I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Beef & Boards is one of the best theater venues in Indianapolis. The food is always delicious (Chef Larry Stoops never disappoints), the staff treats you like family, and the seating makes every spot in the house feel like the best seat. Whether you’re there for a date night, girls’ night, or a special outing, Beef & Boards is one of my very favorite places in the city.
If you’re looking for a holiday tradition that wraps music, magic, Santa, and a delicious meal into one unforgettable experience, A Beef & Boards Christmas is one of the best family holiday outings in Indianapolis. This show has been a longtime favorite for local families, and after taking my kids, I completely understand why. There’s something extra special about sharing a cozy, festive evening together at a place that feels both nostalgic and full of sparkle.
The moment you walk into Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, the holiday spirit hits you right away. The stage glows with twinkling lights, the costumes shimmer, and the entire room hums with excitement. It feels like stepping into your own personal Christmas card. And because this is Indiana’s only year-round professional dinner theatre, every detail is polished, warm, and wonderfully family-friendly.
A Magical Holiday Performance for All Ages
This year’s production of A Beef & Boards Christmas brings back everything families love about the show: big voices, festive choreography, charming hosts, and Santa himself taking the stage. The 2025 cast features an impressive lineup of performers, including returning favorites Kenny Shepard and Deb Wims, alongside talented artists like Jacob Butler, Cole J. Campbell, Kelsey Tate McDaniel, and Sy Thomas. The live Beef & Boards Orchestra plays throughout the performance, and their music fills the entire theater with that classic “holiday movie moment” feeling.
Kids will love that Santa doesn’t just appear; he becomes part of the show. And one of my family’s favorite parts is that little ones can actually visit Santa during intermission for photos. It’s stress-free, indoors, warm, and full of magic, which is a win for parents in December.
We have a great list of tips for taking your kids to live theater shows, especially dinner theater.
A Delicious Holiday Dinner Included
One thing that makes a Beef & Boards Christmas truly special is that dinner is part of the experience. Every ticket includes Chef Larry Stoops’ holiday buffet with all the trimmings: salads, sides, carved meats, warm bread, and seasonal desserts. It’s the kind of comforting holiday meal that makes you want to linger and enjoy every bite. My kids love going back for their second serving of macaroni and cheese, while I love not having to cook or clean up a single thing.
Because the theater is intimate and table-service style, the whole night feels relaxed. You can enjoy your meal, chat with your kids, and then watch their faces light up as the show begins. There’s something so cozy about gathering around the table together before the curtain rises.
A Perfect Holiday Tradition
For families with older kids looking for holiday performances in Indianapolis, this show checks every box. It’s uplifting, joyful, nostalgic, beautifully performed, and family-friendly. If you’ve been wanting to start a holiday tradition that your kids will remember as adults, this is one of the best places to begin.
My own kids love going to shows, but this one is particularly special because it blends music, Santa, and dinner all in one. They love the costumes, the big musical numbers, and the surprise moments that happen throughout the evening. And because the show runs all the way through December 31, it can even be a perfect post-Christmas outing to keep the magic going.
Dates, Times, and What to Expect
A Beef & Boards Christmas runs November 28 through December 31, 2025, with evening and matinee performances throughout the week. No matter when you go, doors open early so families can enjoy the holiday buffet before the show begins. Evening showtimes vary by day, and matinees are offered on many Wednesdays, Sundays, and select Thursdays and Saturdays.
The intimate 450-seat venue makes every seat feel close to the action, which is especially nice for younger children who want to see everything up close.
Tickets and How to Purchase
Tickets range from $57 to $85 for regular performances. The special New Year’s Eve celebration is $125 per person. The theatre emphasizes that tickets should be purchased directly from Beef & Boards to avoid unauthorized sellers and additional fees. You can purchase tickets online at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office at 317-872-9664.
