The Christmas Schooner
Audiences watch a holiday musical set in the late 1880s about a German-American family preparing their home for the season. The story follows a brave captain who sails through treacherous Lake Michigan waves to transport Christmas trees to Chicago. Based on real-life sailors, the production portrays a tale of compassion, courage, and family holiday traditions.
What to Expect
Musical based on historic Lake Michigan Christmas tree voyages
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Arlington Heights
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of heartfelt holiday musicals
Vibe
Heartfelt and nostalgic
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Regular tickets $49; student tickets $25. Groups of 8 or more are eligible for a discount; call 847.577.2121 or purchase in person at the Box Office for the discounted tickets. – Get tickets
- Hours: ASL-interpreted performance: December 10, 2026, 7:30 pm; open-captioned performance: December 5, 2026, 2:00 pm.
- Accessibility: An open-captioned performance is scheduled for December 5, and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance is scheduled for December 10.
Tips & Advice
- If attending as a group of eight or more, call the box office or visit in person to arrange discounted tickets.
- Choose the open-captioned performance on December 5 if captions are useful to you.
- Choose the American Sign Language-interpreted performance on December 10 if interpretation is useful to you.
- Review the shipwreck content advisory before bringing children, even though the show is recommended for all ages.
Special Events & Promotions
- Students are eligible for discounted tickets.
- Groups of 8 or more are eligible for a discount; purchase by phone or in person at the Box Office.
- An ASL-interpreted performance is offered on December 10.
- An open-captioned performance is offered on December 5.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the show suitable for children?
The production is recommended for all ages.
Does the story include any potentially upsetting material?
There is a content advisory for a dramatization of a shipwreck.
What is the story about?
A German-American family receives a letter from a Chicago cousin longing for a Christmas tree. A brave captain carries trees across Lake Michigan, beginning a yearly tradition.
Are there performances with accessibility features?
An open-captioned performance is scheduled for December 5, and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance is scheduled for December 10.
Can groups get a ticket discount?
Groups of eight or more are eligible. Purchase discounted tickets by calling the box office or visiting in person.
More Christmas Events near Arlington Heights
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.