Festive Dinners & Shows: The 15 Best Evenings to Book

1.Christmas & New Year’s Concert in St. Peter’s Church

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 763 reviews · 1 hour · from $57Our pick

Spend one hour with the Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church, a Baroque masterpiece in central Vienna. The program can include Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and works by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, and Schubert. Choose your seating section, arrive early for the best spot, and dress warmly.

“The concert was amazing. Very talented musicians. Great view of the stage in amazing surroundings. Seats were a bit uncomfortable.”

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2.The Nutcracker Ballet Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 423 reviews · from $43

Spend 105 minutes with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at Prague’s Broadway Theatre. Monika and Alexander Kysil choreograph the two-act production, with soloists including Slava Burlac, Magdalena Matejkova, and Milan Bocek. Expect a family-friendly Christmas story, polished dancing, theatrical scenery, and a central location near Wenceslas Square.

“My wife loved the ballet, the only frustrating thing was buying snacks at the foyer only to find out once purchased that they couldn't be taken into the theatre.”

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3.Hughes Brothers Christmas Show in Branson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $50Top rated

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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4.Christmas and New Year Concert at St. Peter’s Church in Vienna

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 155 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Spend about an hour with the Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church, a baroque landmark near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Expect a string quartet and classical favorites by Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Strauss, and others. The program may not include traditional Christmas songs, and seating can be narrow, so arrive early and dress warmly.

“Nice . Church is beautiful. Music is good. Overall not really worth the price though . They did not start on time And it was very cold”

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5.Christmas/Advent Concert & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 154 reviews · from $93

Ride Salzburg’s funicular to Fortress Hohensalzburg, dine above the old town, and hear Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi performed by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble. Choose Classic or VIP dining, with VIP seating offering the best concert positions. Allow 3.5 hours, and note that drinks cost extra.

“Such a magical experience! The perfect way to spend Christmas Eve on a beautiful date with my husband. The music was incredible with such a stunning location. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal as well.”

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6.Christmas/Advent Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · from $49

You’ll ride the funicular from Festungsgasse to Hohensalzburg Fortress for a 90-minute Christmas concert by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble. Expect Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and Salzburg Advent music in a decorated castle hall, with city views before and after the performance. Concerts begin at 8 pm, with extra shows at 5 pm and 8 pm on December 25 and January 1.

“Easy to get to as the funicular ride was included. Having booked it online 24 hours earlier, my tickets were waiting at the door on arrival. The castle was warm, atmosphere was beautiful with Christmas decorations up.”

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7.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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8.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 36 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

Ride the funicular up to Fortress Hohensalzburg, dine in the Panorama Restaurant, then hear a chamber concert of Mozart, classical works, and traditional Salzburg Christmas music in historic fortress rooms. Choose classic, VIP, or Golden VIP dining. Drinks are extra on most options, and smart-casual dress is expected.

“Restaurant was nice. A set menu with little options. Small portions but tasty food. Wine a bit on the expensive side. Good table service. Concert was excellent. Drinks at a good value there. If doing again I would just book the concert and eat elsewhere before.”

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9.St. Paul’s Within the Walls New Year’s Concert Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 35 reviews · from $39Best value

Spend two hours at Rome’s St. Paul’s Within the Walls with the Orchestra of I Virtuosi dell’opera di Roma, soprano Ms. Testa, tenor Mr. Gentili, and baritone Mr. Utzeri. Choose a New Year’s Eve or January 1 concert, with opera favorites by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Rossini, and others. Seating categories let you match the ticket to your budget.

“It was a surreal experience to attend the concert on a new year’s eve in the church. Loved it”

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10.Christmas Concert at St. Martin in the Wall Church

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews

Spend 65 minutes with soprano Libuse Moravcova Myratska, tenor Josef Moravec, violin soloists, and organists in Prague’s St. Martin in the Wall Church. The program moves from Bach and Vivaldi to Schubert, Mascagni, Massenet, and Christmas carols. Choose seats in sections A or B, with a warm church setting and no dress code.

“Un très agréable concert dans une église sobre à la température tempérée. De belles performances musicales. Je recommande.”

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11.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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12.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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13.Festive Christmas Concert in the Zwinger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 1h 30m · from $64

Spend 90 minutes with the Dresden Residenz Orchestra in the Zwinger’s historic Wallpavillon. Under Prof. Igor Malinovsky, the program brings together Christmas music, famous waltzes, operetta melodies, and works by Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi. You choose your seat, but plan for stairs and a walk through the Zwinger.

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14.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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15.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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