Celebrate The Season With Classic And Contemporary Holiday Entertainment

In “Miracle on 34th Street,” Kris Kringle tells an inquisitive Susan Walker how imagination is a place and that “once you get there, you can do almost anything you want.”

Performers across Anne Arundel County and beyond are bringing their imagination to stages and venues for holiday productions, proving that with their creativity, they can do almost anything they want.

Whether you are looking for family fun or a more adult-oriented show, consider these holiday events, which are listed from soonest to latest.

“Miracle on 34th Street”
Presented by Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Playing now-January 7, 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. This musical adaptation of the classic film is the holiday tale of a young girl who doubts the existence of Santa Claus until a white-bearded old man changes her mind. Recreating the magic of the classic story, “Miracle on 34th Street” is a joyous, heartwarming musical, the perfect holiday treat for the entire family. Dreams do come true if you believe.

Toby’s is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Road in Columbia. Tickets range from $60 to $80, a price that includes a meal. For tickets, call the box office at 410-730-8311 or visit www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172479. 

“White Christmas”
Presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland
Playing November 24-26, December 2-3, December 8-10, December 15-17, December 21-24

Based on the beloved 1954 film, this musical adaptation features the music of Irving Berlin. “White Christmas” is a heartwarming classic full of love and laughter.

Classic Theatre of Maryland is located at 1804 West Street in Annapolis. Show prices go from $58.75 to $78.75. Learn more about the show by calling 410-280-1773 or by visiting www.classictheatremaryland.org. 

“The Nutcracker”
Presented by Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Playing November 25, December 2, December 9-17

Discover the wonder of this timeless holiday tradition and be swept away by the tale of the young heroine Clara and her adventures to rescue her beloved Nutcracker from the Rat Queen’s evil spell. Travel with Clara through the whirling kingdoms of snow and sweets to the place where the possibility of dreams, the magic of Christmas, and the wonder of the child merge to reveal her destiny. Experience the power and beauty anew as the mysterious Drosselmeyer transports you and Clara back in time to capture the spirit of the holiday season through the language of dance and theater.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland will perform “The Nutcracker” at Maryland Hall, located at 801 Chase Street in Annapolis, with additional shows in Hampstead and Westminster. In-person prices range from $40 to $60, with discounts available for military members, seniors and kids. Virtual tickets start at $30. For tickets, visit www.balletmaryland.org/nutcracker. 

“A Christmas Carol”
Presented by Classic Theatre of Maryland
Playing November 30, December 1-2, December 7, December 9-10, December 14, December 16-17, December 21-24

This Charles Dickens story was created to inspire a spirit of charity toward the less fortunate. Classic Theatre of Maryland’s original production of this classic holiday story has become an annual tradition, delighting patrons of all ages.

Classic Theatre of Maryland is located at 1804 West Street in Annapolis. Prices range from $58.75 to $78.75. For more information, call 410-280-1773 or go to www.classictheatremaryland.org. 

DFC’s Holiday Cabaret
Presented by Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
Playing December 2 from 2:00pm-5:00pm

On January 17, 2023, CTA said goodbye to a beloved member of its community, Darrell F. Conley. In celebration of his life, CTA created the inaugural DFC’s Holiday Cabaret. This all-ages event will include performances from past and present CTA talent, fun holiday snacks and games, and a visit from Santa and his bag of gifts.

Tickets are $25 per person at cta.ticketleap.com/hc23. The event will be held at CTA’s theater at 1661 Bay Head Road in Annapolis. For more information, visit www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org or contact aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. 

Gloria Deo! A Very Cello Christmas Concert
Presented by Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church
Playing December 2 at 7:00pm

This program will feature a professional cello octet and a chamber orchestra from the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. In addition, Woods Church will showcase its adult choir, praise team, seek singers, children’s choir and dancers with choreography by Elysia Merrill.

This concert will be held in the sanctuary at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church at 611 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park. This concert is free, but a ticket is required by going to www.woodstix.org. For more information, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org. 

A Peter White Christmas
Presented by Rams Head On Stage
December 3 at 4:30pm

“A Peter White Christmas” with Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala is coming to town. Contemporary jazz lovers eagerly await this annual concert, which has packed fans into halls and arenas coast-to-coast year after year. White is an acoustic guitarist. Saxophonist Mindi Abair will bring her dynamic vigor, and Vincent Ingala is no stranger to contemporary jazz audiences either.

