Get in the Holiday Spirit By Enjoying These Live Shows and Performances North of Boston

With the holidays come tradition, and one of the things we love most about this time of year North of Boston is all of the live theatrical events and productions that bring new life to some of our old favorites. With classics like The Nutcracker and creative spins on A Christmas Carol, as well as dazzling can’t-miss new performances there’s no shortage of ways to spend a night out delighted and inspired by a great show North of Boston.

Here’s some of our top picks for live performances that deliver on holiday cheer, and sheer entertainment! If you can’t make it this year mark your calendars for 2023 as many of these performances take place year after year.

Through Dec. 23: A Christmas Carol presented by Salem Trolley and The Gallows Theatre, Salem
Now entering into it’s 36th Season, this humorous and whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens’ timeless seasonal holiday classic. Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with a twist. Ride along with Scrooge on the Salem Trolley as the classic tale is brought to life in a completely unexpected way. Shows sell out quickly and seats are limited. Tickets generally go on sale in September for the December show, and tickets are still available for 2022!

Through Dec. 23: A Christmas Carol at Northshore Music Theater, Beverly
New England’s brightest holiday tradition celebrates its 31st annual production! An original adaptation based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, is a musical ghost story following the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (played by David Coffee returning for his 28th holiday season) through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. This award-winning production was created specifically for North Shore Music Theatre and has been seen by more than one million people since its debut in 1989.

Dec. 16–18: North Atlantic Ballet Presents The Nutcracker at the Cabot, Beverly
North Atlantic Ballet welcomes back their annual telling of The Nutcracker with Artistic Director Lucy Warren-Whitman’s contemporary twist on Clara’s journey to The Land Of Sweets. Audiences delight each year in new choreography, guest appearances, creative costumes, and the local children’s cast dancing alongside NAB’s seasoned company dancers. With a little magic and plenty of humor, North Atlantic Ballet’s The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s original score, has something (including selfies) for every age, making this a truly special family tradition.

Dec. 17: Rockport Art Association & Museum Annual Live Christmas Pageant, Rockport
Rockport’s 77th Annual Live Christmas Pageant is around the corner! In the spirit of the holidays, the Rockport Art Association and Museum once again present the Annual Live Christmas Pageant, a torch-lit live re-enactment of the Nativity. Each year hundreds of spectators gather to watch the live re-enactment of the story of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Bethlehem inn, and the stable. The pageant begins with a torch-lit procession which starts at Dock Square and proceeds up Main Street to the Congregational Church. The pageant originated in 1947, as a gift from the Rockport Art Association to the village. It remains a solid holiday season fixture to this day. Join us as an onlooker or participant in one of the roles!

Dec. 18: The Nutcracker at the Larcom Theatre, Beverly
Safe Haven Ballet presents their spirited, full-length ballet of The Nutcracker to The Larcom Theatre! This dynamic performance includes all your favorite characters, including a strong-minded Clara to the eccentric Drosselmeyer, the spooky Rats, and the beloved Sugarplum Fairy danced by artistic director Lissa Curtis. In the Land of Sweets, we will introduce you to a variation unique to Safe Haven Ballet called The Brave American. Come sing and clap along to this spirited, patriotic piece!

Dec. 20: A Sinatra Christmas with Rich DiMare at Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport
Rich DiMare is an American jazz singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook and brings his talent to the Firehouse! He’ll perform holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” & “White Christmas,” mixed in with Sinatra’s iconic and beloved songs including “My Way” and New York, New York.” This holiday season, Rich is joined by Ron Poster & The Sinatra Ambassadors. Rich and Ron’s understanding of the Sinatra songbook, coupled with their interactions on stage; make this Old Blue Eyes experience something Rat Pack lovers won’t forget!

Photo Credits: North Shore Music Theatre, Christmas Carol, Photo © David Costa Photography; The Nutcracker, courtesy The Cabot; The Nutcracker, courtesy Larcom Theatre.