Who could have predicted on that snowy Christmas Eve in 1983, when the operator of a vintage movie theater in Chicago decided to show two old holiday movies and sing a few Christmas carols during the intermission, that more than four decades later the Music Box Christmas Show would become a weeks-long extravaganza that grows more popular with each passing year? People from all around Chicagoland have made this terrific, old-fashioned event part of their family’s holiday tradition. 

Each year, holiday revelers are greeted by none other than Santa Claus, live and in person. Santa welcomes the audience and, accompanied by Music Box organist Dennis Scott, leads them in the singing of the most cherished Christmas carols of all time. The lyrics are projected onto the theater’s screen so no one misses a chance to sing their hearts out. Then the audience sits back and enjoys a Christmas movie classic.

Some folks like to keep the music going and opt to see WHITE CHRISTMAS so they can sing the timeless lyrics of Irving Berlin along with Bing Crosby, Danny Kay and Rosemary Clooney. Others prefer to cheer for Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey and hiss Mr. Potter during a showing of the heart-warming IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. And those truly filled with holiday spirit see BOTH films!  

Each screening features a 25 minute preshow beginning at the listed showtime with a short cartoon and Christmas caroling with Santa!

For groups of 20 or more, please email our Groups & Membership Manager Claire Alden at Claire@musicboxtheatre.com or call 773-871-6607 x6003. 

If you and your family want to be part of the holiday fun, send a photo from past years at the Music Box Theatre with the names of those in the picture to Buck@musicboxtheatre.com and we will add you to the preshow slideshow on the big screen! Please include the Subject Line "Music Box Christmas Photos". Photos must be received by November 30th, 2026.

WHITE CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 5th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Sunday, December 6th at 03:00pm

Friday, December 11th at 06:15pm

Saturday, December 12th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Sunday, December 13th at 03:00pm

Thursday, December 17th at 08:00pm

Friday, December 18th at 09:30pm

Saturday, December 19th at 03:00pm and 09:45pm

Sunday, December 20th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Tuesday, December 22nd at 05:00pm

Wednesday, December 23rd at 01:30pm and 08:15pm

Thursday, December 24th at 11:30am

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

Saturday, December 5th at 02:45pm

Sunday, December 6th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Friday, December 11th at 09:30pm

Saturday, December 12th at 02:45pm and 09:30pm

Sunday, December 13th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Thursday, December 17th at 04:30pm

Friday, December 18th at 06:00pm

Saturday, December 19th at 11:30am and 06:15pm

Sunday, December 20th at 02:45pm

Tuesday, December 22nd at 01:30pm and 08:15pm

Wednesday, December 23rd at 04:45pm

Thursday, December 24th at 02:30pm