Holiday Shows and Performances for Seattle Families

“A Very Electric Christmas”
If you’re tired of the classics, consider this fresh story of a bird named Max who gets blown off course on his flight south for winter. Landing at the North Pole, he encounters dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias in a cutting-edge light show with glow-in-the-dark dancers on a darkened stage. Classic music by Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky anchor the show in tradition, as do its themes of family, friendship and hope. Nov. 16–Dec. 31. $40–$73. Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle.

“Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”
It’s the third and final postscript to the beloved Jane Austen classic “Pride and Prejudice.” You don’t need to be familiar with Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s previous stories about the other Bennet sisters to enjoy this holiday show about the babies of the Bennet and Darcy families. “Georgiana & Kitty” promises music, ambition, sisterhood and forgiveness as antidotes to the chronic holiday challenges of meddling families and outdated expectations. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Nov. 22–Dec 30. $20–$57. Taproot Theatre, Seattle.

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”
Based on the classic holiday movie, “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” follows four performers during their Christmas gig at a Vermont resort. The title song and other standards from the movie, paired with onstage snowfall, make this a favorite holiday musical for the whole family. Other family friendly treats include the Dickens Carolers and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus at select showings. Children younger than 4 are not admitted. Nov. 25–Dec. 27. $39–$149. The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle.

“Snowed In”
Inspired by classic holiday TV specials and musicals about putting on a musical, ArtWest is presenting a self-aware holiday play about writing a holiday play. When ArtsWest sends four artists on a retreat to write the world’s best holiday show, a blizzard hits and tensions rise. Never mind the perfect play, they’re going to need some holiday magic just to finish the project. Nov. 30–Dec. 23. $40–$45. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, Seattle.

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”
“Miss Bennet” is a sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and the first in a trilogy about the other Bennet sisters by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. Set two years after the book ends, the play gives the dowdy middle sister, Mary, an opportunity to step out of the shadows and maybe even find love. Dec. 1–23. $30. SecondStory Repertory, Redmond.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Your kids can help Charlie Brown overcome the commercialization of Christmas with Taproot Theatre’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Based on the television Christmas special classic about a pageant, a spindly tree and a heartfelt speech, the play’s runtime is only 40 minutes, short enough to hold even the squirmiest child’s attention. Dec. 1–30. $7–$32. Taproot Theatre, Seattle.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play”
Reimagining one of America’s favorite holiday movies as a 1940s live radio play, Olympia Little Theatre brings dozens of characters to the stage to tell the story of the fateful Christmas Eve that reminded George Bailey what really matters in life. Dec. 1–17. $10–$16. Olympia Little Theatre, Olympia.

“A Christmas Story, The Musical”
The 1983 “Christmas Story” movie, set in 1940s Indiana, walks a fine line between heartfelt nostalgia and sidesplitting comedy. But no matter how funny stockinged leg lamps, bunny jammies and flagpole licking might be, musical theater, presented here by ManeStage Theatre Company, has a way of tipping things toward the heartfelt, making this a Christmas dream that probably won’t shoot your eye out. Ages 4 and older. Dec. 1–17. $30. Liberty Theater, Puyallup.

“The Velveteen Rabbit”
If you want those warm holiday feelings without quite so much Christmas, Olympia Family Theater presented “The Velveteen Rabbit.” The simple story about a little boy’s favorite Christmas gift contains powerful lessons about the way that love makes us both beautiful and real. Dec. 8–31. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Pay what you can, $5–$35. Olympia Family Theater, Olympia.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
An all-new musical adaptation of the classic holiday television special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” contains hits like “Holly Jolly Christmas” and, of course, the titular song, along with all your favorite weirdo, outcast characters, ready to teach another generation that what makes you different is what makes you special. Dec. 8–31. $31. Tacoma Little Theatre, Tacoma.

“Black Nativity”
After a decade off the stage, “Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” is being revisited by Intiman Theatre, with an all-new creative team led by Valerie Curtis-Newton. The reimagined production celebrates the Christmas story with actors, dancers, soaring vocals, a rousing gospel choir and the chance to sing along. Dec. 12–30. $5–$105. Broadway Performance Hall, Seattle.

“Christmas With C.S. Lewis”
For some young readers, discovering the Christian themes in “The Chronicles of Narnia” was a disappointment. For others, it made the much-loved children’s fantasy series even more precious. If your family is in the second group, this play about an Oxford Christmas hosted by author C.S. Lewis, who shares the story of his own conversion, will be a must-see. Dec. 21. $64. Theater on the Square, Tacoma.

Up next: Comic romps