December shows in New York

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Shows in December
MJ The Musical product image
4.9
(1,110)
Musicals

MJ The Musical

from
$80.93
Chicago product image
4.6
(2,589)
Musicals

Chicago

from
$87.75
The Lion King product image
4.6
(1,627)
Musicals

The Lion King

from
$156
Aladdin product image
4.6
(3,227)
Musicals

Aladdin

from
$105.30
Hamilton product image
4.5
(739)
Musicals

Hamilton

from
$152.10
The Great Gatsby product image
4.9
(258)
Musicals

The Great Gatsby

from
$74.10
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child product image
4.8
(319)
Plays

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

from
$73.84
Hadestown product image
Musicals

Hadestown

from
$73.45
The Book of Mormon product image
4.6
(1,193)
Musicals

The Book of Mormon

from
$81.51
Wicked product image
4.5
(1,408)
Musicals

Wicked

from
$113.10
& Juliet product image
Musicals

& Juliet

from
$95.55
The Outsiders product image
Musicals

The Outsiders

from
$97.24
Masquerade - Phantom of the Opera Reimagined product image
Musicals

Masquerade - Phantom of the Opera Reimagined

from
$263.90
Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical product image
Musicals

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

from
$69.16
Stranger Things: The First Shadow product image
Plays

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

from
$86.70
The Lost Boys: A New Musical product image
Musicals

The Lost Boys: A New Musical

from
$61.10
Oh, Mary! product image
Plays

Oh, Mary!

from
$101.66
Jamie Allan's Amaze product image
Magic Shows

Jamie Allan's Amaze

from
$64.99
The Play That Goes Wrong product image
4.4
(2,018)
Plays

The Play That Goes Wrong

from
$111.80
The Magic Flute product image
Opera

The Magic Flute

from
$106.60
Just In Time product image
Musicals

Just In Time

from
$101.59
Schmigadoon! product image
Musicals

Schmigadoon!

from
$86.13
Inter Alia product image
Plays

Inter Alia

Opening on Nov 10, 2026
from
$88.79
Little Shop of Horrors product image
Musicals

Little Shop of Horrors

from
$128.70
Maybe Happy Ending product image
Musicals

Maybe Happy Ending

from
$60.32
Tosca product image
Opera

Tosca

from
$71.50
Much Ado About Nothing product image
Plays

Much Ado About Nothing

Opening on Oct 31, 2026
from
$94.51
La Boheme product image
Opera

La Boheme

from
$71.50
Jenufa product image
Opera

Jenufa

Opening on Nov 16, 2026
from
$58.50
Paranormal Activity product image
Plays

Paranormal Activity

from
$69.55
La Fanciulla del West product image
Opera

La Fanciulla del West

Opening on Dec 31, 2026
from
$71.50

New arrivals

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December shows in New York

New York in December 2026 at a glance

🌦️ Weather

Highs: 42–49 °F, lows: 31–38 °F; overcast half the month, light snow likely

👥 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.

Navigation guide

  1. Top Broadway shows in December
  2. Top musicals
  3. Top plays
  4. December premieres
  5. Shows closing in December
  6. Christmas and family-friendly picks
  7. Events in New York
  8. Timeless shows in New York
  9. Visitor tips
  10. FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

What’s the weather like in December?


Expect cold, overcast days with highs around 42–49 °F, lows 31–38 °F, light snow mixed with rain

What are must-watch shows in December?

Standouts include Wicked, Hamilton, The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Is December good for families or solo travellers?


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.

Should I book tickets early?


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

Are there transport delays?


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.

Matinee vs evening—what’s better?


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.

Will theaters close over holidays?


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.

Can kids attend Broadway for free or cheap?


Yes—Kids’ Night on Broadway, springing around late December, offers free admission for children (age 6–18) with each paying adult, alongside dining discounts