The curtain rises on Ottawa’s most magical theatre season! December 2025 brings an exceptional lineup of holiday performances to stages across the capital region, from beloved ballets to classic plays to innovative concert experiences.
Holiday theatre offers something special—the combination of live performance, festive atmosphere, and shared experience creates memories that last far beyond the final curtain. This guide covers the essential December productions you won’t want to miss.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s December 2025 theatre lineup includes multiple Nutcracker productions, A Sherlock Carol at OLT, Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol live concert at NAC, and regional productions of holiday classics. Book early—popular shows sell out.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Season | December 2025 |
| 📍 Venues | NAC, Centrepointe, OLT, regional theatres |
| 🎟️ Price Range | $25 - $150+ |
| ⏰ Book Now | Popular shows selling fast |
The Nutcracker Productions
Royal Winnipeg Ballet at NAC
Canada’s premiere Nutcracker (concluded December 7, but sets the standard):
- Canadian-themed production with NAC Orchestra
- RCMP, hockey, Parliament Hill references
- Tchaikovsky’s score performed live
- Annual Ottawa tradition
Ballet Jörgen at Centrepointe
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 12-13, 2025 |
| Venue | Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe |
| Times | Fri 7 PM, Sat 1 PM & 4:30 PM |
About the Production:
- Set in Algonquin Park
- Features lumberjacks, Mounties, woodland creatures
- Distinctly Canadian interpretation
- Created with McMichael Canadian Art Collection
- Accessible for families
Illustrative image only.
NAC Holiday Programming
Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol – Live in Concert
A unique film-concert experience:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 11-13, 2025 |
| Venue | NAC Southam Hall |
| Times | Thu-Fri 8 PM, Sat 2 PM & 8 PM |
What to Expect:
- Classic Muppet film on the big screen
- NAC Orchestra performs score live
- Beloved songs enhanced by live music
- Fun for all ages
- Nostalgic and fresh simultaneously
NAC Orchestra FanFair
Festive family concert:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, December 14, 2025 |
| Venue | NAC |
| Type | Family concert |
Features:
- Holiday classics performed live
- Fun for everyone
- Introduction to orchestral music
- Festive atmosphere
Theatre Productions
A Sherlock Carol - Ottawa Little Theatre
Clever holiday mystery (SOLD OUT):
- Runs through December 20, 2025
- Sherlock Holmes meets Dickens characters
- Critical and audience success
- Example of OLT quality programming
- Season memberships available for future shows
Regional Theatre Offerings
A Christmas Carol - Upper Canada Playhouse
- Classic Dickens adaptation
- Traditional holiday theatre
- Morrisburg location
- Check for availability
Miracle on 34th Street - Studio Theatre Perth
- Beloved holiday favourite
- Regional theatre excellence
- Worth the drive for theatre lovers
- Community theatre quality
Choosing the Right Show
By Age Group
Young Children (3-7):
- Ballet Jörgen’s Nutcracker (shorter, accessible)
- NAC Orchestra FanFair
- Muppet Christmas Carol (familiar characters)
Older Children (8-12):
- Any Nutcracker production
- Muppet Christmas Carol concert
- A Christmas Carol productions
Teens and Adults:
- A Sherlock Carol (if available)
- Full-length Nutcracker
- Evening performances
Date Night:
- Evening ballet performances
- NAC Orchestra concerts
- Upscale dinner + show combinations
Illustrative image only.
Venue Guide
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
- World-class venue
- Multiple performance spaces
- Underground parking
- Fine dining options (pre-show)
- O-Train accessible (Parliament Station)
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean
- Suburban location
- Free parking
- Multiple theatre spaces
- Community arts focus
- Accessible venue
Ottawa Little Theatre
400 King Edward Avenue
- Intimate community theatre
- Historic venue
- Central location
- Season membership available
- Volunteer-driven organization
Planning Your Theatre Experience
Booking Tips
Secure the best seats:
- Book early for popular shows
- Choose matinees for children
- Consider weeknights for better availability
- Check for promotions and discounts
- Sign up for venue newsletters for early access
Making an Evening of It
Combine theatre with dining:
Pre-Show Options:
- Restaurant reservations near venue
- Allow 1.5-2 hours before curtain
- Consider walkable options
Post-Show:
- Dessert and coffee nearby
- Discuss the performance
- Extend the festive evening
What to Wear
Theatre dress codes have relaxed:
- Smart casual is generally appropriate
- Dress up for special occasions
- Comfortable but presentable
- Consider layers (theatres can vary)
- Avoid noisy jewelry or accessories
Ticket Information
Price Ranges
| Venue/Show | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| NAC Orchestra | $50 - $150+ |
| Ballet at NAC | $75 - $200+ |
| Centrepointe | $40 - $80 |
| Community Theatre | $25 - $45 |
Discounts Available
Save on tickets:
- Student discounts at most venues
- Senior rates available
- Rush tickets (same day)
- Subscriber/member prices
- Group rates for parties of 10+
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best holiday show for young children? A: Ballet Jörgen’s Nutcracker at Centrepointe offers an accessible, Canadian-themed production. The Muppet Christmas Carol concert is also excellent for families with children who know the characters.
Q: How far in advance should I book? A: Popular holiday shows can sell out weeks ahead. Book as soon as you know your dates, especially for weekend performances.
Q: Are there any free holiday performances? A: Check community centres, libraries, and churches for free or by-donation holiday concerts and performances throughout December.
Q: What if my child gets restless during a performance? A: Choose matinee performances marketed as family-friendly. Sit near an aisle for easy exit if needed. Consider shorter productions for theatre newcomers.
Q: Can I purchase tickets as gifts? A: Yes! Most venues offer gift certificates or allow ticket purchases for others. Theatre tickets make excellent holiday gifts.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s December 2025 theatre season offers something for every taste—from the spectacle of The Nutcracker to the clever wit of A Sherlock Carol to the nostalgic joy of the Muppet Christmas Carol in concert. Live holiday theatre creates shared experiences and memories that streaming simply cannot replicate.
Don’t wait until the last minute to secure tickets. Popular productions sell out, and the best seats go first. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, Ottawa’s stages are ready to deliver holiday magic.
Check venue websites for current availability and book your holiday theatre experience today.
Source: NAC, Meridian Theatres, Ottawa Little Theatre - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
For more Ottawa entertainment, visit Things to Do or explore Ottawa Events!
