The Met’s 90-minute Magic Flute for families returns Dec. 11 with free open houses

Mozart’s The Magic Flute is back at Lincoln Center for the holidays in a shortened version from the Metropolitan Opera, playing Dec. 11, 2026, through Jan. 2, 2027. Sung entirely in English, the show wraps up in a bit less than an hour and a half and is pitched as an introduction to opera for all ages.

Julie Taymor, the Tony Award winner who directed The Lion King on Broadway, staged this production. Her signature puppets give the opera’s mythical creatures their shape, set among bold scenery and brightly colored costumes.

The fairy tale follows a prince and an offbeat bird-catcher who set out together to rescue a princess.

Free family extras at the Met

Before every matinee, children can have their faces painted at no charge. The opera house will also give out free activity books and set up themed spots for photos, and families can download activities to keep going at home.

Magic Flute Holiday Open Houses: Dec. 13 and Dec. 19

The Met’s yearly Holiday Open Houses are tied to two matinees: the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, Dec. 13, and the 1 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 19. Kids and parents can try hands-on music activities and watch demonstrations led by members of the Met’s artistic and backstage staff.

The run is designed to feel relaxed and family-friendly, without the formalities some associate with a night at the opera. The Met lists its Dec. 26 matinee of The Magic Flute as a relaxed performance, according to the Metropolitan Opera.

What it means for you

Families going to the Dec. 26 matinee can choose the relaxed performance, the Metropolitan Opera says on its Magic Flute page.