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Celebrate the Holidays at MPAC

originally published: 10/22/2024


(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- The holiday season is just around the corner and Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has a variety of concerts and performances sure to spice up the season, from classic stories like A Charlie Brown Christmas to classic artists such as Johnny Mathis to the holiday classic, New Jersey Ballet's The Nutcracker.  Whether with family, friends or co-workers, make a night (or matinee) of it at MPAC for holiday cheer!

Ticketed MPAC events include:

Saturday, November 16 at 3:30pm & 7:30pm | The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays. Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Tickets range from $49-$99.

Friday, November 29 at 2:00pm & 5:00pm | A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. Everyone’s favorite TV holiday classic comes to life onstage as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest Peanuts characters uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s Emmy and Peabody award-winning story, and featuring the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi, there’s no better way for families to discover the magic of the season! Tickets range from $29-$69.

Saturday, November 30 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm | Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of the top-selling Christmas music artist in history! America’s favorite holiday celebration for four decades features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects that bring the magic of the holidays to life. Tickets range from $59-$99.




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Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30pm | The Sensational Soul Cruisers: Destination Soultown Holiday Show. It’s the ultimate holiday party! The Sensational Soul Cruisers deliver a festive mix of iconic classic soul and Motown music, along with renditions of some of your favorites holiday songs by The Temptations, Jackson 5, The Drifters, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder – plus more soulful gems and surprises. Tickets range from $29-$49.

Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30pm | Samara Joy: “A Joyful Holiday” featuring the McLendon Family. With her Grammy Award-winning Verve Records debut Linger Awhile, 20something Samara Joy cemented her status as Gen Z’s first jazz singing star. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her millions of likes on TikTok. In this holiday show, she will be joined by members of her uber-talented family to perform beautiful renditions of the songs of the season for all to enjoy. Tickets range from $39-$99.

Saturday, December 7 at 8:00pm | A Johnny Mathis Christmas. Celebrating 68 years in the music industry, legendary holiday icon Johnny Mathis sings his greatest holiday hits, romantic ballads, and personal favorites. Performing in an incredible variety of styles and categories, his sublime vocal approach to music eclipses passing fads and trends -- from music composed for stage & screen to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits in multiple languages to memorable Christmas classics, all of which has assured Johnny’s reputation as one of the most enduring vocalists in music history. Tickets range from $69-$169 LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN.

December 13-December 26 (times vary) | New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony. New Jersey Ballet's beloved annual tradition enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike with splendid dancing, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic, set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by New Jersey Symphony. Tickets range from $39-$89.

Guest Attraction: The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert with New Jersey Symphony on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30pm. The New Jersey Symphony presents Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert featuring the complete film, with the score performed live to picture. The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), and features many more of your favorite Muppet characters. This special holiday event is fun for the whole family! Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. More information is available at NJSymphony.org

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024-2025 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

Cirque

Cirque de Paris returns to MarketFair

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Cirque de Paris presented by Anouchka Bouglione returns by popular demand to Princeton under the Big Top at the MarketFair from August 21 - September 1, 2025. Join Europe's most famous circus family for an all-new and immersive circus experience returning to American soil. Tickets are on sale now for this ALL-NEW one-ring spectacle rich in French circus traditions.



Mercer

Mercer County to Host 3rd Annual Fiesta Latina

(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Mercer County Executive Dan Benson and The Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce the third annual Fiesta Latina. This celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature live music, authentic Hispanic food and craft vendors, children's activities, and more. The event takes place on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 12:00pm to 7:00pm.



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Viking 5K and Fun Run to Benefit Ocean County College Students

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ocean County College Foundation, Ocean County College Athletics, and Kean Ocean host the 2025 Viking 5K and Fun Run (rain or shine) on the Ocean County College main campus in Toms River. This exciting annual event is aimed at supporting the Foundation's mission of enhancing access to higher education through scholarships and awards for Ocean County residents.



Somerset

Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission Accepting Grant Applications for Local Arts Program

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting grant applications for the 2026 Local Arts Program (LAP). The deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025 at 4:00pm.



Enjoy

Enjoy music, craft beers, family fun at the Emlen Physick Estate during Harvest Brew Fest

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Celebrate the arrival of fall in South Jersey during Harvest Brew Fest, Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, a full day of celebration and relaxation after summer's end, presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and sponsored by PNC Bank, Madison Resorts, and Tito's Vodka. It’s all at the beautiful grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate (1048 Washington Street) in Cape May.



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