# When To See the Grinch Musical in Chicago: December 2026

> Catch the Grinch Musical in Chicago this December 2026. OnesToWatch Live has tickets to all 17 performances — compare dates and book your seats today.

**Published:** 2026-10-20 | **Updated:** 2026-10-27 | **Author:** onestowatch
**URL:** https://onestowatch.com/live/grinch-musical-chicago-december-dates/
**Type:** post

**Categories:** Artist tours

![When To See the Grinch Musical in Chicago: December 2026](https://resources.onestowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/10/1792428869693-0c8c840a6cec-1024x572.webp)

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## Content

## Key Takeaways

- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical runs December 9–27, 2026 at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre with an 85-minute runtime and no intermission.
- December 19 and 23 offer the most flexibility with three performances each, while mid-December weekdays (16–18) provide the best value and availability.
- The show is recommended for ages 5 and up, and every patron requires a ticket. There are no performances on December 14, 15, 21, or 25.
- Christmas Eve (December 24) has a single 1:00 PM matinee, and closing weekend dates (December 26–27) carry higher demand and resale prices.
- Mid-December weekdays (December 16–18) are the cheapest and easiest dates to get seats.

[Buy Grinch Musical Tickets on OnesToWatch Live](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2F)

## Grinch Musical Chicago December 2026: Dates With Tickets Ready To Buy

These performances have verified ticket links available through OnesToWatch Live. December 16, 19, 20, and 23 each feature multiple same-day performances, which gives families and groups more scheduling options. All performances are at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, Chicago, IL.

### Wednesday, December 16 — 1:00 PM

[Get December 16 Matinee Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-16-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1CD3613&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Wednesday, December 16 — 7:00 PM

[Get December 16 Evening Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-16-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1C8360D&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Thursday, December 17 — 7:00 PM

[Get December 17 Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-17-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1D23615&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Friday, December 18 — 7:00 PM

[Get December 18 Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-18-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1D73619&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Saturday, December 19 — 10:30 AM

[Get December 19 Morning Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-19-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1DD3626&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Saturday, December 19 — 3:00 PM

[Get December 19 Afternoon Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-19-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1E2362F&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Saturday, December 19 — 7:30 PM

[Get December 19 Evening Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-19-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1E63637&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Sunday, December 20 — 1:00 PM

[Get December 20 Matinee Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-20-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1EB363C&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Sunday, December 20 — 6:30 PM

[Get December 20 Evening Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-20-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1F0363E&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Tuesday, December 22 — 7:00 PM

[Get December 22 Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-22-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1F53643&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Wednesday, December 23 — 10:30 AM

[Get December 23 Morning Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-23-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC2063656&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Wednesday, December 23 — 3:00 PM

[Get December 23 Afternoon Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-23-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1FA364B&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Wednesday, December 23 — 7:00 PM

[Get December 23 Evening Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-23-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC2013650&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) — 1:00 PM

[Get Christmas Eve Matinee Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-24-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC20D365E&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Saturday, December 26 — 3:00 PM

[Get December 26 Matinee Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-26-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC2123664&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Saturday, December 26 — 7:30 PM

[Get December 26 Evening Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-26-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC219366A&utm_medium=affiliate)

### Sunday, December 27 — 1:00 PM (Closing Performance)

[Get Closing Performance Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-27-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC2263675&utm_medium=affiliate)

The full engagement also includes performances on December 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, which make up the opening week. Additional ticket availability for those dates appears on Broadway In Chicago’s official production page.

## Best Dates Ranked By Who They Serve Best

The dates below are ranked by how many performance windows they offer first, then by how easy tickets are to get. A date with three showtimes outranks a single evening show, and cheaper mid-December weekdays outrank the sold-out Christmas-week dates.

