Hanover Theatre Announces Holiday Lineup Early; Welcomes New Director for 'A Christmas Carol'

The holiday season is arriving early in Worcester this year. The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts announced today that tickets for its highly anticipated lineup of holiday shows and events will officially go on sale on Friday, July 24.1

The "Holidays in July" announcement gives audiences an early opportunity to secure seats for the city's favorite annual traditions, including A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, the Boston Pops Holiday Tour, and Cookies & Tea with Clara.2

This year's season brings an exciting change to a Worcester staple, as Billie Aken-Tyers makes her debut as the director for A Christmas Carol. Aken-Tyers comes to The Hanover Theatre with an impressive international resume, recently serving as the associate director for the four-time Tony Award-nominated hit Titaníque. Local theatregoers may also be familiar with her work as the resident director for the SIX national tour and assistant director for the Beetlejuice national tour, both of which recently stopped at The Hanover Theatre.3
"A Christmas Carol is a story that families return to every holiday season," Aken-Tyers said in a statement. "I'm honored to continue The Hanover Theatre's wonderful holiday tradition while bringing my own creativity and perspective to the beloved production."4

Alan Seiffert, President and CEO of The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory, shared her excitement, noting that July is the perfect time for patrons to mark their calendars. "We're especially excited this year to welcome Billie Aken-Tyers' inventive storytelling to the stage with her rendition of A Christmas Carol," Seiffert said.2
Here is a look at the festive lineup coming to downtown Worcester this winter:

• Cookies & Tea with Clara from The Nutcracker (November 15, 2026): A special meet-and-greet tea party where fans can join Clara and her friends.5
• The Nutcracker (November 27-29, 2026): This production features dazzling lighting and scenery from Broadway designers, brilliant dancing, vibrant costumes, and live music from The Hanover Theatre Nutcracker Orchestra, conducted by Boston Ballet's conductor emeritus Jonathan McPhee.6
• Boston Pops Holiday Tour (December 4, 2026): Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra will celebrate the winter charms of New England with their beloved Holiday Pops concert.7
• A Christmas Carol (December 17-23, 2026): The Hanover Theatre’s 19th annual production brings Charles Dickens' timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the power of redemption back to the stage.8

Tickets for all holiday events can be purchased starting July 24 online at TheHanoverTheatre.org, in person at the box office, or by calling 877.571.7469.