Magic Show NYC: How to Maximize Your Trip to The Broadway Magic Hour
Looking for something fun and magical to do with the family in New York City? Well, you need to know about the Broadway Magic Hour – an absolutely mesmerizing hour of illusion and wonder in NYC's Theatre District that has been attracting people of all ages for over a year now.
This is not your run-of-the-mill magic show. It’s an hour of pure entertainment combining stunning illusions, belly laughs, and the type of audience involvement that will ensure your kids talk about it for months.
I'm not only a fan of the show, I'm also one of the performers, so I can definitely share some insider tips in order to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
Get Those Tickets Early — Seriously
Here’s the thing about quality family entertainment in NYC: it’s more difficult to find than you might realize. Broadway Magic Hour hits that sweet spot that very few performances occupy, which makes its shows often sell out in advance. Reserve your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
Saturday shows? Forget it if you delay until the last possible moment. Holiday times are even trickier. Do yourself a favor and book early — your future self will appreciate you for it.
Just Show Up a Little Early (Super Important)
The Broadway Comedy Club in Times Square has this warm, welcoming feel that doesn’t always come across in bigger venues.
If you arrive 20–30 minutes early, you can grab a drink, let the kids take in the stage setup, and just breathe for a moment before the magic starts. Watching your children’s eyes light up as they notice the props and set-up is pretty magical in itself. Plus, we often have an expert close-up magician strolling through the venue wowing the early birds with some eye-popping sleight-of-hand! You don't want to miss that.
Your Children Could Be Included in the Show
That’s where Broadway Magic Hour truly shines. The magicians perform with audiences, not at them.
Children are invited on stage to perform tricks, and in the climax of this spectacular finale, a lucky child actually floats in the air. (Yes, really.) If you have little ones who love the spotlight, they’re going to absolutely eat this up.
Making It a Times Square Adventure
One of the best things about this show is that it runs for just an ideal one hour. It doesn’t drag on, which makes it easy to build a whole day around.
Grab lunch beforehand, enjoy the show, and then head into Times Square or nearby attractions. It’s the kind of flexible entertainment that pays off beautifully for family time.
Do Not Skip the Meet-and-Greet
Once the show ends, stick around for photos with the magicians.
This can be one of the highlights of your visit. The performers are genuinely happy to meet everybody -- kids, parents, and grandparents -- and those photos are keepsakes worth framing.
What Makes This Show Special
It’s also legitimately magical. Jim Vines (from Penn & Teller: Fool Us) and Carl Mercurio (Mohegan Sun) bring serious expertise earned from years of experience to the stage.
We’re talking stunningly visual magic, mind-reading, sleight of hand, and illusions that will leave you scratching your head. But what really sets it apart is the comedy woven in — it entertains parents just as much as kids.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for that perfect family-friendly event that’s just as fun for a 6-year-old as for a 60-year-old, the Broadway Magic Hour has it.
It’s real, joyful fun right in the heart of Manhattan that you'll remember forever.
Ready to flip your NYC trip on its head with a little magic? Get your tickets to the Broadway Magic Hour now.
