Must-See Broadway Shows in December 2025
December on Broadway is pure magic. The city is glowing with holiday lights, and all theatres are buzzing with new productions and favorited classics. Simply put, it’s a perfect time of the year to explore the world’s most vibrant theatrical district.
Whether you’re visiting town for a quick getaway or simply looking to enjoy some theatrical brilliance, December offers an incredible lineup.
Here are five Broadway shows you shouldn’t miss before the end of 2025. We offer a little bit of everything: a mix of brand-new premieres, nostalgic hits, and high-energy musicals to suit everyone’s preferences.
Top Broadway Shows to Catch in December 2025
Here’s a list of the best Broadway shows that you should not miss before a new year starts.
1. Operation Mincemeat
While this might not be everyone’s first association to December and Broadway, Operation Mincemeat is a fantastic way to explore Broadway during the colder days of winter. The show is a fast-paced, irreverent musical based on a real WWII deception plan. Basically, it tells the story of how British intelligence used a corpse and fake documents to fool the Nazis.
It debuted last year, and it quickly scooped up plenty of awards. Most notably, it received the 2024 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
Best of all, watching it in December means you’ll get to enjoy the show’s energy, humor, and wit either with friends, loved ones, or alone. Perfect for a fun night out.
Key Highlights:
- It has a rotating cast of five actors playing dozens of roles
- It’s an Interactive and physical comedy
- Tickets are easy to get, but you should still not waste time
The show is being shown at Golden Theatre. Get tickets for Operation Mincemeat HERE.
2. Buena Vista Social Club
The second show on this list is a well-known one: the Buena Vista Social Club. This is another musical, one that’s inspired by the legendary Cuban music collective. The production outdid themselves, truly. They’ve managed to bring the rhythm, stories, and soul of Cuba directly to the Broadway stage.
While it might sound like a show that you should watch in the summer, not winter, it’s actually perfect for December. The show is not only a concert, but also a theatrical, artistic celebration of Cuban culture, music, and history. Big band sounds, dancing, and emotional storytelling are the key selling points that made it perfect for a warm night out on Broadway.
Key Highlights:
- It’s a very authentic musical experience with a live Afro-Cuban band on the stage
- It has been nominated for multiple Tony awards
- It’s a musical experience, but also a poignant story of music, second chances, and legacy
The location is Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Get tickets for Buena Vista Social Club HERE.
3. Marjorie Prime
Marjorie Prime is a tender story exploring memory, artificial intelligence, and aging. It’s not an easy topic, and it’s not a comedy like most of the stories on this list. The play was created by Jordan Harrison, who centered it on an elderly woman that interacts with a holographic companion.
But why choose to see it in December, right before the holidays? For starters, the story offers a plethora of themes and topics for thinking. The meditative aspect of the play pairs nicely with the reflective atmosphere that’s common for the holiday season.
It’s not a flashy musical, but it’s emotionally charged and intellectually provocative, which makes it perfect if you are looking for something meaningful and reflective.
Highlights:
- It has a strong cast that includes veterans, which is amazing
- It’s a Pulitzer-finalist drama
- The story has a quiet, sci-fi-inflected emotional weight that makes you think about memory and what we leave behind
Get tickets for Marjorie Prime at Hayes Theatre HERE.
4. Wicked
Wicked is one of Broadway’s biggest smash hits and a show that requires no introduction. It’s a classic, especially if you are visiting Broadway.
The show is a spectacular prequel to The Wizard of Oz that tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda the Good Witch.
It’s a perfect choice for the holidays and winter thanks to its breathtaking vocals and magical staging. It pulls all the emotional strings, and given how the movie adaptation Wicked: For Good came out just before the holidays, it’s a perfect decision to see it in theatres.
Highlights:
- Features blockbuster songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular”
- A must-see classic for first-time Broadway visitors
- Excellent availability because of its long run, but it still sells out around the holidays
Get Wicked tickets for shows at the Gershwin Theatre HERE.
5. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a theatrical production (it can be either musical or play version, depends on production) retelling the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
A timeless story of wealth, love, and tragedy, captivating readers and theatre visitors for years. And fans of the story are in luck because it’s part of the December lineup. The musical production is played throughout the season at Broadway Theatre, and it’s perfect for the season with its glamorous Roaring Twenties theme. It fits the winter in New York perfectly, as it’s both dreamy but still bittersweet, very festive and yet introspective in a way.
Key Highlights:
- High-quality period design, costumes, and staging reflecting 1920s New York
- It’s a beautiful story about aspiration, love, and disillusionment
- December often has good availability, as it’s not blockbuster, so there are good seats
Get The Great Gatsby tickets at Broadway Theatre HERE.
Tips for Booking Broadway Shows in December
Don’t just go directly to the shows – there’s a great way to save money on tickets and pick shows that you are definitely going to love. Let’s face it, there’s too many productions to choose from. But there are ways to make sure you have the best possible experience.
- Use lotteries: Several shows on this list offer rush or digital lottery tickets, which is great for budget-friendly visitors.
- Plan around the holidays: Weekends around holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be very expensive, often also being sold out. Pick different dates or times, such as weekday matinees or early in the month.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 is going to be a spectacular time to experience Broadway. Whether you’re drawn to comedy (Operation Mincemeat), soulful musical storytelling (Buena Vista Social Club), or emotionally layered plays (Marjorie Prime), there’s something for every mood. Use smart ticket tactics, pick based on your vibe, and you’re set for a magical Broadway night.
