New York transforms itself into the Christmas capital of the world during the festive season. As well as illuminations and markets, the city offers an exceptional program of shows to delight young and old alike. Whether you’re a fan of dance, circus, opera or theatre, here are the 6 must-see shows to celebrate Christmas in New York in 2025.
Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is New York’s Christmas show par excellence. Presented at the legendary Radio City Music Hall, in 2025 this iconic show celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, the world’s most famous troupe of dancers.
This 90-minute with no intermission show features nine breathtaking numbers, including the legendary ‘Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’ (performed since 1933) and the magnificent Living Nativity scene. The Rockettes’ 90 dancers perform more than 200 kicks during each show with the perfect synchronisation that has made them world-renowned.
Dates: November 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue (between 50th and 51st Streets)
Access: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center subway station (lines B, D, F, M)
Duration: 90 minutes
Audience: all ages
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the most prestigious version of this Christmas ballet in the world. Presented at Lincoln Center‘s David H. Koch Theater, this show created by legendary choreographer George Balanchine in 1954 has become a New York holiday tradition.
This masterful production features over 90 dancers from New York City Ballet, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and 125 children from the School of American Ballet. The show features unforgettable magical moments such as the 12-metre-high Christmas tree, the magical snow scene and the famous Waltz of the Flowers. Tchaikovsky’s music is performed live by a full orchestra.
Dates: from November 28, 2025 to January 3, 2026
Venue: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza
Access: 66th Street-Lincoln Center station (line 1)
Running time: approximately 2 hours with intermission
Audience: recommended for ages 5 and up
A Christmas Carol
The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) version of A Christmas Carol is Jack Thorne’s award-winning adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus. This spectacular production, which won five Tony Awards in 2020, offers an immersive and modern take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale.
Starring two-time Tony Award-winning actor Michael Cerveris as Ebenezer Scrooge, the show immerses audiences in a recreation of 19th-century London, with sumptuous sets, haunting original music and inventive staging that engages the audience. The universal story of redemption and Christmas spirit takes on a new dimension in this production, renowned for its festive energy.
Dates: November 23, to January 4, 2026 (official opening on 4 December)
Venue: Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC), Lower Manhattan
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Audience: families and all ages
Special features: immersive production with award-winning sets and staging
Note: There is also an Off-Broadway musical version at the Players Theatre (115 MacDougal Street) from 30 November to 30 December.
twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil‘s first Christmas show. Presented at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, this 80-minute family show combines the magical world of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” with the spectacular acrobatics for which Cirque du Soleil is renowned.
The show tells the story of Isabella, a disillusioned teenager who rediscovers the magic of Christmas through a fantastic journey. 26 international artists present breathtaking acts: aerial duets on straps, diving through hoops, hanging by the hair, roller-skating acts and trampoline acrobatics. All accompanied by a festive soundtrack reinventing Christmas classics and endearing characters including reindeer and dancers.
Dates: December 4 to 28, 2025
Venue: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 7th Avenue & 32nd Street
Access: Penn Station (many subway lines)
Running time: 80 minutes with no intermission
Audience: perfect for families of all ages (children over 2 must have a ticket)
The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera ‘sThe Magic Flute has been a New York Christmas tradition for decades. This abridged, sung-in-English version of Mozart’s opera, directed by the celebrated Julie Taymor (creator of Broadway’s The Lion King ), is specially designed for families.
Lasting less than 2 hours without an intermission, this enchanting show presents opera’s most popular melodies in a dazzling setting with spectacular puppets, sumptuous costumes and colorful sets by Julie Taymor. Prince Tamino, armed with his magic flute, sets off on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina, accompanied by the comic bird-catcher Papageno. A live orchestra performs Mozart’s sublime music.
Dates: from December 11, 2025 to January 3, 2026
Venue: Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza
Access: 66th Street-Lincoln Center station (line 1)
Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes with no intermission
Audience: recommended for ages 6 and up
Big Apple Circus
The Big Apple Circus has been New York’s iconic circus since 1977. For its 48th season, the circus is presenting a new show under its big top at Lincoln Center. This 2-hour-and-10-minute production with intermission celebrates the magic of the traditional European one-ring circus, offering an intimate experience where every spectator is close to the action.
The 2025 show brings together artists from all over the world: the Flying Maluendas from Chile (seventh generation aerialists who perform quadruple somersaults), the Olate Family (winners of America’s Got Talent with their performance dogs), the Bingo Troupe from Ukraine, the Bone Breakers from Guinea and the clown Johnny Rico. 14 circus acts follow one another in a festive, family atmosphere typical of the Big Apple Circus.
Dates: November 7, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Venue: Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues
Access: 66th Street-Lincoln Center station (line 1)
Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes with intermission
Audience: all ages, perfect for families
Practical tips for enjoying Christmas shows
Book in advance: Christmas shows in New York often sell out, especially during the weekends in December and Christmas week. It is advisable to book your tickets several weeks in advance.
Dress: most shows don’t have a strict dress code, but business casual or neat attire is appropriate. Bring a warm coat for traveling, as changing rooms are available in all theatres.
Arrive early: plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the start of the show to avoid the stress of possible delays and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the venue.
Combine with other activities: Lincoln Center hosts three of these shows(The Nutcracker, The Magic Flute and Big Apple Circus) and is close to Rockefeller Center and Central Park, making for a full day of festivities.
These six shows represent the very best of New York’s Christmas magic and will make unforgettable memories for the whole family!
