The best NYC holiday shows for kids and families in 2025

Have a magical, festive day with the whole family at a longtime hit like the Christmas Spectacular, a seasonal Broadway show, or an interactive exhibit.

Gillian Russo
Written byGillian Russo

You're never too old, or young, to experience holiday cheer in NYC. Seeing a holiday show is a great way to have a fun, festive experience with the whole family. Introduce your kids to the wonder of a time-honored show like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, or see something new, like a seasonal magic show with the Muppets or a sparkling production of A Christmas Carol.

Discover the best NYC holiday shows for families below, and get tickets to these and even more festive events on New York Theatre Guide.

Summary

  • NYC holiday shows for families in 2025 include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular; A Christmas Carol; Cirque du Soleil's Twas the Night Before...; and the Holiday Train Show
1.

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

2.

Cirque du Soleil: Twas the Night Before...

3.

A Christmas Carol

4.

Big Apple Circus

5.

Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets

6.

The Magic Flute

7.

Holiday Train Show

1.

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

Off-Broadway
Dance
Musical

Whether you're 6 or 106, you're sure to get a kick out of the Rockettes, now celebrating their own 100th anniversary. The annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular isn't just the Rockettes' most famous show, but the most famous NYC holiday show, period. Ninety minutes of beloved holiday tunes, energetic precision dance numbers, and awe-inspiring design delight the whole family.

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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

2.

Cirque du Soleil: Twas the Night Before...

Off-Broadway
Circus

Cirque du Soleil is a world-famous circus troupe known for their inventive all-ages spectaculars, and Twas the Night Before... is no different. Acrobatics, stunts, and more power a story that brings the famous "Night Before Christmas" poem to magical life.

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Cirque du Soleil: Twas the Night Before...

3.

A Christmas Carol

Off-Broadway
Play
Classic
Award winner

One of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, A Christmas Carol remains a family favorite with the story of a miser urged to change his ways by various ghosts. This year's production at PAC NYC features singing, dancing, and an in-the-round staging, so you and your kids will be fully wrapped up in the holiday cheer.

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A Christmas Carol

4.

Big Apple Circus

Off-Broadway
Circus

The blue Big Top in Lincoln Center is an iconic NYC holiday sight. All ages can enjoy the Big Apple Circus, a seasonal tradition with plenty of old-fashioned circus charm in store. Clowns, acrobatics, and cotton candy and popcorn? Check, check, and check.

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Big Apple Circus

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09:00

Breakfast at Liberty Bagels

Regularly named one of the city’s best bagel shops, the unassuming Liberty Bagels is the perfect spot to get a classic NYC breakfast sandwich.

10:00

Macy’s Herald Square

One of the world’s largest stores, Macy’s is a sight to behold, especially when it’s decked out for the holidays.

6.

The Magic Flute

Off-Broadway
Opera
Family show

The Metropolitan Opera puts on a family-friendly opera each year, and The Magic Flute is back for yet another holiday season. Performed in English and only 1 hour long, this fairytale show tells the story of a prince on a quest to save a princess with the help of his flute, which can charm any listener.

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The Magic Flute

7.

Holiday Train Show

Outdoor event
Art exhibition

This isn't a theatre show, but it's a beloved holiday tradition at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Explore the NYBG's indoor and outdoor conservatories as they transform into a winter wonderland with working model trains, replicas of NYC landmarks (made out of plants!), and plenty of seasonal decor.

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Holiday Train Show