Home for the Holidays, the Rialto Square Theatre’s annual season of festive special events, kicks off this month in downtown Joliet. The spectacular lineup of family-friendly shows includes revival screenings of classic holiday films, special performances by well-known artists and all-ages shows by up-and-coming performers.
Join us as we take a look at the first half of the Rialto’s exciting holiday programming series.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been one of America’s favorite holiday tradition for more than 40 years. This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting including 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.
Joliet American Legion Band
2 p.m. Dec. 13
The Joliet American Legion Band will bring the sounds of the season to life on the Rialto Square Theatre stage. Enriched in tradition, military sharpness and musical integrity, these musicians are delighted to bring you an unforgettable performance with their tremendously rousing musical spirit. A ticket is free in exchange for a generous food/non-perishable donation. Tickets will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Rialto Ticket Lobby.
Merry Little Soiree
6 p.m. Dec. 14, 6 p.m. Dec. 15
Enjoy a swanky Christmas party with Tina Jenkins Crawley, a member of Maggie Speaks, accompanied by a trio performing your favorite Christmas music. Your evening will include a holiday buffet, along with a bottle of wine from local winery Bishops Hill, served at your table for two in the beautiful Esplanade.
Enter at 15 E. Van Buren St. Reservations are required. Holiday or business casual dress code. Cash bar available. Tickets are available only at the box office. Reserve red or white wine for your table.
Terry Fator – A Very Terry Christmas
7 p.m. Dec. 16
Terry Fator is taking his acclaimed annual Las Vegas Christmas Show, A Very Terry Christmas, on tour, bringing his holiday-themed spectacular to cities across the nation.
The 2026 edition of A Very Terry Christmas celebrates the holidays with an amazing blend of comedy, singing, celebrity impersonations and ventriloquism, featuring classic songs like “Sleigh Ride,” “Silent Night,” “Blue Christmas” and dozens of new hilarious jokes, parodies and comedic sketches.
The Wizards of Winter
7 p.m. Dec. 17
The Holidays come alive when The Wizards of Winter light up the stage at the Rialto Square Theatre. This supergroup includes members that have performed with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Blue Oyster Cult and other classic rock giants. From Symphonic rock and pop to powerful ballads, snowballs, beach balls and even a visit from Mrs. Claus, this high-energy, family-friendly production is an unforgettable way to celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday Movie: ‘Elf’
2 p.m. Dec. 19
In this 2003 holiday classic, a man raised by Santa’s elves travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.
Tickets for this revival screening are $5 each and will be available day-of at the box office. All seating will be General Admission – first come, first serve. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Joliet Symphony Orchestra
3 p.m. Dec. 20
The Joliet Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Sean Paul Mills, artistic director, conductor and director of orchestral activities at the University of St. Francis, will fill the Rialto with the sounds of the holiday season. The afternoon will feature a selection of orchestral music, audience sing-alongs, and a special reading of “Twas The Night Before Christmas” accompanied by the orchestra.
Guests who purchase the cocktail hour experience can enjoy food and refreshments beginning at 2 p.m. before the 3 p.m. performance.
