This roundup of the best Christmas shows in New York City was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps) and a NYC local.
The holidays in New York City bring a ton of fun, memorable experiences, including a plethora of fun Christmas shows. As someone who’s seen more than two dozen holiday-themed shows in NYC over my years as a local, I thought I could share my list of the cream of the crop. From family-friendly holiday shows to a punk-rock holiday spectacle, these are the top Christmas shows in New York City.
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Best Christmas Shows in New York City
Table of Contents: Best NYC Christmas Shows
Table of Contents: Best Holiday Shows in NYC
- Best Christmas Shows in New York City
- The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
- The Nutcracker
- Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
- Saks Fifth Light Show
- Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- A Christmas Carol: The Musical
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- Unsilent Night Washington Square Park
- Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo
- Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg
- Top Christmas Shows New York City (Post Summary)
- Tips for Visiting NYC for the Holidays
- Holiday Shows New York City (Map)
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Website: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Address: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Dates: Mid-November to early December
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes dates back to the 1930’s, and over generations has become one of the most treasured holiday shows in NYC. The Rockettes are a lauded dance group that have entertained troops stationed overseas during wartime, performed at a presidential inauguration, and even a Superbowl halftime show.
Every year the troupe fills the iconic Radio City Music Hall, and perform a dazzling 90-minute show full of high energy, precision dancing that’s narrated by none other than Santa Claus himself. The strong holiday theme and electric dance numbers makes this one of the best Christmas shows in New York City for kids.
The Nutcracker
Website: New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Address: Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Dates: Usually the day after Thanksgiving through New Years Eve
A lot of folks grow up watching The Nutcracker on a screen, but there’s nothing like seeing a live performance by the talented New York City Ballet. The captivating dance numbers and attention to detail that goes into setting the stage and backdrops is astounding.
Tickets clock in around $100-200 a piece, but considering the New York City Ballet is a world-class dance company the price can be justified. Plus, the live orchestra playing Tschaikovsky’s music during the two-hour performance makes The Nutcracker a can’t miss holiday show in NYC.
Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
Website: Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
Address: The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Dates: Generally the second weekend in December
Construction may have started in 1892 but St. John the Divine is still technically an unfinished church. That doesn’t stop it from being the largest church in New York City and the fifth largest church in the world! Every year the Cathedral hosts a one night only holiday show in NYC, with their choir and orchestra performing popular carols and worship songs. There’s a blend of a cappella, symphonic numbers that include classic holiday songs, and new music made by living artists.
Saks Fifth Light Show
Website: Saks Fifth Light Show
Address: Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Dates: Late November to early January
The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show can be found on Fifth Avenue, right across the street from the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree. During the free NYC holiday show, the lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music at regular 10-minute intervals from 5pm to 11pm.
But prepare for crazy crowds because this is one of the most popular attractions in NYC during Christmas. In 2023 Saks Fifth Avenue teamed up with Dior to create an light show featuring 300,000 LED lights around a Zodiac calendar, and it’s safe to expect a similar, well thought out display in 2024.
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Website: Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Address: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Dates: Mid-November to mid-January
The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss New York City holiday show, especially if you have kids in tow. It’s hard not to be excited by the trains chugging past 190 replicas of New York’s landmarks, all made from natural-growing materials.
For more than 30 years The New York Botanical Garden has gone all out with the immersive, walk-through experience. They also host adult-only bar car nights, where those 21 and older can enjoy NYC’s favorite holiday train show and some brews at the same time.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Website: Be Bold! Presents: A Christmas Carol, The Musical
Address: Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Dates: Late November to late December
A Christmas Carol is a classic story by Charles Dickens that follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man who is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future who teach him the true meaning of compassion and generosity.
Be Bold!, a theater company, has transformed the story into an Off-Broadway musical, and perfromed it for more than 15 years! By using both beloved Christmas carols, new music and following the age-old tale, they’ve managed to put together one of the best family-friendly holiday shows in NYC.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Website: Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Address: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460
Dates: Mid-November to early January
Every year the Bronx Zoo is converted into a winter wonderland, adorning paths with bright lights and holiday that decorations. The animal enclosures are closed for the night, but folks will get to enjoy nearly 400 bright and colorful lanterns representing 100+ animal and plant species. Make sure to pick up a hot chocolate or s’mores at the Crane Cafe before embarking on this epic adventure!
What’s more, at 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, since some of the path can be muddy. And last note: make sure to purchase a Holiday Lights ticket, since regular entry ticket won’t allow access.
Unsilent Night Washington Square Park
Website: Unsilent Night Washington Square Park
Address: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
Dates: Mid-December
If you’ve been waiting for a Christmas show in New York City you can participate in and not just watch, this next one is for you. Most folks have heard of Silent Night, the 200 year old Christmas carol, but Unsilent Night is a highly synthesized, electronic song that sounds like it’s from outer space.
