Holiday shows light up stages across Proctors Collaborative

From timeless favorites to dazzling new productions, this festive lineup offers something for everyone to celebrate this holiday season

As the holiday season tips into full swing, the stage lights across Proctors Collaborative are ready to shine brighter than ever. From heart-warming classics to high-spirited new arrivals, this year’s lineup brings an irresistible mix of traditions, surprises, and stage sparkle that are perfect for family outings, date nights, or solo adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for a beloved holiday favorite or a fresh theatrical treat to wrap up the year, our roundup will guide you through the must-see shows, and how to make the most of this festive season at Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, Proctors in Schenectady, and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.

Capital Repertory Theatre

• Murder for Two: Holiday Edition; Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 28: This madcap musical mystery takes off like a shot and leaves you breathless with laughter. One actor plays eager young police officer Marcus Moscowicz, while the other actor plays all 10 suspects! Content Advisory: Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Proctors

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze; Sunday, Nov. 30: Cirque Dreams “Holidaze” dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the entire family. Guests of all ages will be on the edge of their seats as a cast of holiday characters come to life, captivating audiences while defying gravity.
• Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical; Tuesday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 7: Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas.
  • Sensory friendly performance; 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6: This performance is specially designed to create a more comfortable and inclusive theatrical experience for individuals on the autism spectrum or other sensitivities. Slight modifications are made by the “Grinch” team to the production itself, including fewer loud noises and flashing lights, more consistent levels of audio, removing some costume pieces, and house lights kept at half throughout the show.
• The 8^th Step presents Slambovian Christmas; Saturday, Dec. 6: New York’s Slambovian Circus of Dreams has been coloring ‘outside the lines’ of the Americana genre with their fantastic stories and performances. Their Woodstock-tinged psychedelia has a hint of southern rock, Celtic, and Britisher folk combined with solid songwriting – a slice of Americana pie that is irresistible!
• ICFS Presents: Black Christmas (1974); Thursday, Dec. 11: The holidays turn deadly when a sorority house is stalked by a mysterious killer making obscene phone calls and picking off the residents one by one. Credited as one of the earliest slasher films, “Black Christmas” combines seasonal cheer with chilling suspense, laying the groundwork for decades of horror to come. Rated R.
• The McKrells Christmas; Friday, Dec. 12: Celebrate the magic of the season with a heartwarming holiday performance that blends Celtic spirit, folk tradition, and pure festive joy. Led by singer-songwriter Kevin McKrell, this beloved show brings together dazzling musicianship, rich harmonies, and timeless storytelling for an unforgettable evening of Christmas cheer.
• Northeast Ballet’s Annual the Nutcracker; Saturday, Dec. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 14: Northeast Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” brings you international guest artists and the best of the best regional talent. More than 100 cast members come together to entertain and share the magic of the holiday season. Become a traveler in Clara’s magical dream through the glistening snowfall to the Magic Kingdom of Sweets. Experience all the thrilling variations from the various countries she visits.
• CBS 6 Melodies of Christmas; Thursday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 21: In its 46th year, this holiday extravaganza is sure to get you in the spirit, featuring songs of the season performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra, backed by the Melodies Chorale, along with many special guests! The net proceeds from the CBS 6 Melodies of Christmas benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center, and, to date, has raised nearly 10 million dollars.
• It’s a Jazzy Christmas; Saturday, Dec. 20: This ensemble performs concert hall shows that feature the music of Vince Guaraldi from the Peanuts holiday specials and many other seasonal favorites. Wrapped in the theme of an audio show, this concert takes the audience on a holiday ride through decades of great music, stories and even a commercial or two! Audiences will even have a jolly laugh! “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is the perfect concert to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
• CarolMania!; Monday, Dec. 22: Join Christmas Carols… Carol, Caroler, and Caroline as they take you through an interactive, fun musical journey. Sing your favorite holiday songs, take a picture with Santa, join an ugly sweater contest, win lots of prizes, and enjoy the best gift of all — being together with your loved ones in a glorious holiday fest you’ll remember forever!
• Gov’t Mule; Sunday, Dec. 28: Celebrate the New Year with honest, organic, and daring music and improvisational virtuosity. Gov’t Mule is one of the most timeless, revered, and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable.
• The First Night of Funny; Wednesday, Dec. 31: A Proctors tradition returns! This New Years Eve say GOODBYE to 2025 with a hilarious night of laughter that showcases four professional comedians with four unique and hilarious perspectives on the world. This is your last chance to laugh in 2025 and has something for everyone!

Universal Preservation Hall

• Opera Saratoga Presents: La bohème; Friday, Dec. 5: This holiday season, Opera Saratoga invites you to be swept away by the romance, laughter, and heartbreak of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, “La bohème.” Set in the bustling streets and candlelit garrets of 19th-century Paris, “La bohème” follows a band of spirited young artists as they navigate friendship, love, and the fleeting beauty of youth. At the heart of the story is the tender romance between the poet Rodolfo and the delicate seamstress Mimì—a love as radiant as it is fragile.
• Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra Poinsettia Pops; Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7: Ring in the holiday season with this cherished annual tradition! Enjoy selections such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and selections from “The Nutcracker” ballet! Featuring festive orchestral favorites and special guest vocalist Kimberly Hawkey, “Poinsettia Pops” is a joyful celebration of the sounds of the season, perfect for the whole family.
• Christmas Oratorio Tea; Sunday, Dec. 14: Ring in the holiday season with Charles Weidman’s “Christmas Oratorio,” set to the exquisite music of Bach. This breathtaking modern dance classic will be elevated with expanded live music and choral accompaniment, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience
• Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas; Thursday, December 18: Join Jim Brickman and friends this Christmas for an unforgettable concert experience filled with music, laughter, and heartwarming stories. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of timeless holiday classics and Brickman’s biggest hits, including “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Destiny,” “Valentine,” and joyfully unexpected surprises. Escape with Jim Brickman to a magical atmosphere that brings loved ones together to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
• It’s a Jazzy Christmas; Friday, Dec.19: This ensemble performs concert hall shows that feature the music of Vince Guaraldi from the Peanuts holiday specials and many other seasonal favorites. Wrapped in the theme of an audio show, this concert takes the audience on a holiday ride through decades of great music, stories and even a commercial or two! Audiences will even have a jolly laugh! “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is the perfect concert to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
• Ben Folds Tis the Season Tour; Saturday, Dec. 20: Celebrate the holidays with the one and only Ben Folds as he brings his signature wit, charm, and musical brilliance to the stage for a festive night of music and cheer! The ’Tis the Season Tour blends fan-favorite hits with heartwarming holiday classics; all delivered with Folds’ trademark storytelling and piano mastery.

Purchase tickets through the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Tuesday-Saturday 12 -6 p.m. or visit attherep.org, atproctors.org, or atuph.org.