The best Christmas shows in New York City are the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027), New York City Ballet's George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center (November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027), the Oratorio Society's Messiah at Carnegie Hall (December 21, 2026), the New York Philharmonic's Messiah, and the choral Christmas concerts at St. Thomas Church.
The Rockettes' high-kicking holiday show.
The Christmas Spectacular returns to Radio City Music Hall from November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, with 230 performances, the most since its 1933 debut.
Expect the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and a living Nativity.
Good to know: Early-November and weekday shows are cheapest.
1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020
The definitive Nutcracker, with its famous growing tree.
New York City Ballet performs Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater from November 27, 2026 into early January 2027.
The 40-foot growing tree is the show-stopper.
Good to know: Book early for weekend matinees; prices rise closer to Christmas.
20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Handel's Messiah at Carnegie Hall, a tradition since 1874.
The Oratorio Society of New York sings Handel's Messiah in Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall on Monday, December 21, 2026.
It has performed Messiah at Christmas every year since 1874.
Good to know: Stand for the Hallelujah Chorus, as the audience does.
881 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
The Philharmonic's annual Messiah at David Geffen Hall.
The New York Philharmonic traditionally performs Handel's Messiah in December at David Geffen Hall.
Check the 2026 dates on its website.
Good to know: Combine with the Columbus Circle Holiday Market nearby.
10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Choral Christmas music in a Gothic church on Fifth Avenue.
St. Thomas Church's famous choir of men and boys gives Christmas concerts and carol services in December.
Some services are free; concerts are ticketed.
Good to know: Arrive early for free services; lines form outside.
1 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
November 4, 2026 to January 4, 2027, with a record 230 performances at Radio City Music Hall.
New York City Ballet performs George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater from November 27, 2026 to early January 2027.
The Oratorio Society of New York performs it at Carnegie Hall on December 21, 2026, and the New York Philharmonic traditionally plays it in December.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Nutcracker are the classics. Both have shows short enough for young children.