Top theatre to see in New York in December

Read our picks for must-see Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre in December 2024, including the year's final fall Broadway productions and holiday-themed shows.

The year is drawing to a close, but plenty of New York shows are opening in December before 2024 is up. The last shows of the fall season make their debuts just in time for the holiday season, when tons of visitors flood New York to see the decorations and, of course, see not only new shows, but fan favorites from the last year.

And with the holidays in full swing, December is filled with Broadway and Off-Broadway shows that celebrate the magic of the winter season. Check out all the top holiday shows in New York.

Whether you're planning your holiday vacation to the city or are a local looking to squeeze in some more theatregoing before the year ends, check out our list of Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre to see in December 2024.

Broadway shows to see in December

From new shows opening this month to hot shows from past months that still shine bright, check out some of the best plays and musicals to see in December — or get tickets to as gifts for your family and friends.

All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich

A rotating cast of 14 ace comedians including John Mulaney, Jimmy Fallon, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and many more perform sketches about love, heartbreak, and everything in between in this new play. Learn more about the full All In cast and which dates each person is performing.

Get All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich tickets now.

Back to the Future

It's your last chance to go back in time at Back to the Future before it closes on Broadway on January 5! The musical adaptation of the 1985 sci-fi film, about a time-traveling teenager who almost breaks up his high school-aged parents, features original music alongside the film's hits like "Johnny B. Goode" and "The Power of Love." And of course, there's a flying DeLorean.

Get Back to the Future tickets now.

Cult of Love

Shailene Woodley, Zachary Quinto, Mare Winningham, Barbie Ferreira, and more star in this family drama about a not-so-happy holiday. Tensions boil over when the Dahl family, including their four adult children and their partners, reunite for Christmas dinner.

Get Cult of Love tickets now.

Eureka Day

Jessica Hecht, Thomas Middleditch, Amber Gray, and more star in this needle-sharp comedy about a private school board forced to reevaluate its vaccine policy following a mumps outbreak. For the first time ever, they won't be able to please everyone.

Get Eureka Day tickets now.

Gypsy

Here she is, world! Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald takes on one of the most coveted roles in musical theatre: Gypsy's Mama Rose, the ultimate "stage mother" who will do anything it takes to push her two daughters to stardom. Hear famous songs like "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Let Me Entertain You."

Check back for information on Gypsy tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, so if you haven't seen it yet this year, now's a great time! Travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma at the gritty musical adaptation of S. E. Hinton's book about teenage gang members relying on their brotherhood to survive. The thrilling fight sequences and Americana music make The Outsiders unique.

Get The Outsiders tickets now.

Wicked

If you saw the Wicked movie musical and want to see Oz up close and personal, get tickets to Wicked on Broadway! Wicked takes place before the events of The Wizard of Oz, when witches Glinda and Elphaba were college roommates and best friends. But when one is deemed good and the other wicked, their friendship takes an unexpected turn.

Get Wicked tickets now.

Holiday shows to see in December

Feeling festive? Check out some of the holiday shows in New York this year, from family favorites to adults-only productions, and read our full roundup of holiday and Christmas shows in New York for more options.

Big Apple Circus

Spend the holidays in a different kind of hometown — under the big top! The theme of this year's Big Apple Circus is Hometown Playground, with acts inspired by NYC's five boroughs. Acrobats, clowns, animals, and so much more are part of this fun, family-friendly spectacular.

Get Big Apple Circus tickets now.

Elf The Musical

This sparkle-jolly-twinkle-jingly holiday musical is on Broadway through January 4 only. Adapted from the hit Will Ferrell film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the Elf on his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his family — and spread lots of Christmas cheer along the way.

Get Elf The Musical tickets now.

Nutcracker Rouge

This 21+ Christmas show is more naughty than nice. Nutcracker Rouge puts a sexy spin on the beloved Nutcracker tale, with the wonders of the Land of Sweets unfolding through burlesque dance, acrobatics, music, and more. Watch the spectacle unfold all around you as the actors perform on and above the stage, and indulge in themed sweet treats and drinks fit for a sugar plum fairy.

Get Nutcracker Rouge tickets now.

The Magic Flute

The Magic Flute continues The Metropolitan Opera's annual tradition of presenting abridged, English-language operas around the holidays to bring in family audiences. The opera starts off like many classic fairytales, with a prince sent by a queen to rescue a princess in distress. He's helped along in his quest by the titular charmed instrument, which turns sadness into joy when he plays it.

Get The Magic Flute tickets now.