Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk
The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza, nr. 32nd St.; 212-465-6741
The whimsical, acrobatic show follows a city child on his quest for snow and adventure, utilizing everything from trampolines to adorable shaggy puppets. This is the final season in New York, so grab tickets while you still can.
• Dates: Nov. 17–Jan. 2
• Price: $30–$220
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, 63rd St. at Columbus Ave; 212-870-5570
Since 1954 the New York City Ballet’s trademarked production has been transporting children of all ages to a dreamlike world of toy soldiers, sugarplum fairies, and waltzing snowflakes. (Also, there was that one Macaulay Culkin movie.)
• Dates: Nov. 26–Jan. 2
• Price: $40–$225
New York Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, nr. 65th St.; 212-875-5030
It’s impossible not to feel the holiday spirit when the swelling sounds of this classic oratorio’s “Hallelujah” chorus fills the room. There will also be a limited-space Preconcert Talk, hosted by composer Joelle Wallach and beginning one hour before each performance.
• Dates: Dec. 14–Dec. 18
• Price: $32–$112
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-247-4777
Since 1933 the iconic leg-kicking Rockettes have shared the stage with fireworks and other awe-inducing ephemera. There are over 200 chances to catch them this year, so what are you waiting for?
• Dates: Through Dec. 30
• Price:$45–$105
Donny and Marie: A Broadway Christmas
Marquis Theater, 1535 Broadway, nr. 46th St.; 212-382-0100
The wholesome brother-sister duo shares the stage on the Great White Way for the first time in A Broadway Christmas, their show of standards and original material. Maybe if you’re lucky, Donny will bust out some of those winning Dancing With the Stars moves.
• Dates: Dec. 9–Dec. 30
• Price: $60–$145
Michael Feinstein: Swing.. in’ the Holidays
Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Ave., at 61st St.; 212-339-4095
The Grammy-winning smooth crooner has proven that he knows his way around the Great American Songbook. Here he performs festive holiday hits backed by a twelve-piece Winter Wonderland Big Band.
• Dates: Nov. 30–Dec. 30
• Price: $50.08–$278.72
Elf
Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St., nr. Eighth Ave.
The farcical Will Ferrell comedy about an orphan who thinks he’s one of Santa’s elves comes to life on the Broadway stage. No Ferrell in this one, but there is a singing George Wendt (Norm!) in the role of Santa.
• Dates: Nov. 10–Jan. 2
• Price: $194–$455
Peter Mayer’s Stars and Promises
The Town Hall, 123 W. 43rd St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-840-2824
It’s the tenth anniversary of the singer-songwriter’s (and former Jimmy Buffett band member) Christmas shindig. The night of traditional holiday music also features the Unity of New York’s vocal ensemble, and proceeds go toward Unity’s “Manifesting Miracles” building fund.
• Dates: Dec. 9
• Price: $25–$250
Broadway Sings for Toys
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, at 95th St.; 212-864-5400
For five years, Broadway stars including Kelli O’Hara, Lauren Kennedy, Julia Murney, and Elizabeth Stanley have been belting it out in this benefit for Toys for Tots. Bring a toy and get a discount on the ticket.
• Dates: Dec. 20
• Price: $20–$100
Red Hot Holiday Stomp
Jazz at Lincoln Center, Time Warner Center, 33 W. 60th St., at Columbus Circle; 212-258-9829
Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon leads an all-star band as they jazz up Christmas tunes, infusing them with a New Orleans twist. This year for the first time they’re offering an interactive, family-friendly matinee performance on 12/11.
• Dates: Dec. 9–Dec. 11
• Price:$20–$120