The Best Holiday Shows Happening in NJ in 2021

by Kelly Coffey
holiday shows nj 2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to make memories with loved ones, and what better way than to visit the theater? Now that live shows are returning, it’s time to create new annual traditions with these 2021 NJ holiday shows.

Below, we are sharing some of our favorite must-see NJ holiday shows for the 2021 season, which are guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick, NJ

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is coming to State Theatre’s stage! This performance is the perfect combination of Broadway musical-meets-Cirque and will blow the entire family away.

With gingerbread men soaring through the air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, and snowmen gliding on balance beams, we promise this show is like nothing you have ever seen before.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is showing for two nights (December 8 and 9) at State Theatre’s stage. For more information, visit the official website here.

Holiday Extravaganza: Together We Celebrate Winter Holidays at UCPAC Main Stage – Rahway, NJ

After nearly two years of social distancing and remote events, The New Jersey Youth Symphony is excited to begin welcoming back in-person concertgoers! 

On Sunday, December 12, the Union County Performing Arts Center will host “Holiday Extravaganza: Together We Celebrate Winter Holidays,” featuring ​​beloved holiday classics and a special performance by J. Mark McVey, best known for his role of Jean Valjean inLes Misérables.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A family pack is also available, which includes 5 tickets for $50. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Elf The Musical at Algonquin Arts Theatre – Manasquan, NJ

"Elf The Musical" 2019

Fans of the popular holiday film, “Elf,” will love the musical stage adaptation!

Similar to the movie, which stars Will Ferrell as Buddy and Zooey Deschenel as Jovie, “Elf The Musical”, follows Buddy the Elf as he travels to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

What makes this comedy musical unique is that it features original songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (“The Wedding Singer”) and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s “Aladdin” on Broadway).

“Elf The Musical” is playing now through December 12 at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website here.

Marie Osmond’s Magical Symphonic Christmas Tour at Hard Rock – Atlantic City, NJ

Entertainment and music icon, Marie Osmond, is coming to Atlantic City to spread the holiday cheer.

For two nights only (December 10 and 11), Marie Osmond promises to bring the spirit of Christmas to the Jersey Shore with her “Magical Symphonic Christmas Tour” at Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Throughout the show, Osmond will sing a variety of songs, in a variety of styles, including Broadway and traditional classics. You won’t want to miss this spectacular show! 

For more information, visit the official website here.

The Nutcracker at New Jersey Performing Arts Center – Newark, NJ 

The classic story of “The Nutcracker” is coming to the Prudential Hall Betty Wold Johnson Stage.

On Saturday, December 11, the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s holiday spectacle, featuring music by choreographer Andrei Litvinov, will transport the audience into a winter wonderland with this spectacular performance of “The Nutcracker. 

Tchaikovsky’s score includes many recognizable songs including “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” and more. 

For more information, click here.

Sara Evans Blue Christmas Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center – Manasquan, NJ

Known for her hit songs — “Suds In The Bucket” and “A Little Bit Stronger” — the multi-platinum entertainer and singing, Sara Evans, will be bringing the holiday spirit to Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey.

Families of all ages will enjoy this country holiday concert, consisting of both traditional Christmas music and some of her greatest hits.

To purchase tickets, visit the official website here.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Eve & Other Stories at Prudential Center – Newark, NJ

On December 22, the multi-platinum rock group, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will be putting on a show like no other at The Rock!

Bring your entire family to the Prudential Center this holiday season to witness a once-in-a-lifetime show, complete with all-new staging and effects. 

For more information, visit the official website here.

The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Musical at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre – Red Bank, NJ

We are all familiar with the holiday tradition, The Elf on the Shelf. Well, now families can see this devious little elf come to life in a spectacular live performance of “The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical.”

Featuring an original storyline, as well as original music, this holiday-themed musical will warm the hearts of viewers as they are transported to the North Pole, leaving them captivated and filled with holiday cheer. 

“The Elf on the Shelf: The Musical” will show at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre in Red Bank on December 23. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website here.

Do you plan on checking out any of these NJ holiday shows in 2021? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo by Pixabay

About the Author/s

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Though Kelly loves flying down to Florida as often as she can to visit Walt Disney World (or as she calls it, her second home), her roots are in New Jersey. Being born and raised in Monmouth County, she loves exploring what the Garden State has to offer. She can often be found checking out the local NJ wineries, sipping on a vanilla latte from the local coffee shop, or seeing the latest blockbuster film at the theaters.

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