15+ Best Christmas Shows NYC 2025 (Rockettes, Nutcracker & More)
New York City during the holidays is pure magic, and nothing gets you in the spirit faster than a festive show. From high-kicking dancers to timeless ballets, the city’s stages are lit up with incredible productions. Here’s your guide to the top holiday & Christmas shows to watch in NYC this season.
Just a heads up: Show schedules and ticket prices for the 2025 season can change. Always check the official theatre websites for the most current information and to buy tickets directly.
15+ Top Holiday & Christmas Shows To Watch in NYC
Can’t-Miss Christmas Classics
These are the iconic Christmas shows NYC is famous for. If you only see one thing, make it one of these.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
What is the best Christmas show to see in New York City? For generations of New Yorkers and visitors, this is the answer. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is the quintessential holiday show, featuring the legendary Rockettes, breathtaking costumes, and beloved numbers like the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” It’s a must-see in New York City at Christmas time.
- When: November 2025 – Early January 2026
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York
- Contact: https://www.rockettes.com/christmas | 212-465-6225 | guestrelations@msg.comÂ
- Pro Tip: There isn’t a bad seat in the house, but the orchestra section offers an unparalleled, immersive experience. Weekday matinees are often cheaper.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Performed by the New York City Ballet, this is the most famous and enchanting version of The Nutcracker in the world. With Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, a one-ton Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and a blizzard of snowflakes, it’s pure holiday elegance.
- When: Late November 2025 – Early January 2026
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York
- Contact: https://www.nycballet.com | +1 212-496-0600 | info@nycballet.comÂ
- Pro Tip: This is a dress-up affair. It’s a perfect special occasion show for families and couples alike. Book tickets far in advance as they sell out quickly.
A Christmas Carol on Broadway
There are always a few productions of this Dickens classic around the city, but the Broadway version is a spectacular, Tony Award-winning affair. It’s a heartwarming story of redemption that’s perfect for the whole family.
- When: November – December 2025 (Check for specific production announcements)
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: Varies by production, typically a Broadway theatre.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on theatre news in the early fall for announcements on which version will be playing for the Broadway Christmas shows 2025 season.
Best Broadway Shows to See in December
While not strictly holiday-themed, seeing a huge Broadway hit is a perfect way to celebrate the season. These are always some of the best shows in NYC in December.
Wicked
The untold story of the witches of Oz remains one of Broadway’s most popular shows. The soaring music and dazzling sets make it a magical experience, especially during the holidays.
- When: November 2025 – January 2026Â
- Price: $$$$
- Location: Gershwin Theatre, 222 W 51st St, New York
- Contact: https://wickedthemusical.com | +1 212-586-6510Â
- Pro Tip: Enter the digital lottery for a chance at cheaper tickets.
The Lion King
This show is a visual masterpiece. With its incredible puppetry and beloved Elton John score, it’s a breathtaking spectacle that’s perfect for all ages.
- When: November 2025 – January 2026Â
- Price: $$$$
- Location: Minskoff Theatre, 200 W 45th St, New York
- Contact: https://lionking.comÂ
- Pro Tip: The best views for taking in the full scope of the puppetry are in the front mezzanine.
Hamilton
If you still haven’t seen it, the holiday season is the perfect time to finally be in “the room where it happens.” It’s a cultural phenomenon for a reason.
- When: November 2025 – January 2026Â
- Price: $$$$
- Location: Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W 46th St, New York
- Contact: https://www.instagram.com/HamiltonMusicalÂ
- Pro Tip: This is one of the toughest tickets to get. Plan way ahead or try the daily digital lottery.
MJ The Musical
A high-energy tribute to the King of Pop, this show is packed with Michael Jackson’s greatest hits and incredible choreography. It’s a fantastic night out.
- When: November 2025 – January 2026Â
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W 52nd St, New York
- Contact: https://mjthemusical.comÂ
- Pro Tip: A great choice for music lovers and those looking for a show with a ton of energy.
