Boston Children’s Theatre’s The Velveteen Rabbit - Boston
Opens December 3, 2016
Cost: $10-35

Based on the classic children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit is a touching story about friendship and love that is guaranteed to warm children’s hearts. Read our review of the show.

The BSO’s Holiday Pops - Boston
Opens November 30, 2016
Cost: $32 & up

Symphony Hall is transformed into a magical place for all ages as Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops perform the most beloved holiday music in these BSO Holiday Pops concerts. Special family matinee concerts include a children's sing-along and post-concert photos with Santa.

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity - Boston
Opens December 2, 2016
Cost: $35-$47.50

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity tells the original story of the Nativity in scripture, verse, music and dance. This show is based on the Gospel of St. Luke, combined with the poetry of Langston Hughes.

WGBH’s A Christmas Celtic Sojourn - Boston
Opens December 9, 2016
Cost: $25 & up

WGBH’s annual production of A Christmas Celtic Sojourn with Brian O'Donovan features both familiar faces and exciting additions in the holiday traditions audiences have grown to love.

Boston Children’s Chorus’ Holiday Sing-Along - Boston
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Cost: $12-$15

Families can join the Boston Children’s Chorus for its Holiday Sing-Along of familiar songs and carols. The best part is everyone can sing along, too!

The Christmas Revels - Cambridge
Opens December 9, 2016
Cost: $27 & up/Adult, $15 & up/Child

With a different theme each year, this season's production of The Christmas Revels takes a leap into the past to access the world of Celtic legend and song.

Tafuta! A Young Child's Search for the True Meaning of Kwanzaa - Roxbury
Opens December 16, 2016
Cost: $12 & up

This original play was written and directed by Shaumba-Yandje Dibinga and tells the story of a young boy's search for the meaning of Kwanzaa.

Alastair Moock Family Holiday Hootenany - Arlington
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Cost: $12

The Alastair Moock Family Holiday Hootenany includes Grammy-nominated Alastair Moock and Friends presenting a performance of classic holiday tunes and original family favorites.

​Stoneham Theatre’s Mame - Stoneham
Opens November 25, 2016
Cost: $45 & up/Adult, $20/Student

This unforgettable Tony Award-winning classic Broadway musical centers on the irrepressibly eccentric Mame Dennis, who lives a carefree life in 1920s New York until she unexpectedly becomes the guardian to her 10-year-old nephew, Patrick. 

Theatre in the Open’s A Nutcracker Panto - Newburyport
Opens December 9, 2016
Cost: $16/Adult, $14/Member/Student/Senior

Families can start a holiday tradition with Theater in the Open’s A Nutcracker Panto with panto and ballet colliding in a delicious mix of sugar plums and pies-in-the-face, dance and comedy, fairies and snowballs.

ChristmasTime: Holiday Musical Spectacular - Waltham
Opens December 2, 2016
Cost: $35 & up

Reagle Music Theatre’s ChristmasTime is a holiday season musical revue spectacular and a regional tradition featuring singing and dancing galore.

A Christmas Carol - North Shore Music Theatre - Beverly
Opens December 9, 2016
Cost: $59 & up

North Shore Music Theatre's performance of A Christmas Carol is an original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic that follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys. Children under 4 are not allowed.

Hanover Theatre’s A Christmas Carol - Worcester
Opens December 16, 2016
Cost: $28 & up

Hanover Theatre presents the classic holiday tale of Christmas redemption and the love for mankind that the season brings. This show is also recommended for older children, and tickets for kids are half price.

For discounts on tickets to many of these shows (and The Nutcracker), check out the Mayor's Holiday Special.

Photo Courtesy of Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott Photo.

Post originally published Dec 2015; updated Nov 2016.