There is no better time to come to New York City and see live theatre than late January. Why? Because not only have the masses of holiday visitors headed back home (you have more “room to roam”), Broadway also has the most ticket availability of the year for those who want to come take in a show or two! Plus, New York City attractions, restaurants, and hotels have great rates and options for you and your family to take in and explore.
Thanks to Playbill and the all-new Playbill Partner Hotels Booking Engine and in honor of Broadway Week (the semi-annual 2-for-1 ticket event taking place January 21–February 9, 2025), Playbill is celebrating the best time to bring your families to see live theatre! Here are five shows we recommend for families visiting New York this winter.
& Juliet
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
124 W. 43rd St., New York, NY
Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including Since U Been Gone‚ Roar, Baby One More Time, Larger Than Life‚ That’s The Way It Is, and Can't Stop the Feeling—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
& Juliet is recommended for ages eight and up. Children under four years old will not be admitted into the theatre. Click here for tickets and times.
Aladdin
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 W. 42nd St., New York, NY
From Disney Theatricals (the producer of The Lion King) and Casey Nicholaw (the director/choreographer of The Book of Mormon and Something Rotten!) comes the timeless story of Aladdin in a thrilling production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Based on the hit animated film, Disney's Aladdin tells the story of a street-smart urchin whose life changes suddenly when he meets a magical genie who can grant him three wishes. What he really wants is the hand of Princess Jasmine, but will that mean becoming something he's not? And can he elude the dangers that lurk around every corner?
Aladdin is recommended for ages six and up. Click here for tickets and times.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Lyric Theatre
214 W. 43rd St., New York, NY
Adventure runs in the family. When Harry Potter’s headstrong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. Experience the Wizarding World like never before from the moment you arrive; the entire theatre has been transformed with hidden surprises to discover around every corner.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is recommended for ages eight and up. Children under five years old will not be admitted into the Lyric Theatre. Click here for tickets and times.
The Lion King
Minskoff Theatre
1515 Broadway, New York, NY
More than 110 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and based on the beloved 1994 Disney film, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.
The Lion King is recommended for ages six and up. Click here for tickets and times.
Wicked
Gershwin Theatre
222 W. 51st St., New York, NY
Winner of three 2004 Tony Awards (and a current smash-hit movie blockbuster with the second half set to hit theatres November 21, 2025), Wicked is a Broadway phenomenon that looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. With a thrilling score that includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” Wicked transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story and opulent physical production.
Wicked is recommended for ages eight and up, and children under the age of five will not be admitted into the Gershwin Theatre. Click here for tickets and times.
Are you coming to New York City during Broadway Week (or anytime soon) and need a great hotel close to the action? Playbill Partner Hotels is thrilled to recommend: The Paramount Hotel Times Square, with rates starting at $154 a night.
Want a fun place to take the family that’s close to the hotel and Broadway theatres? We also recommend: the M&M Store. Positioned in the heart of Broadway, M&M's Times Square is officially the hottest performance in town! Guests can choose from 15 different colors and one mix blend, as well as select two images and create two customized messages to feature on their personalized M&M's blend.
There are many more shows we recommend, hotels to stay at, and incredible attractions to take your family (or yourselves) to! Keep checking back monthly as we continue sharing things to do in NYC (and London)!
Interested in a trip to New York City or London? Using our Booking Engine to find the right hotel for your stay. Powered by Travelwits, the booking engine allows you to discover the best hotels in both cities, with added benefits like hotel credits, free breakfasts, rewards points, and more. Check out the fantastic hotels available to book and make your experience that much more enjoyable!
