Believe it or not, the holiday season is officially upon us and there is plenty of top-notch seasonal entertainment to get you in the festive spirit. So spread some joy and give the gift of entertainment with these recommended holiday shows, split into three distinct categories to please all your loved ones.
Traditional Favorites
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – This annual favorite runs from mid-November to early January, and has become a New York City holiday tradition as cherished as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Join the world famous Radio City Rockettes in a dazzling display of song, dance, and storytelling. This show is fun for the whole family and is a must-see for those heading to the Big Apple for the holidays. Tickets available here.
The Nutcracker – Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet is a perennial holiday favorite. The music is the real treat in this production, between the dreamy “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” number and lively “Russian Dance” sequence. Audiences will be swept up in the magic of this timeless production, which travels to theatres across the country during the season.
A Christmas Carol – The Charles Dickens classic remains a staple at theatres across the country during the holiday season, and returns to the stage once again this year. Join the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge on his Christmas Eve journey that warms the heart and teaches others the importance of kindness.
Modern Merriment
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – In the past 30 years, the Tran-Siberian Orchestra has grown from an experimental rock band to one of the most successful musical groups in the world. TSO’s holiday tours turn tradition on its head by featuring dazzling light and laser displays set to heart-pounding rock scores. The groundbreaking group is hitting the road once again this holiday season, marking the first tour since founder Paul O’Neill’s death earlier this year. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Lindsey Stirling – Acclaimed violinist Lindsey Stirling is heading to cities across the country in support of her recent holiday album Warmer in the Winter. Stirling fuses her instrument’s classical sounds with pop, hip-hop, and even electronic arrangements. Her holiday tour kicks off in early November and concludes December 23, making stops in Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Houston among other cities.
98 Degrees – Concert venues are about to heat up this winter, as much 98 Degrees! Bad puns aside, the boy band will have fans in a frenzy when they launch their 28-date tour in support of Let It Snow, their second holiday album. The vocal group will travel coast to coast on the tour, which begins November 10 in Iowa and runs through December 23.
Pentatonix – Grammy winning a cappella troupe Pentatonix will embark on a special 15-date holiday tour with two Platinum-selling Christmas albums to their name. The vocal group are known not just for their powerhouse harmonies but their unique arrangements that make covers all their own. Their catalog of holiday songs include stirring renditions of “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as well as lively covers of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
As Seen on TV
Elf: The Musical – This musical based on the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell can be seen in theaters nationwide, offering audiences equal doses of laughter and heartwarming moments. Show-goers of all ages will fall in love with Buddy, a cheerful man who was raised in Santa’s workshop believing he’s an elf, who leaves the North Pole in order to find his family and help get his selfish, cynical father on to the nice list.
A Christmas Story Musical – The cult-classic film is not just aired repeatedly over the course of the holiday season, but became an acclaimed Broadway musical. Die-hard fans of the Jean Shepherd tale may be skeptical to see a stage adaptation, but will find the same charm, nostalgia and hilarity carries over to the live production with comforting ease. Catch Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun in theaters across the country throughout the coming weeks.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang appear in this stage adaptation of the classic 1966 animated television special. Kids young and old will delight in the joy of this beloved tale, which can be seen in select local theaters around the country.