20 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 15 performances in North, Central, and South Jersey, as follows:
Bergen Performing Arts Center (Englewood)
December 3rd @ 4pm; December 4th @ 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets are $20 to $50.
Middle Township Performing Arts Center (Cape May Courthouse)
December 11th @ 1pm and 4pm. Tickets are $18-20 for adults, $10 for children.
Mayo Center for the Performing Arts (Morristown)
December 16th @ 7:30; December 17th and 18th @ 1pm and 6pm; December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd @ 7:30pm; December 24th @ 1pm, and December 26th @ 1pm and 6:30pm. Tickets range from $19-59. These performances take place with a LIVE orchestra!
The Roxey Ballet's kid-friendly production includes both professional dancers and child dancers from the community. Roxey is a world class contemporary ballet company which tours locally, nationally, and internationally.
The College of New Jersey Kendall Theatre (Ewing)
Remaining performances--December 2nd @ 7pm; December 3rd @ 3pm and 7pm; December 4th @ 1pm and 4pm. Tickets range from $15 to $50.
Artistic Director Lustig's version of the Nutcracker takes place in early 1900 Germany and features several original characters.
TD Bank Arts Center (Holmdel)
December 3rd @ 6pm. Tickets are $25 to $45. One show only!
Patriots Theater at the War Memorial (Trenton)
December 10th @ 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets are $26 to $41. One show only!
The State Theater of New Jersey (New Brunswick)
December 17th and 18th @ 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.
Bridgewater Senior Center (Bridgewater)
December 3rd @ 1:00 pm. Tickets are $10.
Hillsborough High School (Hillsborough)
December 10th @ 4pm. Tickets are $15.
The Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College (West Windsor)
December 17th and 18th @ 1pm and 4pm. Tickets are $14.00.
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 18th @ 4pm. Tickets from $10 to $25.
Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn)
Weekend of December 10 and 11 at 10am. Tickets are $12-$15 plus a $1.50 facility preservation fee. All shows start @10am.
McCarter Theatre (Princeton)
Celebrate the season with McCarter's critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. December 4th through 24th; 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 to $71.
The Spring Lake Theater Company (Spring Lake)
December 2nd, 9th 16th 8pm; December 3rd, 10th, 17th @, 2pm and 8pm; December 4th and 11th @ 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
Babes in Toyland
Growing Stage Theater (Netcong)
Something is amiss in the Land of Make Believe. Barnaby is threatening Mother Goose with eviction unless her daughter, Bo Peep, marries him. One of the Three Little Pigs is missing and on top of that, even Christmas is in doubt! Geared for kids, this adaptation is based loosely on the Victor Herbert operetta and the Laurel & Hardy classic film, March of the Wooden Soldiers. A holiday classic! Through December 18, 2011; Fridays @ 7:30pm; Saturdays and Sundays @ 4:00pm. Tickets from $14 to $18
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
The Pitman Theater (Pitman)
Discover how Santa Claus came to be, why he delivers toys to children, how his reindeer fly and why his workshop is at the North Pole. And always remember: he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! December 15th and 16th @ 10am and 12:15pm; December 17th @ 10am, 1pm, and 3pm. Tickets are a great bargain @ $9!
Simply Christmas
Smiling Rhino Theater (Pompton Lakes)
This annual holiday event features everyone's favorite holiday songs and memories. December 11th and 12th @ 8pm; December 13th @ 2pm. Tickets from $18-$22.
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. Sunday, December 18, 2011. Drop-In Crafts: 1:00pm 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 17th 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. At 2pm and 5pm ticketed performances of “The Spirit of Kwanzaa” will feature Nigerian and West African dance and drumming from Atlanta’s trailblazing, all-female ensemble, Giwayen Mata. Tickets are $20 and $22.
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