Creating Theatre Holiday Traditions at Your Community Theatre
by Chris Peterson
As a child, the holidays began when my family bundled into my family’s minivan to visit the local theatre. The red velvet curtains felt grand, the stage lights sparkled like magic, and I couldn’t wait for the Christmas show to begin. One year, it was The Nutcracker, another, A Christmas Carol. I’d sit on the edge of my seat, wide-eyed, enchanted by the stories coming to life. Those nights ignited my love for storytelling, teaching me that the true magic of the season was found in shared experiences.
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition—a perfect opportunity for community theatres to create new customs that celebrate their unique culture while fostering a deeper connection with their audiences and members. Establishing annual holiday traditions can not only enhance your theatre’s community engagement but also create cherished memories for years to come. Below are some ideas to inspire your theatre to start its own festive traditions.
Host a Holiday Variety Show
A holiday-themed variety show featuring local talent is a wonderful way to bring the community together. Encourage actors, singers, dancers, and musicians of all ages to perform holiday classics or original pieces. Make it a casual, family-friendly event where everyone can participate, whether as a performer or audience member. You could even incorporate sketches, comedic readings of holiday stories, or a showcase of scenes from your past productions.
Add a philanthropic twist by donating a portion of ticket sales to a local charity or food bank. It’s a great way to give back while also bringing your community together.
Create a Theatrical Holiday Market
Transform your lobby or performance space into a holiday market featuring handcrafted items by local artisans, theatre volunteers, or members. Booths could include ornaments, baked goods, and even theatre memorabilia like vintage props or costumes. To add to the festive atmosphere, invite a choir or musicians to perform live holiday music.
This event can serve as a fundraiser for your theatre, with proceeds going toward production costs or a scholarship fund for young performers. It also offers a chance for patrons to purchase unique holiday gifts while supporting the arts.
Launch a “Holiday Play-in-a-Day” Festival
Challenge your community to come together for a 24-hour play festival with a holiday twist. Writers, directors, and actors gather to create and perform short, holiday-themed plays in just one day. This tradition promotes creativity, spontaneity, and teamwork—all with a festive backdrop.
Encourage diverse interpretations of the season, from comedic mishaps at a family dinner to heartfelt stories about holiday traditions from around the world. The tight deadline and festive spirit often lead to unique, unforgettable performances.
Organize a “Community Carol Crawl”
Take your theatre into the heart of the community with a caroling event that travels through neighborhoods or local businesses. Your actors can dress in costumes from your most popular past productions or don festive holiday attire. Incorporate theatrical flair by adding short, dramatic recitations of holiday classics like A Christmas Carol.
Conclude the crawl at your theatre with hot cocoa, cookies, and a singalong. This event strengthens ties with local businesses and provides an opportunity to promote upcoming shows.
Recognize Volunteers with a Holiday Celebration
Take time during the holiday season to honor the people who keep your theatre running: your volunteers, cast members, and crew. Host an end-of-year potluck, dinner, or party where you acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into every production. Consider handing out awards or small gifts, such as personalized ornaments or keepsakes.
Make it extra special by incorporating performances, such as scenes or songs from the year’s productions, or debuting a teaser for next season’s shows.
Theatre holiday traditions offer a chance to celebrate the joy of the season while strengthening the bonds between your theatre, its members, and your community. Whether through creative performances, festive events, or heartfelt celebrations, these traditions can become an annual highlight for your theatre and its audience. By starting your own holiday customs, you’ll create something that resonates long after the decorations come down.