Broadway’s Amazing Holiday Week in 2024! 🎭✨

2019 marked Broadway’s busiest year ever, the final pre-pandemic season of record-breaking performances and sold-out theaters. Now in 2024, Broadway has staged an extraordinary comeback, reaffirming its place as the heartbeat of live entertainment. Particularly in its hallmark categories of plays and musicals, the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. This week ending December 29, 2024—Broadway’s busiest and most magical week of the year—delivered some amazing results.

For the week ending December 29, 2019, 32 plays and musicals grossed $50.5 million during this week. Fast forward to 2024, and 33 shows brought in $55.8 million, selling 306,180 tickets at an average price of $182.32. That’s over $5.3 million more than 2019—a clear sign of Broadway’s enduring appeal.

Several shows performed in both years, and it’s been fascinating to see how they’ve evolved. Wicked, boosted by excitement around its 2024 film adaptation, grew by an incredible 56.5%, grossing $5,037,392. Chicago also had a fantastic year, with a 29.3% increase. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continued to wow audiences, growing by 16.6%.

Not every show saw growth, but Moulin Rouge! and Hamilton continue to shine as Broadway powerhouses, even with slight declines in gross revenue compared to 2019 (-37.9% and -19.4%, respectively). Their continued presence and ability to captivate audiences underscore the legacy and appeal of these beloved productions.

This season saw several newcomers experiencing their first December on Broadway—and they didn’t disappoint. The Great Gatsby grossed an impressive $2,618,358.86 during the holiday week, captivating audiences with its glamorous staging and Jazz Age nostalgia. The Outsiders ($2,015,452.15), Sunset Boulevard ($1,804,291.30), and the special holiday engagement of Elf ($2,295,548.50) also performed strongly, adding fresh energy and excitement to Broadway’s busiest week of the year.

Broadway’s biggest week of the year proves the industry is not just back—it’s thriving. This holiday week outpaced the same week last year by nearly 23%, and the 2024-2025 Broadway season-to-date is outperforming the same period last year by over 16%! With record-breaking performances, packed theaters, and exciting new productions, there’s plenty to celebrate and even more to look forward to in 2025 for live theater enthusiasts!