Now that NYC is in full holiday mode, what better way to get into the holiday spirit than see a festive show or performance? NYC’s Broadway and beyond offers some of the best entertainment around, and we’ve rounded up some jolly shows you’ve got to see while they’re in town. From the famous Rockettes to burlesque Christmas shows, there’s a little something for everyone!
Check out what’s on:
1. Christmas Spectacular with The Radio City Rockettes
Of course we have to start off with the most recognizable Christmas spectacular that comes to NYC every year. The amazin’ Radio City Rockettes are currently performing their headlining show every day and night until January 2! These iconic dancers will mesmerize you with their kick line and even get you to smile and cheer, thanks to their stunning lights and stage setup too. Check out the full schedule of shows here and reserve your tickets today!
Where: Radio City Music Hall
2. New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker
One of NYCB’s most acclaimed productions, The Nutcracker, is currently on show and is definitely worth it! George Balanchine’s rendition of the age-old tale features over 150 dancers and musicians, 125 children from the School of Ballet, and gorgeous production assets like a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet, an onstage snowstorm, and hundreds of elaborate costumes.
Where: David H. Koch Theater
3. Santa’s Secret
For a raunchier Christmas show and speakeasy experience, you’ve got to check out Santa’s Secret in The Shops at Hudson Yards. Between the wintery lumberjacks and glamorous performers in snow globes, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the entertainment while you sip on holiday cocktails.
Learn more about Santa’s Secret here.
Get your tickets right now!4. A Christmas Carol
Prepared to be awed as you watch Tony Award® winning actor Jefferson Mays play over 50 roles in A Christmas Carol on Broadway. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to life, live in theater, as Mays recreates the Charles Dickens story in a way you’ve never seen before. The acting is phenomenal, the adaptation from the novella is spot on, and the stage production is top-tier. It’s on show until Jan 1!
Where: Nederlander Theatre
5. Jingle Ball
NYC’s Z100 radio station always throws the best Christmas concert every year, and this year’s Jingle Ball lineup features some of the hottest names in music! Headlined by Dua Lipa, Lizzo, The Backstreet Boys, and so many more, this show simply can’t be missed. The show is this weekend (Dec 9) at Madison Square Garden!
Where: Madison Square Garden
6. Harlem Gospel Choir: Christmas Matinees
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The most renowned gospel choir in America, Harlem Gospel Choir, is performing both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day matinees this year. These joyous and uplifting voices will be singing the likes of different holiday tunes for all to enjoy! As it stands the shows are sold out, but you can still watch the Christmas Day matinee via a livestream for $25! Learn more about the show here.
Where: Sony Hall & Livestream
7. Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas To All” Concert
All we want for Christmas…is to see the Christmas queen herself, Mariah Carey! She’ll be singing her iconic tune along with many more on December 13th & 16th at MSG! Come on, what could be more legendary than seeing one of the most famous Christmas songs of all-time (we’re talking over 1B streams) in a magical city like NYC?
Where: Madison Square Garden
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
Relive one of your favorite childhood cartoons with this live action adaptation of Charlie Brown! See your favorite characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang sing and dance the night away. This show is currently on tour across the US, and will be in NYC on December 22, 23, & 24! Learn more here.
Where: The Palladium Theatre
9. The Magic Flute
This Mozart theatrical experience is back this holiday season, and it’s a beautiful fairytale about a noble prince named Tamino that goes on a quest to win a fair princess named Pamina. On show until January 6, tickets start at just $32.50!
Where: Metropolitan Opera House
10. Big Band Holidays at The Lincoln Center
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In the mood for a little jazz? The Big Band Holidays events are jazz performances that are great for the whole family! You can expect hearty and festive jazz versions of popular Christmas tunes, all complete with top-tier musicians that are out of this world. The shows run from Dec 14-Dec 18 with a livestream available for the Dec 14 show!
Learn more here.
Where: Lincoln Center
11. Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
In this Broadway play, a six year old girl named Nancy comes to terms that she isn’t getting the posh Christmas experience she’s always desired. With a focus on giving and generosity, this family-friendly show embodies all the heartwarming qualities about the holiday season that everyone should see!
Where: AMT Theater
12. Company XIV: Nutcracker Rouge
Last but not least on our list is Nutcracker Rouge, an erotic and sensual twist on the classic Nutcracker! Leave the kids at home and step into this playful experience that features drinks, circus performers, and even partial nudity. If you’re looking for a sexy and festive date night before Christmas, this is our pick.
Learn more about it here.
Where: Theatre XIV