Holiday Shows for NJ Kids: The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and More
Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday season is in full swing! Luckily, our fair state has some of the most innovative and exciting holiday shows this side of the big city--no longer do we have to travel far and wide to find high quality entertainment. NJ theaters bring you everything from ballet performances of the Nutcracker and theatrical productions of “A Christmas Carol”, to Chanukah concerts and Kwanzaa fests. There is a show for everyone, both content and budget-wise.
The Nutcracker
This classical performance brings top quality dancers together with fabulous costumes and a gorgeous set, sure to please both kids and adults. There will be performances throughout New Jersey as follows:
Middle Township Performing Arts Center (Cape May Courthouse)
December 9th @ 1pm and 4pm. Tickets are $18-20 for adults, $10 for children.
Mayo Center for the Performing Arts (Morristown)
December 14h @ 7:30; December 15th, 16th ,22nd and 23rd @ 1pm and 6pm; December 20th and 21st @ 7:30pm; December 24th @ 1pm. Tickets range from $25-59. These performances take place with a LIVE orchestra
ARB offers Tchiakovsky’s classic with a cast of over 100 dancers!
Patriots Theater at the War Memorial (Trenton)
December 8th @ 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets are $26 to $41. One day only!
Algonquin Arts Center (Manasquan)
December 15th @ 1pm and 4pm; December 16th @ 3pm.
The State Theater of New Jersey (New Brunswick)
December 22nd and 23rd @ 1pm and 4:30pm. This performance features a LIVE orchestra. Tickets range from $32 to $57.
The New Jersey Youth Ballet presents a family friendly version of The Nutcracker, which includes dancers as young as 5 years old. The New Jersey Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker Ballet performances are fully narrated and abridged so children and adults of all ages will enjoy. Furthermore, the ballet is danced almost entirely by children and teens. Come and enjoy this beautiful story, the magic, and the precision and grace of these beautiful young dancers.
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Hillsborough High School (Hillsborough)
December 8th @ 1pm. Tickets are $15.
The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College (West Windsor)
December 14th @ 7pm; December 15th and 16th @ 1pm and 4pm. Tickets are $14.00.
In addition to the traditional Nutcracker, Alborada, New Jersey’s premier Spanish dance theater company presents “El Sueno: A Cultural Holiday Celebration” also at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre. Performances are December 7, @ 11:15 am and 8 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m.
A Christmas Carol
Bergen Performing Arts Center (Englewood)
A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of selfless giving. Theaterworks USA’s theatrical performances of “A Christmas Carol” are geared towards kids ages 6 to 12. December 15th @ 4pm. Tickets from $10 to $25.
Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn)
A child-friendly version of A Christmas Carol will be performed on December 9th @ 10am. Tickets are $12-$15 plus a $1.50 facility preservation fee.
McCarter Theater (Princeton)
Celebrate the season with McCarter's critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. December 2nd through 28h; Tuesdays through Fridays @ 7:30pm; Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Sundays @ 1:00pm & 5:30pm. Christmas Eve performances @ 12:00pm & 4:00pm. Tickets are $20 and up.
The Spring Lake Theater Company (Spring Lake)
Join the 30th anniversary of the Spring Lake Theater Company’s presentation of Scrooge. December 6th, 7th, 14th, and 21st @ 8pm; December 8th, 15th and 22nd @ 2pm and 8pm; December 16th @ 2pm ONLY. Tickets are $20 to $28. This popular rendition of the classic tale usually sells out quickly so don't delay in booking tickets!
Other Christmas Shows
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Growing Stage Theater (Netcong)
The Growing Stage Theater is offering a family friendly musical adaptation of the beloved 1964 television show. Rudolph is a true American classic! Tickets are general admission and start at $15. Shows are Fridays at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 4pm through December 23rd.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Mile Square Theater (Hoboken)
Celebrating their 10th Season, Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken will present a revival of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Mile Square Theatre will transform its space into a 1940’s radio station, and present this American favorite in front of a live studio audience. Performances run from December 6 through December 23, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm. Matinees are weekends at 3pm. Tickets are $12 and $20; December 13 will be a “pay what you will” performance.
Other Holiday Celebrations
Hanukkah
Hurray for Hanukkah
Garden State Discovery Museum (Cherry Hill)
Listen to Hanukkah stories, create holiday snacks and enjoy hands-on Hanukkah crafts. Hanukkah sing-a-long and concert begins later in the afternoon. December 9th @ noon. Drop-In Crafts: 12:00pm to 3:00pm; Concert: 3:00pm. Admission is $10.95 for adults and children over 1 year
Kwanzaa
The Spirit of Kwanzaa/ Annual Kwanzaa Festival & Marketplace
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark)
In celebration of Kwanzaa, NJPAC is holding events commemorating the holiday on December 22nd beginning at 12 pm. There will be a free day long Kwanzaa Children's Festival, which will include workshops on African dance, storytellers, arts and crafts, and drumming. A Kwanzaa marketplace will feature vendors from throughout the area.
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