Make Your Season Bright with Festive Christmas & Holiday Shows
Live Christmas shows in Northeastern Pennsylvania are one of the merriest ways to get into the spirit of the season. All across NEPA, you’ll find orchestras and choirs, dance companies and rock ensembles on big stages, and small community casts putting their own spin on favorite holiday stories and songs. Families return year after year to their favorite productions, while new audiences discover everything from big-energy holiday concerts to intimate performances that feel like stepping into a classic holiday story.
As the calendar fills up with festive plans, these Christmas shows start to feel like the official kickoff to the season. Whether you’re into classic ballets, modern holiday concerts, or playful twists on familiar tales, holiday and Christmas shows in NEPA are all about making joy-filled memories together.
Plan your Christmas shows with our list below, and visit our events calendar for a full lineup of holiday events and performances across the region—then keep the celebration going with our ultimate NEPA holiday bucket list, packed with stunning light displays, festive train rides, local holiday shopping and family-friendly holiday fun in Northeastern PA.
November 22 at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. | Mohegan Arena
The legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre on November 22 for two performances of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – The Best of TSO & More. The production combines pyrotechnics, lasers, and a massive symphonic-rock sound for a multi-sensory holiday experience.
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November 28–December 27 | Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
A Charlie Brown Christmas opens at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg on November 28 and runs through December 27. The stage adaptation follows Charlie Brown’s search for holiday meaning with help from his friends in the Peanuts gang. Full of humor, warmth, and nostalgia, this family-friendly production stays true to Charles M. Schulz’s classic story.
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November 29 at 6 p.m. | Ale Mary’s at The Bittenbender
Madame Jenny’s Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to Ale Mary’s at The Bittenbender in Scranton on November 29 at 6 p.m. The show features live jazz renditions of Vince Guaraldi’s classic score and captures the nostalgic charm of the beloved TV special. Guests can enjoy an evening of festive music, Prosecco toasts and holiday cheer.
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November 29 at 7 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas returns to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on November 29 at 7 p.m. This iconic production features the group’s signature blend of classical and modern sounds with more than 20 instruments and immersive visuals. Produced by Grammy Award winner Chip Davis, the concert celebrates over 40 years of the holiday album series that helped redefine seasonal music.
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December 4–6 | Penn’s Peak
Ryan Pelton brings An Elvis Christmas Show to Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe for matinee shows on December 4 and 5 at 1 p.m. and an evening show on December 6 at 8 p.m. Pelton, an acclaimed Elvis tribute artist and actor, performs the King’s greatest holiday hits alongside stories from his film and music career.
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December 5 at 6 p.m. | Grey Towers
A Christmas Carol returns to Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford on December 5 at 6 p.m. Presented by the U.S. Forest Service and Grey Towers Heritage Association, the reading follows Charles Dickens’ original dramatization as performed during his American tours. Joe Plummer, Jr. continues the family legacy in this intimate performance inside the mansion’s Great Hall. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
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December 5 & 6 at 8 p.m. | Mauch Chunk Opera House
The holiday rock orchestra Twelve Twenty-Four performs at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe on December 5 at 8 p.m. The six-piece band and string section deliver symphonic rock versions of seasonal classics and original songs. Theatrical lighting and powerhouse vocals make for a high-energy holiday show inspired by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
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December 6 at 7 p.m. | Sherman Theater
Jessica Lynn’s A Very Merry Classic Christmas lights up the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on December 6 at 7 p.m. This award-winning concert combines dancers, choirs, and multimedia effects for an immersive holiday spectacle. The event supports Toys for Tots and has been recognized as one of the Hudson Valley’s best holiday shows.
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December 6 at 7 p.m. | Scranton Cultural Center
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents (Candle)LIT Holidays at the Scranton Cultural Center on December 6 at 7 p.m. The performance surrounds audiences with hundreds of candles as the Philharmonic performs beloved carols alongside the Abington Heights Choir and Ballet Theatre of Scranton. The program blends orchestral beauty, dance, and tradition in one glowing celebration of the season.
