New York City delivers world-class holiday entertainment across its legendary venues. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes is an iconic tradition, while New York City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. From Broadway holiday shows to the New York Philharmonic's seasonal concerts, NYC offers spectacular performances at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and theaters throughout the city.
The Rob Mathes Holiday Concert
Location: Purchase
Dates: December 16, 2023 (specific date from Google Calendar link, assuming event repeats annually)
Cost: $$$
The 30th Anniversary of the Rob Mathes Holiday Concert will take place at the Performing Arts Center, featuring a unique mix of rock, jazz, and blues music. Attendees can expect high-energy performances, including new arrangements of holiday classics and original compositions, led by renowned arranger and musician Rob Mathes with his all-star band and talented chorus.
Venue: Performing Arts Center
Address: 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577
Phone: (914) 251-6505
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this spectacular holiday tradition.
- Immerse yourself in a unique blend of holiday cheer and musical artistry.
- Experience a high-energy evening of rock, jazz, and blues music.
Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker
Location: Brookville
Dates: December 17
Cost: $$$
The Eglevsky Ballet presents a full-scale production of The Nutcracker at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, featuring choreography by Maurice Brandon Curry. This beloved holiday classic will be accompanied by a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score, showcasing the professional ballet company alongside talented academy students in a magical performance.
Venue: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548
Phone: 516.299.3100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A full-scale production of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
- Choreography by Maurice Brandon Curry, bringing a fresh vision to the timeless story.
- Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by a professional orchestra.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Location: Port Washington
Dates: December 6 & 7, 2025
Cost: $$
The Landmark on Main Street hosts the 39th annual production of The Nutcracker by the Long Island Ballet Theatre, featuring a child-friendly, narrated, and slightly abridged version of the classic ballet. This production includes lively performances by professional dancers and talented students, accompanied by Tchaikovsky's classic score performed live.
Highlights:
- The Long Island Ballet Theatre's 39th annual production of The Nutcracker.
- A child-friendly, narrated, and slightly abridged version perfect for young audiences.
- A chance to kick off the holiday season with a timeless ballet masterpiece.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Location: New York
Dates: November 6th - January
Cost: $$
The Radio City Music Hall presents the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes in a dazzling 90-minute performance. This iconic show showcases the Rockettes' precision dance, festive holiday magic, and timeless traditions that have delighted audiences for generations.
Venue: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-465-6225
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.
- Enjoy a show with a run time of 90 minutes, perfect for a festive outing.
- Experience the magic of the 100th anniversary season of the iconic Christmas Spectacular.
A Christmas Carol the Musical
Location: New York
Dates: November 30, 2025 - December 30, 2025
Cost: $$
The Players Theatre presents a 17th-year musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. This lively production showcases Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation through captivating song and dance, featuring a VIP ticket option that includes a special Christmas Carol Gift Bag for attendees.
Venue: The Players Theatre
Address: 115 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 475-1449
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A 17th-year smash hit musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale.
- Features a heartwarming story that aims to melt even the grumpiest Scrooge.
- Offers a VIP ticket option that includes a special Christmas Carol Gift Bag.
Elf in Concert with the New York Philharmonic
Location: New York
Dates: December 19 - December 22
Cost: $$$
David Geffen Hall presents a unique concert experience featuring the beloved holiday film Elf accompanied by a live orchestral performance of John Debney's score by the New York Philharmonic. This event combines the joy of cinema with the thrill of live music, creating a memorable holiday outing for fans of the film.
Venue: David Geffen Hall
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6970
Phone: (212) 875-5656
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A unique fusion of classic holiday cinema and live symphonic music.
- The New York Premiere of the score performed live to the complete film.
- Experience the beloved holiday film "Elf" on the big screen.
Handel's Messiah
Location: New York
Dates: December 11 - December 14
Cost: $$$
Handel's Messiah will be presented by the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall, featuring a stunning cast of soloists and the Musica Sacra choir under the direction of Baroque specialist Ton Koopman. This masterpiece of dramatic storytelling brings together expressive vocal performances and iconic orchestral melodies in a cherished holiday tradition.
Venue: David Geffen Hall
Address: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6970
Phone: (212) 875-5656
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Part of the beloved NY Phil holiday tradition, Handel's Messiah is a masterpiece of dramatic storytelling.
- Hear the human voice reach dizzying heights of expression, sustained by the orchestra's iconic melodies.
- Experience the dramatic and expressive vocal performances of Handel's classic oratorio.