Off-Broadway & Other Festive Fun
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Watch Whoville come to life in this beloved musical that’s a hit with kids and adults. It’s a colorful, whimsical show that captures the heart of the Dr. Seuss classic, complete with favorites like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
- When: Typically early to late December 2025
- Price: $$$
- Location: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York
- Pro Tip: It’s a relatively short show, making it perfect for younger children with shorter attention spans.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
This isn’t your grandma’s Nutcracker. This modern reimagining sets the classic story in modern-day New York City and features a cast of incredible hip-hop dancers, a DJ, and an electric violinist. It’s a fresh, high-energy take on a holiday staple.
- When: Check for tour dates, typically in NYC in December.
- Price: $$$
- Location: Varies, often at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn or the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
- Contact: https://hiphopnutcracker.comÂ
- Pro Tip: A fantastic choice for teens and anyone looking for a holiday show that breaks the traditional mold.
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays
This touring magic show often makes a stop in NYC for the holidays, bringing a rotating cast of the world’s best magicians for a mind-bending and family-friendly performance.
- When: Typically December 2025
- Price: $$$
- Location: Varies, check listings for the New York Christmas shows 2025 season.
- Pro Tip: A great alternative to traditional theater that appeals to a wide age range.
Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show is a whirlwind of acrobatics and festive cheer, reinterpreting the classic holiday poem.
- When: Typically early to late December 2025
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York
- Contact: https://www.cirquedusoleil.comÂ
- Pro Tip: This is a fantastic show for kids and teens who might not be into traditional musicals.
Handel’s Messiah, New York Philharmonic
For a truly classic and moving holiday experience, nothing beats hearing Handel’s masterpiece performed by the renowned New York Philharmonic. The “Hallelujah” chorus will give you chills.
- When: Mid-December 2025
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: David Geffen Hall 10 Lincoln Center Plaza New York
- Contact: https://nyphil.org | (212) 875-5656Â
- Pro Tip: This is a very popular concert series. Book tickets well in advance, especially for weekend performances.
Holidays at the Apollo
The legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem hosts a variety of holiday programming, including its famous holiday celebration and Kwanzaa celebration. Expect incredible musical performances and a vibrant, soulful atmosphere.
- When: December 2025
- Price: $$-$$$
- Location: 253 W 125th St, New York
- Contact: https://www.apollotheater.org | +1 212-531-5300Â
- Pro Tip: A great way to experience a historic NYC venue and see some world-class performers.
The Magic Flute – The Metropolitan Opera
The Met’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s classic opera is a holiday tradition. The whimsical puppetry and beautiful music make it a great introduction to opera for the whole family.
- When: December 2025 – January 2026
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Location: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New YorkÂ
- Contact: https://www.metopera.org | +1 212-362-6000Â
- Pro Tip: The stunning sets and costumes by Julie Taymor (of The Lion King fame) are a huge part of the appeal.
Big Apple Circus
A New York institution, the Big Apple Circus sets up its big top at Lincoln Center for a holiday run every year. It’s an intimate, one-ring circus that feels both classic and modern.
- When: November 2025 – January 2026
- Price: $$$
- Location: Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center, New York
- Contact: https://bigapplecircus.com | info@bigapplecircus.com Â
- Pro Tip: Because the tent is small, there are no bad seats. Everyone is close to the action.
Top Holiday & Christmas Shows to Watch in NYC for Free
While most big shows require a pricey ticket, you can still catch festive performances for free. Look out for pop-up concerts at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, caroling in Washington Square Park, and the free annual “Tuba Christmas” concert at Rockefeller Center.
Your Holiday Show Questions Answered
What is the most Christmassy place in New York City? Hands down, the area around Rockefeller Center. With the iconic Tree, the ice rink, the sound of the Salvation Army bells, and Radio City Music Hall right there, it’s the epicenter of Christmas in NYC.
What is the best show to see in NYC? It totally depends on your taste! For a classic Christmas experience, it has to be the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. For the best of Broadway, you can’t go wrong with a powerhouse like Wicked or The Lion King.
Planning to See the Lights Too?
After the final curtain call, the magic doesn’t have to end. The city itself puts on a dazzling performance with its holiday decorations. To make sure you see all the best and brightest spots, from Dyker Heights to Fifth Avenue, check out our complete guide on Where To Find The Best Christmas Light Displays In NYC (2025).
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