‘Tis the Season for the Stage

The holidays were made for a little magic — and few places deliver it quite like the theater. As the lights dim and the curtain rises, stories of love, laughter and holiday cheer unfold before your eyes, filling the season with warmth and wonder. The sights, sounds and emotions of live performance make this time of year shine even brighter.

This year, stages across the Brandywine Valley are brimming with festive favorites and new delights. From beloved classics to musical comedies and family-friendly shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your ticket, settle into your seat and let the holiday spirit take center stage.

Chester County

Chester County’s theaters are aglow with holiday cheer, presenting heartwarming stories, lively music and plenty of festive spirit. Local talent lights up the stage, making it the perfect place to celebrate the season close to home.

We start, naturally, in the county seat of West Chester. The December lineup at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is filled up like Santa’s sack — not with toys, but with holiday shows. On December 5, before heading to the Christmas parade, kick off the season with song at the “Holiday Cheer Concert.” Uptown Studio’s student performers present fresh takes on classic holiday faves, plus pop and R&B hits.

Other festive performances at Uptown include “Bright Lights,” the West Chester University Jazz Orchestra’s holiday concert (December 10), “Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show” (December 11) and “A Not So Silent Night,” a dazzling holiday cabaret (December 13). Or see a classic holiday film on $5 Movie Mondays — popcorn included! This month’s selections include, appropriately, “White Christmas,” “Holiday Inn” and “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” UptownWestChester.org

Also at Uptown, see Revival Productions’ rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” December 6 to 28. The December 7 matinee is a Community Day Performance, with open captioning for hearing-impaired patrons and discounted tickets, so more families can enjoy the onstage magic. Revival-Productions.com

Next up: Lionville, with the Barley Sheaf Players’ rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” December 5 to 7. This adaptation of Dickens’ famous tale stays true to the original novella, while featuring the delightful songs of Broadway legends Jule Styne and Bob Merrill (of “Funny Girl” fame). The December 7 show is a relaxed performance, encouraging those with autism, ADHD, dementia and other neurodivergent theatergoers to enjoy the show while accommodating their needs. BarleySheaf.org

Then wend your way to Chester Springs, where SALT Performing Arts presents “Anastasia” through December 14. Based on the beloved animated feature, this Broadway sensation will transport you to a rapidly changing Russia and the glittering lights of 1920s Paris, where brave Anya sets out to uncover the secrets of her past. For over a decade, SALT has teamed up with the Chester County Food Bank to help ensure no one in our community goes hungry this holiday season, collecting food at each performance (no glass containers) and donating $1 from every ticket sale. SALTPA.com

Over in Phoenixville, the Colonial Theatre fills the town with holiday cheer. On December 5, Jessica Lynn returns for her fourth year at the theater with “A Very Merry Classic Christmas.” A sell-out show each year, this multimedia presentation features dancers, choirs, surprises and special effects. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

More holiday fun at the Colonial includes the Milk Carton Kids’ holiday tour (December 11), comedian Joe DeRosa’s “Home for the Holidays” (December 20) and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with the Eric Mintel Quartet (December 20). Plus, festive films in December include “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “Home Alone,” “A Christmas Story” and a special Craft Cinema screening of “Little Women” — watch the 1994 film while working on a holiday craft. TheColonialTheatre.com

On to the Main Line, where more holiday magic awaits. In Malvern, People’s Light presents their whimsical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” through January 4. Chester County’s only professional theater company reimagines Scrooge’s journey through the eyes of a child, blending original music with traditional English carols. PeoplesLight.org

Prefer your holidays with a little Halloween-y flair? Berwyn’s Footlighters Theater has the show for you. From December 5 to 14, see “Evil Dead: The Musical.” Based on the ’80s cult classics “The Evil Dead” and “The Evil Dead 2,” this laugh-out-loud spectacle follows five college students to an abandoned cabin in the woods, where they accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them into demons. Plus, it’s the only show in town with a “Splatter Zone” — a section of the audience that gets covered in fake blood. FootlightersTheater.com

Then head south for more festive fun. On December 18, singer-songwriter John Flynn returns to the Kennett Flash for his annual holiday concert benefiting Camp Dreamcatcher. Enjoy an evening of music to support local youth affected by HIV and AIDS, trauma and mental health challenges. More seasonal offerings at the Flash include the Lenape Brass Ensemble’s “Holiday Favorites” on December 21 and a New Year’s Eve celebration with ’80s tribute band The Influence. KennettFlash.org

