From classics to new twists on Christmas regulars-there are great live shows and plays this holiday season in our area!
🎄 Handel's Messiah: A Community Sing presented by Abendmusik
November 30:
Hundreds of audience members will join in an exuberant rendition of George Frideric Handel’s great masterpiece, Messiah. Abendmusik at First Plymouth will again host the annual event.
❄️ Christmas with C.S. Lewis at the Lied Center
December 4-7:
In the early years of his young adult life C S Lewis believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J R R Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning.
🎺 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Southwest High School Silver Hawk Theatre
December 4-7:
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas!
This delightful show is adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book, and has become a holiday staple.
🎄Canadian Brass at the Lied Center
December 5:
The world’s most famous brass quintet returns to the Lied Center to make the holiday season merry and bright! Featuring original arrangements and signature takes on beloved holiday classics including, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Christmastime is Here” the spirit and sparkle of Canadian Brass has earned them a loyal legion of fans worldwide.
❄️ Christmas Concert at the Nebraska Capitol Building
December 6:
Union Adventist University will hold a concert in the 2nd floor rotunda on Saturday December 6 from 3:00 – 4:45 p.m.
🎺 LSO presents "Deck the Halls" at the Lied Center
December 7:
‘Tis the season! LSO’s annual celebration returns with two performances for the whole family to enjoy! Join guest conductor Lucas Waldin for a concert full of holly, jolly, and more. LSO and guest singers will bring beloved holiday songs to life alongside Bell-issimo handbell choir, Lincoln Suzuki Studios, and the adaptive dance company Dancing Beyond Limits.
🎄State Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7:
Governor and Mrs. Pillen will light the state’s Christmas tree in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Capitol at a1:30 p.m. ceremony in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Capitol on Sunday December 7, 2025. The tree lighting will be followed by a Hometown Christmas at the Governor’s Residence starting at 2:30 p.m. and lasting until 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to both events.
❄️ Elf Jr. the Musical at Lincoln Community Playhouse
December 12-14 and 19-21:
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
🎺 Nutcracker at the Lied Center
December 13-14:
The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will present its 41st annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company's Nutcracker features almost 200 student dancers from southeastern Nebraska in a performance featuring professional guest artists. The classic story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the finest choreography, costumes, and scenery, making this production a treasured holiday tradition.
🎄A Christmas Story: the Musical at the Lied Center
December 16-21
From the songwriting team behind the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, brings the classic 1983 movie to hilarious life on stage!
❄️ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at the Lied Center
December 23
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for 40 years! GRAMMY Award® winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season.
