Highs: 42–49 °F, lows: 31–38 °F; overcast half the month, light snow likely
December shows in New York
New York in December 2026 at a glance
🌦️ Weather
👥 Crowds
Busy. Holiday tourists, festive events, and seasonal theater crowds make Times Square lively.
🧳 What to carry
Thermal layers, a warm coat, waterproof boots, and a foldable umbrella.
🎉 Big events & festivals
Rockefeller Center tree lighting, Bryant Park Winter Village (Nov 14 – Dec 24), and more.
🎄Christmas on Broadway
Celebrate NYC Christmas with holiday concert tours, special screenings and Winter Village skating.
🌟 Must-see shows
Elf, Maybe Happy Ending, Merrily We Roll Along (film event), ART revival.
December transforms Broadway into a festive stage. Tourists flock for holiday magic and limited-run musicals, while chilly weather makes warm theatres inviting. Expect full houses, seasonal spirit, and some bargains on weekday matinees. This guide to Broadway shows in December 2026 ensures you get the best seats.
Top Broadway shows in December 2026
Hear those sleighbells jingling on Broadway stages this December. Here’s a curated lineup of top-rated shows that define the month—big casts, new openings, and holiday charm await.
The Great Gatsby
A visually decadent jazz-age musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, immersing audiences in roaring 1920s glamour and emotional chaos.
Maybe Happy Ending
Tony winner for Best Musical and Actor (Darren Criss) blends futuristic heart and charm. Emotionally resonant and acclaimed
Oh, Mary!
Cole Escola’s wildly absurd and darkly funny imagined pre-Lincoln Mary Todd comedy is a breakout downtown hit, now making its Broadway leap.
Top Broadway musicals in December 2026
December welcomes a wave of major musical productions built for spectacle — ideal for musical lovers seeking both depth and spectacle.
Buena Vista Social Club
Set in pre‑ and post‑revolutionary Cuba, this Tony‑nominated musical blends live Afro‑Cuban band, vibrant choreography, and the soulful legacy of Omara Portuondo.
Wicked
Discover the untold story of Oz’s witches, where Elphaba and Glinda’s unlikely friendship takes flight through soaring songs, spellbinding spectacle, and a little green magic.
Aladdin
Take a magic-carpet ride through Agrabah in Disney’s dazzling musical, filled with soaring songs, spectacular sets, comedy, and plenty of holiday-season family appeal.
Top Broadway plays in December 2026
December’s play lineup highlights genre‑defying storytelling, including inventive comedy and high‑concept productions that pull audiences into entirely new worlds.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Step into the wizarding world as Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son Scorpius embark on a spellbinding adventure through Hogwarts, time, and magic.
The Play That Goes Wrong
A relentless chaos‑comedy where every prop, cue, and actor fails spectacularly — physical theatre, improv energy, and pure laughter from start to finish.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
A cinematic prequel to Netflix’s hit series darkens Broadway in this prequel set in Hawkins, mixing eerie suspense and 1950s nostalgia with inventive effects and a chilling atmosphere.
Oh, Mary!
Meet Mary Todd Lincoln as you’ve never seen her: cabaret-obsessed, wildly unhinged, and determined to become a star in this outrageous Broadway comedy..
December premieres in New York
The city's winter lineup opens with smart, star-filled plays debuting this month. These Broadway December premieres are not to miss:
- DOLLY: A True Original Musical (St. James Theatre): Previews begin December 7, 2026. Dolly Parton’s new musical traces her journey from the Smoky Mountains to global stardom, featuring hits including Jolene, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You.
- Awake and Sing! (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre): Previews begin December 15, 2026. This Clifford Odets revival follows three generations of a Bronx family navigating ambition, hardship, and competing visions of the American dream during the Great Depression.
New York shows closing in December
If you’re looking for final‑chance shows before they leave Broadway, these productions are taking their final bows this month.
- The Magic Flute: Closing December 26. Catch Mozart’s magical fairy tale before it leaves the stage, as Tamino and Pamina navigate enchanted trials, mystical worlds, and a quest for love and truth
Christmas and family-friendly picks
These shows capture New York’s most cinematic holiday energy — magical, heartwarming, and perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone chasing pure seasonal joy.
