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:
Wicked Queen
Tall Grass Theatre Company – A Seedlings Children’s Theatre Production
November 10-19, 2023, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $10-20
Alternate worlds collide in this fanciful tale about an eleven-year-old girl at a new school who discovers the power to be ruthless, and thus popular, when she is sucked into the evil kingdom of Grossland which resides just under the covers of her bed. How far will she go to gain the Wicked Queen’s favor?
Disney on Ice Presents: Magic in the Stars
Wells Fargo Arena
November 23-26, 2023 at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets $18-98
Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Wells Fargo Arena.
Girl Named Tom – One More Christmas Tour
Hoyt Sherman Place
November 30, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $43, $53, $63
Girl Named Tom will tour this holiday season with a special “One More Christmas” show, featuring their special blend of Christmas harmonies on seasonal favorites and songs heard on The Voice, as well as selections from their top-selling One More Christmas album.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Des Moines Playhouse – John Viars Theatre
December 1-17, 2023: Friday 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday 1:00 and 5:00 pm.
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $29-53
Through new arrangements of European carols and war songs, All Is Calm recalls the remarkable World War I truce between Allied Forces and German soldiers in No Man’s Land on Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, and peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Des Moines Playhouse – John Viars Theatre
December 2-17, 2023: Saturday 11:00 am & 1:00 pm and Sunday 5:00 pm.
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $29-53
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 gang discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $28-$38
Join the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus for their much-anticipated winter concert, Light of the Season. Enjoy a concert event spreading the magic of music this holiday season. They’ve warmed up their voices and are ready to share love and light with you all. Light of the Season promises to be a heartwarming and joyous celebration featuring holiday classics and festive anthems.
Ballet Des Moines presents The Nutcracker
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 7-10, 2023 at 1:00, 5:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $37, $47, $67, $87
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.
Irish Christmas in America
Temple Theater
December 7-8, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $20.00 – $58.00
This family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, harp and bouzouki, along with thrilling Irish dancing. In addition, evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions of Ireland. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland, bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season of 2023.
Iowa Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker
Des Moines Civic Center
December 8 & 9, 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 8-17, 2023 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 9 & 10, 2023 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.
The Wiz
Des Moines Civic Center
December 12-17, 2023; Tuesday through Saturday 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm, Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 11+
Tickets $40 – $150
The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway-bound tour, the first one in 40 years. The tour begins in The Wiz’s original home city of Baltimore, where the show made its world premiere 50 years ago. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.
Christmas with Lorie Line 2023
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 14, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 10+
Tickets $65
This year marks the 34th year of Lorie Line bringing her Christmas show to the stage! Simple and elegant, Ms. Line will be presenting an all-new solo piano show that features both the classics and some of the newer songs that make the season special. She will be featuring an all-new vocalist this year! And bells are back! Yes, this year Dept 56 will introduce Dasher The Deer who will ring in the season with Lorie Line fans. Bells will be available for purchase at the show!
The Gingerbread Child
Des Moines Playhouse – Friday Funday
December 15, 2023; 10:00 am and 1:30 pm
Recommended for ages 4-6
Tickets $6
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. Run, run, run! I’m free and wild! You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Child! This cutout cookie leaps out of the oven and into a grand adventure. Will they be able to outwit the sly, hungry fox? Will the sly, hungry fox be able to resist such a tasty morsel?
Home for the Holidays A Christmas Cabaret
Tall Grass Theatre Company
December 15-17, 2023, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $25
The A Sisters are back for 3 performances! Please join us for this Holiday Cabaret featuring the A Sisters & Friends in an evening of song, fun and a few surprises!
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Holly Jolly Holiday Tour
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 16, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets Adults-$37-$43, Students-$30, Seniors-$30
Shaun Johnson is celebrating this holiday season with a passionate and melodic, big band driven traditional pop concert. 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.
Holiday Spectacular – Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
Franklin Jr. High – Large Auditorium
December 17, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets FREE – please consider a donation
Step into a winter wonderland of enchantment as the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble invites you to their heartwarming Holiday Spectacular! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season and let the joy, love, and merry cheer surround you, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Michael W. Smith Christmas
Hoyt Sherman Place
December 17, 202 at 7:00 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets $59, $69
Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith. Smith is excited to be back on tour this Christmas season where he and his very special guest and friend, Michael Tait, will bring you a night of his biggest Christmas hits and traditional favorites. We hope you’ll join us for a Christmas celebration that you will never forget.
Home Free Family Christmas Tour
Stephens Auditorium
December 17, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets start at $29.50
All-vocal country music group Home Free will bring their Home Free Family Christmas Tour to Stephens Auditorium on Dec. 17, 2023. The concert is sure to be an uplifting evening of Nashville-dipped holiday music, incredible harmonies and quick-witted humor.
Mannheim Steamroller
Stephens Auditorium
December 19, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Recommended for Ages 5+
Tickets start at $56
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!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Des Moines Civic Center
December 21, 2023 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm
Recommended for All Ages
Tickets $29.00 – $65.00
The beloved TV classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical” It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Des Moines Civic Center
December 22-23, 2023 at 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets $29.00 – $99.00
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Broadway World exclaims, “Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid.”
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 – $90
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Des Moines Symphony! Expect the unexpected when world-renowned Cirque performers take the stage with the Orchestra – from gravity-defying aerials and acrobatics to jaw-dropping contortion and quick-change – all choreographed to thrilling symphonic music. Ring in the new year with an electrifying evening of entertainment as these incredible artists swing from the rafters of the Civic Center!
Will you be attending The Nutcracker, or another holiday show this year? If so, which one?
