The Best Holiday Concerts and Events in New York

New York transforms during the holidays in a way few cities can match. Lights spill across Fifth Avenue, ice skaters glide under the Rockefeller Center tree, and music fills every corner of the city. 

Whether you want a classic performance, a modern pop holiday show, or a family tradition that returns each year, New York’s December calendar delivers something unforgettable. 

If you're planning a festive trip, these concerts and events will help you make the most of the season.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

A holiday icon in the heart of Midtown

If there is one holiday event that defines New York, it’s the Christmas Spectacular. For nearly a century, the Rockettes have delivered high-energy precision choreography, dazzling costumes, and classic numbers like “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” 

Radio City Music Hall is the perfect backdrop, with its Art Deco design and massive stage technology that turns each scene into a cinematic moment. Families return year after year because it blends nostalgia with show-stopping entertainment. 

Tickets often sell quickly as December approaches, so booking early is the best way to secure a great view.

The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center

A timeless ballet tradition for all ages

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is another essential New York holiday event. Performed by the New York City Ballet, this production features more than 150 dancers and musicians in a world filled with toy soldiers, sparkling snowflakes, and the Sugarplum Fairy. 

The David H. Koch Theater elevates the experience with its warm acoustics and open sightlines. Whether you're introducing a child to live ballet or keeping up a long-running tradition, this performance captures the magic of the season. 

Evening and weekend shows tend to fill up the fastest, especially close to Christmas Eve.

Holiday Concerts at Madison Square Garden

Big-name artists and festive arena shows

Madison Square Garden turns into a holiday hub every December, hosting major concerts that mix year-end hits with seasonal favorites. 

Artists like Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra have all made the Garden a regular stop. Andrea Bocelli’s classical setlist brings a softer, emotional energy to the arena, often accompanied by surprise guest vocalists. 

If you want a festive night with stadium-level production and a memorable crowd atmosphere, MSG is the place to be.

Carnegie Hall Holiday Performances

A refined holiday experience in a world-class venue

Carnegie Hall is home to some of the most elegant holiday performances in New York. December often includes seasonal choral concerts, orchestral suites, and collaborations featuring artists from around the world. 

This year, check out the New York Pops, renowned soloists, and special jazz holiday programs that take the stage. The venue’s warm acoustics and historic charm make even the softest notes feel powerful. 

Holiday concerts at Carnegie Hall offer a quieter, more refined alternative to larger arena shows while still delivering a breathtaking musical experience.

Bryant Park Winter Village

A festive outdoor destination with concerts and entertainment

Bryant Park’s Winter Village is more than a holiday market. It also hosts live music, small holiday concerts, and seasonal performances throughout December. 

With the ice rink at the center, emerging artists and community musicians often take the small outdoor stage, adding an upbeat soundtrack to the holiday shopping experience. 

The Winter Village is perfect if you want a festive vibe without committing to a formal show. You can grab a hot chocolate, skate under the lights, and enjoy free entertainment before heading to dinner or catching another holiday event in Midtown.

The Metropolitan Opera’s Holiday Offerings

Opera season meets holiday splendor

The Metropolitan Opera traditionally presents special programming during the holiday period. Recent seasons have included family-friendly productions, beloved classics, and shorter run times designed to welcome new audiences. 

The Met’s dramatic staging, live orchestra, and rich vocals turn any December performance into a grand experience. 

If you’re looking for something less traditional than a ballet but more elevated than a pop concert, a holiday evening at the Met Opera is a beautiful choice.

Holiday Concerts at Barclays Center

Brooklyn brings its own festive energy

Brooklyn joins the holiday celebration with a lineup of concerts and events at Barclays Center. The arena has hosted major holiday acts ranging from hip-hop showcases to pop stars wrapping up world tours. 

Barclays also attracts artists who prefer performing in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan, so its December schedule can feel different from what you’ll find at MSG. 

If you're staying in Brooklyn or just want a holiday night with a slightly more local vibe, checking the Barclays Center calendar is always worth it.

New Year’s Eve Concerts and Events

End the year with one final show

New York’s NYE scene is filled with concerts across the city, giving you a perfect way to finish the year before or after the Times Square countdown. 

Venues like The Garden, Barclays Center, and Brooklyn Steel often book popular artists for New Year’s Eve performances. Past years have seen artists like Phish, LCD Soundsystem, and The Strokes lead massive December 31 shows. 

If you want a lively celebration with confetti, countdowns, and holiday atmosphere, NYE concerts deliver a party you'll never forget.

Holiday Pop-Up Shows and Smaller Venues

Discover unique seasonal concerts across the city

Not every holiday show takes place in a major hall. Neighborhood venues across Manhattan and Brooklyn offer intimate seasonal concerts throughout December. 

Places like Bowery Ballroom, Webster Hall, and Kings Theatre frequently host indie artists performing holiday sets or year-end shows. These events are excellent if you want something less traditional, with genres ranging from acoustic folk to upbeat electronic. 

Smaller venues bring you closer to the music and the artists, creating a warm and memorable holiday outing.

Finding Tickets on SeatGeek

SeatGeek makes it easy to discover holiday concerts across New York, compare prices, and find the seats that fit your budget. 

Whether you're searching for Rockettes tickets or snagging great seats for a Mariah Carey show, the platform gives you a clear view of your options before you buy.

Interactive Seat Maps

SeatGeek’s interactive seat maps help you compare sections, angles, and pricing so you know exactly what your view will look like before checkout. It's the simplest way to feel confident you're getting the right spot for the perfect holiday night out.

No Hidden Fees

One of the best parts of using SeatGeek is the transparent pricing. You see the full cost upfront with no surprises, which makes planning your holiday outings much easier.

Buy With Confidence

SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee ensures your tickets are valid and delivered on time so you can focus on enjoying the season’s best concerts and events.

Make Your New York Holiday Unforgettable with SeatGeek

If you're planning to visit New York during the holidays, these concerts and events offer the perfect mix of tradition, excitement, and festive magic. 

Get your New York holiday event tickets today with SeatGeek and make this season your most unforgettable yet.