Amazing Holiday Performances in NYC and on Long Island 2025
Celebrate the holiday season with these performances across New York City and Long Island! There’s something on this list for everyone in the family.
Here at New York Family, we could not love the holidays more and that’s why we’ve created A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide! We’ve got everything you need to make 2025 your family’s best holiday ever: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events, holiday light shows, gift guide, holiday shopping ideas, books, movies, elf ideas and so much more!!
Manhattan
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Interactive Holiday Show
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, 248 West 60th St., Upper West Side
Through Dec. 28, see website for complete schedule
Ages 8 and younger
Tickets start at $39
Experience the spellbinding stories and colorful characters of beloved author and artist Eric Carle in a whole new way. This innovative stage show brings to life four Eric Carle stories, through 45 magical, handcrafted puppets, world-class puppeteering, and lively original music that invites your little one to play along with their favorite stories!
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown
Through Jan. 5, see website for complete schedule
All ages
Tickets start at $65
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
Gazillion Bubble Show: A Holiday Spectacular
New World Stages, 340 W 50th St., Hell’s Kitchen
Wednesdays – Sundays, noon – 5:30 pm, through Jan. 4
Ages 8 and younger
$70
Step into a magical holiday wonderland where millions of shimmering bubbles swirl into snowstorms, lights and lasers dance to seasonal music, and families become part of the fun. The world-famous Gazillion Bubble Show returns with its first-ever holiday edition—packed with dazzling bubble artistry, immersive winter effects, Santa “snow globe” photos, and exclusive bubble toys perfect for gifting.
A Christmas Carol the Musical
The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village
Sundays, 11 am – noon, Wednesdays – Saturdays, 7 – 8 pm, Saturdays, 3 – 4 pm, through Dec. 30; except Dec. 24,25, and 26
Ages 5 and older
Tickets start at $46
Follow along with Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by four ghosts; his old business partner Marley, the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. See what happens when he gets a glimpse of his own future if he doesn’t change his life. Will Scrooge catch the holiday spirit and save himself in the process? Find out at this special holiday show with a story so warm it will melt the cold heart of even the grumpiest Scrooge! There is a free family workshop 1 hour prior to the Sunday 11 am performances only (workshop seating is limited to a first-come first first-served basis and does fill up fast, please arrive on time to guarantee a place at the workshop)
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
Through Dec. 28, see website for schedule
The Theater at MSG, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown
All ages
Tickets start at $64
For years, Isabella and her father have read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” together, but this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. Then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children, and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit.
YPC Performs “A City Singing at Christmas” Concert
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 5th Ave., Midtown
Thursday, Dec. 18, 7 pm
All ages
Free
Join YPC (Young People’s Chorus of NYC) for this beloved New York holiday tradition: A City Singing at Christmas, under the direction of Artistic Director and Founder Francisco J. Núñez. Cherished carols will ring out in the majestic setting of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, welcoming New Yorkers and visitors to join in music, community, and holiday spirit.
The Magic Flute
The Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side
Through Jan. 3, see website for schedule
All ages
Tickets start at $35
Mozart’s heartwarming fairy tale takes the stage in the Met’s abridged, English-language production by Julie Taymor—the Tony Award–winning director of Broadway’s The Lion King. Featuring some of opera’s most popular melodies and brought to life with colorful sets and costumes and dazzling puppetry, it’s perfect for audiences of all ages. At every performance, families can enjoy free activity books and themed photo opportunities throughout the lobby. Special downloadable activities are also available online to explore before or after your visit. Complimentary face painting will be available before select matinee performances.
Broadway Magic Hour Holiday Magic Spectacular
Broadway Comedy Club, 318 West 53rd St., Midtown
Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 am – noon; Sunday, Dec. 21, 1 – 2 pm; Dec. 22, 27 – 30, 2 – 3 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $25
Join Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio this holiday season for a special rendition of their hit show Broadway Magic Hour. This family-friendly magic show brings a whole new set of holiday-themed wonders to New York audiences. Complete with audience participation, comedy, grand illusion, mind-reading, and expert sleight-of-hand magic, there’s something for every member of the family in this one-of-a-kind, all-ages, holiday event!
