9 Festive Dinners and Shows in the USA Worth Travelling For

1.Hughes Brothers Christmas Show in Branson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $50Our pick

Spend about two hours at the Hughes Brothers Theatre for a family-run Christmas production of vocal harmonies, dancing, handbells, violin, comedy, costumes, and seasonal scenery. The second half gives Santa a central role in explaining the symbols of Christmas. Admission costs $50 per person, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before showtime.

“Seeing a large family all cooperating and invested in a common endeavor to impact and bless the lives of so so many people is an incredible experience and picture of hope.”

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2.New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 37 reviews · from $552

Spend three hours aboard a climate-controlled New York harbor cruise with a reserved table, chef-prepared buffet, open bar, live DJ, and sparkling wine toast for those 21 and older. You’ll pass landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, then watch New Year’s Eve fireworks from the water, weather permitting.

“The decoration and the atmosphere were amazing. Everyone was super friendly, the food was good. The music could have included more new songs, unfortunately only oldies were played, which meant that the dance floor was getting a little emptier. But overall it was a great experience, although it could have gone on a little longer, 3 hours went by way too quickly.”

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3.Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 31 reviews · from $158

Spend Christmas Eve aboard Bateaux New York, a European-style glass-enclosed yacht leaving from Pier 61. Choose a casual two-hour brunch or semi-formal three-hour dinner, with a plated three-course meal, live music, reserved seating, and views of the Statue of Liberty, bridges, One World Trade Center, and the Manhattan skyline.

“Exceeded our expectations! Mel was super engaged and our waiter was, too! Grateful to have had the holiday experience - food delicious and playlist was well curated as well! Timed to the tee. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”

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4.Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 29 reviews · from $146

Spend Christmas Day aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, sailing from Chelsea Piers for a two-hour brunch or 2.5-hour dinner. You get a reserved table, seasonal buffet, skyline views, DJ entertainment, and access to outdoor decks. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while drinks at dinner cost extra.

“food wasn't the best but I must say angel made our night she looked after us 10/10 service and drink price was a bit much”

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5.Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 26 reviews · from $199

Spend Christmas Eve aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, sailing from Chelsea Piers for a 2 to 2.5-hour lunch or dinner. You’ll have a reserved table, seasonal buffet, coffee and tea, DJ music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Manhattan’s riverside skyline.

“We picked the activity to spend Christmas Eve. We're celebrating in the best way Since we got on the cruise, the service was great, and so was the food and the night views. Recommended.”

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6.Magic of Christmas Show at Las Vegas Magic Theater on Las Vegas Blvd

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Spend about 70 minutes at the Las Vegas Magic Theater for a Christmas-themed magic show performed just feet from the audience. The 40-seat room keeps the action personal, with volunteers called up for interactive tricks. Popcorn and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and you can choose your seating section. The show is family-friendly, though the theater is small and the Christmas theme may feel light to some.

“Wonderfully intimate magic show. Amazing illusions and slight of hand that will make you wonder. Great customer service and personal touches.”

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7.New York Pier 15 New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 13 reviews · from $496

Spend New Year’s Eve aboard a City Cruises boat from Pier 15, with a buffet dinner, DJ, dancing, top-shelf drinks for ages 21 and over, views of Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center, and a sparkling wine toast at midnight. The four-hour cruise ends where it begins, weather permitting.

“Slecht eten en drinken, onervaren personeel, tafeltjes stonden belachelijk dicht bij elkaar waardoor je nauwelijks kon bewegen. Prijs kwaliteit verhouding helemaal scheef! Voor 400 dollars pp mag je echt meer kwaliteit krijgen!”

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8.Christmas Eve Lake Michigan Gourmet Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12 reviews · from $193

Board the Odyssey Lake Michigan at Navy Pier for a 2.5-hour Christmas Eve cruise with a private table, plated three-course dinner, DJ entertainment, and views of Willis Tower and Navy Pier. Semi-formal dress is encouraged. Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, while cocktails and other alcoholic drinks cost extra.

“Improved- food is hot not cold… soda was very flat and syruppy Not sat near the door -everyone kept opening and shutting the door - it was cold. I wore my puffer jacket for the meal Many songs were in Spanish”

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9.Chicago New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 11 reviews · from $273

Spend New Year’s Eve aboard a City Cruises vessel departing from Navy Pier at 9:30 p.m. You’ll get a freshly prepared buffet, live DJ music, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, Lake Michigan views, fireworks if weather allows, and a Champagne toast at midnight. Smart casual dress is required, and the cruise returns to its starting point.

“Horrible check-in instructing and meeting point. Security was awful, but the servers and everything were fine. The issue was to get into a bout”

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