Seattle Family Calendar
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Musical theater dominates the family arts calendar for good reason, and this season is no exception, with a full slate of productions from touring Broadway shows to local youth performances. But there’s more to see on stage: From panto to puppet shows, and circus acts to classical ballet, this fall has got it all.
Musical theater
“Finding Neverland”
Based on the film of the same name, the musical “Finding Neverland” is inspired by the backstory of how J.M. Barrie came to write the beloved children’s book “Peter Pan.” While the actual historical events may have been more complicated, “Finding Neverland”’s story about the transformative power of imagination is delightful for all ages.
Location: ManeStage Theatre, Puyallup
Dates: Oct. 9–25
“Young Frankenstein”
Few aspects of culture become dated as quickly as comedy. Movies our parents find hilarious often leave us cold, or worse, offended. Mel Brooks’ movies are a prime example, but the silliness of “Young Frankenstein” is a timeless exception. Find out if your kids will cackle at the story of the mad scientist’s grandson returning to Transylvania to inherit the infamous castle and its laboratory. You can test their taste with the 1974 movie, but Studio East’s production of the musical stage version with teen actors is a pretty safe bet.
Location: Studio East, Kirkland
Dates: Oct. 30–Nov. 8
“How to Train Your Dragon The Musical, Jr.”
Two casts of fifth to 12th grade performers rehearse for months to produce this live musical adaptation of the hit animated film, “How to Train Your Dragon.” At only an hour long and supplemented by songs, the story of the young Viking Hiccup who befriends the scariest dragon that attacks his village has near-universal appeal. Equally universal is the question: How are they going to pull off Toothless, the catlike dragon at the center of the story?
Location: Black Box Theatre, Edmonds
Dates: Nov. 6–8
“Mary Poppins, Jr.”
Vashon Center for the Art’s Teen Musical Theatre presents the magic of “Mary Poppins,” with its unforgettable songs, playful adventures and heartwarming moments. In this kid-friendly condensed, all-ages-appropriate adaptation, imagination, mischief and possibility arrive courtesy of young performers.
Location: Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon Island
Dates: Nov. 13–14
“Chika Chicka Boom Boom: The Holiday Show”
This holiday version of one of SCT’s most popular musical plays explores the alphabet, imagination and togetherness – now with a Christmas tree that needs decorating. Geared toward a crowd yet to attend kindergarten, expect lots of audience participation with clapping, singing and dancing.
Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Nov. 19– Jan. 3, 2027
“A Christmas Carol, The Musical”
Running the length of your average movie with no intermission, the Broadway musical version of Dickens’ holiday classic is no humbug! The story is well known to all, but it’s time for a new generation to fall in love with the irresistible music of Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens.
Location: Wade James Theater, Edmonds
Dates: Nov. 20–Dec. 19
“A Christmas Story, The Musical”
The midcentury Midwestern Christmas depicted in “A Christmas Story” shares few specifics with the holidays experienced by our contemporary Pacific Northwest kids (Do they even know what Ovaltine is?). The story remains a relevant classic because it captures the intensity of hope and heartbreak that are part of every childhood.
Location: Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Tacoma
Dates: Nov. 20–Dec. 13
“Shrek The Musical”
It’s hard to believe that the original “Shrek” movie predates Instagram and the all-consuming drive to present an idealized, aesthetic version of ourselves to an anonymous audience. Now more than ever, we need stories that boldly proclaim it’s better to be our authentic selves than to strive for a fairy tale.
Location: The Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 20
“The Wizard of Oz”
One of the first and most influential of American children’s books and a musical film adaptation that popularized technicolor, “The Wizard of Oz” was bound to become musical theater. While not technically a holiday movie, this classic story is full of courage and heart, sharing the message that there’s no place like home. It suits the season perfectly.
Location: 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 27
“Beauty and the Beast”
Members of the original Tony Award-winning creative team that adapted Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” for the stage reunited to refresh their 1993 production with new sets and costumes. But the original songs from the movie that you’ve been singing since you were a kid are still part of the magic.
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Dec. 22–Jan. 3, 2027
Stage productions and plays
“Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster”
“Holiday show” usually means Christmas. Halloween shows are far less common, and all-ages Halloween shows are incredibly rare because Halloween is supposed to be scary. But Leonardo is bad at being a monster — he can’t scare anybody. This Halloween, he goes looking for a scaredy-cat, but he just might end up making a friend instead. Based on the book by Mo Willems and staged with hundreds of puppets and elaborate props.
Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Oct. 1– Nov. 1
“I’ll Be Your Superhero”
A world premiere made possible through the BIPOC Superhero Project, “I’ll Be Your Superhero” is about 10-year-old Xavier, who has to go live with his uncle. His uncle is going through some major changes of his own. Their discovery of a mutual love of superheroes may be the key to learning how to live with each other, and themselves.
Location: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Oct. 15–Nov. 1
“Arsenic and Old Lace”
Murder and mayhem might not seem like all-ages topics, but somehow the screwball wins out against the black comedy in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” A drama critic dealing with a family of elderly murderers and deluded siblings is goofy enough that delicate sensibilities remain unoffended. (If you’re on the fence, test your kids’ reactions to the Cary Grant film, available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, before committing to tickets.)
Location: Tacoma Little Theatre, Tacoma
Dates: Oct. 16–Nov. 1
“A Sherlock Carol”
What do you get when you mix up whodunnit with a Christmas classic? When Tiny Tim (now an adult) asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of his old mentor Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Sherlock Carol,” the answer is a heartwarming holiday treat for the whole family.
Location: The State Theater, Olympia
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 24
“Where Blooming Flowers Meet The Sky”
Written by local playwright Darryin B. Cunningham as part of the Civil Rights Legacy Tour program, “Where Blooming Flowers Meet The Sky” follows a young poet striving to find her voice. She is visited by historical figures from the civil rights era who each impart their wisdom. They help her see that heroism comes from speaking truth because every voice carries the power to make a difference.
Location: Lakewood Playhouse, Lakewood
Dates: Dec. 4–19
“It’s A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play”
Bringing Frank Capra’s classic film to the stage as a live 1940s radio broadcast, this adaptation tells the heartwarming tale of one of Jimmy Stewart’s most iconic characters, George Bailey, as he reflects on the significance of his own life one Christmas Eve.
Location: Sammamish Valley Grange Hall, Woodinville
Dates: Dec. 4–19
Dance performances
Whim W’him: “Choreographic Shindig”
A dancer-curated program showcasing the individual approaches of three choreographers to movement, storytelling and creative process. Do not underestimate kids’ ability to appreciate contemporary dance. It’s the closest art form to what kids themselves do when they feel the music, and youth tickets are free.
Location: Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon
Dates: Sept. 16
“Men In Dance” festival
There is an unfortunate stereotype that dancing is feminine and ballet lessons are only for little girls. Attending any professional dance performance will prove otherwise, but “Men In Dance” was established specifically to highlight choreography by and for male dancers. Contemporary choreographers sometimes include mature themes or partial nudity in their work. Once the festival program is finalized, it’s best to review the specific show descriptions to make sure it is appropriate for your family.
Location: Erickson Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Oct. 2–4
Dance Theatre of Harlem
World renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem is committed to enriching the lives of young people and adults around the world. This fall, they are bringing their multicultural, technically brilliant contemporary ballet to Seattle. You don’t want to miss it.
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Oct. 30–31
Hung Dance: “Birdy”
“Birdy,” an original work from the Hung Dance company of Taiwan, blends contemporary dance with elements of Chinese opera, Tai Chi and myth using props like rattan poles and pheasant feathers. The bold choreography is sure to capture kids’ attention, even if they don’t identify its themes: the tension between freedom and constraint, and the strength it takes to navigate it. Note: Children younger than age 5 will not be admitted.
Location: Meany Hall, Seattle
Dates: Nov. 19–21
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker”
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is a long-standing holiday tradition. Literally hundreds of local children made their stage performance debut as part of “The Nutcracker,” and it has been the introduction to ballet for thousands more. Combining George Balanchine’s classic choreography with sets and costumes by Ian Falconer, the creator of the Olivia picture books, PNB’s production could become an annual tradition for your family.
Location: McCaw Hall, Seattle
Dates: Nov. 27–Dec. 27
“The Nutcracker” Presented by Tacoma City Ballet
As much a South Sound tradition as PNB is to Seattle audiences, Tacoma City Ballet presents its 71st annual “The Nutcracker” at Pantages Theater. The cast will include local professional dancers, company dancers, children from the Tacoma City Ballet School and adult character performers from the Tacoma community, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Location: Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Dates: Dec. 11, 12, 13, 19, 20
“The Nutcracker”: A Traditional Holiday Spectacle
Now in its 26th year, International Ballet Theatre presents the Eastside’s production of “The Nutcracker” featuring guest lead, the Argentinian ballerina Ana Sophia Scheller as Clara. Artistic director Vera Altunina based her choreography on the original 1892 production by Marius Petipa, the foundational artist of the Russian classical ballet tradition.
Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Dates: Dec. 11–23
Family-friendly concerts
“The Music of Studio Ghibli”
Seattle Symphony performs Joe Hisaishi’s iconic music for Studio Ghibli’s classic animated features, with selections from “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and “Spirited Away.” Local indie folkster Tomo Nakayama will provide narration.
Location: Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Dates: Sept. 16
“Buon Natale – An Italian Christmas”
Seattle Choral Company’s Christmas concert celebrates the richness of Italian sacred and holiday music. Expect to hear a mix of traditional folk songs, Romanticism, and early 20th-century choral works. The highlight is Ottorino Respighi’s sacred Christmas cantata “Lauda per la Natività del Signore” but the best-known work on the program is probably “Ave Maria.”
Location: St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle
Dates: Dec. 5
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood
Date: Dec. 6
“Holiday Favorites”
Tacoma Symphony’s annual family-favorite holiday concert will feature timeless holiday classics, Christmas movie scores and some unique pieces that are less familiar. With more than two hundred performers from the combined symphony, Symphony Tacoma Voices and Tacoma Youth Chorus filling the Pantages stage, kids won’t need a cinematic backdrop to feel the drama.
Location: Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Dates: Dec. 6
Seattle Symphony’s holiday kids’ shows
Designed for children five and younger, “The Strings” is a “string-along” of holiday classics in a bite-sized half hour concert that introduces kids to stringed instruments. An annual tradition for the elementary school set, “The Snowman” combines a screening of the animated holiday movie with live music. Arrive early for free activities before both shows.
Location: Benaroya Hall, Seattle
Dates: Dec. 11–12, “The Strings”
Dates: Dec. 5, “The Snowman”
Try something different
“Bluey’s Big Play”
“Bluey’s Big Play” is the first live adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, and it’s a musical puppet show. Large puppets of Bluey and her family sing original songs while they do their best to get Dad off the couch (or beanbag chair) for Sunday fun and games.
Location: Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Dates: Oct. 2–4
Disney on Ice: “Jump In!”
More than 50 favorite Disney characters perform world-class figure skating and aerial acrobatics accompanied by special effects as hosts use their magical Mouse Pad to jump into stories from “Moana 2,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Zootopia.” (Pro tip: Bring ear protection for the kiddies; ice shows are notorious for extremely loud music.)
Location: Angel of the Winds, Everett
Dates: Oct. 29–Nov. 1
“Aladdin, a Holiday Panto”
Panto is a British Christmas tradition that is more about comedy than Christmas. Usually presenting irreverent adaptations of European fairy tales, Centerstage Theatre’s version this year puts a panto twist on Aladdin’s story from “1001 Nights.” Although it’s a Middle Eastern folk tale, it’s safe to expect Disney references.
Location: Centerstage Theatre, Federal Way
Dates: Nov. 28–Dec. 20
“Scrooge!”
If you think “A Muppet Christmas Carol” is the best Christmas movie (and rightly so) then you’ll definitely want to see “Scrooge!,” a musical adaptation of the Dickens’ classic that lets humans and puppets share the stage.
Location: Renton Civic Theatre, Renton
Dates: Dec. 4–20
“Black Nativity”
A song-play is something between a concert and a musical, but whatever genre you call it, “Black Nativity” is a powerful experience. Written by Langston Hughes and directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton, it’s a soulful version of the Christmas story that demands more feeling than faith. The pageantry includes 30 performers, a live band, a full gospel choir – and you, singing along to your favorite carols.
Location: Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle
Dates: Dec. 9–27
“Peter Pan”
A holiday tradition in Britain, and a quirky surprise in the States, Christmas panto (an abbreviation of pantomime, but don’t expect to see mimes — there’s plenty of songs and dialogue) is a hoot wherever you find it. This year the Fremont Players are presenting a panto “Peter Pan” in all its wackiness.
Location: Sunset Hill Community Hall, Seattle
Dates: Dec. 12–Jan. 3. 2027
“A Magical Cirque Christmas”
The circus is not generally considered synonymous with Christmas. But when you pair world-class performers defying gravity with their acrobatics, displaying feats of strength and agility, laugh-out-loud comedy, and magic with a soundtrack of modern holiday hits, you get a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
Location: Washington Center Mainstage, Olympia
Dates: Dec. 27–28
