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By Mabel Pais
Experience the magic of this holiday season’s celebrations through spectacular concert performances and beloved holiday classics. This season promises to be filled with laughter, cheer, and the spirit of togetherness as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) transforms into a holiday haven for everyone.
Embrace the holiday spirit with heartwarming entertainment that brings families together for unforgettable moments!
SCHEDULE, & MORE, AND TICKET INFORMATION
Rick Schular’s ‘ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE’: John Denver Christmas
Sunday, November 30th at 2:00 P.M.
Enjoy the nostalgic charm of John Denver Christmas a heartfelt tribute led by renowned performer RICK SCHULAR. Celebrate the season with ‘ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCE’ at NJPAC playing in the Victoria Theater. A John Denver Christmas, a heartfelt tribute led by renowned performer Rick Schuler. This nostalgic concert blends John Denver’s greatest hits with timeless holiday classics, capturing the warmth and spirit of the 1970s.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/rocky-mountain-high-experience-a-john-denver-christmas-starring-rick-schuler
Christmastime with TRISHA YEARWOOD with a Symphony
Friday, December 5th at 8:00 P.M.
Be captivated by the enchanting melodies of TRISHA YEARWOOD as she brings heartfelt warmth to the season with a magical evening of holiday music at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall, featuring songs from her brand-new album ‘Christmastime.’ Accompanied by a full symphony, Trisha’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt style bring new life to festive favorites and soon-to-be holiday classics.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/trisha-yearwood-with-symphony
New Jersey Symphony: ‘ELF’ IN CONCERT
Saturday, December 6th at 2:00 P.M.
Get ready to relive the holiday magic as ‘ELF IN CONCERT’ brings the beloved film to life on the big screen at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall by the New Jersey Symphony. Watch Buddy the Elf’s hilarious and heartfelt journey unfold while a live symphony orchestra performs John Debney’s enchanting score in sync with the movie.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/new-jersey-symphony-elf-in-concert
A CHANTICLEER Christmas
Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 P.M.
Celebrate the season with the Grammy-winning a cappella ensemble CHANTICLEER, as their exquisite harmonies fill NJPAC’s Victoria Theater with holiday magic. Known for their seamless blend and stunning range, Chanticleer brings centuries of music to life—from Renaissance madrigals to festive Christmas carols.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/chanticleer
TRISHA PAYTAS: ‘TRISHMAS LIVE’
Thursday, December 12th at 8:00 P.M.
Internet sensation and pop culture icon TRISHA PAYTAS brings her one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle, ‘TRISHMAS LIVE!,’ to NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. Expect glittering musical numbers, outrageous comedy, and unforgettable surprises in this festive celebration that’s as over-the-top as Trisha herself. Get ready for an unforgettable experience with the cultural icon as she captivates audiences with her unique and magical holiday extravaganza!
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/trisha-paytas-trishmas-live
NIMBUS DANCE’s breathtaking ‘JERSEY NUTCRACKER’
Friday, December 12th at 7:00 P.M. and Saturday
December 13th at 2:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M.
Experience the magic of the holidays with Nimbus Dance’s ‘JERSEY NUTCRACKER’ at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater, in three performances. This vibrant reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet swaps snowy Russia for the streets of New Jersey, blending dazzling dance, humor, and heart. With stunning sets, animated projections, and a story full of local flavor. Audiences will be transported in a whimsical winter wonderland. This vibrant reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet swaps snowy Russia for the streets of New Jersey, blending dazzling dance, humor, and heart.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/nimbus-nutcracker
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION and a Hilarious Conversation with CHEVY CHASE
Thursday, December 18th, at 7:30 P.M.
The holiday season is a time for creating memories with family-friendly entertainment with a screening of ‘NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION’ and a special live conversation with comedy legend CHEVY CHASE and his wife Jayni at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved holiday classic, plus highlights from Chevy’s iconic career on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and Caddyshack which is sure to bring laughter and joy.
CHRISTMAS WITH CECE WINANS LIVE IN CONCERT
Friday, December 19th at 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, December 20th at 8:00 P.M.
Don’t miss the soul-stirring holiday gospel sensation of CECE WINANS as she will perform for two nights to what will be a sold out audience, just days before Christmas, bringing the spirit of the season to life at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. The 12-time GRAMMY® winner fills the stage with her powerful voice, performing beloved hits and soul-stirring holiday classics with special guest Roman Collins.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/cece-winans
KWANZAA FAMILY FESTIVAL & ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
FREE FAMILY EVENT
Saturday Dec 20: 1:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
NJPAC comes alive with free family programming and a spectacular holiday market with FREE interactive events for the entire family. Enjoy performances from local dance troupes, KWANZAA rituals, dancing and drumming classes, exquisite face painting, storytelling and more to enchant all ages! At the same time, local artists and designers will sell handcrafted clothing and hats, jewelry, candles, home decor, natural beauty products, crystals and more. The Marketplace will be open until 11PM.
Register for the Kwanzaa Family Festival at njpac.org/about/community-engagement/kwanzaa-festival-and-marketplace
COLIN MOCHRIE & ASAD MECCI STAR: ‘HYPROV: IMPROV UNDER HYPNOSIS’
Saturday, December 20th at 8:00 P.M.
‘HYPROV’ is IMPROV UNDER HYPNOSIS’ — For an extraordinary twist on comedy, don’t miss “Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis,” for and a one-of-a-kind comedy experience that’s so funny, it’ll have you asking: “Is it real?” Celebrity hypnotist ASAD MECCI starts the evening by hypnotizing 20 audience volunteers. Once their inhibitions are removed and their unconscious minds are awakened, they’ll star in an original improv show alongside legendary improviser COLIN MOCHRIE (Whose Line Is It Anyway?). Anything can happen when the volunteers let loose on stage.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/hyprov-with-colin-mochrie-asad-mecci
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA: CHRISTMAS SHOW
Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 P.M.
Witness the unforgettable harmonies of the GRAMMY winning BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA who will bring their signature blend of soul, blues, and heartfelt harmonies of timeless Christmas favorites and songs from ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’ and ‘Talkin’ Christmas,’ at NJPAC’s Victoria Theater.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/blind-boys-of-alabama
LUCY DARLING OF THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, December 27th at 3:00 P.M.
Step into a world of holiday magic with ‘LUCY DARLING OF THE HOLIDAYS’ at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall. Award-winning magician and entertainer Carisa Hendrix brings her witty, glamorous alter ego to life in a sparkling variety show filled with laughter, mischief, and a dash of holiday cheer. Joined by the delightfully musical Mark Ettinger, Lucy serves up a charming blend of comedy, music, and marvels sure to delight audiences of all ages.
TICKETS: njpac.org/event/lucy-darling
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Spirituality, Social Issues, Education, Business, Health and Wellness, and Cuisine.