The 2026 holiday season brings some of the country’s most beloved Christmas shows, concerts, and theatrical performances to stages across the United States. From the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall to festive performances by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Pentatonix, and the Boston Pops, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with live entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New York City<\/strong>, Chicago<\/strong>, Nashville<\/strong>, Orlando<\/strong>, and Boston<\/strong> offer memorable holiday experiences, each with its own seasonal traditions. Whether you’re interested in The Nutcracker<\/em>, a high-energy Christmas concert, or a family-friendly theatrical production, these cities have something for audiences of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some fans, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without the Rockettes’ legendary kickline. Others look forward to hearing their favorite Christmas songs performed live or introducing younger family members to a classic holiday ballet. Whatever your traditions, attending a live show is a memorable way to celebrate together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With performances beginning in November and continuing through December and into January, here’s a look at some of the best holiday shows<\/a><\/strong> of 2026 and how to find tickets at BoxOfficeTicketSales.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few destinations capture the excitement of the holidays quite like New York City<\/a><\/strong>. From Rockefeller Center to the festive atmosphere surrounding Broadway and Lincoln Center, the city transforms into a destination filled with seasonal entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the center of New York’s holiday calendar is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular<\/a><\/strong>, featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. Running November 4, 2026, through January 4, 2027, the production is scheduled for 230 performances, making it one of the most extensive runs in the show’s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since debuting in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has become a tradition for generations of families. Its combination of precision choreography, elaborate costumes, festive music, and theatrical effects makes it one of the country’s most recognizable holiday productions. The Rockettes’ synchronized kickline remains a highlight, drawing visitors from around the world to Radio City Music Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another cherished tradition is New York City Ballet’s<\/strong> The Nutcracker<\/strong><\/em><\/a> at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. George Balanchine’s celebrated production returns November 27 and continues into early January, bringing the story of Marie, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugarplum Fairy to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For music fans, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball<\/a><\/strong> arrives at Madison Square Garden on December 11 and features artists including Charlie Puth, Hilary Duff, and Teddy Swims. Those interested in a rock-inspired holiday concert can also explore Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s December 26 performance at Prudential Center in nearby Newark, New Jersey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re planning a holiday weekend in Manhattan or looking for a special evening out, New York City offers an impressive combination of Christmas traditions and contemporary entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chicago<\/a><\/strong> brings its own charm to the holiday season, combining historic theaters, celebrated ballet productions, and major concerts with the festive atmosphere of downtown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the city’s longest-running traditions is A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre<\/a><\/strong>. Returning November 13 through December 31, the production invites audiences to experience Charles Dickens’ timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation through the spirit of Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For generations of Chicago families, attending A Christmas Carol<\/em> has become an essential holiday tradition. Its familiar characters, memorable story, and theatrical staging make it a popular choice for audiences of different ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another highlight is The Joffrey Ballet’s<\/strong> The Nutcracker<\/strong><\/em><\/a> at the Lyric Opera House. Beginning December 4, this imaginative production offers a distinctive interpretation of the classical ballet, combining beautiful choreography with a story inspired by Chicago’s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Music fans can look forward to Trans-Siberian Orchestra<\/a><\/strong> at Allstate Arena<\/strong> in Rosemont on December 23. The group brings its signature combination of rock music, orchestral arrangements, dramatic lighting, and holiday storytelling to the Chicago area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a more traditional musical celebration, Merry, Merry Chicago!<\/a><\/strong> returns to Symphony Center<\/strong> from December 18 through 23. Featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conductor Thomas Wilkins, and Broadway performer Mandy Gonzalez, the production combines seasonal favorites with orchestral arrangements in the beautifully decorated Orchestra Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From traditional Christmas theater to symphonic performances and large-scale concerts, Chicago offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season with live entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nashville<\/a><\/strong> is known for live music year-round, but the holiday season brings something special to Music City. Historic performance venues and major arenas welcome artists performing everything from traditional Christmas songs to contemporary favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Nashville’s most beloved seasonal events is Christmas at the