Get into the holiday spirit with a live theatre production at the historic Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. Built in 1892 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theatre offers cozy seating and a variety of shows to choose from year-round, including Christmas classics during the holiday season.

An elegant theater with a view from the audience seating area looking toward the stage. Rows of dark wooden chairs with red cushions line the aisle, leading up to a stage framed by ornate white balconies. The stage curtains are deep blue with soft pink and purple lighting. A wreath decorated with twinkling lights hangs above the stage, and garlands adorn the proscenium, adding a festive touch. The ceiling features intricate molding and a golden chandelier.

Throughout the year, local talents are featured in many of the shows, and they shine on stage in everything from comedies, musicals, and concerts to family-friendly plays and seasonal favorites. Scrooge the Musical hit the stage this year for Christmas!

A person holds up a program for Scrooge: The Musical in a theater balcony, with the stage and audience in the background. The program cover has gold lettering on a dark background, and the dates "November 29 - December 15, 2024" are printed at the bottom. The theater is decorated with festive garlands and a lit Christmas tree. The stage has blue curtains, and the audience is filling the seats, some engaged in conversation.

Located in the downtown district, the Memorial Opera House welcomes guests with its beautiful red brick exterior, round front rooms, and arched doorway. It has hosted famous names such as President Theodore Roosevelt, the Marx Brothers, and American composer John Philip Sousa. The theatre was recently renovated to add more space and a modern feel in the lobby while still maintaining the historic charm within the main theatre. Seating options include floor level, balcony, or private box seats on either side of the stage. No matter your preference, you’re sure to find a good seat.

A historic red brick building with arched windows and decorative turrets is illuminated against the deep blue twilight sky. The entrance, framed by a large arched doorway, has glass doors adorned with festive wreaths. A second, similarly styled brick building with an American flag stands nearby. Street lamps cast a warm glow on the sidewalk, where a person in a coat walks along the edge of the frame.

If you are lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, you’ll be treated to festive decorations throughout, and candles flickering in every window. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with Christmas trees and holiday lights aglow. Lounges are located on both levels, which offer non-alcoholic drinks and concessions, as well as a bar featuring wine, cocktails, and show-themed drink specials.

A young girl with long brown hair and a headband sits in an ornate theater box, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a long-sleeved blue dress and rests her hands on the wooden railing, which is decorated with festive garlands, gold ribbons, and blue ornaments. Behind her, two dark blue chairs are positioned near a black curtain, and a Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights stands in the corner. The theater’s light blue walls and white columns add to the elegant setting.

Before or after your show, downtown Valparaiso is brimming with small-town charm and plenty of things to do to keep the holiday festivities going. Be sure to take a stroll down its streets, which are illuminated by strings of lights on every tree. You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining options, and many store windows decorated for the season. Central Park Plaza is lit up with a towering Christmas tree and brightly colored lights everywhere you look. There is even an outdoor skating rink, complete with skate rentals and hot cocoa.

A festive outdoor scene at night with trees wrapped in red and green holiday lights. A large Christmas tree covered in twinkling white lights stands to the right, while additional trees with blue, white, and red lights line the background. Two women in winter coats walk along a sidewalk, smiling at each other. Behind them, a lit pavilion and nearby buildings contribute to the lively, illuminated atmosphere of the holiday season.

Couldn’t make Scrooge the Musical this year? Don’t worry, you can still catch an upcoming show at the Memorial Opera House. They’ve already announced their mainstage productions for 2025, which include Singin’ in the Rain, Forever Plaid, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and, just in time for next year’s holiday season, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. No matter the time of year, you can’t go wrong with a great story.

Good To Know

Tickets for shows can be purchased online or by inquiring at the box office. Memorial Opera House offers wheelchair-accessible seating, as well as listening devices. There are a variety of nearby street and parking lot options available to park your vehicle. The box office opens two hours before a show, with seating beginning 30 minutes prior. Be sure to visit the Memorial Opera House’s website for upcoming shows, auditions, events, and more.