The Best Holiday Events in NYC for Kids
Planning to travel to New York City this holiday season? You’ve made an excellent choice. NYC packs in the entertainment, this year especially, and is a wonderful destination for holiday fanfare.
Looking for a show to attend with the entire family? Here are The Best Holiday Events in NYC for Kids, the top shows and performances suitable for all ages. Check back with us, as we’ll be updating this with family-friendly events as the season rolls along.
‘Twas the Night Before: Cirque du Soleil
The largest contemporary circus producers in the world, Cirque du Soleil, are getting ready to bring their newest production “‘Twas the Night Before” to New York City. “‘Twas the Night Before,” their first-ever holiday show, is based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore and brings to life some of the most beloved holiday scenes.
Directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater, ‘Twas the Night Before promises dazzling acrobatics, a charming soundtrack, and a rousing cast. We can’t wait for ‘Twas the Night Before to arrive to NYC, December 7- 10.
Cirque du Soleil: ‘Twas the Night Before Tickets
New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker
This winter at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater is George Ballantine’s The Nutcracker, brought to audiences by the esteemed New York City Ballet. Ballantine’s The Nutcracker is known to be one of the most intricately staged ballets in the Company’s active repertory.
Each night of Ballantine’s The Nutcracker is made possible by 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and more than 125 children, in two alternating casts, and support from the School of American Ballet.
The show features intricate stage elements and lighting, as well as elaborate decorations. The props turn spectacle, such as the Christmas tree which grows to 41 feet before the audience’s eyes. Which is all to say, this New York City Ballet production is an event that cannot be missed. The Nutcracker will be up at the David H. Koch Theater from November 30th to December 31st.
Neil Gaiman Performs A Christmas Carol
This holiday season, head over to NYC’s Town Hall for a theatrical presentation by beloved musician, writer, and performer, Neil Gaiman. The show, “Neil Gaiman Performs A Christmas Carol,” revives Gaiman’s beloved character portrayal of Charles Dickens.
It all began in 2013, when Neil Gaiman inhabited the beloved Charles Dickens and performed his writing at the New York Public Library. “Neil Gaiman Performs A Christmas Carol” is derived from this authentic experience, though greatly expanded upon to create “a splendid evening performance of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.” This event is one night only, on December 18th.
Neil Gaiman Performs A Christmas Carol Tickets
Metropolitan Opera: The Magic Flute
This year, everyone is invited to see the fantastical production, The Met Presents Metropolitan Opera’s “The Magic Flute.” Didn’t know the opera could be “family-friendly”? According to The Met’s website, this production is made for all ages, a wide audience, opera lovers and newcomers alike.
“The Magic Flute,” originally scored by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will feature fantastical staging by multi-media and film director Julie Taymor. “The Magic Flute” will run at The Met from December 8 – 30.
Sing! An Irish Christmas
For one night only, in the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, is “Sing! An Irish Christmas.” Featuring modern hymn writers Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty, “Sing!” features a romping night of Celtic classics mixed with holiday standards.
Did we mention, Carnegie Hall? We can’t think of a more beautiful NYC-famous landmark to visit during the holiday season. We highly suggest heading to the Stern Auditorium, December 9th, for “Sing! An Irish Christmas.”
Sing! An Irish Christmas Tickets
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Can you believe it’s about to be the 90th season of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular? The iconic New York City dancers the Rockettes will return to Radio City again this year for their annual performance. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the premier dance performances of the year, especially when it comes to family-friendly fun.
Featuring one of the best kicklines in the country, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular continues to be a huge draw every holiday season. Running just an hour and a half long, it makes for a great show to bring the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to see the Rockettes at Radio City this winter, from now until January 1, 2024.