Holiday Movies

2025 Holiday Movies
All tickets $5
Movie tickets must be purchased at the box office. They are not available online.

Bring the entire family to these classic holiday movies and enjoy the beauty of the Rialto Square Theatre at Christmas while spending time with your family watching these holiday favorites.

The Polar Express | Rated G
Saturday, November 29 | 7 pm

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Rated PG-13
Sunday, December 7 | 2 pm

It’s Christmas time and the Griswolds are preparing a big family celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and their two kids. Clark’s perennial bad luck is aggravated by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.

Home Alone | Rated PG
Sunday, December 21 | 2 pm

A young boy named Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. Once he realizes they’ve left him home alone, he learns to fend for himself and eventually has to protect his house against two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) who are planning to rob every house in Kevin’s suburban Chicago neighborhood.

Merry Little Soirees

Cocktails: 6:15 pm | Performance: 7 pm
Ticket Price: $72
Soiree Tickets must be purchased at the box office. They are not available online.

Enjoy a swanky Christmas party with a local favorite, Nova Soul! Start the evening with cocktail hour (Cash Bar) and then be escorted to your table of two in the Esplanade, where you will be served a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine from the local winery Bishops Hill while Nova Soul performs holiday music. You will also receive a Rialto Square Theatre keepsake.

Please enter at 15 E. Van Buren St. Reservations are required. Holiday or Business Casual dress code. Cash bar is available. Tickets are available at the Box Office only and must be purchased in pairs. Reserve red or white wine for your table, ordered with ticket purchase.

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It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on WJOL

FOR THE FINAL TIME, a holiday tradition returns to Rialto Square Theatre– join WJOL along with talent from Star 96.7, Q Rock 100.7, 95.9 The River, and Free Country @ 98.3 for an evening you won’t forget, as local radio talents perform the Christmas classic, It’s A Wonderful Life live from the Rialto Stage, as it broadcasts on WJOL simultaneously. This is always a highlight of the holiday season, and this performance will be the last time performed at the Rialto Square Theatre.  All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Rialto Square Theatre’s mission to bring the biggest and brightest talents to the Rialto Square stage.

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Teddy Bear Tea

The Rialto Square Theatre holiday tradition continues. Young and old alike will enjoy this family tradition featuring a delicious brunch buffet and family fun complete with a special appearance by St. Nick himself and a keepsake teddy bear. A ticket is required for all in attendance and space will fill up quickly!

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Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

TCG Entertainment, the leading producer of live entertainment, announces its all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland tour to more than 80 cities across the U.S. and Canada. A must-see holiday event and beloved tradition for families everywhere, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland launches with two tours on Nov. 19 in Ottumwa, Iowa and Nov. Nov. 25 in Rochester, Minnesota before traveling to more than 80 cities across the U. S. and Canada, including at stop at Rialto Square Theatre on Wednesday, November 26th. Tickets go on-sale Friday, July 25, 2025 at www.rialtosquare.com and the venue box office.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2025 will have all-new costumes, new music and even more spectacular cirque acts, making this year’s show the most ethereal and breathtaking in its 16 years of inspiring holiday joy. Popular V.I.P. experience tickets are available in select markets for guests to go behind the scenes to meet cast members, pose for photos with props and more.

“This year, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland has even more cirque acts to captivate and inspire awe in our audiences. We are proud to say it’s one of our most beautiful shows in all our years of holiday magic making,” said Stephen Cook, President of TCG Entertainment, Producer of Cirque Musica. “We are so excited to announce we have two Cirque Musica tours stopping in more than 80 cities this year. We look forward to working with our partners, venues and talented cast to bring our spectacular show to families everywhere.”

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal music. With some of the best cirque performers from around the world, audiences can expect a night of inspiring holiday entertainment accompanied by breath-taking acrobatic feats of strength and skill.

For Press Photos and Broll click here.
Photo Credit: TCG Entertainment

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy – a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics we all love. For more information visit www.CirqueMusica.com.

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The Nutcracker

This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and sensational choreography. Journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and visit the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is one holiday tradition you won’t want to miss.

This year’s performance marks the 35th anniversary of Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker. The ballet tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who embarks on a magical adventure after receiving a Nutcracker as a Christmas gift. This cherished holiday classic offers a unique opportunity for local dancers to perform alongside the professional artists of Chicago Festival Ballet, creating a truly unforgettable experience for performers and audiences alike.

Chicago Festival Ballet and VH Dance Center, the official school of Chicago Festival Ballet, were founded in 1990 by the late Kenneth von Heidecke, protégé of Prima Ballerina Assoluta Maria Tallchief, and were established to carry on a tradition of excellence in classical ballet. Von Heidecke served as the chief choreographer of Chicago Festival Ballet and was a celebrated choreographer internationally, with over 60 operas and 80 ballets to his name.

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