- Wicked (Gershwin Theatre): Follow Elphaba and Glinda from unlikely roommates to legendary witches in this spellbinding Oz adventure, packed with soaring songs, spectacular sets, and plenty of magic.
- The Lion King (Minskoff Theatre): Warm imagery, stirring music, and universal themes make this musical a perfect family treat. Its vibrant storytelling feels especially resonant during the season of togetherness.
- Aladdin (New Amsterdam Theatre): This colorful Disney spectacle bursts with magic carpets, Genie jokes, and memorable songs—an upbeat, multi-generational show that keeps festive spirits high.
Timeless Broadway shows to watch in December 2026
These long-running cultural pillars define Broadway itself, the kind of shows that remain spectacular no matter how many times you see them.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Tom Felton joins the cast as Draco Malfoy, offering a nostalgic, star-powered run of the show.
Chicago
A timeless jazz‑era musical famed for its sensual Bob Fosse choreography and biting satire.
Six the Musical
A high‑energy, pop-concert styled feminist history remix all about Henry VIII’s six wives.
What’s on in New York in December
Kick off December with festive citywide events—from tree lighting to holiday tunes.
Rockefeller Center tree lighting
A grand ceremony featuring carolers, TV broadcast, and the iconic Norway spruce illuminated with over 50,000 LED lights.
📍 Rockefeller Center, Midtown
⏱️ When: TBC
Bryant Park Winter Village
Explore European-style chalets, artisan gifts, cozy food stalls, and a free ice rink—best visited weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
📍 Midtown Manhattan (Bryant Park)
⏱️ When: Nov 14–Dec 24
Union Square & Columbus Circle Holiday Markets
Open-air markets with artisan gifts, gourmet treats, and festive seasonal shopping.
📍 Union Square & Columbus Circle
⏱️ When: Late Nov – Dec
New Year’s Eve Times Square Countdown
Experience the world-famous NYC ball drop with massive crowds and live performances.
📍Times Square
⏱️ When: Wednesday, Dec 31
Pro tips for visiting New York in December
- Dress for winter chill: Temperatures hover between 31–49 °F; pack gloves, scarf, warm coat, waterproof boots.
- Subway caution: Underground platforms get slippery. Allow extra time for slick stairs and snowiness.
- Book matinees mid‑week: Wednesday and Thursday 2pm shows avoid crowds and let you explore Bryant Park afterward.
- Timed indoor attractions: Daylight fades around 4:30 pm—schedule museum visits pre‑3pm to enjoy daylight.
- Tickets for holiday hits early: Rockettes and popular musicals need booking by early December.
- Underground walkways: Use the Times Square–Rockefeller concourse to dodge wind chill.
- Hydrate and snack: Winter dryness indoors can distract—stay hydrated and eat small snacks between shows.
- Portable charger essential: Digital tickets, rideshares, weather updates—don’t get stranded phone dead.
- Arrive 30 minutes early: Holiday traffic and winter transit delays are common—don’t risk being late.
- Check weather 48hrs out: Light snow common; storms can disrupt taxis, trains and flights.
Frequently asked questions about Broadway shows in December
Expect cold, overcast days with highs around 42–49 °F, lows 31–38 °F, light snow mixed with rain
Standouts include Wicked, Hamilton, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Yes. Families benefit from kid-friendly musicals like Lion King, Aladdin, and holiday specials. Solo travelers can enjoy off-peak matinees and plays like Harry Potter or Stranger Things with easier access.
Definitely. With holiday shows, school breaks, and seasonal specials like the Rockettes Spectacular, popular productions sell fast. Aim to book 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for December
Snow or sleet can slow subways and buses. Leave 30–45 minutes padding for evening shows, and mind slick sidewalks—especially around Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
Both are good options. However, matinees (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 2 pm) are often less crowded, easier for transit, and free up afternoons for holiday sightseeing.
Most shows run through Christmas and New Year’s Eve. However, some surrounding attractions and restaurants may shut on Dec 25–26, so plan meals and transit in advance.
Yes—Kids’ Night on Broadway, springing around late December, offers free admission for children (age 6–18) with each paying adult, alongside dining discounts
