The holiday season is here, and it’s time to soak up the joy and magic of the most wonderful time of the year.
While lights twinkle on houses and malls fill with shoppers, there’s something extra special about enjoying a live holiday show.
Luckily, New Jersey has many great performances lined up to make your season even brighter!
This guide is here to help you plan your holiday fun with ease. We’ve got all the details on where and when to catch these festive performances so you won’t miss a thing.
Get ready to make lasting memories and celebrate the season in the best way possible—by enjoying New Jersey’s fantastic holiday shows!
- Watch world-class performers like Mariah Carey, Darlene Love, and John Legend at some of the state’s most beloved venues, including the NJPAC and Count Basie Center.
- With events happening throughout November and December, working these festive outings into your holiday schedule is simple. There’s plenty of time to fit a show into your plans.
- Whether you love ballets, concerts, or Broadway-style shows, New Jersey has a mix of holiday performances to fit every taste and age group. Families, couples, and friends can all find something they’ll enjoy.
1. The Nutcracker: A Classic Holiday Ballet
You probably already know that you can’t go wrong with The Nutcracker.
As one of the best Christmas events in NJ, the show whisks you away into a magical world of Sugar Plum Fairies, toy soldiers, and dreamy winter scenes.
Tchaikovsky’s famous score and stunning choreography make this a must-see every holiday season.
Where to Catch It:
- December 13–15, 2024: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at Count Basie Center, Red Bank
- December 13–26, 2024 (Select Dates): New Jersey Ballet with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
- December 14, 2024: American Repertory Ballet, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, Trenton
- December 15, 2024: State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, NJPAC, Newark
- December 20–22, 2024: New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet, The Sitnik Theatre at Centenary Stage Company, Hackettstown
2. A Christmas Carol: Scrooge’s Holiday Journey
Get ready for a dose of holiday magic and life lessons with A Christmas Carol.
Follow the iconic story of Ebenezer Scrooge as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future visit him.
This heartwarming tale never fails to deliver festive feels.
Where to Catch It:
- November 22–December 15, 2024: Music Mountain Theatre, Lambertville
- November 29–December 15, 2024: Centenary Stage Company, Hackettstown
- December 4–29, 2024: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison
- December 10–29, 2024: McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
3. Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time Tour
What’s Christmas without Mariah Carey? Well, it wouldn’t feel the same, that’s for sure.
The “Queen of Christmas” is bringing her iconic holiday hits, including All I Want for Christmas Is You, to New Jersey.
This is definitely one of the most fitting Christmas music concerts you could go to.
Expect an unforgettable show filled with festive vibes and Mariah’s legendary vocals.
When and Where:
- December 13, 2024: Prudential Center, Newark
4. Holidelic: Funky Festive Fun
Everett Bradley’s Holidelic is perfect if you’re looking for a funky, soulful holiday show.
With groovy, ‘70s-inspired music and a Santa Claus-meets-P-Funk vibe, this performance is anything but ordinary.
When and Where:
- December 20, 2024: The Vogel, Red Bank
5. Darlene Love: Love for the Holidays
Darlene Love is the Queen of Christmas music, and her concerts will show you exactly why she’s earned that name.
Her powerful voice will fill you with holiday spirit as she performs festive classics like Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).
When and Where:
- December 20, 2024: Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, Red Bank
6. Grand Kyiv Ballet’s Snow Queen
This stunning ballet adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen will transport you into a magical winter wonderland.
Expect mesmerizing costumes, graceful dancers, and a story of bravery and love.
When and Where:
- December 15, 2024: Patriots Theater, Trenton
- December 23, 2024: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood
7. Broadway for the Holidays 4
Broadway fans, rejoice!
This show blends your favorite holiday tunes with Broadway flair, featuring incredible performers and dazzling choreography.
So, it’s safe to say it’s a sparkly treat for theater lovers.