Merry Mayhem
The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St., Midtown
Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 1:15 pm, 5 – 6:15 pm, through Dec. 28; Friday, Dec. 26, 12 – 1:15 pm & 5 – 6:15 pm
Ages 5 and older
$30
The uproar from Down Under, Circus Oz is ready to unleash some Merry Mayhem on your unsuspecting family. Exploding onto the stage in a rascally rainbow of high-flying frivolity, this multi-generational, muscle-bound ensemble tumbles, tussles, and trapezes to the beat of a live rock band! Can an archer hit her target on roller skates? Can a daredevil granny survive the Dive of Death? Can an aerialist reach the ceiling in his satin gown? Embrace the holiday frenzy and buckle up for a uniquely Aussie celebration of subversive circus fun.
at St. Paul and St. Andrew Church
Jingle Bell Swing
St. Paul and St. Andrew Church, 263 W 86th St., Upper West Side
Saturday, Dec. 20, 4 – 4:45 pm
Ages 12 and younger
$40; free for children younger than 13
This interactive concert blends beloved winter classics with jazzy twists and favorite family tunes, creating a festive celebration that’s fun for all ages. Enjoy singing, dancing, and musical play as talented musicians bring the season to life with vibrant melodies and toe-tapping rhythms. From swingin’ snowy scenes to delightful surprises, this joyful experience is the perfect way to connect, celebrate, and make magical holiday memories together!
Annual Christmas Concert: Gloria!
Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Ave., Upper East Side
Sunday, Dec. 21, 3 – 4:30 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $25
Featuring J. S. Bach’s Cantata 191 Gloria in excelsis Deo and culminating with “O Holy Night” and the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah,” this Christmas concert will inspire you and your family during the height of New York City’s dazzling holiday season. Includes beloved carols for everyone to sing.
Classical Pianist Katya Grineva Holiday Concert
Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown
Friday, Dec. 26, 8 – 9:30 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $56
Acclaimed pianist Katya Grineva returns to Carnegie Hall for her highly anticipated “A Classical Holiday” concert for one night only. Celebrating her 23rd Stern Auditorium appearance, Katya has performed at the venue more than any other female artist. In what has become a seasonal tradition for local New York City families and tourists alike, Katya’s festive concert is a highlight of the holiday season. Katya’s playing is hailed for its fluidity and abundance of poetic expression.
Queens
A Christmas Carol
The Secret Theatre, 1010 44th Ave., Long Island City
Dec. 21 – 23, Sunday – Tuesday, 7:30 – 9 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $35
The Secret Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol features a brand-new adaptation featuring several classic Christmas Carols with live music accompaniment.
Long Island
Holiday Spectacular On Ice
The Gateway PACSC, 215 South Country Road, Bellport
Through Jan. 4, see website for schedule
All ages
Tickets start at $35
This enchanting musical celebration brings beloved holiday songs to life while emphasizing the beauty, grace and artistry of figure skating. Featuring show-stopping singers, dancers and astonishing performance artistry, this family-friendly musical celebration is literally the “coolest” show for all ages this holiday season.
The Madison Theatre Christmas Celebration
The Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 – 19, 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 20, 2 pm and 7 pm; Sunday, Dec. 21, 3 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $65
Share in this holiday journey and take a trip through favorite past times of the festive season. This Christmas spectacular will have you singing along to your favorite Christmas tunes. Featuring Broadway’s own exceptional performers and designers!
Harry Connick, Jr.’s The Happy Elf
The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 West Main St., Babylon
Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am, through Jan. 4; Dec. 23 & 24, 26, 29 & 30, 10:30 am
All ages
Tickets start at $27
This musical comedy by the Grammy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist, Harry Connick, Jr. ‘s The Happy Elf tells the tale of Eubie the Elf, a lovable fellow who wants to spread Christmas joy throughout the town of Bluesville. Hoping to introduce a new generation of children to the joys of jazz, Connick has crafted a musical landscape against which Eubie’s story unfolds. This festive tale of overcoming adversity, friendship, the power of positivity and believing in yourself is the perfect treat for the whole family!
Psst…Check Out More Moms Are Saying No to This Baby Shower Tradition, and Not Everyone Is Happy
