NYC 2025: Must-See Christmas & Holiday Shows
New York City at Christmastime feels as if you’re walking through a real-life holiday movie. Snow might be falling on the sidewalks, lights will be sparkling across skyscrapers, and every corner reveals a seasonal delight. If you add a Christmas or holiday show to the mix, the result is pure magic.
From the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and dazzling Fifth Avenue store windows to Bryant Park’s winter market, Union Square’s pop-up shops, and the iconic ice rinks, December in New York is packed with unforgettable moments. But one of the most cherished traditions for locals and visitors alike is stepping into a theater to experience the city’s wide array of holiday performances.
Whether you’re looking for the classics, thrilling spectacles, or family-friendly entertainment, BoxOfficeTicketSales.com is here to help you unwrap some of the very best shows and concerts happening in New York City during the holiday season. From signature traditions like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to enchanting productions like The Nutcracker, there’s truly something for everyone.
A Christmas Carol
A few stories capture the spirit of Christmas better than Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. For 2025, audiences can enjoy Jack Thorne’s Tony-winning Old Vic production, directed by Matthew Warchus, at Lower Manhattan’s Perelman Performing Arts Center. This acclaimed staging reinvents the timeless tale with a mix of lantern-lit intimacy, moving performances, and inventive set design.
For theatergoers seeking to blend a literary classic with modern theatrical magic, this production promises to be a highlight of the season. It will run from November 23 to December 28, 2025.
Cirque du Soleil: ’Twas the Night Before…
When Cirque du Soleil brings its signature blend of acrobatics, artistry, and spectacle to Christmas, the result is breathtaking. ’Twas the Night Before… is Cirque’s very first holiday-themed show. It is inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem A Visit from St. Nicholas.
Throughout December 2025, The Theater at Madison Square Garden will transform into a sparkling winter playground, filled with dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping aerial performances, and heartwarming holiday cheer. Families will especially appreciate the show’s blend of whimsy and wonder, with nods to familiar Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a longtime Cirque fan or experiencing their magic for the first time, ’Twas the Night Before… is the kind of performance that leaves children and adults alike wanting more.
Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute
For lovers of music and opera, the Metropolitan Opera’s holiday staging of Mozart’s The Magic Flute is a tradition worth experiencing. The abridged, English-language version of the beloved opera makes it accessible for younger audiences while still showcasing Mozart’s enchanting score.
Running from December 11, 2025, through January 3, 2026, the production blends fairy-tale storytelling with stunning sets and costumes. The tale of Tamino, Pamina, and the mystical Queen of the Night, brought to life by the Met’s world-class performers, has become a seasonal favorite for families seeking a more classical holiday outing. It’s the perfect combination of cultural richness and festive fun.
New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker
When it comes to New York holiday traditions, few are as iconic as George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Performed by the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater, this annual production is one of a kind.
From Friday, November 28, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026, audiences will be transported into Clara’s dream world, filled with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Signature moments, such as the swirling “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” the grandeur of the growing Christmas tree, and the lush sounds of a live orchestra, make this a performance that resonates across generations.
For first-time visitors, it’s the ultimate introduction to the magic of ballet and holiday theater. For seasoned attendees, it remains a tradition that never loses its sparkle.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)
No New York holiday season is complete without the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes. Since its debut in 1933, this show has dazzled millions with its precision dancing, elaborate costumes, and heartwarming holiday numbers.
Held at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, the production features a mix of beloved classics and innovative new scenes, from the wooden soldiers’ march to Santa’s grand entrance.
The 2025 season is expected to be just as breathtaking. Whether you’re visiting New York for the first time or you make it a yearly tradition, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an absolute must-see.
Tips for Making the Most of NYC’s Holiday Shows
- Book Early: Holiday performances in New York are some of the most in-demand tickets of the year. From The Nutcracker to the Rockettes, popular dates (especially weekends and Christmas week) often sell out quickly.
- Plan Your Evening: Many theaters are located near festive attractions. Pair your show with ice skating at Rockefeller Center, a stroll past Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows, or dinner at a nearby holiday-themed restaurant.
- Family-Friendly Choices: The Magic Flute and ’Twas the Night Before… are excellent options for younger audiences, with shorter run times and lots of visual spectacle.
- Make It a Tradition: Many families return year after year to certain productions. Choosing one show as “your family’s New York holiday tradition” can make the season even more memorable.
Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the holiday season by attending one (or several!) of these festive events. New York City’s stages come alive with joy, wonder, and magic during December, and these shows are a perfect way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Tickets are available now at BoxOfficeTicketSales.com. Secure your seats today and make your holiday trip to New York City the highlight of the season.