The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids in New Jersey

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New Jersey Ballet's "The Nutcracker" brings magic to the stage at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of the Bergen PAC

The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are among the seasonal classics to look forward to over the holidays, when New Jersey theaters come alive with dancing sugar plum fairies, singing elves, and more than a few Christmas ghosts. 

If your child is nuts about The Nutcracker, you don't have to go to New York City to see a superb production—several top-notch companies perform the holiday favorite right here in New Jersey, including Roxey Ballet and New Jersey Ballet. For a fun twist on the classic, don't miss The Hip Hop Nutcracker at NJPAC.

Plus, favorite characters come alive on stage in holiday musicals, including A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage and Elf the Musical.

In fact, there are so many top-notch productions, we couldn't list them all here, so be sure to check out our Activity Calendar for more, and bookmark our Guide to the Holidays in New Jersey for family-friendly Christmas activities all season long.

The Nutcracker and More Holiday Shows in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

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An abbreviated production of "The Nutcracker" geared toward young audiences is an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo courtesy of the venue

Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker ballet is a beloved family holiday tradition, and multiple Westchester and Hudson Valley venues present stunning performances of this classic.

Performances of The Nutcracker this year include Dance For Joy's Nutcracker for Kids, a condensed, narrated version of the classic ballet geared toward the younger set, and The Nutcracker at Irvington Theater, with a twist that features a variety of dance styles and modern hits sprinkled throughout the classic. 

Other holiday shows on our list include The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall and Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley, which benefits Toys for Tots. 

Activate Brings a High-Tech Gaming Experience to Long Island

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A play session at Activate feels like stepping into a video game. Photo by the author

Activate, Long Island’s new indoor adventure space, aims to get families moving with its high-tech, interactive challenges. 

Get set to sweat as this gaming experience, which is tucked away inside the Roosevelt Field Mall. Activate invites guests to step right into the action, with a series of rooms that elevate and engage like no other space on the island.

We have more for your thrill-seeking crew to do in our article about Extreme Sports Venues for Long Island Kids. Be sure to also peruse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids for more ideas. 

NYC Kids’ Guide to Family-Friendly Volunteer Activities Year-Round

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NYC families can deliver fresh meals—and smiles—by volunteering with City Meals on Wheels. Photo courtesy of Citymeals on Wheels

Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the importance of helping others and a nice way to give back to your community and those who need it. There are many family-friendly volunteering opportunities in NYC, and many can be performed year-round.

We've compiled some of these family volunteer activities in NYC below, including ways to give back with a local community org or from the comfort of your own home. We've got picks for families who want to fight food insecurity, help beautify the city, and even make some new furry friends. In addition to the information below, we also have an entire post on Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that you can explore this holiday season.

27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Atlanta for Kids

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Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns to Atlanta Botanical Garden for an amazing Christmas lights event. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden

'Tis the season for holiday activities around Atlanta! Families looking for wholesome merriment have plenty of options this holiday season, including Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts. You can't go wrong with one of Atlanta's biggest holiday mainstays and Christmas events, Stone Mountain Park Christmas or try something new like Elf the Musical at the Fox Theatre. Feeling nostalgic for Atlanta holiday traditions? The Pink Pig will once again be at the Georgia Festival of Trees. We've included even more great ideas to have an amazing Atlanta Christmas with kids!

33 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Orlando for Kids

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Dazzling Nights is back at Leu Gardens with its dazzling winter wonderland of lights. Photo by Creative City Project

Get ready for Orlando Christmas events that are fun and family-friendly this holiday season, including theme park holiday lights, holiday parades, Christmas tree ceremonies, and more! The theme parks offer major fun, like more than 3 million lights on display at SeaWorld Orlando or a magical Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort. Families can visit the charming town of Mount Dora for a lighted boat parade, experience ICE! at Gaylord Palms, enjoy a Florida "snowfall" at Celebration Town Center, and more.

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