There's no shortage of ways to spend the holidays in New York City. One of our favorites is enjoying the arts. From dance shows to concerts to musicals and everything in between, the Big Apple knows how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The best part is you don't even need to splurge on a Broadway ticket! There are tons of holiday shows Off-Broadway and beyond to help get you into the spirit — no hot cocoa required!
Our Festive List of Holiday Shows Off-Broadway and Beyond
Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
Nov. 8, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025
Since 1933, the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" has amazed audiences with its unforgettable display of sensational singing and dazzling dancing. Get in the holiday spirit as the Radio City Rockettes expertly bring magical yuletide scenes to life. And don't miss the brand-new finale where 100 drones will take flight to create an enchanting holiday light show you've never seen before.
Pentatonix at Madison Square Garden
Nov. 26, 2024
For one night only, the kings and queens of a capella will be taking the Garden by storm. Their biggest holiday tour yet, "Hallelujah! It's a Christmas Tour!" will bring holiday tunes to fans as Pentatonix croons away on music from its six Christmas albums and three holiday compilation albums. The group's latest holiday album, "The Greatest Christmas Hits," included classics, such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Carol of the Bells" and "Frosty the Snowman."
New York City Ballet - George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the David H Koch Theater - Lincoln Center
Nov. 29, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025
Prepared to be transported to a magical place filled with marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree and some of the most breathtaking costumes, sets and dancing on earth. Whether it's a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, the New York City Ballet's annual production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" will stay with you forever and warm your spirit.
"The Nutcracker" by Larry Lamsa is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Annie - The Musical at The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Dec. 4, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025
Fall in love with this spunky young orphan all over again as her rag-tag group of pals take to the stage in New York City this holiday season. Full of modern classics, such as the soaring "Tomorrow" and the toiling "Hard Knock Life," Madison Square Garden's production of "Annie" (starring Whoopi Goldberg as Miss Hannigan beginning Dec. 11) is a heart-stirring, hilarious production that'll keep the smile on your face for days to come.
Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera House - Lincoln Center
Dec. 12, 2024, to Jan. 4, 2025
Sung in English and shortened to just 100 minutes, Julie Taymor's innovative and magical recreation of "The Magic Flute" is perfect for families with young children. Experience magical melodies, dreamlike characters and mythical creatures in this timeless drama about good versus evil. A musical fairy-tale fit for the holiday season, this Mozart theatrical experience is a much-loved Metropolitan Opera tradition.
Brett Eldredge at Beacon Theatre - NY
Dec. 12 to Dec. 14, 2024
CMA Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling country singer-songwriter Brett Eldredge is hitting the road once again this holiday season. For three nights in December, the "GLOW: Welcome to the Family" Tour is coming to New York City and "Mr. Christmas" himself is bringing festive fancies aplenty. Named for his 2016 Christmas album, this upcoming tour will be sprinkled with some extra magic, new original Christmas songs and classic holiday stories. Welcome to the family!
iHeart Radio Jingle Ball (Katy Perry, Tate McRae, Twenty One Pilots) at Madison Square Garden
"Tate McRae @ Fonda Theatre 03 14 2022 (52296741277)" by Justin Higuchi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Dec. 13, 2024
It's not the holidays without the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball. The biggest touring concert of the year is coming to the Garden, stuffed like a Christmas turkey with the most iconic names in pop music. The Big Apple stop will feature Katy Perry, Tate McRae, Twenty One Pilots, Teddy Swims, Meghan Trainor, The Kid LAROI, Madison Beer, Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey and NCT Dream.
Which Off-Broadway Christmas show are you hoping to see this holiday season? Share with us in the comments below and be sure to purchase your tickets through Undercover Tourist for awesome deals and savings!
Related: Our Holly Jolly Guide to the Top Holiday Shows Nationwide
