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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, one of many joyful shows to see this holiday season. Photo courtesy of MSG Entertainment.
Catch the Radio City Rockettes, a naughty Nutcracker and more festive offerings for all ages and tastes
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The holiday season has officially arrived and seeing shows with your loved ones is a great way to celebrate. We've rounded up 12 seasonal productions for different types of audiences, so whether you're with the kids, out on a date, or looking to drink and laugh, there's a production for you. For even more options, use the holiday filter on our Show Finder listings.
At press time, many of these shows were offering discounts to TDF members. During this busy time of year, it's best to log in daily to see what we're selling as ticket availability changes frequently. Not a TDF member? Our TKTS Discount Booths sell same-day tickets up to 50% off to many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows.
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Under the Big Top at Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, 62nd Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues in Lincoln Square
Begins November 8. Closes January 5, 2025. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account and search for Big Apple Circus to purchase discount tickets.
Marveling at the jaw-dropping acts in the Big Apple Circus is a beloved holiday tradition. The troupe has been pitching its tent at Lincoln Center for decades, and has survived bankruptcy, a pandemic and aesthetic overhauls. This year's edition celebrates the company's hometown of NYC with an impressive lineup of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, clowns and some well-trained poodles performing in front of beloved Big Apple backdrops including Coney Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.
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Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Avenue at 50th Street in Midtown West
Begins November 8. Closes January 5, 2025. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase discount tickets.
Although Santa, the Three Kings, Jesus and lots of local landmarks put in appearances, this extravaganza is all about The Rockettes and their stunning synchronized dance numbers, like the awesome "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the "Dance of the Frost Fairies." A New York City tradition since 1933, this iconic Christmas show truly jump-starts the seasonal feels—just walking into the bedazzled Radio City is sure to put you in a holiday mood.
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Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway at 46th Street
Previews start November 9. Opens November 17. Closes January 4, 2025. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase discount tickets.
The family-friendly musical Elf, based on the 2003 movie comedy of the same name, returns to Broadway for the first time in over a decade in a brand-new production with fresh design and direction. Mean Girls Tony nominee Grey Henson charms as Buddy the Elf, an orphan who crawls into Santa's sack and ends up at the North Pole, where he's raised by elves. Once he realizes he's human as an adult, he sets out to locate his bio dad in NYC, spreading chaos and Christmas cheer wherever he goes. With funny songs, a joke-filled book, a flying sleigh and beloved Hobbit Sean Astin as Santa, it's a tuneful holiday treat.
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Théâtre XIV, 383 Troutman Street between Wyckoff and Irving Avenues in Bushwick, Brooklyn
Begins November 14. Closes February 1, 2025. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase discount tickets.
There are many Nutcrackers twirling around town this season, including George Balanchine's landmark version at New York City Ballet. But Nutcracker Rouge is for adults only! Leave the kids at home and your inhibitions at the door for Company XIV's burlesque and circus-filled take on the classic ballet, which returns to Brooklyn for its annual run. With sumptuous design, liberal libations and lots of sex appeal, this show is sure to heat up your holidays. Must be 21 or older to attend—yes, they check IDs!
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American Irish Historical Society, 991 Fifth Avenue between 80th and 81st Streets on the Upper East Side
Previews start November 20. Opens November 26. Closes January 5, 2025.
Irish Rep remounts its enchanting immersive adaptation of James Joyce's touching novella The Dead for the first time since 2017. Unfolding at the elegant American Irish Historical Society on Fifth Avenue, the production invites audiences to participate in an early 20th-century holiday party at the home of two sisters of a certain age as they welcome neighbors, family and frenemies. During the intermissionless two hours, you're treated to songs, stories, personal and political spats, and a hearty meal complete with wine and dessert. Two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin and Christopher Innvar star as the Conroys, the central couple that unravels before our eyes. Tickets are pricey but it's a singular experience.
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New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in Midtown West
Begins November 23. Closes December 29. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase discount tickets.
NYC's premier family theatre, the New Victory, presents this seasonal spectacle by one of the most extraordinary circus troupes I've ever seen: the Las Vegas-based Cirque Mechanics. The members mix exhilarating athletic feats with jaw-dropping contraptions. Yuletide Factory is actually a Christmas reworking of the company's inaugural show Birdhouse Factory, as the employees at an oppressive warehouse find joy and freedom in juggling, spinning, jumping, bending and flying. It's sure to raise your holidays spirits!
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Merchant's House Museum, 29 East 4th Street between the Bowery and Lafayette Street in the East Village
Begins November 26. Closes December 29.
The ultimate old-school version of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, this one-man Christmas Carol is mounted in the 19th-century Merchant's House Museum. In this historic setting, actor John Kevin Jones plays Dickens performing all the characters, just like the Victorian author did back in the day. Can't make it in person? No need to "bah, humbug," you can watch a recording online at home.
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Lips, 227 East 56th Street between Second and Third Avenues in Midtown East
Begins December 4. Closes December 22.
In this X-rated take on Charles Dickens' classic, Scrooge is a greedy burlesque producer visited by striptease specters of the past, present and future, who show her how to get into the holiday spirit and out of all those clothes. Jonny Porkpie wrote, directs and costars in this filthy fun alongside neo-burlesque favorites Fancy Feast, Tigger! and Jo Weldon.
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Irish Repertory Theatre, 132 West 22nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Chelsea
Previews begin December 4. Opens December 8. Closes December 29.
Charlotte Moore's adaptation of Dylan Thomas' beloved A Child's Christmas in Wales returns to Irish Repertory Theatre for the holidays. Christmas carols, hymns and other seasonal songs are interwoven with evocative recollections of a boy's magical December 25 in Wales. The ensemble is led by Ali Ewoldt of The Phantom of the Opera fame and two-time Tony nominee Howard McGillin.
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The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street in Midtown West
Begins December 4. Closes January 5.
Everyone's favorite belting orphan returns to her hometown of NYC to charm Daddy Warbucks and the audience at Christmastime. This is a touring production of the family favorite, featuring cute kids and the earworms "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," "Easy Street," "Maybe" and "Tomorrow." Starting December 11, Whoopi Goldberg stars as the little girl-hating Miss Hannigan.
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New York City Center, 131 West 55th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues in Midtown West
Begins December 4. Closes January 5, 2025. If you're a TDF member, log in to your account to purchase discount tickets.
Alvin Ailey's breathtaking dancers always put their best footwork forward during the troupe's annual holiday run at New York City Center. In addition to Ailey's enduring masterpiece Revelations, set to spirituals, gospel and blues, there's a world premiere from Lar Lubovitch and exhilarating pieces by former company members Jamar Roberts and Hope Boykin.
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La MaMa's The Club, 74A East 4th Street between Bowery and Second Avenue in the East Village
Runs December 21-22.
Veteran performer, La MaMa programmer and downtown community builder Nicky Paraiso is gathering some of his favorite artists for this eclectic celebration devoted to joy and healing during this challenging time. Details are scarce, but Paraiso is a charming host who knows many talented people!
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TDF MEMBERS: Go here to browse our latest discounts for dance, theatre and concerts.
Raven Snook is the Editor of TDF Stages. Follow her on Facebook at @Raven.Snook. Follow TDF on Facebook at @TDFNYC.
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