A slice of pizza. A stroll in Central Park. A ride past the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry. There are a thousand ways to create the perfect day in New York City. But during the holidays, the city adds a little extra sparkle to its famous skyline and a few activities that you can’t get any other time of year. It’s a magical time to visit. From festive holiday markets to dazzling light displays and ice-skating beneath the towering tree at Rockefeller Center, the city is more enchanting than ever.
A Broadway show should always be a part of any visit to the Big Apple. Like the Empire State Building and those yellow cabs zipping around the city, Broadway is an indelible part of the city’s identity. Not only is it the pinnacle of live theatre, known world-wide for top tier performances and production values, but its very form makes something singular: a communion of thousands of people gathering to share in stories that make us laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to one another. It’s the heartbeat of New York, reminding us, night after night, what it means to be human. And during the holidays, that feeling only deepens—when the theatres glow against the winter streets, and the stories on stage seem to echo the warmth and wonder of the season outside.
To create the perfect New York City winter day, we’ve paired a few holiday favorites with some of our favorite shows from the Broadway Collection, a curated list of productions selected specially with visitors in mind. Each stop pairs iconic holiday charm with the excitement of Broadway, creating a day that’s truly unforgettable.
Sparkle and Spectacle
A nearly century-old tradition, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been lighting up the heart of New York City every holiday season since the early 1930s. This year’s tree is a 75-ft tall Norway Spruce, decorated with 50,000 multi-colored lights on roughly five miles of wire and crowned with a Swarovski star weighing approximately 900 pounds and covered by three million crystals. It’s a showstopper.
After taking in the glittering splendor of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, keep the holiday magic alive with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Based on the film of the same name, the stage adaptation features all the pop hits from the movie soundtrack as it tells the story of the young artist Christian and his romance with Satine, star of the famous Parisian cabaret. Its lavish sets, sparkling costumes, and high-energy musical numbers mirror the tree’s dazzling spectacle, making it the perfect next stop for a day full of wonder and celebration.
Glamour on Display
There's no better place to indulge in some holiday window gazing than along the iconic Fifth Avenue. The elaborate displays in New York City's flagship department stores are nothing short of magical during the holiday season. Each window tells its own enchanting story with beautiful artistry, intricate designs, and sometimes even animatronics that captivate both young and old. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co. are just a few of the stars in this showcase of festive creativity.
After taking in this parade of holiday opulence, keep the spectacle going with Death Becomes Her. This musical adaptation of the cult classic film follows Madeline and Helen, two glamorous rivals who discover the secret to eternal youth—and wreak comedic havoc along the way. Bursting with luxe costumes, glittering musical numbers, and bold theatrical flair, it mirrors the same sense of visual extravagance you just enjoyed on Fifth Avenue, while delivering wit, charm, and just the right touch of dark humor to make your evening unforgettable.
The Wish List
Macy's Santaland is a place where holiday wishes come true. Twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and an enchanting North Pole village set the stage for children and adults alike to meet Santa Claus and experience the joy of the season. It’s a quintessential New York City tradition that invites families to dream, imagine, and believe in a little extra holiday magic.
After sending your wish to Santa, continue the magic with Aladdin. This all-ages Broadway favorite brings wishes to life in a whole new way, following Aladdin and Princess Jasmine on a thrilling journey of adventure, friendship, and love. From magic lamps and carpet rides to unforgettable numbers like “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World,” it’s the perfect way to extend the enchantment of Macy’s into an evening of Broadway magic for the whole family.
A Winter Wonderland
At the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park, skaters glide beneath twinkling city lights, surrounded by the crisp winter air and the sparkling skyline—a true New York winter wonderland. Bonus points if there’s a dusting of snow on the ground.
Keep the magic of gliding and winter wonder alive with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet, performed just across the park at Lincoln Center. This beloved production tells the timeless tale of Clara, her Nutcracker prince, and their journey through the enchanting Land of Sweets. The exquisite choreography, storybook costumes, and Tchaikovsky's sweeping score create a mesmerizing holiday pageant that mirrors the wonder of skating through a snowy Central Park. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of winter enchantment in the heart of New York City.
Like we said before, there are a thousand ways to create the perfect New York City day and these are but a few combinations. Broadway Collection is here to help guide you. Take a look through shows and see what sparks your interest. There are more family-friendly shows like The Lion King and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, classic Broadway like Chicago, and newly-minted Tony winners like Buena Vista Social Club and Maybe Happy Ending. You can find more information about each production—and links to official ticketing—on the Broadway Collection show pages.
Whatever show you choose for your holiday visit, one thing’s certain: they all pair perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate.