The holidays are just around the corner. Peppermint is in the air, twinkle lights are on every corner, and people seem to be just a little bit happier. There’s something magical about the holiday season, and musical theatre is one of the perfect mediums to express that magic with. Keeping this in mind, and using my own “Broadway Holiday” playlist as my guide, I have compiled a list of some musical theatre albums that will make a great addition to any holiday playlist!

1. Various Broadway Casts, Broadway’s Carols for a Cure         

A new CD is released annually in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and it features the casts of current Broadway shows singing your favourite holiday tunes – sometimes with a twist!

2. Kristin Chenoweth, A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas

The pint-sized diva infuses this album with her classic blend of personality and talent. It’s one of my favourite holiday albums!

3. Various Artists, Broadway Cares: Home For The Holidays

Another CD created in support of BC/EFA, this one features some of the all-time best performers of the Great White Way singing classic holiday tunes.

4. Elf: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

Confession time: Elf is one of my favourite Christmas movies. So listening to an entire musical based off of it? My idea of a great time!

5. Various Artists, The Odd Potato: The Broadway Album

This album tells the story of Rachel and Sammy Levy, who try to remind their grieving father of the joy in Hanukkah. Narrated by Judd Hirsch and featuring the voices of Broadway stars, it’s a great addition to any holiday collection!

6. White Christmas (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

A romantic comedy musical set around Christmastime, White Christmas is a favourite of mine and an album I enjoy listening to over and over again, especially around the holidays!

7. Idina Menzel, Holiday Wishes

This CD features a great mix of different holiday songs, none of which will ever be quite the same to you once you’ve heard Idina belting them!

8. Various Artists, Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas

Cast members from Jersey Boys singing holiday songs in the style of Frankie Valli? Sign me up!

9. Various Artists, A Broadway Christmas

A CD that has taken the best Christmas numbers from various musicals and compiled them into one album. Genius.

10. Barbra Streisand, A Christmas Album

Barbra. Streisand. Enough said.

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What are your favourite holiday albums? How do you use musical theatre to brighten up an already festive time? Let me know in the comments!

The post A Very Broadway Holiday: 10 Albums for Your Holiday Playlist appeared first on The NewMusicalTheatre.com Green Room.