Theatre in the Park's A Christmas Carol plays DPAC in Durham Dec. 16-20, 2026: seven shows, opening Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35 plus tax.

Theatre in the Park’s A Christmas Carol, Ira David Wood III’s musical comedy version of the Dickens story, plays seven performances at DPAC, the Durham Performing Arts Center, from Wednesday, Dec. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 20. DPAC lists tickets from $35 plus tax.

Last checked 2026-11-05.

Theatre in the Park, the company behind the show, says the 2026 run will be performed only at DPAC this year. The show has been staged every year since 1974, regularly sells out and was the first theatrical production at DPAC, according to the company. Tickets are sold at dpacnc.com or by phone at 919-680-2787.

Upcoming dates

  • Wed. Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.
  • Thu. Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
  • Fri. Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sat. Dec. 19, 2 p.m.
  • Sat. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sun. Dec. 20, 1 p.m.
  • Sun. Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.

Show times are from DPAC’s ticketing listings on Ticketmaster.

Where it is and parking

DPAC’s box office lists the theater at 123 William V. Bill Bell Way in downtown Durham. DPAC’s parking page says there are several decks within a tenth to three-tenths of a mile and recommends three:

  • 555 Mangum Street deck, 555 S. Mangum St.: $10 a car or $3.49 an hour, about a five-minute walk, opening 2 1/2 hours before showtime. It has entrances off Jackie Robinson Drive and quick access to the Durham Freeway (N.C. 147).
  • American Tobacco North Deck, 305 W. Pettigrew St.: $12 a car, credit cards only, a five- to seven-minute walk. It is the area’s largest deck, with more than 1,700 spaces.
  • American Tobacco East Deck, 250 S. Mangum St.: $12 a car, credit cards only, about three to four minutes away. DPAC warns that it often sells out 45 to 60 minutes before showtime.

DPAC no longer recommends the Corcoran Street or Church Street garages because of long exit times. For guests with limited mobility, DPAC runs a courtesy shuttle every 10 minutes from accessible parking on the ground floor of the North Deck; the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can email customerservice@dpacnc.com for other options. For restaurants near the theater, see our American Tobacco Campus guide.

Tickets and cost

DPAC lists tickets starting at $35 plus tax. Buy through DPAC’s event page or the box office line, 919-680-2787. Tickets went on sale to the public Sept. 11, and the company says the show regularly sells out.

What to know

  • Two matinees. The Saturday 2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. shows are the daytime options.
  • What it is: a musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic, which has toured England and France and been seen by more than a million people, Theatre in the Park says.
  • More holiday shows: see our Nutcracker in Durham guide and holiday lights and Christmas events.

Dates and venues as listed on the Experience Downtown Durham, North Carolina calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is A Christmas Carol at DPAC in 2026?

Wednesday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 20, with seven performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

How much are tickets for A Christmas Carol at DPAC?

DPAC lists tickets starting at $35 plus tax. Buy them at dpacnc.com or by calling 919-680-2787.

Is A Christmas Carol in Raleigh this year?

No. Theatre in the Park says the 2026 production will be performed only at DPAC in Durham.

Where do I park for DPAC?

DPAC points to the 555 Mangum Street deck ($10 a car) and the American Tobacco North and East decks ($12 a car, credit cards only). The East Deck often sells out 45 to 60 minutes before showtime.