New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Theater · Harlem · on 1 of my list

Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo.

Worth it, says Antonina. The venue hosts exciting performances year-round, but the Amateur Night Holiday Special is one of the most popular Christmas shows in NYC.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best Christmas shows in New York
Where Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo appears on New York Dearest

It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Best Christmas shows in New York

No. 7 on that list3 min from the subway
Worth it
  • SubwayA, B, C, D to 125 St, 3 min
  • Address253 W 125th St, New York, NY
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

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.

Read it on the list
Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo

Nearby, from my lists

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
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Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo

Harlem