11 Amazing Christmas Shows in NYC 2025

The must-watch Christmas shows in New York

It’s the most magical time of the year! New York City is known for being home to the world’s best shows, so what would the holiday season be without watching some of the best Christmas shows?

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to explore the city’s holiday decorations and watching a festive show!

These Are The 11 Best Christmas Shows in New York

    New York is home is the epicenter of entertainment and surely does not disappoint during the holiday season. There are plenty of Christmas shows in New York that are worth watching, ranging from classics to modern adaptions of your favorite tales.

    Please know that you can’t return home without having seen at least one of the best Christmas Shows in NYC!

  1. 01

    Radio City Christmas Spectacular

    Broadway Show in Midtown Manhattan
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    The Radio City Spectacular is undoubtedly the most popular Christmas show in NYC. The Rockettes have performed at the iconic Radio City Music Hall since 2931 and have created a holiday tradition for many visitors and locals.

    The precision dance group makes your jaws drop for 90 minutes. It’s the most famous annual Christmas show in New York that everyone looks forward to. Because it is so popular, there are up to 5 performances on a single day.

  2. 02

    The Nutcracker

    Other Events in Upper East Side
    The Nutcracker
    Indiana Woodward and Company in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo credit: Erin Baiano
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    Another classic among the best Christmas shows in NYC is The Nutcracker, a two-act ballet. It was originally performed in 1892 and therefore looks back at a long-standing tradition. The shows’ popularity only increased over the years so that even today, we can enjoy the wonderfully performed ballet performances.

    In fact, there are several different versions of the Nutcracker ballet in NYC, ranging from the well-known George Balanchine version to “Nutcracker Rouge”, an erotic reimagination of the holiday classic. For many, the Nutcracker is not only their favorite ballet but also their favorite Christmas show in NYC.

  3. 03

    A Christmas Carol

    Broadway Show in Theatre District
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    When talking about Christmas Shows in NYC, we cannot forget A Christmas Carol. The classic story by Charles Dickens returns to Broadway for the holiday season. The tale is guaranteed to capture your attention with its magical new interpretation.

    The musical tells the story of a bitter man who has a change of heart after being visited by four ghosts that transport him in the past, present, and future. During the dazzling musical performance, expect to hear cherished carols such as “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”.

    Did you know? The timeless tale is a new version adapted by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s playwright Jack Thorne. It’s almost a guarantee that A Christmas Carol will also make it to your favorite Christmas shows in New York.

  4. 04

    Harry Potter and The Cursed Child

    Broadway Play in Theatre District
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    Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an original new story by J.K. Rowling. The story takes place many years after Harry Potter’s last adventure “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” at the end of which, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Draco are bringing their own children to the Hogwarts Express.

    That’s where the story picks up. When Harry Potter’s son Albus first arrives at Hogwarts, not only must he face the challenge of living up to his famous father’s reputation but also must carve his own path in the school’s hallowed halls. Nothing is ever simple in Hogwarts and Albus’ adventure is both nostalgic for fans of the original series and packs plenty of its own twists and surprises for seasoned and new viewers alike.

    We can’t tell you more at this point, as we don’t want to reveal the entire story for you. At each viewing, fans are given collectible buttons with the phrase #KeepTheSecrets, reminding us not to give away any spoilers.

  5. 05

    Christmas Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue

    Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
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    Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store, which is located in Midtown Manhattan, offers an experience like no other flagship store in the city. It’s one of the original stores responsible for helping to make fifth ave a must-visit shopping destination.

    The flagship store is a whopping ten stories high and features everything from designer clothing to accessories to home decor. You’ll find all of the top designers at Saks Fifth Avenue, including Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and more! In addition to clothing, you can also find beauty products and services here, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for all your luxury needs.

    The flagship store is often considered to be the most luxurious department store in New York City and offers an experience that is sure to please everyone who visits. With outdoor light experiences, and intricate displays adorning each floor of Saks, it’s no wonder why many consider it to be one of the must-visit store’s flagship stores in NYC. 

  6. 06

    Santa's Secret Immersive Holiday Experience (usually November - December)

    Other Events in Hudson Yards
    Our Highlight
    Santa
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    At Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience, you’ll make your way through a winter wonderland and into Santa’s secret speakeasy. Enjoy Christmas-themed cocktails, a live band, and an eye-popping variety show of unique acts, all with a holiday twist!

  7. 07

    The Magic Flute - Holiday Presentation (selected dates December 12, 2024 - January 4, 2025)

    Other Art & Culture in Upper East Side
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    The Metropolitan Opera is bringing back the family’s favorite holiday presentation, “The Magic Flute.” This tamed version of Mozart’s musical fairy tale features Maestro Duncan Ward and company. The Met’s abridged version of The Magic Flute brings you tenors David Portillo and Ben Bliss, who both play Tamino, the prince trying to win the love of princess Pamina, sung by sopranos Sydney Mancasola and Joelle Harvey. You will also see other cast members, including Chris Kenney, Joshua Hopkins, and Soloman Howard. The show features a runtime of one hour and 50 minutes and is showing at The Met from December 16, 2022 until January 6, 2023. 

  8. 08

    Christmas at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (selected dates in December)

    Building in Harlem & Washington Heights
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    For one weekend only, you can enjoy the St. John Divine’s Cathedral Choir and Orchestra playing the sounds of Christmas. The show is conducted by the Director of Cathedral Music, Kent Tritle, and the Associate Director of Music and Choirmaster, Bryan Zaros.

    The show is an amazing combination of the Cathedral orchestra, choirs, and soloists. These artists perform Magnificat by Antonio Vivaldi, The Christmas Bird by Sheena Phillips, In Bethlehem Above by Yshani Perinpanayagam, and more.

  9. 09

    A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House (November 26 - December 29, 2024)

    Museum in NoHo
    Merchant’s House Museum
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    A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is perhaps the most famous of all Christmas stories. Now, you can catch John Kevin Jones’s one-hour take on this classic holiday ghost story.

    The Merchant’s House Museum is the former mansion of a wealthy 19th Century family, making for the perfect setting for a story in New York City in 1867.

    Tickets for this are limited and can be purchased here.

  10. 10

    Big Band Holidays at Lincoln Center (December 18 - 22, 2024)

    Building in Upper West Side
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    Each December, Rose Theater is home to this holiday extravaganza. Big Band Holidays is brought to you by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The show consists of soulful big band performances of both secular and sacred songs.

    Big Band Holidays is a traditional event that’s enjoyed by audiences of all backgrounds and ages. So, bring the entire family to enjoy live performances of “Jingle Bells,” “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” and more.

    Big Band Holiday is held at the Rose Theatre and will run daily from December 18 through December 22, 2024. Big Band Holidays Tickets sell out fast, so reserve yours today!

  11. 11

    Elf The Musical at Marquis Theatre (Nov. 9, 2024 - Jan.4, 2025)

    Building in Theatre District
    Macbeth on Broadway
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    Elf the Musical is returning to Broadway for a limited run at the Marquis Theatre, starting November 9. Based on the beloved 2003 film, the show has become a holiday favorite, featuring catchy songs, feel-good dance numbers, and humor for all ages.

    It tells the story of Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, who travels to New York to find his birth parents. This year’s production stars Tony nominee Grey Henson and is directed by Philip Wm. McKinley. A festive treat, perfect for the whole family!

    Tickets start at $71.

Steffen Kneist Loving New York
Christmas shows in NYC

My personal favorite

When thinking about my favorite Christmas shows in New York, I don’t have to think very long. It’s probably no surprise that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes is my personal favorite. I love watching the show over and over again. In fact, it is a family tradition to watch the spectacle every year. For us, it’s the ultimate Christmas show in New York City though I do enjoy all other shows as well. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting during the holiday season. Because of the many daily shows, you can flexibly integrate the show into your schedule.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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