Jersey Nutcracker
Location: Jersey City
Dates: December 19 - 23, 2025
Cost: $$
Nimbus Arts Center presents the Jersey Nutcracker, a whimsical adaptation featuring two Jersey kids on a city adventure. This production stands out with its dazzling backdrop of full-scale sets and animated projections, set to a thrilling, jazzy interpretation of Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
Venue: Nimbus Arts Center
Address: 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Phone: (201) 377-0718
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A quirky and lovable story of two Jersey kids and their city adventure.
- A dazzling backdrop of full-scale sets and animated projections.
- A thrilling, jazzy interpretation of Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
Broadway Sings Mariah Carey: A Holiday Spectacular
Location: New York
Dates: Select your date directly in the ticket selector
Cost: $$$
The Cutting Room hosts a festive concert featuring Broadway stars performing Mariah Carey's holiday hits, accompanied by a full 14-piece orchestra. This concert series celebrates iconic Christmas music, combining powerful vocal performances with orchestral arrangements for a high-energy holiday experience.
Highlights:
- Broadway stars performing Mariah Carey's holiday album hits.
- A full 14-piece orchestra accompanying the vocalists.
- A unique concert series celebrating iconic Christmas music.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Location: New Brunswick
Dates: December 6
Cost: $$$
The State Theatre presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, a top-selling holiday concert featuring the distinctive Neo-Classical sounds of Mannheim Steamroller. This beloved holiday tradition promises a festive evening filled with unique arrangements and beautiful music that captures the spirit of the season.
Venue: State Theatre
Address: 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 844-765-8432
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a beloved holiday tradition with Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas concert.
- Experience the festive sounds of Mannheim Steamroller's unique Neo-Classical holiday music.
- Witness dazzling visual effects, including snow machines and captivating dancers.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker
Location: Brooklyn
Dates: December 6 - December 14, 2025
Cost: $$
The Brooklyn Nutcracker presents a culturally immersive twist on the classic holiday ballet, incorporating hip-hop and various global dance genres. Set in THE THEATER AT CITY TECH, the narrative showcases Brooklyn's vibrant landscape, featuring reimagined Nutcracker characters and scenes that reflect the borough's rich cultural diversity. The performance promises a dynamic fusion of dance styles that engages audiences of all ages.
Venue: THE THEATER AT CITY TECH
Address: 160 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718.246.0146
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A culturally immersive holiday classic blending ballet, hip-hop, and global dance genres.
- A unique narrative that takes audiences on an exciting journey through Brooklyn's vibrant landscape and landmarks.
- Experience a vibrant fusion of classical ballet with dynamic hip-hop and diverse global dance styles.
Collective Brass Holiday Concert
Location: Tarrytown
Dates: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Cost: $$
Held at the historic Lyndhurst Mansion, the Collective Brass Holiday Concert features a vibrant selection of beloved holiday classics, including Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker suite and the powerful Hallelujah Chorus. This festive concert invites guests to sing along and enjoy new arrangements of traditional carols, providing a joyful atmosphere amidst the stunning backdrop of the mansion. The concert is designed to engage audiences with both familiar tunes and fresh interpretations.
Venue: Lyndhurst Mansion
Address: 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: 914-631-4481
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the vibrant sounds of Collective Brass performing beloved holiday classics.
- Hear selections from Tchaikovsky's iconic Nutcracker suite.
- Enjoy a special performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, a powerful holiday tradition.
Media:
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Location: New York
Dates: November 6th through January
Cost: $63 - $250+
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, celebrating its 100th anniversary, features the world-famous Radio City Rockettes performing their signature routines at Radio City Music Hall. This live show includes breathtaking choreography, stunning set designs, and festive holiday scenes that create an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. The performance is a hallmark of New York City's holiday entertainment landscape.
Venue: Radio City Music Hall
Address: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-465-6225
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate the 100th anniversary of this iconic holiday tradition.
- See the world-famous Radio City Rockettes perform their dazzling routines.
- Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas with a spectacular live show.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Location: New York
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 03, 2026
Cost: $$$
Experience George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater, a full-scale production featuring 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and over 125 children from the School of American Ballet. This beloved holiday classic tells the enchanting story of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, highlighted by a magical growing Christmas tree and captivating choreography. The performance is designed to delight audiences of all ages with its rich visual and musical elements.
Venue: David H. Koch Theater
Address: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-496-0600
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in the beloved holiday classic, George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, a tradition for generations.
- Enjoy a full-scale production featuring all 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and over 125 children from the School of American Ballet.
- Experience the enchanting story of Marie, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Land of the Sweets, perfect for all ages.
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in New York.