Want to introduce your kids to live classical music and enjoy a family night out? Take a look at New Jersey Symphony At The Movies, a spectacular series of events that appeal to kids of all ages (and adults too) by combining family-favorite films with live symphonic music. Starting with the holiday classic Disney’s The Muppets Christmas Carol in Concert and leading up to Bugs Bunny at the Symphony and Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2025, the motion pictures will be screened at NJ venues with The New Jersey Symphony performing each score live. This unique experience will open your kid’s eyes to the power of live symphonic music for an inspiring, entertaining, and memorable night. Read on for more details on where and when to see these family-friendly, harmonious events. (featured photo credit: )
The New Jersey Symphony: Perfectly Orchestrated Events
Photo Credit: New Jersey Symphony
See holiday magic with The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
Is it even the holidays without a classic, time-honored tale of goodwill? The New Jersey Symphony presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete movie, with the score performed live to film. The whole family will delight in this holiday favorite from Charles Dickens performed by the Muppets, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, creating holiday fun for all ages. With a special pre-performance in the lobby by the Yuletide Carolers adorned in Victorian attire, the entire family will get in the holiday spirit. Catch the concert at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown on December 5 at 7:30 PM, The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on December 6 at 7:30 PM, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on December 7 at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and the State Theatre in New Brunswick on December 8 at 3:00 PM.
Want more holiday favorites? Check out New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony, the longest-running professional production in the state from December 13-26. You can also attend A Gospel Holiday on December 14, a family show celebrating artists from Newark and beyond and experience Handel’s Messiah, a New Jersey Symphony holiday tradition December 20-22.
Photo Credit: New Jersey Symphony
Celebrate 30 years with Bugs Bunny at the Symphony
Introduce your kids to Bugs Bunny and Friends at this 30th-anniversary special concert that celebrates Looney Tunes and its legendary stars, including Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, and the one and only—Bugs Bunny. Classics such as “Baton Bunny,” “The Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” alongside Warner Bros. Discovery 3D theatrical shorts “Rabid Rider,” “Coyote Falls” and “Fur of Flying” will dramatically unfold with live musical scores by the New Jersey Symphony accompanying the action on the big screen. Check out this special commemorative performance at The Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank on February 14 at 8:00 PM, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on February 15 at 8:00 PM, and The State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick on February 16 at 3:00 PM.
Photo Credit: New Jersey Symphony
Catch the drama with Star Wars: The Force Awakens In Concert
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker vanishes, and a new threat arises—The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience this dramatic film like no other when you watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character and take pictures with costumed members from official Star Wars fan groups before the movie starts. The concert will play at The Count Basie Center For The Arts in Red Bank on April 9 at 7:30 PM, The Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown on April 10 at 7:30 PM, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on April 12 at 8:00 PM, and The State Theater in New Brunswick on April 13 at 3:00 PM.
About The New Jersey Symphony
New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of the Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 60 concerts at mainstage venues across the state, including Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown as well as schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while providing students across the state unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other outreach programs. In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in 2026. For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit our website at njsymphony.org or our newsroom for press releases and photos.
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This post is sponsored by The New Jersey Symphony.