1. **Saturday, December 19 (three performances: 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)** — This is the single most flexible date in the run. Three showtimes on one day mean one date can serve several groups at once. Families with young children take the 10:30 AM show and are home for naps, while older kids and adults use the afternoon or evening.
2. **Wednesday, December 23 (three performances: 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM)** — This is the last triple-header before Christmas. School is typically out and out-of-town relatives are arriving. The 10:30 AM slot lets families wrap up the show and still keep the afternoon free for holiday prep, and the 7:00 PM show is the final evening performance before Christmas Eve.
3. **Sunday, December 20 (two performances: 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM)** — This natural family day offers two clear windows. The 1:00 PM matinee suits younger children, and the 6:30 PM show works for adults and older kids who want an evening out that still ends early enough for a school night.
4. **Wednesday, December 16 (two performances: 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM)** — This first double-header of the second week combines flexibility with value. Mid-December weekday pricing on the resale market tends to sit below Christmas-week dates, which makes this a strong choice for budget-aware families.
5. **Thursday, December 17 — 7:00 PM** — This single weekday evening performance usually draws lighter demand than weekend shows. It suits adults or older children who prefer a calmer audience and a straightforward after-work outing.
6. **Friday, December 18 — 7:00 PM** — This performance opens the second weekend. A Friday evening-only slot fits adults and families without early Saturday commitments, and resale asking prices on this date have stayed more moderate than peak Christmas-week shows.
7. **Tuesday, December 22 — 7:00 PM** — Within the James M. Nederlander Theatre run (Dec 9–27, 2026), this is the only Tuesday performance. Christmas week begins in earnest here, yet Tuesday evening typically draws a smaller crowd than the surrounding weekend dates, which offers a less hectic theater experience.
8. **Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) — 1:00 PM** — This single matinee is the only performance on Christmas Eve. It works well as a holiday-morning tradition for families already in the city. Resale demand runs high, and the 1:00 PM start means the show wraps by mid-afternoon so the rest of Christmas Eve stays open.
9. **Saturday, December 26 (two performances: 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM)** — Post-Christmas demand concentrates on this date. Families visiting Chicago over the holiday break, out-of-town guests, and gift-card recipients all converge here, which is why resale prices on December 26 are among the highest in the run. Book ahead.
10. **Sunday, December 27 — 1:00 PM (Closing Performance)** — This final performance of the engagement has its own closing-day energy. The 1:00 PM start keeps it accessible for families before the Sunday-evening travel rush, and resale asking prices sit higher than mid-December dates.

## Additional Planning Details

Once you have picked a date, a few logistics shape how smooth the trip feels, from group sales to parking and cast details.

- **Groups:** Groups of 10 or more can book Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical tickets in advance by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or by contacting GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. Group sales can open before single tickets do, so call early if you are organizing a larger outing.
- **Parking:** Broadway In Chicago lists parking for James M. Nederlander Theatre patrons at the Wabash & Randolph InterPark garage, 20 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601, which you can book in advance through iParkit.
- **Creative Pedigree:** The production was originally conceived by three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien and features songs from the original animated special, including “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” with Max the Dog narrating.
- **2026 Cast:** James Schultz stars as the Grinch in the touring company of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, with Aerina DeBoer and Sofie Nesanelis alternating as Cindy-Lou Who, Xavier McKnight as Young Max, and W. Scott Stewart as Old Max, per production photos credited to Jeremy Daniel.
- **Resale Price Ranges (third-party asking prices, not face value):** For Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas – The Musical at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre (Dec 9–27, 2026), advertised minimum resale asking prices ranged from $76 for mid-December weekday performances to $110 for the December 26 and December 27 closing performances. These figures are advertised minimums from third-party marketplaces and can change with inventory, demand, fees, and seat location.

## Patterns, Themes, and Takeaways

Read together, the dates above fall into three clear blocks. The opening week (December 9–13) front-loads the schedule with a triple-header on Saturday, December 12, which rewards early planners. The middle week (December 16–20) repeats the pattern with a triple-header on Saturday, December 19 and a double on Sunday, December 20. Christmas week (December 22–27) compresses into six straight performance days and closes Sunday, December 27, with Monday, December 21 as the only dark day in that stretch.

Mid-December weekday dates (December 16–18) act as the schedule’s pressure valve. They bring lower resale demand, quieter houses, and more seat availability than the Christmas-week squeeze. Families with flexible schedules who can attend on a Wednesday or Thursday evening in mid-December will see the broadest seat choices and the least competition.

