Scotch Plains Christmas Shows 2026

Jim Henson's 'Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas,' with music by Paul Williams, tells the story of Emmet and his Ma entering a talent contest. Attendees are encouraged to wear pajamas and enjoy free popcorn and a pre-movie craft.

The New Jersey Youth Symphony presents 'Two Nutcrackers,' featuring Tchaikovsky’s 'The Nutcracker Suite' and Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s jazz reimagining. The NJYS Youth Orchestra also performs works by Coleridge-Taylor, Rachmaninoff, and Humperdinck.

'The Polar Express' is shown in its original 35mm format. A holiday organ concert and a meeting with Santa are offered before the film.

"Santa's Circus" is a Christmas-themed production featuring stunts, magic, and comedy. Families can meet Christmas characters and write letters to Santa with Mrs. Claus.

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker, a ballet following Marie's Christmas Eve journey with her Nutcracker. The production features 40 dancers, over 150 costumes, and sets.

A holiday-themed murder mystery dinner transforms a festive celebration into a crime scene. Guests mingle with characters to gather clues and solve the whodunnit. A buffet dinner is included.

New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker is performed with the New Jersey Symphony. The production includes dancing, costumes, special effects, and Tchaikovsky's score.

A screening of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is followed by a live conversation with Chevy Chase and Jayni Chase. They will share stories from the film's making. Audience members may ask about Chevy Chase's career. VIP tickets include a post-show...

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, in its 40th year, features the group's holiday music with multimedia effects. Fifteen musicians will play over 20 instruments.

New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker is performed with the New Jersey Symphony. The production features dancing, special effects, and Tchaikovsky’s score.

Engelbert Humperdinck performs live in concert. The artist has a career spanning over six decades and has sold over 150 million records. He will perform classic hits and holiday favorites.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage is a production that brings the classic animated special to life with its characters and music. The show explores the meaning of Christmas.

Canadian Brass Christmas with Canadian Brass takes place at NJPAC, featuring the internationally acclaimed quintet. For over four decades, they have blended holiday carols and classics. This afternoon concert offers musicianship, banter, and family entertainment.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a circus show with Broadway elements, is reimagined for 2026. The performance includes aerial acts, juggling, acrobatics, singers, and dancers.

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs 'The Nutcracker' ballet. This production features hand-painted sets and over 200 costumes, set to Tchaikovsky's score. It is suitable for all ages.

Trinity Lutheran Church presents a concert of Christmas music, featuring Handel's Messiah and other holiday favorites. A chamber orchestra and choir perform baroque and classical music, including the Christmas portion of Messiah and the Hallelujah Chorus. Carols and festive tunes...

Sinatra's Christmas Birthday Bash celebrates Frank Sinatra's birthday. Michael Martocci, a Sinatra tribute artist, performs with an orchestra playing original orchestrations. The Duprees will also perform romantic hits. Brandon Tomasello, Zach Taglioli, Victoria Taylor, and Patsy Palma offer special performances.

Darlene Love performs at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. The singer will perform seasonal favorites, including "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," and her chart-topping songs.

Experience a heartwarming Christmas concert filled with festive melodies and holiday cheer. This event promises a delightful musical journey celebrating the spirit of the season. Join them for an evening of enchanting performances that will fill your heart with joy...

Prepare for a 'sparkle-jolly-twinkle-jingley' holiday season with Elf The Musical! This heartwarming and hilarious stage adaptation of the hit film follows Buddy, an orphan who mistakenly travels to New York City and embarks on a quest to find his father....

Get ready for a magical holiday experience as The Muppet Christmas Carol is shown in its original 35mm format. This special screening brings the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his spectral visitors to life with the charm and warmth...

Step back in time with Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits for 'An Old English Christmas.' This iconic 60s band will perform their legendary hits alongside a festive holiday playlist. Prepare for a night of nostalgic music and seasonal cheer.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings. This enchanting concert features the Highline String Quartet performing a festive program of beloved Christmas carols, all illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight. It's...

Prepare for a yuletide celebration as Mannheim Steamroller, the top-selling Holiday Act of all time, returns with their iconic Christmas concert. Led by founder Chip Davis, this musical troupe delivers a Neo-Classical take on popular carols and festive songs, blending...

Get ready for a magical evening with Postmodern Jukebox's 'Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe' tour. This talented troupe reimagines today's biggest hits in classic vintage styles, from swing to doo-wop. Expect a dazzling variety show filled with familiar songs, holiday cheer,...

Prepare for a magical holiday kickoff as America's favorite power-violinist, Lindsey Stirling, graces the stage with 'The Snow Waltz Tour.' Experience her signature blend of virtuosic violin performance, captivating dance, and dazzling spectacle. Stirling will ring in the season with...

Experience the magic of Nimbus Dance's Jersey Nutcracker, a unique holiday performance set to Tchaikovsky's score. This adaptation features two Jersey kids on a city adventure, filled with battles, friendship, and exquisite dancing. Dazzling sets and animated projections by local...

Experience the magic of the holidays with Cherish the Ladies' Celtic Christmas concert. This acclaimed ensemble brings their forty years of Irish tradition to life with a special matinee performance. They blend classic carols with unique Celtic instrumentation, beautiful harmonies,...

Experience the magic of the Christmas season at Assumption Catholic Church with a special concert by the esteemed Choir 'Boyan'. They also host traditional caroling and a Parish Holy Supper on Julian calendar Christmas Eve. Visitors can admire the beautifully...

The New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents a captivating holiday concert series throughout late 2025 and early 2026. Experience enchanting evenings with performances like 'Romance in the Mansion,' featuring a chamber ensemble, and the popular 'Return of the Holiday Tenors.' Ring...