CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE/STATE THEATRE OF NJ

There’s no better way to usher in the holiday season than by seeing some theater.  These holiday shows will give you and your little ones an unforgettable experience and so much cheer.

ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE

60 Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan
732-528-9211

Elf the Musical

Nov. 27- Dec. 12, times vary

Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.

BERGENPAC

30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood
201-227-1030

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Nov. 28, 2 and 5 pm

Just in time for the holiday season, everyone’s favorite Peanuts television special comes to life in Englewood. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage celebrates the timeless television classic as the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

A Magical Cirque Christmas
November 28, 6 pm

The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live.

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
November 30, 8 pm
Continuing a centuries old tradition, 100 choristers from 30 different nations between the ages of ten and fourteen, diving into four touring choirs give around 300 concerts and performances each year in front of almost half a million people.  The choir’s repertoire includes everything from medieval to contemporary and experimental music.

COUNT BASIE CENTER

99 Monmouth St., Red Bank
732-842-9000

Elf the Musical
November 12, 13 & 14, times vary

A Magical Cirque Christmas
November 23, 7:30 pm

Company of Dance Arts Presents: The Nutcracker
December 10, 11, 12

Every holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts has brought the magic of The Nutcracker to life, and 2021 marks their 35th anniversary. Set to Tchaikovsky’s stirring score, soloists from NYC ballet companies join the accomplished local dancers in the most popular ballet of all time.

Elf on the Shelf a Christmas Musical
December 23, 2pm & 6pm

This show is a thrilling spectacle of music and dance that transports audiences to the North Pole to glimpse the magical lives of Santa’s Scout Elves. Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and heartfelt moments that will bring the family together, this joyous and uplifting celebration will leave audiences captivated by the splendor of the season.

JAY AND LINDA GRUNIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

1 College Dr., Toms River
732-255-0500

A Christmas Carol
December 4

This show is a musical adaptation of the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who hated Christmas. On Christmas Eve, three ghosts take him on a journey. During his nighttime reflection into the past, the present, and the future, he witnesses the lives of his poor office clerk, Bob Cratchit, and the crippled Tiny Tim.

Broadway for the Holidays II
December 10-12, 17-19, various times
Celebrate the holidays Broadway-style when the OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents this rousing revue featuring over 20 of your favorite holiday tunes from the Great White Way. With performances that range from silly to somber, this all-encompassing collection of seasonal favorites will be sure to put even the biggest Grinch into the holiday spirit!

The Nutcracker
December 18

KELSEY THEATRE

1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor
609-570-3333

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas…
Dec. 10-12, times vary

The excitement and wonder of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus, made famous in Clement Moore’s beloved poem, is brought to the stage again by The Kelsey Players in a fun and enchanting musical perfect for even the littlest ones.  Bring the whole family for this joyous Holiday Tradition.

The Nutcracker
December 17-19

MPAC

100 South St., Morristown
973-539-8008

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
November 28, 2 & 5pm

A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 4, 3 and 8 pm

Watch dazzling performances by cirque artists from around the world while listening to your family’s favorite holiday classics live. $39-125 per person.

New Jersey Ballet’s 50th Anniversary Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 17- 26, various times

New Jersey Ballet’s beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Ages 4+

NJPAC

1 Center St., Newark
888-466-5722

The Nutcracker State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine
Dec. 11, 3 pm

‘Tis the season for making unforgettable memories with your family! Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, The Nutcracker is sure to become your favorite Christmas tradition. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s holiday spectacle transports you to a dazzling winter wonderland in this special matinee performance.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker with MC Kurtis Blow
December 18, 2 & 8 pm

This seasonal mash-up mixes urban dancing and digital scenery to retell the story of the Nutcracker, featuring rapper Kurtis Blow as MC. There’ll also be a dozen dancers and a violinist.

STATE THEATRE OF NJ

15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick
732-246-7469

Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
November 29-30, times vary

The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.

Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas
December 1
Lightwire Theater is keeping the holiday season merry and bright this year with their show, A Very Electric Christmas! Semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Lightwire uses total darkness and electroluminescent technology to bring stories to life on stage. In their Christmas spectacular, you’ll see colorful birds, marching nutcrackers, evil rats, and a variety of beautiful, bright holiday displays.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 8-9
Cirque Dreams Holidaze takes State Theatre’s stage this holiday season! The critically-acclaimed performance presents the ultimate holiday experience for families, combining Broadway musical and Cirque extravaganza. The show features classic Christmas, Chanukah, Thanksgiving songs, and original music.

Nutcracker American Ballet Repertory
December 17-19

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
January 2

UCPAC

1601 Irving St., Rahway
732-499-8226

American Repertory Ballet: The Nutcracker
December 3, sensory friendly performance Dec 5