Whether you want to see your favorite Christmas movie play out on the stage or spread Christmas cheer through singing, grab tickets to these festive performances just in time for the holiday season.
Christmas with Cantus
December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with classic carols from around the world. Cantus, the eight-member a capella ensemble, will be performing over a dozen songs, including “Silent Night,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Aguinaldo Carols.” The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna; $44
Gift of the Magi – The Musical
December 3 to 12
While gift shopping is on everyone’s mind this month, the musical adaptation of The Gift of the Magi wants to remind you of the real reason for the season. Following the plot of the short story, Della and her husband Jim struggle to find presents for each other and instead sell their prized possessions to give to their loved one. Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Dr., Warrenton; $18 to $22
A Christmas Carol
December 3 to 18
If your Christmas tradition is to watch a showing of A Christmas Carol, you need to catch The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s rendition. It’ll warm your heart as you see Ebenezer Scrooge rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria; $20
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
December 3 to 19, times vary
Instead of another Charles Dickens’ Christmas, this comedy tells you every other Christmas story in the book. From your favorite carols to traditions from around the world, and a few special guest appearances in between, these stories will keep the laughter rolling all night long. NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon; $25
A Child’s Christmas in Wales
December 10 and 11
Take a step back from the hectic Christmas shopping and holiday hustle and step into a much simpler time. Set in the first half of the 20th century and based on the story by poet Dylan Thomas, the musical captures Christmas day presents, family, and fresh snow through the eyes of a child and the memories of an adult. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons; $20
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops
December 10, 8 p.m.
The entire family will have a holly, jolly Christmas during a night with NoVA’s own American Festival Pops Orchestra. As the instrumental versions of “Jingle Bells” and other lovely carols make their way through the crowd, you’ll feel your holiday cheer rise just in time for Christmas fun. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas; $36 to $60
Carols of Christmas Concert
December 11, 5 p.m.
Warm up your vocal chords and join the community for a festive night of carols. Enjoy holiday songs performed by the congregation with the orchestra, along with fun sing-alongs and special performances throughout the night. Those that can’t make it to the event can catch the performance via livestream. First Baptist Church of Alexandria: 2932 King St., Alexandria; free
A John Waters Christmas
December 15, 7:30 p.m.
Can you really call yourself a Northern Virginian if you haven’t seen John Waters’ annual Christmas show? The cult classic director is making his way back to the Alexandria stage to celebrate the season as only Waters can and close out the year with a bang. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $55
Meet Me in St. Louis
Through December 31, times vary
It isn’t Christmas unless you see Meet Me in St. Louis. The Judy Garland classic turned musical is just what you need during the holiday season. Follow the Smith family as they face love, heartbreak, and opportunity waiting for the World’s Fair to arrive in Missouri. Riverside Center For The Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $55 to $75
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