And look forward to the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society’s 25th annual British panto, “Robin Hood & His Merrie Men,” January 23 and 24 at Kennett High School. CallKATS.org

Last but certainly not least, see an unconventional take on the Bard’s works, courtesy of the ACT Players. “Miscast Shakespeare” is a collection of scenes from Shakespeare’s plays featuring ACT players in unexpected roles and from plays ACT wouldn’t produce in their entirety. Catch the one-day-only performance December 7 at the New London Methodist Social Hall. ACTPlayers.org

Delaware County

Just a short drive away, Delco’s theaters keep the celebration going with festive performances that shine with heart, humor and holiday spirit.

In Everybody’s Hometown, the Media Theatre performs the beloved tale of the little orphan who could. Part of their Broadway Series, “Annie” is on stage November 28 to January 4. Or bring the kiddos to see the theater’s Youth Ensemble perform “Peter Pan Jr.” from December 6 to 21. Plus, the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute group, Lights Out, presents “A Very Valli Holiday” for one night only, December 21. MediaTheatre.org

Just outside town, the storied Hedgerow Theatre Company presents the regional premiere of Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of “Little Women,” November 26 to December 28. Featuring live musical accompaniment, this fresh take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel follows the March sisters as they grow up together amid the Civil War. New this season, audience members can enjoy live-captioning smart glasses — only the third company in North America with this technology. HedgerowTheatre.org

Then check out the Players Club of Swarthmore’s rendition of “Hello, Dolly!” Based on Thornton Wilder’s hit play, this iconic Broadway musical depicts the romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things.” See it December 19 to January 4. PCSTheater.org

Wilmington

Rounding out our tour, Wilmington’s theaters bring the season to a grand finale with dazzling performances, rich tradition and plenty of holiday sparkle.

First stop: historic Ardentown, home of the Candlelight Theatre. Through December 21, see “Christmas by Candlelight.” Back by popular demand, this heartwarming yuletide celebration features your favorite seasonal and sacred tunes — plus some new surprises — all brought to life by the magic of the Candlelighters. CandlelightTheatreDelaware.org

Then head downtown for the Delaware Theatre Company’s rendition of “Shrek: The Musical,” December 3 to 21. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks movie, this family-friendly show follows your favorite characters — Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona — as they embark on a journey to find their place in the world and discover that true beauty lies within. DelawareTheatre.org

And, of course, The Grand Opera House’s holiday programming is filled with cheer. Highlights include “Lúnasa: An Irish Solstice Celebration” with special guest Dave Curley (December 6) and First State Ballet Theatre’s annual performance of “The Nutcracker” (December 13 to 21).

Or see the Wilmington Ballet’s version of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic, December 12 to 14, at The Grand’s sister stage, The Playhouse on Rodney Square. Also at the Playhouse, catch Meredith Wilson’s “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical,” December 20 and 21. From the writer of “The Music Man” and based on the famous film, this joyous musical features beloved songs like “Pinecones and Holly Berries,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “My State, My Kansas.” TheGrandWilmington.org

As the curtain falls on another festive season, the magic of live theater continues to shine — in the laughter, the music and those quiet moments when the lights dim. More than a night of entertainment, the theater creates memories that last long after the final bow.

And if you’re still searching for that perfect present, consider gifting tickets to a local show — a thoughtful way to spread joy and support the arts close to home.

Happy holidays!

Lancaster County Encores

Take a quick trip west, where Lancaster County’s theaters bring even more holiday joy. Tickets and times online.

American Music Theatre. Through December 30, “The 2025 Christmas Show: Deck the Halls.” 2425 Lincoln Hwy. E., Lancaster. AMTShows.com

Bird-in-Hand Stage. Through December 27, “The Christmas Candy Caper.” 2760 Old Philadelphia Pk., Bird-in-Hand. Bird-In-Hand.com/Stage

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Through December 28, “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn.” Through December 27, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.” 510 Centreville Rd., Lancaster. DutchApple.com

The Fulton Theatre. Through December 28, “Elf: The Musical.” December 5–28, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” December 6–27, “The Nutcracker: The Musical.” 12 N. Prince St., Lancaster. TheFulton.org

Sight & Sound Theatres. Through December 31, “Noah: Live on Stage.” 300 Hartman Bridge Rd., Ronks. Sight-Sound.com/Lancaster