New York Christmas Shows 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jersey Nutcracker

Location: Jersey City

Dates: December 19 - 23, 2025

Cost: $$

Experience a bold reimagining of the holiday classic as Nimbus Dance transforms Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet into a contemporary urban adventure. Follow two resourceful Jersey protagonists through a vibrant cityscape filled with unexpected encounters, dynamic choreography, and cutting-edge visual design. This jazzy, high-energy production blends classical music with modern storytelling, featuring elaborate sets and animated projections that bring New Jersey's streets, parks, and landmarks to life in spectacular fashion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Extra Shows

Location: New York

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$$

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Extra Shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Celebrating the Rockettes' 100th anniversary, these additional performances feature dazzling precision dance routines, stunning costumes, and innovative stage effects that bring timeless holiday traditions to life. This exclusive extension offers more opportunities to witness the iconic Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and other beloved numbers in an unforgettable festive setting.

Metropolitan Opera Holiday Performances

Location: New York

Cost: $$$

Experience Mozart's enchanting fairy tale brought to life through Tony Award-winning direction, vibrant puppetry, and soaring operatic melodies at Lincoln Center's prestigious venue. This abridged English-language holiday production combines stunning visual artistry with beloved classical music, creating an accessible and magical celebration perfect for audiences of all ages during the festive season.

Carnegie Hall Holiday Concerts

Location: New York

Cost: $$$

Experience the magic of the season at Carnegie Hall’s 2025 holiday concerts, where world-class musicians and beloved performers come together for unforgettable evenings of festive music. From dazzling orchestral performances to intimate recitals and Broadway-inspired celebrations, each event is crafted to capture the spirit of Christmas in a setting renowned for its acoustics and elegance. These concerts offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making them a highlight of New York City’s holiday calendar.

Broadway Holiday Shows

Location: New York

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$$

Experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City with a dazzling lineup of Broadway holiday shows, where world-class performers bring festive stories to life on iconic stages. From beloved classics like 'A Christmas Carol' and 'The Nutcracker' to spectacular productions such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Cirque Dreams Holidaze, these shows blend theatrical artistry with seasonal wonder. Each performance is enhanced with dazzling sets, original music, and moments of pure holiday enchantment, making it a must-see for theater lovers and families alike.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Holiday Jazz

Location: New York

Cost: $$

Experience the magic of swing and holiday cheer at Jazz at Lincoln Center's festive December celebrations, featuring world-class jazz performances that blend timeless seasonal classics with contemporary interpretations. From the energetic Big Band Holidays concert series in the intimate Rose Theater to interactive family-friendly jam sessions, these performances showcase virtuoso musicians and acclaimed vocalists bringing fresh vitality to beloved holiday standards. Whether you're seeking an elegant evening of sophisticated big band arrangements or a playful musical experience for all ages, Jazz at Lincoln Center transforms the season into an unforgettable celebration of American jazz tradition.

Apollo Theater Holiday Shows

Location: Harlem

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holidays at the Apollo Theater in Harlem with a vibrant lineup of soul-stirring performances, gospel music, and festive traditions that honor the community’s rich cultural legacy. This season, experience the magic of Amateur Night Holiday Specials, Kwanzaa celebrations, and intimate concerts featuring renowned artists, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic stages. Unique events like the Double Dutch Holiday Classic and Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland bring families together for joyful, interactive fun, while special guest appearances and commissioned works add a fresh, contemporary twist to classic holiday cheer.

Brooklyn Academy of Music Holiday Programming

Location: Brooklyn

Cost: $$

Experience a sophisticated celebration of seasonal music and culture at Brooklyn Academy of Music's holiday programming, featuring world-renowned early-music ensemble Les Arts Florissants performing rare French Baroque compositions. Conducted by William Christie, this distinctive artistic offering transports audiences to the court of Louis XIV through masterworks by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, including a mass setting woven from traditional Christmas melodies and a lyrical retelling of the Nativity story. This elegant musical journey represents a refined alternative to conventional holiday entertainment, blending historical authenticity with contemporary artistic vision.

Town Hall Holiday Concerts

Location: New York

Cost: $$

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Town Hall, a legendary Manhattan venue hosting an array of festive musical performances throughout December 2025. From Broadway-style arrangements to contemporary holiday celebrations, these concerts showcase talented artists performing in an intimate, acoustically renowned setting that dates back over a century. The historic theater provides an elegant backdrop for both traditional carols and innovative holiday interpretations, making it an ideal destination for those seeking sophisticated seasonal entertainment in the heart of Times Square.

Beacon Theatre Holiday Shows

Location: New York

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holiday season at New York City's iconic Beacon Theatre with a lineup of festive concerts and performances that blend classic charm with modern flair. This historic venue offers an intimate setting where world-class artists bring holiday music and storytelling to life, creating unforgettable moments filled with warmth and joy. Experience the magic of Christmas through soulful melodies, vibrant shows, and a uniquely cozy atmosphere on the Upper West Side.

Comedy Cellar Holiday Comedy

Location: New York

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holidays with side-splitting laughs at Comedy Cellar’s special Christmas 2025 shows in the heart of Greenwich Village. Experience world-class stand-up comedy from top headliners and surprise guests in an intimate, legendary club setting. The festive lineup features fresh holiday-themed material, lively audience interaction, and a uniquely New York twist on seasonal humor, making it a must-see for comedy lovers and holiday revelers alike.

Carolines on Broadway Holiday Comedy

Location: New York

Dates: Throughout December 2025

Cost: $$

Celebrate the holidays in the heart of New York City with Carolines on Broadway’s festive comedy showcase, where top stand-up comedians and surprise guest stars deliver side-splitting laughs in a dazzling Times Square setting. This special Christmas 2025 series blends classic holiday cheer with sharp, original humor, creating a one-of-a-kind night perfect for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy signature cocktails, festive decor, and an intimate club atmosphere that makes every guest feel part of the fun.