The holidays are fast approaching, and family productions are getting underway. This year's Kansas City area family friendly holiday shows include concerts, plays, ballets and even a puppet show! 

Oliver the Musical
December 4 - 21, 2014 
Off Center Theatre, 2450 Grand, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Professional theater company whose concert-style productions bring alive the American Musical like never before. Full bar and free parking. FREE Kids tickets - one with each adult purchase.Learn more.

Jingle ARRGH the Way by Theater of Young America (TYA)
November 25 - December 22, 2014
From the creators of How I Became a Pirate, another pirate adventure--this musical adventure goes to the North Pole. A mysterious message left in the crow's nest of their ship brings Captain Braid Beard and his pirate mates back to North Beach to seek out young Jeremy Jacob to help find the Christmas treasure. Tickets $10. Learn more.

Kansas City Symphony Christmas Festival
December 13 - 16, 2014
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City's grandest holiday concert returns for six performances. The Symphony and Symphony Chorus present stunning musical arrangements of cherished Christmas carols and songs of the season, and welcome exciting guest singers and musicians for a healthy dose of Christmas cheer. Plus, an early visit from Santa! Learn more.

It's a Wonderful Life the Musical
December 4 - 13, 2014
Blue Springs City Theatre
2000 NW Ashton Dr., Blue Springs, MO
Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey's life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor, and pathos of the original. A new holiday classic for devotees and newcomers alike. Tickets from $8. Learn more.

The Wonder of Christmas by Fountain City Brass Band
December 13, 2014
Fountain City Brass Band's annual Christmas concert. Tickets from $5. Learn more.

The Wizard of Oz  by Puppetry Arts Institute
November 28 & 20 and December 13, 20, & 27, 2014
Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Rd., Independence, MO 64052
The story of Dorothy and her dog Toto and their adventures in a fantasy land has been delighting all ages for 75 years! See it brought to life at the Puppetry Arts Institute. Learn more.

The Nutcracker with the Overland Park Orchestra
December 20, 2014
Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, The Nutcracker, performed on Johnson County Community College's Yardley Hall Stage. Don't miss the magic and tradition. A 40ft growing tree, snow falling on stage, and a live orchestra highlight Overland Park tradition. Learn more.

Dickens Carolers in Concert
December 19, 20, 21, 2014
Chestnut Fine Arts Center, 234 N Chestnut, Olathe, KS 66061
The voices of the Dickens Carolers have been compared to those of heavenly angels! Treat yourdelf to a special holdiay gift as you relax and listen to your favorite holiday melodies sung by the Dickens Carolers in Concert. Learn more.

Kansas City Christmas by Heartland Men's Choir
December 5, 6, & 7, 2014
With more sparkle than the Plaza lights, Heartland Men’s Chorus reminds you why there’s no place like home for the holidays. We’ll debut new arrangements of holiday favorites by five Kansas City composers, including Mark Hayes and Jake Narverud. Cast members from Late Night Theatre will drop in for a fabulous “Frozen” parody, and drag icon Genewa Stanwyck appears as “Angie the Christmas Tree Angel” to ring in the season Kansas City style. Learn more.

Kansas City Ballet's The Nutracker
December 6 - 24, 2014
Muriel Kauffman Theatre, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO
A joyous holiday classic featuring the breathtaking sights and sounds - a magic Christmas tree, dazzling costumes and scenery, stunning choreography and dozens of beautiful dancers, all paired with the Kansas City Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music. Learn more.

Christmas in Song
November 20 - December 24, 2014
Quality Hill Playhouse, 303 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO
Blend of traditional, popular, gospel, and classical holiday show will delight all audiences. Learn more.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Christmas Attic
December 23, 2014 (2 shows)
Sprint Center, 1407 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will wrap up 2014 by performing their rock opera The Christmas Attic live for the first time in arenas across the nation on their Winter Tour 2014 for two incredible performances. Learn more.

Santa Conquers the Martians
November 15 - December 13, 2014
Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Co., The Great Plains Mall in Olathe, Kansas, 20700 West 151st Street Olathe, Kansas 66061
Martians, rockets, elves, and even old St. Nick himself will join the galaxy of goofiness. Learn more.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
November 4 - January 4, 2015
Coterie Theatre (inside Crown Center), 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO 64108
Join us in celebrating Rudolph’s 50 years on television and come see all of your favorite characters from the special including, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.  It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.  Don’t miss this wonderful new holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. Learn more.