Where to see 'A Christmas Carol' in New York

Get into the holiday spirit by seeing a production of Charles Dickens's classic tale about a miser who finds Christmas cheer with the help of three ghosts.

Written byJoe Dziemianowicz

It’s a Dickens of a tale. The holiday theatre season isn’t complete without a visit to A Christmas Carol and the miserly bah-humbugging misanthrope at its center, Ebenezer Scrooge. The classic story has inspired countless theatre versions, with multiple productions popping up each holiday season.

Learn more about A Christmas Carol and the Broadway and Off-Broadway adaptations on stage below, and discover even more holiday and Christmas shows in New York this season.

What is A Christmas Carol about?

In Victorian England, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge gets an otherworldly visit on Christmas Eve from his late business partner, Jacob Marley. He warns the miser to change his ways – and pronto! – or he’ll regret it. Three more ghosts, of Christmas past, present, and future, check in with Scrooge during the night to help make Marley’s case.

These spooky wake-up calls are compelling. Scrooge undergoes a 180-degree transformation and promises to keep the spirit of Christmas. He begins by opening his heart to charity and by lavishing the family of his beleaguered employee Bob Cratchit with compassion, kindness, and a holiday turkey that’s bigger than Cratchit’s fragile son, Tiny Tim.

2026 productions of A Christmas Carol in New York

Dickens's nearly 200-year-old tale has inspired countless adaptations, including films, books and, of course, theatre shows. People have performed A Christmas Carol in perfect period garb, as a one-person show, as a musical, and as a mashup with other iconic tales, to name just a few. Discover productions of A Christmas Carol in NYC that you can check out this festive season.

A Christmas Carol

Drunk Christmas Carol

A Kidman Carol

A Christmas Carol the Musical

A Christmas Carol at the Merchant's House

1.
A Christmas Carol

Off-Broadway

Play

The five-time Tony Award-winning A Christmas Carol conceived and directed Matthew Warchus, the visionary director of Matilda, and Jack Thorne, the playwright behind the smash hit Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, returns off Broadway once more for a limited run this holiday season. Expect carols, live bell-playing, and even some snacks.

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Photo credit: A Christmas Carol off Broadway. (Photo by Andy Henderson)

2.
Drunk Christmas Carol

Off-Broadway

Play

Interactive

21+

The title says it all. Ghosts aren't the only spirits at this adults-only Christmas Carol, featuring one actor who takes five shots at the show's start and four others who have to keep Dickens's tale on track no matter what the drunk actor does. The audience can either help things along or add to the mayhem, and you can purchase a cocktail or two of your own if you wish.

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3.
A Kidman Carol

Off-Broadway

Play

Comedy

If you've ever wished A Christmas Carol was about A-list actresses and set on the eve of the Oscars, you're in luck. A Kidman Carol, starring Titanique's Marla Mindelle and Dicks: The Musical's Josh Sharp, sees three ghosts of Cate Blanchett visit Nicole Kidman to teach her the true meaning of awards season.

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Photo credit: Marla Mindelle and Josh Sharp. (Photos courtesy of production)

4.
A Christmas Carol the Musical

Off-Broadway

Musical

A Christmas Carol the Musical is back for its 18th year at the Players Theatre. The story is exactly the same as the original A Christmas Carol, but with song! If you want a break from the same old Christmas songs and want to hear some new ones, the original music of A Christmas Carol the Musical is sure to provide holiday cheer.

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Breakfast at Liberty Bagels

Regularly named one of the city’s best bagel shops, the unassuming Liberty Bagels is the perfect spot to get a classic NYC breakfast sandwich.

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Macy’s Herald Square

One of the world’s largest stores, Macy’s is a sight to behold, especially when it’s decked out for the holidays.

5.
A Christmas Carol at the Merchant's House

Off-Broadway

Play

Unique experience

For the 14th season, the Merchant's House Museum will host its intimate, one-hour production of A Christmas Carol, with only 20 guests in attendance at each performance. Step into the landmark 1832 building and hear Charles Dickens recount his famous story by candlelight in a Greek Revival parlor, with select performances also including a reception where you can explore the kitchen, family room, and garden. Performances run November 24 through January 3.