Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
The best Christmas shows in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 8 places.
As someone who’s enjoyed more than two dozen holiday shows in NYC firsthand, I thought it might be helpful to share my personal list of favorites. From beautiful family-friendly shows to unusual spectacles unique to NYC, here’s a quick roundup of the best Christmas shows in New York City from a local’s perspective.
Back by popular demand for 2025.I’m sharing the personalized 4 Day Itinerary I created for my own family and friends on how to enjoy the city’s most iconic holiday experiences as efficiently as possible in 4 days (a comprehensive 30 page guide). If you’re interested, you can find more information here (limited to 50 sales in 2025).
- A Christmas Carol. The MusicalTheater · Greenwich VillageThis one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
- Amateur Night Holiday Special at the ApolloTheater · HarlemThe venue hosts exciting performances year-round, but the Amateur Night Holiday Special is one of the most popular Christmas shows in NYC.
- Joy of Christmas at St. John the DivineTheater · Morningside HeightsHowever, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas performances in New York City.
- Marky Ramone’s Holiday BlitzkriegEvent · Venues vary by yearIt’s definitely a unique NYC Christmas show to consider for anyone that prefers the unconventional path.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light ShowEvent · MidtownOf 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 Nutcracker at the Lincoln CenterTheater · Upper West SideI consider The Nutcracker a must-see New York City holiday show.
- The Rockettes Christmas SpectacularTheater · MidtownIt’s hard to think of a more iconic Christmas Show in New York City at this point.
- Unsilent Night at Washington Square ParkEvent · Greenwich Village
A Christmas Carol. The Musical
Theater · Greenwich Village · Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY
This one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.
Amateur Night Holiday Special at the Apollo
Theater · Harlem · 253 W 125th St, New York, NY
The venue hosts exciting performances year-round, but the Amateur Night Holiday Special is one of the most popular Christmas shows in NYC.
Joy of Christmas at St. John the Divine
Theater · Morningside Heights · 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York
However, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas performances in New York City.
Marky Ramone’s Holiday Blitzkrieg
Event · Venues vary by year
It’s definitely a unique NYC Christmas show to consider for anyone that prefers the unconventional path.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Event · Midtown · 611 5th Ave, New York
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 Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center
Theater · Upper West Side · 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York
I consider The Nutcracker a must-see New York City holiday show.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Theater · Midtown · 1260 6th Ave, New York
It’s hard to think of a more iconic Christmas Show in New York City at this point.
Unsilent Night at Washington Square Park
Event · Greenwich Village · Washington Square, New York, NY
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.
Best Christmas shows in New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 10 Best Christmas Performances in New York City (2025 Guide).