Holiday magic comes alive at Kansas City's many theatres. Here's a look at some of the holiday productions planned across the region. Visit our events calendar for a complete list of theatre productions planned in KC.

What to Watch this Winter

YULETIDE NOSTALGIA

Two classic holiday films are about leap off the silver screen and onto Kansas City stages. First, the American Heartland Theatre sends the heart-tugging tale of George Bailey in a whole new direction for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Nov. 5-Dec. 27).

Then, it’s a merry madcap of BB-guns, frozen tongues and one infamous leg lamp as Ralphie and company unwrap the world premiere of A Christmas Story, The Musical, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre (Nov. 20-Dec. 27).

WINTER DECADENCE

Head to Music Hall for a pair of big-budget productions that will leave you grinning. Featuring a cast of more than 200 dancers, the Kansas City Ballet’s enchanting presentation of The Nutcracker is the largest in an eight-state region and one of the hottest tickets in town (Dec. 16-27).

Another sure-fire hit is Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Direct from Broadway, this new touring musical has all the charm of the 1954 hit movie starring Bing Crosby (Jan. 5-10).

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Not even Scrooge could resist these holiday concerts. A local staple for more than 10 years, Quality Hill Playhouse’s Christmas in Song features some of Kansas City’s most talented singers inside one of the area’s most intimate theatres (Nov. 19-Dec. 27).

For even more holiday songs you know by heart, check out Off Center Theatre for George Harter’s Spectacular Christmas. Back by popular demand, this holiday cabaret is modeled after the primetime television specials of yesteryear (Dec. 3-20).

KIDDING AROUND

One of the most popular children’s book characters of all time will soon take the stage at Union Station. Based on the beloved series by Ludwing Bemelmans, Madeline’s Christmas follows the Parisian holiday adventures of the famous “twelve little girls in two straight lines” (Dec. 1-26).

The kid-centric fun continues with How the Symphony Saved Christmas, a festive family sing-along featuring costumed characters and the Kansas City Symphony (Dec. 12-13).