Ryman with Amy Grant and Vince Gill<\/a><\/strong>. Returning for its 16th year, the concert series features 12 performances from December 14 through December 23 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pairing of Amy Grant and Vince Gill, two artists closely tied to Nashville’s musical heritage, makes the event a standout holiday tradition. Their performances bring familiar Christmas music to one of the country’s most celebrated concert venues, creating an intimate atmosphere for longtime fans and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another Nashville favorite is Opry Country Christmas<\/a><\/strong> at the Grand Ole Opry House. Running on select dates from November 29 through December 22, the concert series brings country music stars together for festive performances. Announced artists include Chris Janson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ashley McBryde, and Jo Dee Messina, offering fans a celebration of Christmas music with a distinctly Nashville sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nashville also offers a classic ballet experience with Nashville’s Nutcracker<\/a><\/strong> at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Running November 27 through December 27, the production brings the familiar holiday story to life through elaborate costumes, festive scenery, and performances by Nashville Ballet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For arena concerts, Bridgestone Arena<\/a><\/strong> hosts Trans-Siberian Orchestra on December 2 and Pentatonix on December 9. Both acts offer distinctive approaches to Christmas music, from theatrical rock arrangements to recognizable a cappella harmonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re drawn to the historic Ryman Auditorium, the traditions of the Grand Ole Opry, or the energy of Bridgestone Arena, Nashville’s lineup reflects the city’s reputation as a leading live music destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Orlando<\/a><\/strong>‘s holiday entertainment calendar offers plenty of experiences beyond its famous theme parks. From classical ballet to contemporary Christmas concerts, visitors can find performances suited to different ages and musical interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A highlight is Orlando Ballet’s<\/strong> The Nutcracker<\/strong><\/em><\/a> at Steinmetz Hall <\/strong>inside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Running December 4 through December 27, the production brings the classic holiday story to one of Orlando’s most impressive venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of music, dancing, colorful costumes, and familiar characters makes The Nutcracker<\/em> a popular family choice. Select performances also feature family-friendly activities before the show, offering younger audiences an engaging introduction to live ballet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a contemporary holiday performance, violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling<\/a><\/strong> brings her Snow Waltz Tour<\/em> to the Walt Disney Theater on November 21. Known for combining violin performances with energetic choreography and visual effects, Stirling offers a different Christmas concert experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families can also enjoy A Charlie Brown Christmas<\/a><\/strong> at Orlando Family Stage from November 23 through December 27. Based on the beloved holiday classic, the production brings familiar characters and Christmas’s timeless message to life on stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Orlando’s December calendar includes Lauren Daigle’s<\/strong> The Behold Christmas Tou<\/strong><\/em><\/a>r<\/strong><\/em> at the Dr. Phillips Center on December 12, followed by Straight No Chaser<\/a><\/strong> at the Walt Disney Theater on December 27. These performances give music fans additional ways to enjoy holiday favorites, from contemporary Christian music to creative a cappella arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visitors can also enjoy the Frontyard Holiday Festival<\/strong> at the Dr. Phillips Center, scheduled November 27 through December 31. The free event adds another festive experience to the city’s seasonal calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With traditional performances, family theater, and modern concerts, Orlando offers ways to add live entertainment to a holiday vacation or family celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston<\/strong>‘s holiday season brings together historic venues, classical music, and theatrical performances that have become important traditions for local families and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the city’s most recognizable events is Boston Pops Holiday Pops<\/a><\/strong> at Symphony Hall. Running December 3 through December 28, the concert series features the Boston Pops, led by Keith Lockhart, performing seasonal favorites in one of America’s most celebrated concert halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Holiday Pops concerts have become an important part of Boston’s Christmas celebrations, combining orchestral music with a festive atmosphere. For audiences who enjoy traditional holiday songs performed live, the experience offers a memorable way to celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another favorite is Boston Ballet’s<\/strong> The Nutcracker<\/strong><\/em><\/a> at the Citizens Bank Opera House. Performances begin November 27 and continue through December 31, bringing the beloved story to life with classical choreography, elaborate scenery, and beautiful costumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNew York City Holiday Shows: Christmas in the Big Apple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chicago Holiday Shows: Classic Theater, Ballet & Christmas Concerts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nashville Holiday Shows: Celebrate Christmas in Music City<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Orlando Holiday Shows: Family-Friendly Entertainment & Festive Concerts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boston Holiday Shows: Timeless Christmas Traditions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n