Rams Head On Stage is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. Tickets are $47.50. To learn more, visit www.ramsheadonstage.com/events/detail/482683. 

Christmas With The Celts
Presented by Rams Head On Stage
December 4 at 7:30pm

Celebrating 12 years of national touring, Christmas with the Celts combines timeless Irish Christmas carols and lively Irish dance, featuring modern songs but with Irish instrumentation. This year, Christmas with the Celts will introduce Irish musicians Patrick D’Arcy from Dublin and Fiachra O’Regan from Connemara, Ireland. These two have performed with Bono of U2, Sting, Quincy Jones, The Waterboys and Bill Whelan of Riverdance, to name a few. Singer and fiddler Luisa Marion will share her haunting vocals.

Rams Head On Stage is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. Tickets are $39.50. Purchase tickets or get more information at www.ramsheadonstage.com/events/detail/498965. 

“The Nutcracker”
Presented by Chesapeake Ballet Company
Playing December 9-10, December 15-17

This Severna-Park based ballet company will share an enchanting version of the classic story at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.

Tickets are $20 for children and $25 for adults. To learn more, visit chesapeakeballetcompany.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events.

An Annapolis Christmas
Presented by Rams Head On Stage
December 11-12 at 7:00pm

The AMFM Christmas show was inspired by the release of the popular holiday album "An Annapolis Christmas" 23 years ago, and it is now an annual tradition for many local music lovers. Monday performers will include Meg Murray, Bryan Ewald, Doug Segree, Angie Miller, Dan Haas and other musicians. Tuesday night’s show will showcase Mamas Black Sheep, Sweet Leda, Eastport Oyster Boys, Jeanette Lynn and Laura Brino.

Rams Head On Stage is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. Get tickets for $50 or find additional details at www.ramsheadonstage.com/events. 

“Season of Joy”
Presented by The Talent Machine Company
December 15-23

“Season of Joy” will feature a cast of 43 kids ages 7 to 18, singing and dancing to popular holiday songs. Enjoy visits from Rudolph, Frosty, the elves and the irrepressible Santa himself, and as always, watch for some new and fun surprises brought to you by this energetic cast.

The show will be held at Indian Creek School in Crownsville. Tickets are $20. Learn more at www.talentmachine.com/shows-tickets/holiday-wishes. 

Messiah Sing-Along/Play-Along
Presented by Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church
Playing December 16 at 3:00pm

Woods Church will sing Part I of the Messiah. Lend your voice or come to enjoy the music. No experience is needed. The evening will be led by soloists from the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area, a string quartet, and Roderick Demmings Jr. on the organ and harpsichord. Have little ones? Play along to the music using fun costumes and activities with Kat Green and the children’s ministry.

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church is located at 611 Baltimore-Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park. For more information, email David Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.

“A SQRRL! Holiday”
Presented by Rams Head On Stage
December 23 at noon

SQRRL! is a silly, interactive dance party with uplifting messages for kids. Meet the SQRRL cast of characters: Daisy SQRRL, Aunt Vickie, Taco Charley and more.

Rams Head On Stage is located at 33 West Street in Annapolis. Tickets are $16.50. For more information, visit www.ramsheadonstage.com/events/detail/508321. 

“The Nutcracker”
Presented by The Dance Center at Severna Park Community Center (show at Severna Park High School)
December 16 at 5:30pm

Choreographed by dancers Jill Weeks and Kathryn Quigly, The Dance Center's version of “The Nutcracker” will showcase a condensed yet enchanting rendition of this timeless ballet masterpiece. Featuring the exquisite music of Tchaikovsky, the performance will include “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers,” among others. In this one-hour holiday classic, 35 students from the dance program at The Dance Center will participate, showcasing their hard work and dedication. This year, the role of Clara will be performed by Theresa Quigley.

“This performance is a testament to the talent and dedication of our dancers, and we invite everyone to join us for an enchanting evening filled with holiday spirit and artistry,” said Kellie Greer, director of Dance for The Dance Center.

Severna Park High School is located at 60 Robinson Road. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.spcommunitycenter.org or at the door.