The holidays are upon us and that means lots of seasonal celebrations and plenty of music.
Over the coming weeks, Memphis and the Mid-South will see a run of highly anticipated shows, including numerous variations and reimaginings of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” as well as symphonic shows of Christmas music, plus concerts from beloved roots rockers, a live radio play and much more.
Here is a selection of shows to help put you in the holiday spirit.
New Ballet Ensemble Presents: ‘NutRemix’
Nov. 17-19 , Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
This modern retelling of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” “NutRemix” is set on Beale Street and transports audiences to a magical world with a fusion of dance, including ballet, hip-hop, West African dance and drumming, Memphis Jookin and American tap. Accompaniment is provided by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra & Big Band. Tickets: $29-$52; go to Ticketmaster.com.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Nov. 24, Landers Center
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts, featuring an original musical score with plenty of twists on holiday classics. Tickets: $27-$104; go to Ticketmaster.com.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play’
Dec. 1-3, Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center
Watch an angel get his wings as he reminds a down-on-his-luck George Bailey of all the things that make his a wonderful life in this radio-play adaptation of the Frank Capra Christmas classic. Tickets: $30; go to BPACC.org.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra: Magic of Memphis
Dec. 2, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Come experience Memphis’ most beloved holiday tradition featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, choral singers and dancing Santas. Tickets: $5-$75; go to Memphissymphony.org.
Germantown Symphony Orchestra: ‘Winter Wonderland’ concert
Dec. 9, Germantown Performing Arts Center
The Germantown Symphony Orchestra’s “Winter Wonderland” concert will feature music from the perennial favorite holiday movie “Polar Express,” two pieces about sleigh rides and many other seasonal favorites. The Germantown Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Houston High School Concert Choir under the direction of Kinsey Healy and will conclude with a traditional sing-along and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Tickets: $30; go to GPACweb.com.
‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 9-17, Orpheum
Building on Ballet Memphis’ nearly 40-year legacy of sharing the joy of “The Nutcracker” with the Mid-South audiences, this season’s presentation features an enchanting evolution of set and costume design that brings renewed vibrancy to the classic story. Ballet Memphis’ new production of this beloved American holiday tradition promises to delight. Tickets: $13-$78; go to Ticketmaster.com.
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‘Clara & the Nutcracker’
Dec. 10, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
“Clara & the Nutcracker” is a charming rendition of the classic holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures. Featuring the Children’s Ballet Theater, along with guest dancers from the Tennessee Ballet Theater, this 90-minute performance is directed by Mary Van Dyke and Erin Walter. Tickets: $28-$93; go to Ticketmaster.com.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 14, FedExForum
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — the heavy metal, classical music, theater production, pyrotechnics and laser lightshow hybrid — returns with “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — the Best of TSO & More.” Fans can expect a memorable performance that references the band’s 1999 “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” television film and album. Tickets: $68-$326; go to Ticketmaster.com.
World Ballet Series: ‘The Nutcracker’
Dec. 15, Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
“The Nutcracker,” part of theWorld Ballet Series, showcases a diverse cast of 50 professional ballet dancers, who come together to breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition. The show features Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, more than 150 hand-crafted costumes, hand-painted sets and Lev Ivanov choreography. Tickets: $33-$103; go to Ticketmaster.com.
‘The Nutcracker Ballet’
Dec. 15-17, Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center
BPACC will present “The Nutcracker Ballet,” a production of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet that will feature dancers from Singleton Community Center’s Esprit de Corps dance troupe as characters including Clara, the Nutcracker, the Mouse King and more. Tickets: $15-$20; go to BPACC.org.
Lucero Family Christmas
Dec. 16, Minglewood Hall
Long-running Memphis roots rock outfit Lucero is back with its annual holiday concert at Minglewood Hall. The group will headline a show that also features Against Me’s Laura Jane Grace, and the Heels. Lucero will donate $1 from every ticket sold to Calvary Episcopal Church’s Outreach Ministries, which serves thousands of Mid-South neighbors in need each year. Tickets: $40; go to Ticketmaster.com.
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‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’
Dec. 19, Orpheum
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 this stage musical. Tickets: $30-$60; go to Ticketmaster.com.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
Dec. 20, Orpheum
Husband and wife musical duo Drew and Ellie Holcomb return to the Bluff City stage and reunite for their annual holiday concert. The couple will headline a Christmas-themed concert featuring music from both Drew’s Americana band and Ellie’s gospel catalog. Tickets: $39.50-$99.50; go to Ticketmaster.com.
The Illusionists: The Magic of the Holidays
Dec. 28-29, Orpheum
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays, which showcases the talents of some of the world’s top magicians. The show promises a “thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.” Tickets: $35-$90; go to Ticketmaster.com.