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December 6 at 8 p.m. | Milford Theater
A Sinatra Christmas with Pete Caldera takes the stage at the Milford Theater on December 6 at 8 p.m. Caldera and his band perform timeless Sinatra holiday classics in a warm, nostalgic style. Guests can enjoy cocktail service at table seating as the theater bar opens an hour before the show for a full evening of swing and cheer.
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December 7 at 5 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland comes to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on December 7 at 5 p.m. This breathtaking production fuses cirque artistry with symphonic holiday music, featuring acrobats, aerialists, and live musicians. The 2025 edition includes all-new acts and visuals that transport audiences into a sparkling winter dreamscape.
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December 10 at 7:30 p.m. | Scranton Cultural Center
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular appears at the Scranton Cultural Center on December 10 at 7:30 p.m. The world-class illusionists present large-scale magic, daring escapes, and festive surprises perfect for all ages. Blending humor, audience interaction, and state-of-the-art effects, this show delivers an unforgettable night of wonder.
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December 11 at 7:30 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
Country star Chris Young brings It Must Be Christmas: An Acoustic Evening to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on December 11 at 7:30 p.m. The Grammy-nominated artist performs stripped-down versions of his hits and holiday favorites, showcasing his signature baritone voice. With 14 No. 1 singles and nearly two decades in country music, Young offers fans an intimate holiday experience.
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December 12 & 13 | The Theater at North
The Scranton Civic Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker at The Theater at North in Scranton on December 12 and 13. Now in its 39th year, Helen Gaus’ choreography brings Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy to life with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. This cherished community production remains one of NEPA’s most beloved holiday traditions.
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December 13 at 8 p.m. | Penn’s Peak
A Rocky Mountain Christmas: The Music of John Denver comes to Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe on December 13 at 8 p.m. Tribute artist Jim Curry performs Denver’s holiday and classic songs in a heartfelt recreation of the singer’s legendary Christmas specials. The concert’s blend of nostalgia and serenity captures the peaceful spirit of Denver’s music.
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December 15 at 7 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol takes the stage at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on December 15 at 7 p.m. Written and directed by Scott H. Severance, the production features elaborate sets, puppetry, and more than two dozen carols. Touring nationwide for over a decade, this adaptation highlights Scrooge’s transformation with humor, spectacle, and heart.
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December 16 at 10 a.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
Reindeer Games kicks off the Laux Young People’s Theater Series at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on December 16 at 10 a.m. Designed for K–4 students, the interactive show turns the stage into Santa’s North Pole game show with songs, skits, and audience participation. The free 50-minute event teaches teamwork and holiday spirit while keeping kids laughing and learning.
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December 19–21 | Dorothy Dickson Darte Center
The Wilkes University Conservatory presents The Nutcracker Ballet at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center in Wilkes-Barre from December 19–21. Directed by Alison Carlsson, Karla Kovatch, Sarah Polansky, and Adrienne Zulkoski, this production showcases Tchaikovsky’s classic score with vibrant costumes and choreography.
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December 19 at 7 p.m. | The Theater at North
Anthony Nunziata returns to The Theater at North in Scranton on December 19 at 7 p.m. for his annual Christmas & Italy concert. The world-renowned vocalist blends Italian classics with holiday favorites, including “O Holy Night,” “Santa Lucia,” and “The Prayer.” This year’s performance coincides with the release of his new album, Christmas & You, promising a night of heartfelt music and rich tradition.
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December 20 at 7 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Center
The Snowman in Concert returns to the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on December 20 at 7 p.m. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performs live alongside screenings of The Snowman and The Snowman and the Snowdog. With dancers from the Scranton Civic Ballet and guest appearances from the North Pole, this family concert captures the wonder of winter through animation and music.
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December 20 at 7 p.m. | The Theater at North
Twelve Twenty-Four brings their powerhouse holiday rock show to The Theater at North in Scranton on December 20 at 7 p.m. The ensemble of rock and string musicians performs symphonic renditions of seasonal hits alongside original compositions. Known for theatrical lighting and vibrant production, their concert has become one of NEPA’s most anticipated December traditions.
Learn MoreYour Ultimate NEPA Holiday Bucket List
Find even more festive performances that will fill your season with joy and light up your holidays in Northeastern PA.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 12/05/2018.