Every year New Yorkers gather at Washington Square Park and make the mile march to Tompkins Square, carrying boomboxes and speakers playing the song. The event is often called a moving sound sculpture. The event has gone on for 30+ years, and spread to cities across the globe.
In New York City Phil Kline (the song’s composer) leads the march, providing boomboxes from his own collection. However it is encouraged participants bring their own speakers if they have them (bluetooth speaker + cell phone works great). The event usually starts after sunset around mid-December.
Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo
Website: Apollo Theater
Address: Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027
Dates: Usually first week of December
The iconic Apollo Theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasts a rich history with legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald gracing its stage. Famous for its Amateur Nights, which where showcased on Showtime at the Apollo, the theater holds an annual Amateur Night Holiday Special, a top Christmas show in NYC.
Structured like a talent show, musicians, comedians and dancers show off their skills in an attempt to earn the applause of the notoriously tough crowd (who are not afraid to boo). With a legacy of launching careers, this festive event, featuring the stars of tomorrow, is a unique blend of holiday cheer and potential stardom, making it a must-see Christmas spectacle in Harlem.
Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg
Website: Marky Ramone
Address: Venues vary by year
Dates: Usually first weekend in December
Marky Ramone, an integral part of the iconic punk band the Ramones for nearly 50 years, upholds the pioneer punk band’s legacy with an annual, unique Christmas show in NYC. The show is a full-blown punk concert with loud amplifiers, mosh pits, and the staple dress code of all black. Marky Ramone delivers the Ramones’ greatest hits, tossing Christmas carols aside, creating a unique and rebellious holiday experience that pays homage to the raw energy and spirit of punk rock in the heart of New York City.
Top Christmas Shows New York City (Post Summary)
- The Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes
- The Nutcracker
- Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
- Saks Fifth Light Show
- Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- Harlem Gospel Choir: Christmas Matinees
- A Christmas Carol
- Bronx Zoo Lights
- Unsilent Night Washington Square Park
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
- Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo
- Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg
Tips for Visiting NYC for the Holidays
- There’s no sense in sugarcoating it, NYC is COLD during the winter season. Average temperatures in December hover around 44° but the windchill makes it feel colder! Even if you’re planning to stop indoors to check out a Christmas show in NYC, wear an insulated coat, warm hat or beanie, and these bad boys don’t hurt.
- The subway is an efficient mode of transportation but most folks still do a lot of walking in NYC. On your trek to the best New York City Christmas shows you’re going to want shoes that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. You’ll be getting those steps in, I guarantee it.
- New York City averages more than 63 million visitors per year, so crowds are a guarantee. That’s a lot of people trying to watch the same popular Christmas shows New York City has to offer. To avoid this try showing up early and on weekdays, and make reservations in advance.
Holiday Shows New York City (Map)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Christmas show to see in NYC depends on personal preferences, but iconic options include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, the Unsilent Night march, and Marky Ramone’s punk-fueled Christmas show, each offering a unique and festive experience.
The Christmas Spectacular is held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Christmas shows in NYC typically start in November and run through December, aligning with the holiday season. However, exact start dates can vary among different shows and venues.
Helpful (Related) Links
Christmas in New York City: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (And 5 to Avoid!)
Christmas Packing Tips: What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List)
Where to Shop for Christmas: 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City (Worth the Visit!)
Where to Ice Skate: 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City (Where to Skate For FREE!)
Christmas on a Budget: 20 Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
Where to Drink on Christmas: 10 Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in New York City
The Best Christmas Trees in NYC: 15+ Captivating Christmas Trees in NYC and Where to Find Them
Where to Find Festive Cocktails: 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City (Worth Waiting in Line)
Where to Eat on Christmas: 20 Toothsome Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York City
The Capital of Christmas: 10 Festive Things to Do at the Rockefeller Center during Christmas
Prettiest Window Displays: 10 Wonderful Window Displays in New York City (Local’s Guide)
The Neighborhood with the Best Christmas Lights: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide
What to Gift a New Yorker: New York Gifts | For New Yorkers & Die-Hard NYC Lovers
Best Hot Coco: 20 Best Cups of Hot Chocolate in NYC (Local’s Guide)
New York City Christmas Inspo: 15 Charming Christmas Movies Set in New York City
New Years Eve in Times Square: Guide to Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square (Is it Worth it?)
The Best Decorations: New York Christmas Decorations: Where to Find Festive Decor in NYC
Macy’s Santaland: The Complete Guide to Macy’s Santaland in NYC (Your Kids Won’t Want to Leave!)
And there it is folks, our list of the best Holiday Shows New York City has to offer!
Cheers!
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