Holiday Theater
Though the star-studded Jingle Ball concerts may be dominating headlines, theater fans can rest assured, because your favorite shows are back this holiday season, and a quick trip to the Vivid Seats marketplace will provide you with many affordable options. From the dazzling “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” to classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and a whole slew of others mixed in between, we’ve compiled a list of the highlights below to ensure you find just what you’re looking for this holiday season.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Tickets | Thursday, Nov. 22, Manhattan, N.Y.
OK, so this isn’t technically a theater event nor is it even Christmas-themed, but what better way to kick off the holidays than with a live dose of Thanksgiving fun? The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York staple since 1924, drawing thousands of visitors to Manhattan each November. Complete with larger-than-life balloons of your favorite pop culture icons, plus special guests, and live performances from members of current Broadway shows (yay, theater!), this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tickets | Multiple Dates and Locations
Another great tradition to come out of New York is the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” which features two months of performances by the renowned precision dance company, the Rockettes. Though the show has spawned additional touring companies to allow for performances nationwide, the main company remains anchored at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and was a part of the venue’s opening night festivities back in 1932. The 2012 edition of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” marks the 80th anniversary of the production and the 85th year for the Rockettes.
A Christmas Carol Tickets | Multiple Dates and Locations
Watch the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as told through this musical production of “A Christmas Carol,” based on the Charles Dickens classic published in 1843. Many variations have been produced over the years, but nothing quite compares to the live experience, which will be hitting theaters across the country through the end of the year.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Tickets | Multiple Dates and Locations
A story the whole family can enjoy, see the Grinch’s antics in person at one of the many shows setting up shop at venues in Hartford, Conn., Boston, Mass., Richmond, Va., Chicago, Ill., New York, N.Y., and Detroit, Mich. Though the production features many original musical numbers, fans of the original TV special will recognize one song in particular, the classic “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
A Christmas Story Tickets | Multiple Dates in New York and Nashville
Based on the 1983 film of the same name, “A Christmas Story” is set to make its Broadway debut this winter with limited runs at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York, as well as at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Andrew Johnson Theater in Nashville. Following the film’s plot, which centers around young Ralphie and his wish to receive a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, original songs will be intermixed within the dialogue of the theater production directed by Tony winner, John Rando. So this year, take a break from watching the 24-hour marathon on TBS, and enjoy the heartwarming story in all its glory, live for the first time ever.
Elf Tickets | Multiple Dates and Locations
“Elf,” the charming musical based on the hit Will Ferrell classic, comes packed with catchy songs, familiar characters, and most importantly, Christmas cheer. Following the success of the original 2010 Broadway production, the musical is back for nearly two months of shows at the Al Hirschfield Theatre in New York, in addition to brief runs at venues in Providence, R.I., Appleton, Wis., Tampa, Fla., Fort Myers, Fla., Seattle, Wash., and Saint Paul, Minn.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tickets | Multiple Dates and Locations
Concluding the list the same way it began, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is not a traditional “theater” production, but it is definitely a must-see once the holidays roll around. Boasting a light show and musical numbers that put the band truly in a league of its own, you don’t want to miss an unbelievable performance when Trans-Siberian Orchestra heads to a venue near you.