What does “holiday spirit” mean to you? Maybe it involves decking out your home with seasonal décor, cooking a cherished family recipe or visiting light shows or craft fairs in your area. But no doubt, a holiday show performed in a stately theater will surely help you and yours get into the festive mood too.
Here’s a glimpse at what some of the best venues across New Jersey will be showing this season to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah—the list includes comedies, concerts, classic musicals and more. Pro tip: Click on the links for exact show times and more details. And get your tickets now before they sell out!
A Christmas Story, now until Dec. 17, Surflight Theater, Beach Haven. Who says the Shore is quiet in winter? The 73-year-old beachside theater’s rendition of A Christmas Story: The Musical, which is based on the beloved film about Raphie’s vivid imagination. Tickets: $33 for kids 12 and under; $43 for adults.
Who’s Holiday: A Comedy Twist of Rhyme, now until Dec. 17 at Waterfront South Theatre, Camden. Head to the historic theater in the Waterfront neighborhood for this holiday show, which is inspired by Dr. Seuss characters (though intended for mature audiences). The play follows Cindy Lou Who, all grown up, who retells the story of the Christmas Eve on which she met The Grinch. Tickets: $20 for general admission; $5 for Camden residents with proof of residency.
The Christmas Tree Farm, now until Dec. 23, Mile Square Theatre, Hoboken. Performed inside the company’s modern theater (the theater group is just 20 years old), the 90-minute comedy written by Adam Szymkowicz is set at a Christmas tree farm, where four actors play a slew of eccentric characters from one town. It’s a heartwarming, funny tale of love and joy. Tickets: $28-$50 (or $21-$40 with valid student ID).
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, Dec. 13 at bergenPAC, Englewood. The 97-year-old theater was recently renovated and outfitted with state-of-the-art technology. It’s the perfect site to watch this musical journey with acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. Tickets: $45–$105.
The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony, Dec. 15–27 at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown. If you haven’t been to this 86-year-old theater in a while, now is the perfect time to visit and see all the renovations completed at the historic site. While you’re there, enjoy the New Jersey Ballet’s classic holiday show set to Tchaikovsky’s score, performed by the New Jersey Symphony. Tickets: $39–$79.
Christmas with Elvis: Matt Lewis & Long Live the King Orchestra, Dec. 15 at The Landis Theater, Vineland. Matt Lewis, an Elvis Presley tribute artist based out of Las Vegas, returns to this historic venue (originally opened in 1937, renovated and restored in 2010) for a holiday show, where he’ll perform festive hits, Elvis-style, with the help of a 12-piece orchestra. Tickets: $30.
The Nutcracker, Dec. 15-17 at State Theater New Jersey, New Brunswick. Toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing snowflakes and more magic awaits at the retelling of this classic Christmas ballet. The venue is just as classic: One of the state’s oldest theaters (built in 1921), its most recent upgrade came in 2021 when a new blade marquee was installed on the building’s front façade. Tickets: $29-$69.
Choir! Choir! Choir! Presents “UN-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Singalong”, Dec. 16 at McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton. Traditional caroling becomes a rousing singalong when two hilarious performers lead the audience through a joyful celebration of holiday music, including fan favorites like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Wear your best ugly holiday sweater to maximize the fun inside Princeton’s iconic 93-year-old building. Tickets: $25-$45.
The Nutcracker, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, Dec. 17 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark. NJPAC’s state-of-the-art, horseshoe-shaped Prudential Hall hosts the renowned ballet company as it performs this magical holiday classic. The experience is unlike any other, as the theater’s acoustics were seemingly made for Tchaikovsky iconic score. Tickets: $39–$89.
The Search for Santa, Dec. 20 to 23 at Ritz Theater Company, Haddon Township. Ritz Kids presents this family-friendly play, where Mrs. Claus takes it upon herself, with two trusty elves in tow, to search for Jolly St. Nick—or anyone who can help her keep the holiday spirit alive. Remember to take a look at the theater before or after the show: The former vaudeville theater has remarkable architectural features and was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2002. Tickets: $10.
The Sensational Soul Cruisers Very Merry Christmas Show: From Soultown to Motown, Dec. 23 at Count Basie Theater Vogel Campus, Red Bank. Enjoy the soulful sounds of one of NJ’s top bands when they bring their Christmas show to this recently renovated theater in Monmouth County. They’ll perform the best of R&B, Motown, Disco and Philly Soul with a festive holiday spin. Tickets: $39–$59.
The Polar Express, Dec. 23 at Levoy Theatre, Millville. Enjoy a Christmas Eve eve screening of the classic holiday film, The Polar Express at the fully restored Art Deco theater. It’s not a live show like the others on this list, but it’ll be a fun, family-friendly experience, where guests are invited to wear their PJs for the screening. Cookies, hot chocolate and a meet-and-greet with Santa will ensue too! Tickets: $4.50 for members; $9 for everyone else.
Which holiday show is on your December to-do list? Tell us on Instagram @njhomemag.