Virtual Events Bringing The Holiday Cheer This Season

The holiday season is in full swing, and while traditions may look different this year, there’s plenty of merry to go ‘round with virtual festivities. Stay safe at home (Bonus: you’re never too far from the pints in your freezer 🙃) and support your favorite organizations as they bring the cheer this holiday season.  And don’t forget to share your recommendations with us on social.

Bay Area

“It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play on Zoom” —  Now thru Dec. 20: George Bailey famously wrestles with his conscience on Christmas Eve, and Clarence the angel lends a helping wing in this production from Contra Costa Civic Theatre. Ticket packages are $20-$50.

Nutcracker Online by The San Francisco Ballet — Now thru December 31: Nutcracker Online is San Francisco Ballet’s fantastical, interactive, virtual experience for family and friends from the comfort of their home. Tickets are $49.

“A Christmas Carol: On Air” by American Conservatory Theater’s — Now thru Dec. 31: Actor James Carpenter will be back bah-humbugging it as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 45th version of the company’s production of the Dickens tale. Tickets range between $40-$60.

Find more Bay Area holiday events here.

Los Angeles

Annenberg PetSpace Pawliday Kids Party — Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4 pm: Kiddos missing out on the holiday party fun this year can virtually participate in this animal-centric shindig, featuring puppet shows, encounters with adoptable PetSpace pets, DIY lessons, and other activities. Tickets are $7.

Karamo’s Holiday Spectacular Presented by Zelle — Thursday, Dec. 17 at 4pm: The Queer Eye star and L.A. native hosts a series of social media events and contests aimed at spreading cheer in this unusual holiday season, cultivating in a live show with a variety of guests.

L.A. County Holiday Celebration — Thursday, Dec. 24 at 3 pm: The Music Center dates back to 1959–and a little pandemic won’t stop it. This year’s free concert will be streamed online and broadcast on PBS SoCal. Rebroadcasts will air on December 25 at 12 pm and 8 pm.

Find more LA holiday events here

Portland

Snowed In! by The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus — Saturday, Dec. 2 at 8:00 pm and Dec. 13 at 3:00 pm:  A special musical broadcast featuring a wide array of songs performed by socially-distant chorus members and special guests. Tickets are free, however PGMC is asking you to “pay what you can” to help continue the support of their musical mission.

Christmas My Way — A Sinatra Holiday Bash —  Now thru Dec. 24: Tigard’s Broadway Rose Theatre Company will offer a swinging musical revue streaming during the holiday season. The production features 40 classic Sinatra tunes and holiday hits. Cost is $25 per stream.

Jim Brickman ‘Comfort and Joy’ — Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7pm: GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman will bring the live concert experience up close and personal by blending yuletide memories and holiday carols with his own hit songs to benefit Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Tickets range between $40-$125.

Find more Portland holiday events here.

San Diego

Celebrating Grinch On The Radio — Thursday, Dec. 17 at 6pm: A KPBS And The Old Globe Event, this special and free bonus celebration of "Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas" includes a craft tutorial using some Dr. Seuss-themed headbands and a cooking demo (yes, a roast beast!).

'The Temple & The Secret Code' Hanukkah Performance —  Now thru Dec. 18: From a partnership with New Village Arts and the LA-based Kids on Stage, this is an interactive, kid-centered program blending Hanukkah history and mystery solving. Tickets are $15.

New Village Arts, 'Holly Jolly Cabaret' — Dec. 14 thru Dec. 31: A virtual version of the north county theater company's annual holiday event, featuring showtunes, contemporary holiday hits and classics, plus a preview of NVA's forthcoming 2021 original musical. Tickets are $10.

Find more San Diego holiday events here. 

Seattle

“Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas” — Now thru Jan. 3, 2021: Tune in to this virtual LGBTQ holiday variety show with Seattle actors, singers and burlesque stars including Scott Shoemaker, Waxie Moon, Mandy Price and more from. Tickets range between $10-$50.

Hanukkah: The Warmth of Shared Light — Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:15 pm: The Seattle Jewish Chorale presents a virtual holiday concert with Hanukkah arrangements curated by SJC’s music director Jacob Finkle. The event will stream for free on their YouTube channel.

“A Gift of Song”— Saturday, Dec. 19 at 12pm: Seattle Girls Choir “A Gift of Song” performance celebrates the winter season and perseverance of over 150 choristers ages 5-18. Subscribe to Seattle Girls Choir’s YouTube channel to view virtual performances by six of its performing choirs for free. 

Find more Seattle holiday events here.