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New York City is magical during the holidays. From the moment the first balloon rises in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the second the New Year’s Eve Ball drops in Times Square, the city just feels a little different. The lights twinkle a little brighter and the people—all 8.4 million of them—are a little cheerier. (Okay, that’s probably a bit of hyperbole, but we promise you’ll hear a few “Happy holidays!” when you visit.)

As you pack your winter itinerary with things like “find the thickest, gooiest hot chocolate in the city” and “ice skate beneath the tree at Rockefeller Center just once without falling,” don’t forget to leave room for a Broadway show. No visit to New York City is complete without it. 

We’ve partnered with The Broadway Collection to create a guide of perfect pairings for your trip to the Big Apple—matching iconic NYC holiday outings with the perfect Broadway shows to keep the magic going. Think pairings as classic as holly and ivy — or dinner and a show.

Before the Parade Passes By

The holiday season really kicks off every year with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, right in the heart of New York City. The streets fill with vibrant floats, massive helium balloons of your favorite characters, and a lineup of performances from pop celebrities and Broadway hits. And, of course, jolly old St. Nick. It’s a larger-than-life tradition—and the perfect prelude to a Broadway experience that’s just as awe-inspiring. 

After soaking in the Thanksgiving parade’s energy and colour, keep the celebration alive with The Lion King, which opens with a majestic procession of animals parading down the aisles of the theatre and onto the stage. The musical is a true theatrical phenomenon, recognized for its stunning puppetry, unforgettable music, and exhilarating choreography.

Based on the Disney animated film, The Lion King recounts a remarkable tale of hope and adventure, following the young cub Simba as he grows into a courageous leader. With a soaring score that blends African rhythms with classic tunes from the movie, you’ll find yourself swept into the “Circle of Life,” amplifying the parade’s excitement. And just like that, your day flows perfectly from morning festivities to an evening of breathtaking theatrical wonder, marking the start of a joyful holiday season.

[Solea Pfeiffer, John Cardoza in Moulin Rouge; Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade]

Sparkling Diamonds

Every year, the dazzling holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue become a spectacle of excess and glamour, drawing people from all corners to marvel at their brilliance.

Start uptown at Tiffany’s, where sparkling jewels and elegance reign, and work your way down past Cartier’s opulence and the whimsical displays at Bergdorf Goodman, eventually landing at the extravagantly decorated Saks Fifth Avenue, known for its theatrical windows and light show that covers the building’s facade.

It’s a trip through a world of romantic and glittering fantasies— the perfect prelude to a night at Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. 

This show is all about glamour and passion, complete with a production that transports you to the Parisian cabaret scene, enveloped in red velvet drapes and illuminated by glimmering chandeliers. The love story between Christian, a hopeful writer, and Satine, a mesmerizing cabaret star (known as the club’s Sparkling Diamond), unfolds amidst this lavish backdrop, exploring themes of love and sacrifice.

As in the movie of the same name, the score is an eclectic blend of pop hits and timeless classics, featuring songs like Elephant Love Medley, Come What May, and Lady Marmalade, reimagined for the stage in a way that transforms familiar tunes into show-stopping moments. Together, the window displays and Moulin Rouge! The Musical create an evening of indulgence that echoes the spirit of the holidays.

[Hadestown]

Fire and Ice

Spend a charming winter day ice skating at Rockefeller Center, gliding (or wobbling) beneath the awe-inspiring Christmas tree, a beloved holiday destination for over 80 years. Surrounded by sculptures of oversized Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, it’s a picture-perfect way to embrace the season. And once you’ve had your fill of frosty air and near-falls, it’s time to really go down—way down—to Hadestown. 

This jazz-infused Broadway sensation intertwines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with Hades and Persephone—brought to smouldering life in a hot New Orleans-inspired underworld. Hadestown explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the grip of winter—echoing the very reason the season is so cold and crisp.

After a day spent embracing the chill outside, let the sultry heat of Hadestown’s music and storytelling envelop you, as the score’s haunting rhythms make the industrial underworld feel thrillingly alive. This combination of ice and fire offers a perfectly balanced holiday adventure that’s both heartwarming and soul-stirring.

[The Nutcracker; Paul Kolnik photo]

Lands of Enchantment

For nearly 150 years, Central Park has offered a wooded respite from the hustle and bustle of the concrete city—a peaceful escape that is even more magical under the hush of winter. Grab a hot coffee and take a stroll under bare trees, past icy ponds, and if you’re lucky, under a fresh blanket of snow, one of the few things that can quiet the city that never sleeps. It’s New York’s own winter wonderland.



[The Nutcracker; Paul Kolnik photo]

From there, you’re just a few blocks away from Lincoln Center, home of the New York City Ballet and the perennial production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. This timeless holiday classic invites you into a dreamscape of dazzling snowflakes, enchanted toys, and intricate dances, all set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. As the Nutcracker Prince battles the Mouse King and whisks Clara away to the Land of Sweets, the brilliant choreography and lavish costumes create a world of wonder and delight, making it a quintessential holiday treat.

[Aladdin]

Wishes Granted

A family adventure in New York City during the holidays isn’t complete without a visit to Macy’s Santaland, a whimsical wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and the main man himself, Santa Claus. Kids of all ages can step into a festive world where flying sleighs and holiday magic capture the imagination. 

Afterward, continue the magical journey with a visit to Broadway’s Aladdin. Based on the animated Disney classic, Aladdin dazzles audiences with its eye-popping set and spectacular costumes, taking you on a high-flying carpet ride through the Arabian city of Agrabah. The plot follows the story of a charming street rat, Aladdin, who discovers a magic lamp and sees his dreams come to life with the help of the larger-than-life Genie, leading to a whirlwind romance with Princess Jasmine.

Featuring beloved songs like A Whole New World and Friend Like Me, the show offers a thrilling mix of humour, adventure, and musical brilliance. With sleighs and carpets both taking flight, it’s a perfect pairing for a family-friendly day packed with holiday joy.

[Maya Boyd in & Juliet; photo by Matthew Murphy]

Resolutions and Rewrites

Celebrate the year’s end in Times Square, where the world-famous ball drop signals a new beginning. As the holidays wind down and anticipation builds under the brilliant lights, New Year’s Eve sets the tone for taking control of what comes next. Whether your resolution is to slow down or see more of the world, what matters most is that you’re writing your own story.

Take a cue from the leading lady of Broadway’s & Juliet, who grabs a pen (instead of Romeo’s dagger) and boldly rewrites her destiny. This reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy features a playlist of pop anthems like Baby One More Time and Since U Been Gone, setting the stage for self-discovery, independence, and joy. Blending humour, heart, and high-energy performances, & Juliet is an empowering journey that mirrors the fresh start that New Year’s promises—reminding us all to begin the next chapter with courage and confidence.

[& Juliet; Matthew Murphy photo]

Holiday magic in New York City goes hand-in-hand with the theatrical wonders of Broadway, offering a show for every adventure. From the iconic Macy’s Parade to the thrilling Times Square ball drop, The Broadway Collection curates the best of the city’s stage productions, perfectly designed for visitors.

[Hamilton at Richard Rodgers Theatre]

Discover more about these shows and others by exploring the Broadway Collection, where you’ll find direct links to official ticketing for safe, guaranteed purchases. Dive into this season with unforgettable Broadway experiences, and make your New York holiday truly magical.

Unwatermarked images courtesy of the Broadway Collection.