Top 10 Kid-Friendly Holiday Shows for Families in New York City

UPDATED DECEMBER 2018: New York City is known for it’s abundance of Broadway and off-Broadway shows for the whole family—and that’s especially true during the holidays. We found the best kid-friendly holiday shows in Manhattan for the 2018 holiday season, including Broadway and off-Broadway must-sees. You won’t want to miss these shows, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, NYC Ballet’s The Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and more! You’ll find the details for all of these family-friendly Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and winter-themed performances here.
    

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is an iconic annual holiday musical presented at Radio City Music Hall. Your entire family will be wowed by the popular Wooden Soldier Fall, New York City Christmas during which the Rockettes board a real double-decker bus, the Living Nativity, and much more!
Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave. (between 50th and 51st streets), Rockefeller Center
When: Through Jan 1, 2019; see website for show times.
Running Time: 90 minutes
Ages: All; tots younger than 2 do not need a ticket, but must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap
Tickets: $40-$450

The Big Apple Circus

The 41st season of Big Apple Circus has a talented roster of acrobats, jugglers, magicians, face painters, stilt walkers, and more great acts. No seat is more than 50 feet from the performers, which cultivates an intimate and family-friendly experience. No wild or exotic animals are in the show and community outreach is the circus’s priority. Check the website for special sensory-adapted Autism Performances and enhanced Circus of the Senses show dates, along with its Circus for All initiative with reduced ticket prices for underserved children and schools.
Where: Damrosch Park, 137 W. 62nd St., Lincoln Center
When: Through Jan. 27, 2019; see website for show times.
Running Time: 2 hours, including intermission
Ages: All
Tickets: $35-$175;
    

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage in this beloved family musical. Featuring the hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas," the Grinch discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday favorite. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Don't miss this limited holiday engagement as the record-breaking Broadway production returns to New York.
Where: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza, Midtown
When: Through Dec. 30; see website for show times.
Running Time: 75 minutes
Ages: All ages; children younger than 1 do not need a ticket.
Tickets: $35-$150; call 212-465-6080 or    
   

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

The New York City Ballet takes center stage in this classic show set to Tschaikovsky’s famous score. In a holiday dreamland, little Marie looks on as her beloved Nutcracker battles the Mouse King and transforms into a prince, then brings her to meet the Sugarplum Fairy in the Land of Sweets. The show ends as the children soar off in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer.
Where: David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, Broadway (at 64th Street)
When: Through Dec. 30; Tuesday, 7pm; Wednesday, 2pm and 7pm; Thursday, 7pm; Friday, 2pm (beginning Dec. 21) and 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 1pm and 5pm; Dec. 24, 2pm; no show on Dec. 25.
Running Time: 2 hours
Ages: Recommended for ages 4 and older
Tickets: $45 and up
FYI: VIP “Sweet Seats” include premium seating, souvenir book, and a 15-percent discount at the gift shop. Plus, for every two VIP tickets purchased, you’ll receive a voucher good for one complimentary keepsake photo with a character from the show.
    

Yeti, Set, Snow!

An original story and production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yeti, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl named Widget, and her friend, Twig, who encounter a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow day of the winter season. Pascetti, who lives on a mountain top nearby, dislikes the snow. Through songs and snow day activities, Pascetti not only discovers that snow can be fun but also the value of friendship.
Where: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, 79th St. and West Drive, Central Park
When: Through Feb. 24, 2019; see website for schedule.
Running Time: 40 minutes
Ages: Recommended for children in preschool through third grade
Tickets: $8-$12