Ring in the holidays at New Jersey Performing Arts Center with a month full of family-friendly entertainment. You can take the littles on an action-packed adventure with everyone’s favorite rescue pups at PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure or enjoy seasonal aerial and mind-blowing spectacles at Cirque: Holiday Dreams. Want holiday nostalgia? Relive a classic at the Nutcracker Symphony of Ukraine or experience a twist on this time-honored tale at The Hip Hop Nutcracker. So mamas, be sure to get to a performance (or two) at NJPAC to soak up all the Christmas spirit this December!
PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure, November 30-December 1
“Ready for a ruff ruff rescue!” Your littles will be thrilled to join Ryder and the brave rescue dogs of the PAW Patrol for an action-packed and interactive treasure hunt at PAW Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure. Cap’n Turbot is stuck in a mysterious cavern and it’s up to these heroic pups to save the day. The team will need all paws on deck (including yours!) as they decode the secret treasure map to rescue their friend.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $23-79
Lindsey Stirling: Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour, December 13
Make it a date night to ring in the holidays: Acclaimed electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling will take the stage to put her own spin on holiday classics like “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Santa Baby” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” You might know Lindsey from her appearances on America’s Got Talent and Dancing with the Stars or from her popular YouTube channel, where she shares playful violin performances of covers and original work. Either way, you won’t want to miss her mind-blowing live show.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $43.50-98.50
The Nutcracker: National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, December 14
Believe in the magic of the season with The Nutcracker performed by Ukraine’s acclaimed National Ballet Theatre of Odessa. This classic tale of Clara dancing through a fantastical world of fairies, toy soldiers and an army of mice, will delight both kids and adults, and features the beloved music of Tchaikovsky, including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and more. Filled with magical sets, lavish costumes and beautiful choreography, this performance is sure to fill the whole family with lots of holiday cheer.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $26-79
The Boston Pops, December 15
Get those caroling voices ready—the iconic Boston Pops return to NJPAC with an exciting show full of holiday tunes you just can’t help but sing along to, including “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Sleigh Ride.” The celebration continues with special guest, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who will read the Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Families will also enjoy another beloved holiday tale, The Polar Express which will be told through a performance of the film’s score and projections of Chris Van Allsburg’s original illustrations from the picture book.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $49-125
Hip Hop Nutcracker, December 20 & 21
It’s time to bust a move at NJPAC’s production of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. This holiday extravaganza re-imagines the classic Tchaikovsky ballet with explosive hip-hop choreography that celebrates love, community and the holiday season. With rap legend Kurtis Blow as a special guest MC, The Hip-Hop Nutcracker is sure to keep everyone mesmerized while watching the twists and turns of this fast-paced Christmas celebration.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $29-79
Cirque: Holiday Dreams, December 28
Tis the season to sparkle with the dazzling cast of Holiday Dreams. The whole family will be on the edge of their seats watching the death-defying acrobats, flying aerialists and all-around daredevils. The kids will be in awe of the performance: With amazing hi-tech features like holograms, projection mapping and interactive lasers, they’ll be talking about this whimsical winter wonderland for days after.
Prudential Hall
Cost: $29-69
For a full list of shows, please visit NJPAC on Instagram or at njpac.org.
Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM and @njmom at all of the awesome events you’re attending in NJ this month.
This content is sponsored by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where there’s literally something for everyone.
