Broadway has just experienced its most successful Thanksgiving week ever, breaking both attendance and box office records in a dazzling display of holiday cheer. The industry’s total gross reached a staggering $46 million, marking a 23% increase over the previous week. With over 312,000 theatergoers filling seats—a 1.53% rise in attendance—the numbers outpaced last year’s totals, proving Broadway’s continued resilience and resurgence.
At the heart of this blockbuster week was Wicked, the long-running hit musical, which not only topped the box office but did so in spectacular fashion. Thanks to the buzz surrounding the Wicked movie adaptation and the bustling holiday crowds, the show soared to nearly $3 million in earnings—around $400,000 more than the previous week. This surge cements Wicked’s place as one of Broadway’s perennial heavyweights.
Hot on its heels was The Lion King, which earned just under $3 million with $2.88 million. Hamilton also made its presence felt, securing the third spot with $2.6 million in sales, proving its enduring popularity with theatergoers.
This Thanksgiving week wasn’t just about the old favorites, though. The musical adaptation of Elf, starring Sean Astin and Grey Henson, also had a magical run. Playing to 95% capacity at the Marquis Theatre, Elf grossed nearly $2 million—an impressive jump of $800,000 from the prior week.
In another standout performance, The Outsiders set a new house record for the ninth time at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, bringing in $1.8 million, a $400,000 increase from the previous week. Meanwhile, Back to the Future: The Musical and The Great Gatsby also enjoyed strong showings, with both shows bringing in significant earnings—$1.48 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald, continues to build momentum as it nears its December 19 opening. The revival grossed $1.6 million during its first seven-show week, signaling strong interest in the show as it prepares for its official debut.
Though the week saw massive successes across the board, not all shows experienced the same fortune. The Hills of California faced a disappointing dip, with earnings falling by $70,000 to $339,876. Similarly, A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical dropped about $80,000, and Tammy Faye—which is set to close December 8—saw a further decline of $60,000, finishing the week at a low of $259,515.
However, these small setbacks don’t diminish the overall excitement on Broadway. This record-breaking Thanksgiving week shows the industry is not just recovering post-pandemic but is flourishing in a new era, surpassing even the high-water marks of the 2018 season. The holiday season is officially in full swing, and Broadway is delivering an unforgettable lineup for theatergoers of all ages.
