Holiday, Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks
Holiday Events Guide 2021: How to Save on Holiday Shows and Concerts
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and this year marks the return of festivities around the country — from local productions of The Nutcracker to traditional tree lightings.
It’s refreshing to see these beloved events return after most holiday festivities were cancelled or cut back last year. Tickets to holiday shows and concerts will be highly coveted this year, but there are still lots of ways to enjoy holiday shows affordably and create timeless memories with your loved ones.
Rakuten has partnered with Vivid Seats, the ultimate marketplace for live event tickets and experiences, to break down how to find great deals on holiday shows and concerts this year. Learn how to save money and put Cash Back in your wallet at each, from New York City’s Radio City Christmas Spectacular to Chicago’s Symphony Orchestra and upcoming events in your hometown.
How to Save Money on Holiday Shows and Concerts
Catch the holiday spirit early — and keep it going
If you don’t mind celebrating the holiday season a bit early, there is an opportunity to save big. Holiday shows that start before Thanksgiving are almost always cheaper than show dates in December.
Fans looking to catch A Christmas Carol at Alliance Theater in Atlanta can get seats in the orchestra for $120 if they’re willing to see the show before Thanksgiving. In early December, as the traditional holiday season gets into full swing, the same seats will cost $160.
Shop around for matinee tickets
Morning and matinee performances are traditionally less expensive than the same show a few hours later. For example, pit tickets at the Chicago Theatre to see Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas start at $20 less for the Saturday 1 p.m. show compared to the same seats at the evening production.
Some shows offer later performances, beginning anywhere from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. For people who have older children or are staying at a nearby hotel, this could be another way to save.
Skip weekend shows before Christmas
Saturday holiday shows and concerts will be some of the most in-demand tickets this holiday season. Sundays are also popular. It’s wise to look beyond shows on the first two weekends in December when demand for tickets is highest.
For holiday shows and concerts, weeknight tickets are almost always cheaper than those for weekend performances. For the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, you’ll save more than 25% by buying tickets for Monday, December 6, instead of Saturday, December 4.
If you purchase tickets through Vivid Seats, then you’ll get to take advantage of the Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program. You can also stack on cash savings by using Rakuten when booking tickets to earn Cash Back on your Vivid Seats purchase.
Buy now for later
Theater tickets are one of the best presents you can give for the holidays. Even if you and your loved ones can’t make it to a holiday show this season, there’s plenty of other award-winning productions to enjoy together throughout the year. But don’t miss the opportunity to earn Cash Back right now.
Cue more holiday savings for you
Get ready for the most wonderful time of year with Cash Back from Rakuten. With so many ways to earn up to 15% Cash Back this holiday season, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement. That’s why we’re gearing you up with all the right tools to prepare you for the joyous season ahead.
- Restaurants. Looking to go to a restaurant before or after the show, but don’t want to break the bank? You can earn 5% Cash Back at thousands of restaurants with Rakuten Dining, available exclusively in the Rakuten app. Not only will you feel good about enjoying the company of your loved ones, but you’ll also feel rewarded knowing you scored extra Cash Back with every sip and bite.
- Travel. Whether you’re taking a flight or staying in a hotel, Tuesdays are the best time to book travel. If you have the flexibility to leave and return during the week, then that’s where you’ll get the best airline rates. Your hotel stay should also be cheaper thanks to lower weekday rates. Find great deals on travel and vacations directly on Rakuten.
- Premade gift baskets. Gourmet Gift Baskets or Capalbo’s are the perfect gift to pair with theater tickets. The site carries several themed baskets, including wine, beer, sweet, savory and much more. Simply choose your basket, find a size you like and order away. Plus, you can earn Cash Back on your purchases.
- Family photos. Maybe attending a specific holiday show or concert is already a tradition you share with your family every year, or maybe it’s one you want to establish this year. Consider taking a photo before or after the show and giving a loved one a family photo or photo book from Snapfish or Shutterfly for the holidays. Photos from a show can also make great holiday cards.
These are just a few gift ideas for making memories with the people you love the most. You can check out more stores and additional gifting inspiration on our Holiday Gifting page.
Author: Madison Marx, Vivid Seats
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