The Magic Flute at the Met Opera 2026: Holiday Family Performances

Every holiday season, the Metropolitan Opera stages an abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute designed for families. Directed by Julie Taymor (of The Lion King), it features giant puppets, flying birds and dazzling costumes, all in about 90 minutes. It’s the perfect first opera for kids.

Quick Facts

Plan Your Day

Lincoln Center is festive in December. Pair the opera with NYC Ballet’s Nutcracker next door on another day, or walk to Columbus Circle for the holiday market.

About the Production

Julie Taymor, the director and designer behind Broadway’s The Lion King, created the Met’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute in 2004. The holiday family version is shortened to about 90 minutes and sung in English, keeping the giant puppets, flying birds, dancing bears and dazzling costumes. It’s one of the best introductions to opera for children.

The Story

Prince Tamino, armed with a magic flute, sets out with the bird-catcher Papageno to rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night. Along the way they face trials of courage and wisdom, and the Queen sings one of the most famous showpieces in opera.

About the Met

The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center opened in 1966. Its red-and-gold auditorium and starburst chandeliers, which rise toward the ceiling before each performance, are a spectacle in themselves.

Tips

• Book a matinee for younger children.
• Arrive early to see the chandeliers rise.

More Holiday Shows

See every option in our best Christmas shows guide and Christmas concerts guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Met’s holiday Magic Flute 2026?

December 11, 2026 through January 2, 2027.

Is the Met holiday Magic Flute in English?

Yes, it is a 90-minute abridged version sung in English.