The holiday season in Charleston is bursting with theatrical performances throughout the city. Arts lovers can enjoy classic Christmas stories and songs or step outside the box for alternative experiences and variety shows. Check out our list of performances and snag your tickets soon.
‘One Christmas Carol’
What: The Village Repertory Co. teams up with Threshold Repertory Theatre to present this one-man show condensing the famous musical that tells a timeless story. One actor will embody more than 35 characters, utilizing only three chairs to retell the world-renowned Dickensian novella.
When: 7:30 p.m. select dates, Nov. 29-Dec. 15
Where: Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 Society St.
Price: $35+
More info: charlestontheater.com
‘A Christmas Carol’
What: Charleston Stage presents its original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story with whimsical scenery and captivating stage effects. Scored with classic carols, the cast portrays more than 50 characters and, of course, Scrooge and Tiny Tim.
When: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 22
Where: Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St.
Price: $61.25+
More info: charlestonstage.com/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol
South Carolina Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at The Koger Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
South Carolina Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
What: The South Carolina Ballet will bring its rendition of this timeless ballet for a magical evening of romance, adventure and wonder fit for all ages.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.
Price: $35-$55+
More info: tinyurl.com/bdctv72f
Mt. Pleasant School of Performing Arts’ ‘The Nutcracker’
What: Take in the classic tale of what can happen when a young girl’s imagination becomes reality with this rendition of the famous ballet by Mt. Pleasant School of Performing Arts.
Where: Sottile Theatre, 44 George St.
Price: $45+
More info: mtpballet.com
Dance Conservatory’s ‘The Nutcracker’
What: Dance Conservatory of Charleston returns for its winter performance of “The Nutcracker” with 250 students comprising two casts. You can enjoy the show in-person or stream it at home for $20. Four performances take place at Sottile Theatre, and two performances take place at Charleston Gaillard Center.
When: Various times Dec. 2, 14 and 15
Where: Various locations
Price: $30+
More info: danceconservatorychs.com/dance-conservatory-winter-performance
‘Golden Gals Live! A Christmas Musical’
What: This is a theatrical drag spectacular sure to transport you back to the golden age with beloved Miami seniors Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy. Find out what happens when a hurricane hits and the hijinks erupt. Laughter is guaranteed.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 4
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St.
Price: $20-$25+
More info: tinyurl.com/2spk3yjx
Derek Hough ‘Dance for the Holidays’
What: Sleigh bells, jingle bells and holiday carols abound in this dance performance from Derek Hough of “Dancing with the Stars,” bringing to life classic Christmas tunes and modern pop hits.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
Price: $61+
More info: tinyurl.com/4k383k8v
‘Elf Jr. the Musical’
What: Young performers will bring to life characters from the beloved Christmas film “Elf” under the direction of Summerville’s community theater Flowertown Players.
When: Various times Dec. 6-8, 13-15
Where: Flowertown Players, 133 S. Main St., Summerville
Price: $14-$25+
More info: flowertownplayers.org/elf-jr-the-musical-december-2024
A Very Electric Christmas
What: Illuminate the holidays with a kid-friendly theater experience centering on themes of family, friendship and hope set to classic holiday hits from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. New Orleans-based company Lightwire Theater brings the story to life with puppet-like characters costumed with electroluminescent wires that glow in the dark.
When: 1 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.
Price: $19.50+
More info: tinyurl.com/mr4xwmrx
‘Who’s Holiday’
What: This off-kilter, hilarious one-woman show revolves around an adult Cindy Lou Who, now a chain-smoking 40-year-old living in a trailer in Mt. Crumpet many years after her first meeting with the Grinch. Get all the gossip in this 60-minute R-rated comedy.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19-20; 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 22
Where: Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen St.
Price: $31+
More info: footlightplayers.net/whos-holiday
The Charleston Christmas Special will be entertaining local audiences at the Charleston Music Hall during the holiday season.
The Charleston Christmas Special
What: Now in its 30th year, this enchanting holiday variety show is a sweeping song and dance performance redesigned for a brand-new take in 2024.
When: Various times Dec. 12-15, 17-22
Where: Charleston Music Hall, 27 John St.
Price: $21-$44+
More info: tinyurl.com/3ecbn5cw
‘Nutcracker! Magic Christmas Ballet’
What: This holiday show combines ballet, puppetry and acrobats to perform the classic story of love, longing and magic performed all over the world since 1892.
When: 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
Price: $31+
More info: tinyurl.com/4dppmunt
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
What: Be enchanted by this musical extravaganza infused with circus artistry and holiday melodies. This family-friendly performance is filled with jaw-dropping spectacle and gravity-defying aerial feats.
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
Price: $39+
More info: tinyurl.com/bdeepe9x
Rip City’s Holiday Showtacular
What: The 2nd annual Rip City’s Holiday Showtacular is an experimental variety show chock full of unhinged frivolity from Charleston comedians and live music performances from Charleston bands.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Music Farm, 32 Ann St.
Price: $15-$17+
More info: musicfarm.com/event/rip-citys-holiday-showtacular
‘A Drag Queen Christmas’
What: The longest running drag tour in America comes presents its 10th anniversary tour of “A Drag Queen Christmas,” hosted by Nina West. Get into the holiday spirit with high-energy performances from queens of all backgrounds.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 23
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive
Price: $45+
More info: tinyurl.com/yw23dheb
‘Largo’s Christmas at the Copa’
What: This comedic musical centers around a down-and-out ’70s soap star who attempts a comeback performance at the famous Copa Cabana.
When: 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. select dates Nov. 21-Dec. 23
Where: 34 West Theater Company, 200 Meeting St. #100
Price: Sold out, look for resale tickets
More info: 34west.org/tickets/largos-christmas-at-the-copa