The World’s 15 Best Festive Dinners & Christmas Shows

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

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

Spend an hour with the Classic Ensemble Vienna in St. Peter’s Church, a Baroque landmark in central Vienna. Expect works by Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert, including Eine kleine Nachtmusik and selections from The Four Seasons. Arrive early for the best seat in your ticket section, 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.Prague: 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’s choreography features soloists including Slava Burlac, Ondrej Novotny, Magdalena Matejkova, and Milan Bocek. The central location near Wenceslas Square makes this an easy evening cultural stop, especially for families and first-time balletgoers.

“This was the first ever time I had been to a ballet have to say it was a very good evening the performers were amazing. The booking of the tickets was quick and easy online would definitely recommend.”

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3.Krakow: Christmas Music Concert With Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 243 reviews · 1 hour · from $27Best value

Spend an hour with Krakow’s Royal Chamber Orchestra in the historic Dębiński tenement at Sławkowska 14. Hear seasonal music, classical pieces, and Chopin arrangements while enjoying a glass of wine. The intimate hall is reached by stairs, and the musical program may include piano, violin, flute, viola, and cello.

“Superb musicians particularly the lead violinist. Sit up near the front! Wine was surprisingly pleasant. Great way to get into the festive spirit. Music played for about 45 minutes.”

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4.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 Christmas production of vocal harmonies, dancing, violin, handbells, humor, and seasonal storytelling. The show gives special weight to the Christian meaning of Christmas, with Santa explaining the symbols of the season. Tickets cost $50 per person.

“Seeing the children and young adults singing and playing instruments. The second half narrative by Santa was very well done and very touching. Enjoyed the humor through out the program. Creative costumes and scenery, too!”

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5.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 baroque St. Peter’s Church, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Expect a string quartet and familiar classical works by Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and Strauss. The setting is intimate and beautiful, but traditional Christmas songs are not guaranteed, and the church can be cold.

“Wonderful experience. We loved it. Music was amazing. Art and talent in a place. Definitely recommended.”

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6.Salzburg: Christmas/Advent Concert & Dinner

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

Ride Salzburg’s funicular to Fortress Hohensalzburg for a festive dinner and classical concert. Expect Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Vivaldi performed by the Salzburger Advent Ensemble and internationally renowned soloists. Dinner begins at 6 pm, followed by the 8 pm concert on most dates. VIP seating and vegetarian meals are available by request.

“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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7.Salzburg: Christmas/Advent Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · from $49

Ride the funicular up Salzburg’s Festung Hohensalzburg for a 1.5-hour Advent concert featuring Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, and traditional Salzburg music. The concert begins at 8 pm, with extra 5 pm performances on December 25 and January 1. Your ticket includes the funicular ride, but not dinner or drinks.

“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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8.NYC: New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Fireworks Harbor Cruise

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

Spend New Year’s Eve on a climate-controlled City Cruises boat with a reserved table, chef-prepared buffet, open bar, live DJ, and sparkling wine toast for adults 21 and older. You’ll view the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other landmarks from the Hudson and East Rivers, with fireworks 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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9.Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg

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

At Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Fortress, you ride the funicular to a Panorama Restaurant dinner, then hear Mozart and seasonal music in historic rooms. Choose Classic, VIP, or Golden VIP dining. The evening begins at 6 pm, lasts about three and a half hours, and includes the return funicular.

“Dinner is delicious and concert is great. Just a reminder that the ticket offer you to visit the castle which will be closed at 5pm. The restaurant opens at 5:30pm which end up half an hour waiting time.”

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10.Rome: St. Paul’s Within the Walls New Year’s Concert Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 35 reviews · from $39

Spend two hours at Rome’s St. Paul’s Within the Walls hearing the Orchestra of I Virtuosi dell’opera di Roma, soprano Ms. Testa, tenor Mr. Gentili, and baritone Mr. Utzeri perform opera favorites, choruses, and waltzes. Choose a New Year’s Eve or January 1 concert, with several seating categories and Italian-language hosting.

“Excellent location to attend concerts. Very enjoyable. Singers were wonderful. The Bastogne could have used a microphone at times.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews

Hear soprano Libuse Moravcova Myratska and tenor Josef Moravec with violin and organ soloists in Prague’s St. Martin in the Wall Church. The 65-minute program mixes Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Schubert, Massenet, Mascagni, Mozart, and Christmas carols. The church is heated, wheelchair accessible, and offers seating in sections A and B.

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

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12.NYC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

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

Spend Christmas Eve on the Bateaux New York yacht, leaving from Chelsea Piers for a 2-hour brunch or 3-hour dinner. Enjoy a plated three-course meal at your private table, live music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more.

“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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13.NYC: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

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

Spend Christmas Day aboard City Cruises’ Spirit of New York, leaving from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers. Choose a two-hour brunch with unlimited mimosas or a two-and-a-half-hour dinner, both with a seasonal buffet, reserved table, DJ, games, and views of the Statue of Liberty, bridges, and Manhattan skyline.

“Very pleasant atmosphere, excellent food, very good briefing, and friendly service. The music could have been more appropriate (only music from the 90s was played, while Christmas music would have been more fitting on December 25). There was ample space for taking photos, and the ship's crew was very friendly and attentive.”

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14.Dresden: Festive Christmas Concert in the Zwinger

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

Spend 90 minutes in Dresden’s Zwinger listening to the Dresden Residenz Orchestra, directed by Prof. Igor Malinovsky. The Christmas program brings together music by Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, famous waltzes, and operetta melodies. You choose your seat in the Wallpavillon, with a bar on site and a historic setting to match the music.

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15.NYC: Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

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

Board Spirit of New York at Pier 61 for a Christmas Eve lunch or dinner cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers. You get a reserved table, seasonal buffet, unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, live DJ music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline. Alcohol costs extra.

“El servio de la tripulación, la comida y las vistas, un paseo espectacular!!! mi agradecimiento por la experiencia y lo recomiendo ampliamente.”

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