Ellen’s Stardust Diner Sets the Stage for a Festive Season of Broadway Magic

Press release

The iconic Times Square musical diner is introducing a new theatrical Halloween experience, as well as the return of fan favorites including Wicked Wednesday, its dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration, and so much more.

Plus – back by popular demand, the diner announces new November and 2026 dates for the hit MAMMA MIA! brunches.

New York, NY – Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the famed Times Square retro-themed diner home of the original world-famous singing waitstaff, the Stardusters, announces an exciting lineup of events this fall and winter that blends Broadway magic and festive flair. From the brand-new Rocky Horror Show: Live! at Ellen’s Stardust Diner to returning favorites like Wicked Wednesday, the official MAMMA MIA! brunches, special holiday menus, and a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration, the diner will welcome thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to join in the music, dining, and celebrations all season long.

“We know how to have fun here at the diner and can’t wait to welcome New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world this season. There’s nothing like live performances by our talented Stardusters to lift the spirit – making every holiday feel brighter. We have a lot in store from Halloween to New Year’s Eve, so there’s something for everyone this holiday season,” said Ellen Hart, Founder of Ellen’s Stardust Diner and Miss Subway 1959.

Special events at the diner from October to December 2025, and beyond are listed below. Visit www.ellensstardustdiner.com for all the latest updates:

• The Rocky Horror Show: Live! at Ellen’s Stardust Diner (Friday, October 31 & Saturday, November 1) – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for two nights only, the diner will transform into an immersive performance space for a full-scale, live production of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical, The Rocky Horror Show. Featuring the vocal and theatrical talents of the Stardusters, this late-night staging offers audiences an up-close, high-energy interpretation of the beloved rock musical in a truly one-of-a-kind venue. Unlike traditional shadow cast screenings, this is a complete, fully rehearsed stage production, performed live with all the iconic songs, outrageous characters, and audience interaction that make Rocky Horror a cultural phenomenon. Costumes are encouraged, prop packets will be on hand, and the whole diner will be dressed to thrill. This after-dark event is for ages 18+, with doors opening at 11 p.m. Tickets for the October 31 show can be purchased here and the November 1 show here and are priced at $51 for admission which includes fees and taxes.

• Wicked Wednesday! (Wednesday, November 19) – Ellen’s Stardust Diner is casting a spell over Times Square as Wicked: For Good soars into theaters with the return of the crowd favorite Wicked Wednesday. All day long on November 19th, the Stardusters will be decked out in green and pink, with Glinda and Elphaba themselves even making a special appearance to lead the showstopping fun. From “The Wizard and I” to the iconic “Defying Gravity,” get ready for a day of Wicked fun. Plus, because no day in Oz is complete without a little indulgence, Ellen’s is serving up two limited-edition shakes ($18) inspired by Oz’s iconic witches. Available from Wednesday, November 19 through Sunday, November 23, guests will have the choice between an Elphaba Green Shake or Glinda Pink Shake. The question remains….witch shake will you choose?

• Special Holiday Menus at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – Opened 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight, the diner will be serving classic diner fare the whole family will love on Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and more, featuring specially curated holiday menu items.

• Ellen’s Stardust Diner’s New Year’s Eve Party in Times Square (Wednesday, December 31) – Ring in 2026 at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, where the world-famous singing waitstaff will keep the party going all night long. Tickets include entry to the diner located in the heart of Times Square, a 3-course meal, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests will also have access to a full cash bar throughout the night and can watch the ball drop from inside on the diner’s screens or right outside from the streets of Time Square. With nonstop music and Stardust magic, Ellen’s is the place to celebrate this New Year’s Eve. Tickets are available for $295 (plus taxes, fees and 20% gratuity) and can be purchased here.

• The Official MAMMA MIA! Brunch Series (November 2025 through February 2026) – Since debuting in May 2025, Ellen’s Stardust Diner's MAMMA MIA! Brunch has become a Super Trouper smashing success, selling out fast and drawing superfans eager to dine, sing, and dance along in true ABBA-style. Back by popular demand (thank you for the music!), the diner has added more dates through February 2026 – most dates taking place on a Sunday – so nobody has to miss the party. Grab your friends, channel your inner Dancing Queen, and snag your spot before tickets sell out. Tickets for all shows can be purchased here.

The world-famous Stardusters are the soundtrack of the season, with many alumni going on to Broadway stardom, like Marla Mindelle of Titanique, Alex Grayson of Parade, Anne Fraser Thomas of the upcoming Queen of Versailles and many more.

For those looking to get ahead on holiday shopping, Ellen’s Stardust Diner merchandise, including the popular new tote bag everyone is talking about and limited-edition Holiday ornament keepsakes, is now available online here.

Located at 1650 Broadway, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is open 365 days a year from 7 am to midnight every day.

For more information on Ellen’s Stardust Diner, visit www.ellensstardustdiner.com and Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.