Stumped on what to get that last person on your gift list? Check out TicketSmarter’s handy 2023 Holiday Gift Guide and plan an evening around one of these incredible live events.
Start by thinking about what makes them happy like the music they listen to, that podcast they sent you a few months ago, and the movies or shows they’re obsessed with. Then, see if you can cross an item off their bucket list and win the coveted “Gift of the Year” title.
For the Family
The biggest considerations when you are planning a family outing are the age and attention span of each kiddo. If you are a Disney family, then definitely check out tour dates for the next Disney on Ice show. This family-friendly ice show is constantly on the road bringing classic characters to life although you should be wary of the shock and occasional tears associated with kids meeting a costumed performer for the first time.
If your kids are always on YouTube watching tricks and bloopers, consider getting tickets for The Harlem Globetrotters or a circus show. The high-flying stunts will hold their attention and might impress you too! Monster Truckz is another great option for older kids who are comfortable with loud noises and bright lights.
For the Teen That’s Hard to Please
Have teenagers that are too old for the family-friendly shows, but too young to go to a big event on their own? You’re in luck. There are a ton of artists headlining tours next year that you might recognize from their playlists like Melanie Martinez, AJR, Tate McRae and Hozier. Disney Channel alum Olivia Rodrigo will have one of 2024’s top tours thanks to the success of her new album, GUTS.
If you’re located near one of the cities on Taylor Swift’s schedule next year, then you are probably already in deep negotiations with your teen. We have plenty of resale tickets available if you really want to win the holiday. Broadway musicals on tour like Mean Girls, films in concert like Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and sporting events are other solid choices. Just don’t count on your teen taking you as their plus-one!
For the Comedy Lover
If your favorite comedian hasn’t announced a tour, just wait. There are plenty of talented comics going on tour in 2024 from old-school guys like Mike Epps on the We Them Ones Comedy Tour to rising stars like Nate Bargatze. Matt Rife has sold out nearly all his dates, making that a hot ticket too.
For the Rocker
From classic rock to metal, there are a ton of great rock tours starting or continuing into 2024. Eagles, Foreigner and KISS are all on farewell tours. Aerosmith is as well, but their tour is currently postponed. For a double-whammy concert, take a look at Journey and Toto’s tour that starts in February or Lynyrd Skynyrd who is hitting the road with ZZ Top and Black Stone Cherry.
Creed also recently announced a tour with support from Smashing Pumpkins, 3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven on select dates. For a hard rock or metal fan, Iron Maiden and Pantera will both return to the stage in 2024.
For the Country Music Fan
It’s a great time to be a country music fan with superstars like Kenny Chesney, Chris Stapleton and Blake Shelton touring the US next year. Lainey Wilson, who recently earned the title of Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards, will also be hitting the road, promoting her 2023 Album of the Year, Bell Bottom Country.
Other popular artists like Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown will be touring too giving audiences the chance to see the genre’s biggest hitmakers take the stage for shows and festivals throughout the year. Check out our country music concert page to see who else is coming to your city.
For the Sports Fanatic
From college football bowl games to the Super Bowl, the next few months bring some of the biggest events of the sporting calendar. The NBA and NHL are also in full swing and college basketball is entering conference play around the start of the year.
Surprise the hard-to-please sports fan with tickets to see their favorite team or make a new family tradition with a holiday game. If you plan an outdoor event in the cold, throw in a pair of nice gloves too, or a new team beanie as a stocking stuffer.
For the Theater Enthusiast
If you are looking for a slightly elevated outing, check out touring Broadway shows and other productions at local theatres. You could catch a showing of a captivating biopic like TINA – The Tina Turner Musical or MJ – The Musical. Jukebox musicals like Moulin Rouge or Mamma Mia! make for a great date night using popular songs to tell new stories on the stage.
If you are devoted to competition shows, look for listings like Dancing With the Stars Live which typically embarks on tour between seasons. Podcast hosts also tour often sharing stories, performing stand-up or even recording live segments on the road.
TicketSmarter Gift Cards
If none of these gift ideas hit a chord, gift cards are always a great option. TicketSmarter uses a program called GiftYa which allows you to purchase and personalize a gift card in any amount that they can use to choose their own event.
If you go this route, they can select from more than 125,000 live events on our platform and use the virtual gift card to redeem their tickets. This way you can give the perfect gift, without having to sneak peeks at their calendar to confirm they’re free on a specific day.
Give the Gift of Live Entertainment
This holiday season, TicketSmarter urges you to think outside the box. Make new memories with your friends and family with help from our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide or add a few items to your own wish list before you send it off to Santa.
