New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Theater · Morningside Heights · on 2 of my lists

Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine.

Worth it, says Antonina. However, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas performances in New York City.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best Christmas shows in New York
Where Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine appears on New York Dearest

It's on 2 of my lists. 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. 3 on that list5 min from the subway
Worth it
  • Subway1 to Cathedral Pkwy (110 St), 5 min
  • Address1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

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.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.

Christmas in New York City

No. 12 on that list5 min from the subway
Worth it

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 concert goers 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 experiences in New York City. If interested, keep an eye on the official website for tickets.

Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
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Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine

Morningside Heights