It’s December and the holiday season is officially here! I can’t think of anything better to do in NYC this month than to visit all the holiday shows! Whether your kiddos are 3 years old or 13 years old, here are the best new shows to see to get your fam in the holiday spirit! Have fun and enjoy the magic these shows have to offer!

3-5 Years Old

The Polar Bears Go Up

Unicorn Theatre

Lincoln Center, Clark Studio Theater, 165 West 65^th Street

Unicorn Theatre is bringing a treat to Lincoln Center and it’s tailor-made for your smaller kiddos. In this show, polar bears explore unknown territory: the sky above their heads! This English theater company has been creating children’s theater for 70 years and they specialize in igniting imaginations.

Runs December 9^th-10^th & 16^th-17^th

More Information: http://www.lincolncenter.org/show/the-polar-bears-go-up

5-8 Years Old

Bagels from Benny – the Musical

92nd Street Y

 92^nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue

This silly musical has a big heart. Bagels from Benny runs the week before and during Hanukkah, and though it isn’t explicitly based around the holiday, the lessons taught are right in line with the reason for the season. The musical reinforces the importance of community, charity, and family. The show is fully interactive and all performances feature a meet and greet with the cast.

Tip: I am highly encouraging families to attend the December 10^th performance! This falls in line with the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life’s Hanukkah Festival at the 92^nd Street Y. It all begins at 11 am and this year’s theme is “Bring in the Light!” The event will feature crafts, entertainment, and seasonal bites.

December 8^th at 1 pm, 10^th at 2 pm & 17^th at 4 pm

Run Time: 1 hour, no intermission

More Information: https://www.92y.org/event/bagels-from-benny-the-musical

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza

This holiday classic is a great introduction to both ballet and classical music. This ballet is a feast for the eyes with magical toys, ballerinas, fairies, soldiers, and a wealth of 19th-century costumes filling the stage. Before the show, visit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts current free exhibition “Winter Wonderland: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.” It’s steps away from the theater and it’s a great opportunity to learn new things with your kiddos. After the show, snap some pics in front of the fountain in the Josie Robertson Plaza. The combination of your cozy winter coats and the beautiful lighting will make for a stellar shot.

Tip: There’s currently construction surrounding Lincoln Center, so you should plan to leave early if you’re traveling by car or bus.

Now Playing through December 31^st

Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes with 1 intermission

More Information: http://www.nycballet.com/Ballets/N/George-Balanchines-The-Nutcracker.aspx

8-13 Years Old

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

Broadway.com

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas

A New York City establishment! There’s not much to be said about this production that seasoned New Yorkers don’t already know. It’s glitzy, it’s glamorous, and it will put a smile on every ticket holder’s face.

Tip: While this show is absolutely appropriate for all ages, I am suggesting taking kiddos between 8-13 years old simply because of the foot traffic. Radio City and Rockefeller Center are flooded with people all day throughout December. We want your kiddos to be confident and comfortable traversing New York City this holiday season.

Tip: Did you know that Curated Care can bring a real Rockette to your home? Book former Rockette and current Kid Expert Becky S for a Kickin’ Christmas Experience!

Now Playing (up to 6 performances a day) through January 1^st

Run Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes with no intermission

More Information: https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/

Elf the Musical

Broadway.com

The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza

This holiday treat returns to New York City after 2 Broadway runs and a previous run at Madison Square Garden. It brings the now classic film to life with brassy songs and dance numbers featuring a company of 25.

Runs December 13^th-29^th

Run Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes with 1 intermission

More Information: https://www.msg.com/calendar/the-theater-at-madison-square-garden-december-2017-elf-the-musical

Ages 13+

The Winter in Lisbon

Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater, New York City Center, 131 West 55^th Street

Choreographed by Billy Wilson in 1992, this piece is being restaged this holiday season and is being followed by quite the buzz. This exuberant piece is a love letter to its composer, Dizzy Gillespie.

Tip: When you see a piece at Alvin Ailey, it will always be performed in rep with about three other pieces.

Now Playing through December 24^th

More Information: https://www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/winter-lisbon

It’s a Wonderful Life

Irish Rep

Irish Repertory Studio Theatre, 132 West 22^nd Street

The cozy Irish Repertory Theatre is bringing Frank Capra’s 1946 film to life in a bustling 1940s radio station. A company of 6 actors play 25 characters and perform all of the sound effects live. This production is critical hit with a slew discounts that can be found on the theater’s website.

Now Playing through December 31^st

Run Time: 70 mintues, no intermission

More Information: https://irishrep.org/show/2017-2018-season/its-a-wonderful-life-2/  

More about Kid Expert Katherine F here.