Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Ahmanson Theatre

Dickens, but nothing goes to plan. A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong comes from the writers behind The Play That Goes Wrong, and it sends a troupe of overconfident amateurs through the story of Scrooge with collapsing sets, missed cues and props that refuse to cooperate. It plays the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles from December 12 through January 10, which makes it an easy pick when you are scanning things to do in Los Angeles over the holidays.

When: December 12, 2026 to January 10, 2027 Where: Ahmanson Theater, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Tickets: via the venue and the LA Theatre Guide listing below

What to expect

The show is a farce in the British tradition. The comedy comes from a company trying very hard to stage a classic while everything around them falls apart. Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre wrote it, and the poster art tells you the tone: a Scrooge in a nightshirt, a ghost tangled in chains, a performer swinging off a lamppost, and a man inside a giant wrapped present.

You do not need to know the Dickens story well, though it helps with the jokes. It suits a group outing, a date night or a family evening with older kids who enjoy slapstick. Check the venue for age guidance before you bring younger children.

Planning your visit

The Ahmanson sits in the Music Center complex on Grand Avenue, a short walk from Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Metro B and D lines stop at Civic Center/Grand Park, and the Music Center garages are close if you drive. Weekend dates tend to sell first, so if you are looking at LA events this weekend in mid-December, book early.

The listing we found gives the run dates but not a published price or individual performance times, so confirm both on the ticketing page before you commit. The December 12 start time shown on this page is a placeholder until the performance schedule is posted.

If you are building a holiday plan, a December visit pairs well with a walk through Grand Park and dinner nearby. For more ideas, browse our arts and culture picks and the downtown Los Angeles guide.