unforgettable harmonies all performed in that memorable, soulful Motown style. This is an evening not to be missed – bring the family, dance, sing and enjoy this special, holiday spectacular.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Lost Christmas Eve
Wells Fargo Arena
November 14, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets starting at $74
An ALL-NEW version of The Lost Christmas Eve – the final chapter of TSO’s Christmas trilogy.
Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy
Hoyt Sherman Place
November 16, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $38, $48, $63
Renowned songwriter and pianist Jim Brickman is set to spread holiday cheer with his highly anticipated annual tour, “Comfort & Joy.” As a beloved tradition for many, Brickman’s Christmas tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with music, laughter, and heartwarming moments.
Irish Christmas in America
Temple Theater
November 23-24, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets start at $20.00
The beloved Irish Christmas in America show returns in 2024, showcasing vibrant Irish music, song, dance, and seasonal stories. Produced by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, this family-friendly performance is rich with humor and energy. Beautiful images of Ireland enhance the experience, bringing historical traditions to life. Celebrate the enchanting spirit of Christmas with Ireland’s finest artists for a festive start to the 2024 holiday season!
Michael W. Smith – Every Christmas
Hoyt Sherman Place
November 25, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $65-$75
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter, Michael W. Smith, is excited to return to Des Moines, IA with his EVERY CHRISTMAS concert tour. Concert audiences will be engulfed in the joy and true meaning of the season as Michael W. Smith and his award-winning very special guest, Riley Clemmons, perform their most popular Christmas classics in a night for the whole family.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Des Moines Civic Center
November 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $32-78
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a family-friendly holiday mash-up, blending hip hop dance with Tchaikovsky’s music for an inspiring, modern twist on the classic. Featuring a cast of 12 all-star dancers, a DJ, violinist, and hip hop legend MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show, it brings high energy and heart. Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince embark on a magical journey, battling mice and visiting the land of sweets. Digital graffiti and visuals reimagine the story, transporting it from 19th-century Germany to vibrant modern-day New York City.
Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
Wells Fargo Arena
November 28-December 1, 2024 at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets starting at $25
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience with nine fun-filled performances.
Christmas with Lorie Line 2024
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 5, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 10+
Tickets $68
This year marks the 35th year of Lorie Line bringing her Christmas show to the stage! Spend an intimate evening with Lorie Line around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Ankeny Community Theatre
December 6-15, 2024, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 2:00pm
Rated PG
Tickets $18-23
Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge where they encounter some familiar faces! With a dazzling score and beloved title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
Holiday Cabaret – Featuring The A Sisters & Friends
Tall Grass Theatre Company
December 6-8, 2024, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $33
The popular singing group of friends returns to the Tall Grass Theatre Company. The A-Sisters join them for another Holiday celebration with popular Christmas songs from way back when. Don’t miss this Holiday Classic that is sure to become your family’s favorite tradition.
Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
Des Moines Playhouse – John Viars Theatre
December 6-22, 2024: Friday 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 and 5:00 pm.
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $32-61
Belle longs for adventure and an escape from her provincial town. A cruel and arrogant prince is trapped in a beastly form in his castle. Fate brings these two together. Can the Beast find someone to love – and love him in return – or will he remain a beast forever? Be our guest for this classic fairy tale based on the Academy Award-nominated Disney film.
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 12-15, 2024 at 1:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $35, $49, $69, $89, $114
Join Ballet Des Moines for the quintessential holiday tradition, The Nutcracker. This glittering professional production follows the magical story of Clara, her Nutcracker, and their extraordinary journey. You can also join Ballet Des Moines for a festive Nutcracker Tea Party.
The Elves & The Shoemaker
Des Moines Playhouse – Friday Funday
December 13, 2024; 9:30, 10:45 am and 1:30 pm
Recommended for ages 4-6
Tickets $7
Join the Adventure Clubhouse at the Playhouse Gang each month as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. Kindly elves help to make the holiday season magical for a shoemaker’s family.
Iowa Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker
Des Moines Civic Center
December 13 & 14, 2023 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets $31.00 – $59.00
Experience the adventures of a girl named Clara as she journeys to a distant land where a prince battles mischievous mice, flowers waltz and a Sugar Plum Fairy delights children of every age. Iowa Dance Theatre has produced the ballet at the Des Moines Civic Center since 1997. The Nutcracker is choreographed and directed by a team of dance professionals from Central Iowa. Set to the timeless music of Tchaikovsky, Iowa Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Ballet is a great holiday experience for the whole family.