[ChicagoCritic’s 2026 holiday guide](https://chicagocritic.com/chicago-holiday-shows) notes that Chicago holiday shows tend to sell out fast, especially on weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and this engagement follows that pattern closely. OnesToWatch Live’s first-party ticket links give a direct path from date selection to checkout without a separate ticketing search.

## Practical Reader Guidance

Families with children ages 5–8 will find morning or early-afternoon matinees the most comfortable fit. The 10:30 AM shows on December 19 and 23, or the 1:00 PM shows on December 20, 22, and 24, keep energy high and bedtimes intact. The 85-minute no-intermission runtime suits that age range, and an earlier curtain helps avoid end-of-day fatigue.

Adults and older children who prefer a less crowded experience should look first at weekday evenings in the December 16–18 window, where demand stays lower than Christmas week. The December 22 Tuesday evening show is the quietest option in the final stretch.

If Christmas Eve is your target date, book it now, because the 1:00 PM matinee is the only show that day. There is no performance on Christmas Day, December 25.

Confirm single-ticket availability and any updated showtimes directly through Broadway In Chicago’s official production page before finalizing plans.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### When Does the Grinch Musical Run in Chicago in December 2026?

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical runs December 9 through December 27, 2026 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. in the Loop area of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Its ZIP code appears as 60603 on the official Broadway In Chicago site, though some sources list 60601. There are no performances on December 14, 15, 21, or 25, and the engagement closes with a single matinee on Sunday, December 27.

### How Long Is the Grinch Musical, and Is There an Intermission?

The show runs approximately 85 minutes with no intermission. This length makes it a practical choice for younger theatergoers, though families should plan ahead since there is no break during the performance.

### What Is the Age Recommendation, and Do Children Need Their Own Ticket?

The production is recommended for ages 5 and up, and all patrons regardless of age must have a ticket. Children under 5 are not recommended for this production.

### Is There a Performance on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

There is one performance on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM. There is no performance on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026, and the run resumes December 26 with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

### Is This the Same as Chicago the Musical?

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is a family holiday production based on the Dr. Seuss story, featuring the Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who, and the Whos of Whoville. Chicago the Musical is a separate Broadway production about Roxie Hart and the Cook County Jail. The two shows share no content, cast, or creative team. The Grinch Musical plays the James M. Nederlander Theatre in December 2026, and Chicago the Musical is not scheduled at that venue during this period.

## Conclusion: Secure Your Grinch Tickets Now

The Nederlander Theatre run closes December 27, so the dates above are the Chicago window for this tour. Book the December 19 or 23 triple-headers first if flexibility matters most, or the December 16–18 window if price and availability are your priority. If you want the best-value window with a daytime start, begin with the Wednesday, December 16 matinee.

[Buy December 16 Matinee Tickets](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/6581772/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fdr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-chicago-illinois-12-16-2026%2Fevent%2F070064EDC1CD3613&utm_medium=affiliate)

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    - **Name:** When Does the Grinch Musical Run in Chicago in December 2026?
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      - **Text:** Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical runs December 9 through December 27, 2026 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. in the Loop area of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Its ZIP code appears as 60603 on the official Broadway In Chicago site, though some sources list 60601. There are no performances on December 14, 15, 21, or 25, and the engagement closes with a single matinee on Sunday, December 27.
    **Question:**

    - **Name:** How Long Is the Grinch Musical, and Is There an Intermission?
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      - **Text:** The show runs approximately 85 minutes with no intermission. This length makes it a practical choice for younger theatergoers, though families should plan ahead since there is no break during the performance.
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    - **Name:** What Is the Age Recommendation, and Do Children Need Their Own Ticket?
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      - **Text:** There is one performance on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM. There is no performance on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026, and the run resumes December 26 with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
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      - **Text:** Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is a family holiday production based on the Dr. Seuss story, featuring the Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who, and the Whos of Whoville. Chicago the Musical is a separate Broadway production about Roxie Hart and the Cook County Jail. The two shows share no content, cast, or creative team. The Grinch Musical plays the James M. Nederlander Theatre in December 2026, and Chicago the Musical is not scheduled at that venue during this period.

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