Just FYI, the Nutcracker is by the NYC Ballet, not ABT (well, they choreograph a version sometimes, but it's at BAM this year, the traditional NYC Nutcracker is always done by the NYCB). Tickets will be about the same $ though.
As for what show, the Nutcracker (NYCB) is definitely a Christmas thing, and they do it right. The tickets are no cheaper than the Wicked you found, and probably more expensive, unless you're sitting high in the sky.
However - first, do you definitely only want the matinee?
Second, if you're open to stuff but don't want to spend a lot, just go TKTS and see whatever's available that day. Go to the one down by John St., NOT the one in Times Sq. A lot of times on Sundays you can get better PM tix in the morning but if you need matinee, you'll find something.
Or, splash out on Hugh Jackman, it's worth it.