When and Where:
- December 12–22, 2024 (Select Dates): OCC Repertory Theatre Co., Toms River
8. Home Alone Screening with Macaulay Culkin
Feel the nostalgia! Watch Home Alone on the big screen and enjoy a special appearance by Macaulay Culkin himself.
It’s the perfect event for fans of this classic holiday movie.
When and Where:
- December 13, 2024: NJPAC, Newark
9. A John Legend Christmas
John Legend is here to add some smooth, soulful vibes to your holiday season.
With classics like This Christmas and The Christmas Song, his performance will make you feel warm and cozy.
When and Where:
- December 20, 2024: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
For fans of Tim Burton, this screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday treat.
Enjoy the quirky magic of Jack Skellington’s adventures in a cozy theater setting.
When and Where:
- December 22, 2024: Levoy Theatre, Millville
11. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
If you love the magic of a live orchestra paired with jaw-dropping circus acts, there isn’t a better show for you!
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland brings together acrobats, aerialists, and live holiday music for a night of festive wonder.
When and Where:
- December 14, 2024: State Theatre, New Brunswick
12. A Very Hairy Christmas
Now, this is not your typical holiday show!
Follow Jolene, the Drag Bear from Delaware, as she brings comedy, holiday songs, and an unexpected affair with Santa Claus into one hilarious performance.
When and Where:
- December 18, 2024: Paradise Nightclub, Asbury Park
13. Bouncing Souls: Home for the Holidays
Nothing says holiday fun like punk rock, right?
New Jersey’s own Bouncing Souls are back at The Stone Pony for their beloved seasonal tradition.
Three nights of rocking out, punk-style, await you.
When and Where:
- December 28–30, 2024: The Stone Pony, Asbury Park
14. LaBamba’s Holiday Hurrah
This big band show, led by LaBamba of Late Night with Conan O’Brien, promises a lively, musical night full of holiday cheer.
So, expect jazzy tunes, powerful vocals, and plenty of holiday spirit.
When and Where:
- December 13, 2024: The Vogel at Count Basie Center, Red Bank
15. Christmas with the Celts
Irish music fans, this show is the one you’ve been waiting for!
Christmas with the Celts blends traditional Celtic music with classic holiday favorites for a truly magical and festive experience.
When and Where:
- December 14, 2024: Newton Theatre, Newton
- December 20, 2024: OCC Repertory Theatre Co., Toms River
16. Celtic Woman: White Christmas Symphony
Prepare for an ethereal night with Celtic Woman.
Backed by a live symphony, their angelic voices bring new life to holiday classics.
This show is as enchanting as it gets.
When and Where:
- December 15, 2024: Wellmont Theater, Montclair
17. It’s a Wonderful Life
Relive the heartwarming story of George Bailey with this stage adaptation of the classic holiday film.
It’s the perfect feel-good show to remind you of the joy of the season.
When and Where:
- December 22, 2024: Levoy Theatre, Millville
18. The Calamari Sisters’ Feast of the Seven Fishes
This interactive comedy show is a riot.
The Calamari Sisters mix cooking, singing, and hilarious antics in a holiday extravaganza unlike anything else.
When and Where:
- December 27–29, 2024: Broadway Theatre of Pitman
19. SeinRave: Festivus Edition
Calling all Seinfeld fans!
This “Festivus”-themed dance party brings together grievances, feats of strength, and plenty of funky beats for a quirky holiday celebration.
When and Where:
- December 21, 2024: Webster Hall, New York City
Don’t Miss Out – Plan Your Holiday Show Fun Today!
Make this holiday season special with an unforgettable show. With so many amazing performances happening across New Jersey, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whatever you choose, these shows will make your season brighter and more special than ever.
Tickets are already on sale, and with so many popular events on the list, seats are sure to fill up quickly.
Don’t let the busy holiday season pass you by without planning a show that will leave you with a heart full of festive cheer.
Look through the list of amazing shows, pick your favorites, and book your tickets today.
Let this holiday season be one to remember, filled with music, stories, and the joy of New Jersey’s best holiday shows.
