Holiday Performing Arts in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Performances

Dates: December 20-23, 2012 & December 31, 2012
Location: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

The Kimmel Center will be dressed to the nines for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s series of holiday concerts in December. Performing The Glorious Sounds of Christmas from December 16-18 and Handel’s Messiah on December 19, Philadelphia’s most beloved orchestra will make your holiday favorites ring out from the Verizon Center stage. Start your New Year’s celebration in style with a special 7:30 p.m. performance on December 31.

The Nutcracker

Dates: December 8-30, 2012
Location: The Academy of Music

A long-lasting holiday tradition, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is celebrating its 43rd year. Set to Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and backed by the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the Pennsylvania Ballet – one of the premier ballet companies in the nation – once again prove why The Nutcracker is the perfect performance for the holidays.

A number of additional activities surround this annual extravaganza, including special events, family-friendly parties, charitable opportunities, exclusive appearances and more.

A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Street Theater

Dates: December 1-22, 2012
Location: Walnut Street Theater

Watch as the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous change of heart after being visited by three wondrous holiday spirits. The Walnut Theatre’s touching musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol will delight children and adults alike, as will the historic atmosphere at America’s oldest theater.

Holiday POPS!

Dates: December 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, and 22, 2012
Location: Kimmel Center | Broad and Spruce Streets

A cheerful performance for the entire family, Holiday POPS! features a special mix of joyous choirs, merry sing-a-longs, and a special visitor from the North Pole.