Iowa Stage Theatre Company: A Christmas Carol
Stoner Theater – Des Moines Civic Center
December 13-22, 2024 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $40.00
This classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future has become a tradition for Iowa Stage Theatre Company and Des Moines! The vision of designer Jay Jagim, who was involved in the initial creation of this adaptation at the Alley Theater in Houston three decades ago, shines in the return of this heartwarming production. Bring the whole family to enjoy the timeless tale of Scrooge’s ghostly visitations and Yuletide change of heart.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Stephens Auditorium
December 14 & 15, 2024 at 1:00 and 7:30 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets $25-30
This classic holiday fairy tale has come alive on stage at Stephens Auditorium each December since 1981. This annual Iowa State Center production features choreography by Robert Thomas and Miyoko Kato Thomas of the Robert Thomas Dancenter (in Ames). More than 200 local dancers from surrounding central Iowa communities participate with guest principal dancers performing the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.The Nutcracker Ballet tells the story of a young girl, a heroic prince, and the fantastic dream they share. From the opening party scene to the last tinkling notes of Tchaikovsky’s famous score, a festive holiday spirit permeates the entire performance.
Deck the Halls – Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Staplin Performing Arts Center
December 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets FREE – please consider a donation
The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents a heartwarming holiday concert filled with beloved classics like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Silent Night.” Enjoy joyful carols and soulful hymns that capture the season’s spirit. Experience the ensemble’s musical brilliance as they perform Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music, transporting you with skill and passion. This emotional journey through music celebrates community, tradition, and the holiday spirit, promising an unforgettable, uplifting experience for all.
Final Act Ensemble: 2024 Holiday Show
Des Moines Playhouse
December 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $10
The Final Act Ensemble, a talented group of performers ages 60+, presents a lively evening of classic and original radio plays. Enjoy “Easy Aces,” where Ace tries to marry off his mother-in-law, and laugh as Fibber McGee and Molly discover a jalopy in their yard. In “The Life of Riley,” our hero frets over his mother-in-law’s Christmas visit. The evening wraps up with O. Henry’s beloved tale, “The Gift of the Magi,” plus holiday songs, live sound effects, and a quirky commercial!
Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 17, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $48-$63
In the early years of his young adult life, C.S. Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J.R.R. Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning.
Pentatonix – Hallelujah! it’s a Christmas Tour
Wells Fargo Arena
December 18, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets starting at $36
Pentatonix is an a cappella group that’s known for their pop-style arrangements that blend vocal harmonies, scat singing, riffing, vocal percussion, and beatboxing. They perform cover versions of modern pop songs and Christmas songs, as well as original material. Their performances are captivating and have made them a worldwide sensation, especially popular with young audiences.
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Cool Yule
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 21, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $47-$53; Students: $40; Seniors: $40
Shaun Johnson returns to the Hoyt Sherman Place stage with his Jazz Pop holiday show. As the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa, and an Emmy winner, Shaun reworks classic Christmas fare with a charismatic charm, and his performances routinely sell out. Make plans to see this nationally acclaimed Billboard Top 5 artist as he brings a new show back to Des Moines!
Mannheim Steamroller
Des Moines Civic Center
December 21, 2024, at 2:00 and 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets start at $40
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Their holiday CDs have become synonymous with Christmas and continue to occupy top spots on Billboards’s Seasonal Charts every year!
Holiday Brass
Des Moines Symphony – Westminster Presbyterian Church!
December 21, 2024 at 7:30 pm and December 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $30-60
Experience the Des Moines Symphony brass section like never before in their inaugural Holiday Brass Concert! Celebrate the sounds of the season with favorites like Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and more. Westminster Presbyterian’s beautiful Dobson Pipe Organ will be prominently featured alongside timpani, percussion, and our powerful brass section. Don’t miss your chance to experience this intimate, family-friendly holiday concert!
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Des Moines Civic Center
December 22, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets start at $40
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas—a nostalgic, charming variety show for all ages. Be dazzled and enchanted by world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the season’s magic with the entire family at A Magical Cirque Christmas!
In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $68.50-$83.50
The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra presents a festive twist on timeless hits with In the Christmas Mood. Enjoy holiday classics like “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” uniquely arranged by the orchestra. They’ll also perform fan favorites like “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “Moonlight Serenade.” With over 18 musicians and singers, this show brings the magic of the holidays to life. It’s the perfect gift for music lovers of all ages!
The Doo Wop Project New Year’s Eve Pops – Des Moines Symphony
Des Moines Civic Center
December 31, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets start at $40.00
Ring in the new year with the classic sounds of doo-wop! The Doo Wop Project traces the inception of group singing to the biggest hits on the radio today. From the tunes of Frankie Valli, The Drifters and The Four Seasons to reimagined favorites by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5, this is the hottest New Year’s Eve ticket in town!
