The list in my order
8 I’d go back to. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
- SubwayB, D, F, M to 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr, 2 min
- Address1260 6th Ave, New York
Dates. November 8, 2025 – January 5, 2026
The talented Rockettes have been performing at Radio City Music Hall since 1930. It’s hard to think of a more iconic Christmas Show in New York City at this point. Expert choreography coupled with wildly talented dancers performing gravity-defying kicks, the 90-minute performance is guaranteed to impress even the staunchest critic.
Energized and fun, the talented troupe knows how to keep families entertained. Plus, the performance is narrated by Santa Claus himself, which instantly makes this one of the best Christmas shows in New York City for kids.
The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center
- Cost$100-200
- Address20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York
Dates. November 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Experiencing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a timeless NYC holiday tradition many locals consider sacred. The enchanting production brings Tchaikovsky’s classic score to life with exquisite choreography, lavish sets and elaborate costumes.
Tickets clock in at $100-200 a piece, but considering the New York City Ballet is a world-class dance company the price is justified. Despite my initial skepticism, the performance left me awestruck. I consider The Nutcracker a must-see New York City holiday show.
My advice The Nutcracker is the most popular Christmas show in NYC, so tickets sell out quickly. Prioritize the performance if your budget allows because it’s an unforgettable addition to your Christmas itinerary.
Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
- Subway1 to Cathedral Pkwy (110 St), 5 min
- Address1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York
Dates. Generally the second weekend in December
Founded in 1892, St. John the Divine is the fifth largest church in the world. The monolithic structure’s soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass windows play host to the most beautiful Christmas concert in NYC, called “Joy of Christmas.”
The orchestra and choir envelop concertgoers with Christmas carols sung in symphonic splendor. The two-hour performance takes place once a year (typically mid-December), so tickets are pretty hard to score.
However, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas performances in New York City. If interested, keep an eye on the official website for tickets.
A Christmas Carol. The Musical
- Subway2, 3 to Clark St, 8 min
- AddressPlayers Theatre, 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Dates. December 1 – 30, 2025
Celebrating its 16th year, A Christmas Carol is an Off-Broadway musical hosted at the Players Theatre in the West Village. An adaptation of Charles Dickens’s beloved A Christmas Carol, the tale follows a miserable Ebenezer Scrooge as he grapples with the forewarning ghost of Christmas.
An exciting musical adaptation by Sgouros & Bell, A Christmas Carol. The Musical has managed to become one of the best family-friendly holiday shows in NYC. Thoughtful and compassionate, the feel-good story is a welcome reminder that community will always triumph over selfishness.
Unsilent Night at Washington Square Park
- SubwayA, B, C, D, E, F, M to W 4 St-Wash Sq, 4 min
- AddressWashington Square, New York, NY
Dates. 2025 Date TBA
If you’d like to participate in a New York City Christmas performance (rather than standing on the sidelines), this one’s for you. A cheeky play on the 200-year carol, Unsilent Night is an unusual annual event where a crowd of participants synthesizes four tracks by composer Phil Kline to comprise Unsilent Night.
The four different tracks play simultaneously while Kline leads the chorus of boomboxes one mile from the West Village to Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, serenading the town with the most unique holiday performance in New York City.
Celebrating more than 30 years, the event draws thousands of spectators and has spread to 146 cities and five continents since its inauguration in 1992. Want to join the fun? It couldn’t be easier! Simply bring a Bluetooth speaker and make your way to the arch Washington Park.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
- Address611 5th Ave, New York
Dates. Late November to early January
Of all the impressive lights you’re bound to see while celebrating the holidays in New York City, nothing tops the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show. The elaborate display and synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, dazzling children and adults alike.
Details The light show starts at 5pm and runs in 10-minute intervals until 11pm. Each show lasts 3 minutes (featuring 2-4 popular Christmas songs), followed by a five minute break.
Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo
- SubwayA, B, C, D to 125 St, 3 min
- Address253 W 125th St, New York, NY
Dates. December 14, 2025
The storied Apollo Theater has hosted a long roster of legendary performers like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R and Machine Gun Kelly to name a few. The venue hosts exciting performances year-round, but the Amateur Night Holiday Special is one of the most popular Christmas shows in NYC.
Famous for launching the careers of many artists, the Apollo hosts weekly competitions in search of new talent. Watch as skilled musicians, comedians and dancers parade down the stage attempting to earn the admiration of a notoriously tough crowd that applauds and boos with equal fervor.
Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg
Dates. 2025 Dates TBA
Marky Ramone, of the Ramones, upholds the band’s legacy with a full-blown punk concert (mosh pits and all) to usher in the holiday season. Untethered by tradition, Ramone belts the band’s greatest hits in lieu of classic Christmas carols. The rebellious holiday concert pays homage to the spirit of punk rock in the heart of New York City. It’s definitely a unique NYC Christmas show to consider for anyone that prefers the unconventional path.
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°f 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Christmas show to see in NYC?
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.
Where is the Christmas Spectacular in NYC?
The Christmas Spectacular is held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
When do Christmas shows usually start in NYC?
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.
