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The Rascals are coming to Newton, NJ, for the holidays, bringing their show Rockin’ the Holidays to the Newton Theatre on Thursday, December 17, 2026. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. at 234 Spring Street, Newton. Ticket prices were not posted on the theatre’s events list when we checked, so check skypac.org for tickets or call the box office at 973-940-6398.
If you grew up on “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin'” and “People Got To Be Free,” this is a rare chance to hear those songs in a historic small-town theatre a week before Christmas. Here is what our team confirmed about the show, the band and planning your night out in Newton.
The Rascals at the Newton Theatre: the details
- What: The Rascals: Rockin’ the Holidays
- When: Thursday, December 17, 2026. Doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.
- Where: The Newton Theatre, 234 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860
- Tickets: skypac.org or 973-940-6398
Note the earlier start. Most evening concerts at the Newton Theatre open doors at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show, but the theatre’s current events list shows this one starting an hour earlier, at 7 p.m.
Who are The Rascals?
The Rascals are one of the defining American bands of the 1960s. Presenters on their 2026 tour describe them as widely considered the best “blue-eyed soul” group to come out of that decade, and list their honors as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The numbers behind that reputation: 17 Top 20 hits, seven Top 10 hits and three No. 1 hits, “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin'” and “People Got To Be Free,” according to the Mayo Performing Arts Center’s listing for the band’s 2026 60th anniversary tour stop in Morristown this past September.
That same 2026 tour was headlined by original frontman Felix Cavaliere. The Mayo listing also noted that co-founder Gene Cornish has retired from performing. The Newton Theatre had not posted a lineup for the December show when we checked, so if seeing a particular member matters to you, ask the box office before you buy.
What to expect from a Rascals holiday show
The theatre bills the night as “Rockin’ the Holidays,” so expect a holiday flavor on top of the classics. The Newton Theatre has not published a set list, and we will not guess at one. What we can say is that a Rascals catalog built on soul, R&B and organ-driven rock lends itself to a feel-good December night out, and the band’s biggest hits are the reason most people buy a ticket.
The Newton Theatre itself is part of the appeal. It is an intimate, historic venue on Spring Street in downtown Newton, run by SKYPAC, and a smaller room means you are a lot closer to the stage than you would be at an arena show.
More holiday shows at the Newton Theatre
The Rascals are one stop on a busy December calendar in Newton. According to the theatre’s events list, the same week also includes the Steven Page Trio on Saturday, December 12, Rocky Mountain Christmas: A John Denver Tribute ft. Ted Vigil as a Sunday matinee on December 13, From Good Homes on December 18 and 19, and Top of the World: A Carpenters Christmas Show as a Sunday matinee on December 20. See our full Newton Theatre holiday shows 2026 guide for the whole season.
Know before you go
- Tickets: Buy through skypac.org or call the Newton Theatre box office at 973-940-6398 (973-940-NEWT). Prices were not posted on the theatre’s events list when we checked in October 2026, so check skypac.org for current pricing and seating.
- Confirm the date: Some individual show pages on the theatre’s site still carry older dates in their descriptions. The theatre’s current events list is the one to trust, and it is worth a quick call to the box office if anything looks off.
- Address: The Newton Theatre, 234 Spring Street, Newton, NJ 07860.
- Weather: December in Sussex County can bring snow and ice. Give yourself extra driving time, especially on the back roads into Newton.
- Make a day of it: Spring Street and the blocks around the Newton Green have plenty of places to grab a bite before or after the show. Our guide to where to eat in Newton NJ has options for every budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are The Rascals playing in Newton NJ?
Thursday, December 17, 2026, at the Newton Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m., per the theatre’s events list.
How much are tickets for The Rascals at the Newton Theatre?
Prices were not posted on the theatre’s events list when we checked in October 2026. Check skypac.org or call 973-940-6398 for current prices.
Where is the Newton Theatre?
The Newton Theatre is at 234 Spring Street in downtown Newton, the county seat of Sussex County, NJ.
What are The Rascals’ biggest hits?
Their three No. 1 hits are “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin'” and “People Got To Be Free.” The band had 17 Top 20 hits in all.
Is Felix Cavaliere performing in Newton?
Felix Cavaliere headlined the Rascals’ 2026 tour, but the Newton Theatre had not posted a lineup for this show when we checked. Ask the box office to confirm.
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Primary sources for this guide: Newton Theatre (SKYPAC) events list, The Rascals event page at skypac.org and the Mayo Performing Arts Center Rascals 60th anniversary tour listing.
Featured photo: stock image of a concert crowd, for illustration only. Photo by Lisa Fotios via Pexels.
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