With the holidays quickly approaching, the city transforms into a more magical place. Christmas markets open, sparkling lights cover the city (even more than usual), and decorations take over. The stages even transform as Christmas shows come for a limited time. Watching a broadway show is a great way to experience NYC, especially when the weather gets cold, so we’ve put together a guide specifically for the seasonal shows this Christmas.
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Last Updated: November 2, 2022
20 Christmas Shows in NYC to See This Season
Musicals, Plays, and Concerts
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, map
Dates: Nov 18, 2022 to Jan 2, 20213
Length: 90 minutes
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The Radio City Rockettes have been a part of NYC since 1932. Every year, their Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular shows and attractions in the city. Set in the iconic Radio City Music Hall, watch them sing and dance in perfect synchronization.
Nederlander Theatre, 208 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036, map
Dates: November 8, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Length: 2 hr 15 min
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Watch this classic holiday masterpiece from Charles Dickens as it comes to Broadway for 8 weeks only! This adaptation truly gets the Broadway treatment.
PlayStation Theater, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, map
Dates: December 22-24, 2022
Length: TBA
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A stage adaption of the classic TV special, follow along as the gang helps Charlie Brown with his Christmas Blues. You’ll hear jazzy scores, group sing-a-longs, and more.
The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012, map
Dates: November 27 – December 30, 2022
Length: 60 minutes
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Here’s another rendition of A Christmas Carol that has been running for 10 years!
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, map
Dates: November 27 – 28, 2022
Length: TBA
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Celebrate the holidays with Harry Connick Jr and his Holiday Celebration tour as he serenades you with holiday songs and more.
St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301, map
Dates: December 30, 2022
Length: TBA
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If you’re looking for holidays plus rock music, then this is the show for you. Equal parts classical music and progressive rock, this will be a huge-scale Christmas spectacular with guitar solos, swooping violins, and synchronized lights.
Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, map
Dates: December 9, 2022
Length: TBA
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iHeartRadio’s annual Jingle Ball with appearances by Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, The Kid LAROI, Lewis Capaldi, Pitbull, and more.
The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, map
Dates: December 16, 2022
Length: TBA
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Listen as Postmodern Jukebox brings their vintage vibes to classic carols and holiday tunes like O, Holy Night, My Favorite Things, and Joy to the World.
City Winery, 25 11th Ave, at Hudson River, New York, NY 10011, map
Dates: December 18, 2022
Length: TBA
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An 18+ show due to the maturity of the show, John Waters takes to the stage with his traditional one-man monologue themed around Christmas.
NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590, map
Dates: December 18, 2022
Length: TBA
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Join legendary saxophonist Kenny G on his festive Holiday Hits Show. You’ll hear your favorite Christmas songs with a jazz twist.
Dance & MISC
David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, map
Dates: November 25, 2022 to December 31, 2022
Length: 135 minutes
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This is one the most magical performances of the classic there is. 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands, and 50 students from the School of American Ballet bring this story to life. There’s even an onstage blizzard and a Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet.
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065, map
Dates: December 9-11, 2022
Length: 120 minutes
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Here is another option for seeing the Nutcracker in NYC. This performance is set in 1895 New York, and features two dancers who have been New York City Ballet principals.
Florence Gould Hall, 55 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, map
Dates: December 9-11, 2022
Length: 60 minutes
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Check out this Art Nouveau version of the classic ballet. There’s even an owl that flies over the audience!
photo: Julieta Cervantes
Théâtre XIV, 383 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237, map
Dates: November 4, 2022 – January 29, 2023
Length: 150 minutes
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Leave the kids at home if you’re headed to see this risqué version of the classic tale. The erotic reimagining of the story uses dance, circus performers, singers, and partial nudity to spice things up.
The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, map
Dates: December 2-3, 202
Length: TBA
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Alumni of RuPauls’ Drag Race, this show is sure to be a hysterical time with boozy holiday cheer, razzle-dazzle song and dance numbers, and classic carols with a cheeky drag twist.
The Metropolitan Opera, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, map
Dates: December 16, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Length: 102 minutes
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Composed by Mozart just before his death, this opera is brought to life in NYC through a mix of animation, dialogue, and singing. It’s a great introduction opera and it’s easy to follow the struggle between light and dark.
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, The Bronx, NY 10468, map
Dates: December 17-18, 2022
Length: TBA
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A repertoire of the Westchester Ballet Company since 1950, this full-scale production is perfect for the whole family.
The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, map
Dates: November 23, 2022
Length: TBA
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The all-star queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Alyssa Edwards, Jujubee, Crystal Methyd, Jimbo, and more, are coming to save your Christmas with seasonal songs and plenty of sass.
Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 99 Monmouth St, Red Bank, NJ 07701, map
Dates: November 23, 2022
Length: TBA
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Make Christmas even more magical with The Illusionists. They have been dubbed the ‘Cirque Du Soleil of the Magic world’ with a cast that will leave you in awe.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark, NJ 07102, map
Dates: December 26, 2022
Length: 2 hours 20 minutes, one intermission
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See Christmas ornaments come to life during this Christmas-themed circus.
Essential Tips
- NYC gets extremely busy during the holidays so pick up tickets as soon as you know you want to go to one of these shows.
- Looking for other Broadway shows? Check out our post.
- Trains tend to run slow or late when the weather is bad. If it’s snowing, give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue.
Best Places to Stay Near the Theater District in NYC
Have you seen any of the Christmas shows in NYC?
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Esther + Jacob
The Tank, 312 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, map
Dates: Dec 5 to Dec 20, 2018
Length: 70 minutes
This dark comedy by Greg Kotis (Urinetown) tells the story of what happens when Santa brings hi mistress and their kids to the North Pole to an unwelcoming Mrs. Claus.
The Tank, 312 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, map
Dates: Dec 5 to Dec 20, 2018
Length: 70 minutes
This dark comedy by Greg Kotis (Urinetown) tells the story of what happens when Santa brings hi mistress and their kids to the North Pole to an unwelcoming Mrs. Claus.