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Christmas in New York City: An Endless Array of Holiday Fun!
Enjoying Christmas in New York City ensures a holiday filled
with magic and wonder. The big apple transforms itself into an illuminated winter wonderland filled with an endless array of special activities and outings. Given that I’ve lived here for so long, I’m able and delighted to share my list of “must sees” and favorites.
HOLIDAY WINDOWS
Manhattan’s famous department stores feature holiday windows fit for a king. Christmas in New York City wouldn't be complete without a stroll past the infamous holiday windows! From depictions of famous Christmas movies to animated characters and scenes, these windows are sure to please all members of your family, young and old. Here are the ones worth seeking out.
ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE
Nothing says Christmas quite like Rockefeller Center complete with its spectacular Christmas tree, horn blowing angels, and ice skaters. Last year, there were more than 30,000 multi colored bulbs strung over more than5 miles of wire to decorate the glorious tree. The bulbs emit such beauty that there are no other ornaments on the tree except for the star on the top. Selected trees are usually 75 to 90 feet tall, and sometimes they are as high as 125 feet tall! If you are spending Christmas in New York City, this is a must! Justin Bieber is one of the scheduled performers this year!
When: The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. The fun begins at 7:00 pm and goes through 9:00 pm. (The unlit Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is scheduled to arrive on November 11.) The tree is illuminated daily from 5:30 am – 11:30 pm. and ALL day/night on Christmas Day and from 5:30 am – 9 pm on New Year’s Eve. You can enjoy the tree until Friday, January 6, 2012.
Where: Rockefeller Center is located in the center of a complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues
Fee: None. It's free!
Tip: Although the tree can be viewed around the clock, it’s best at night when you can see and appreciate the lights.
ANGEL TREE AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
This 20-foot blue spruce is beautifully decorated with 18th century Neapolitan silk-robed angels and other ornate works of art that create a nativity scene. It is truly awe inspiring. Found in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, you won't want to miss this classic that will lend a sense of serenity to your day. Another winner to add to your Christmas in New York City list. The traditional recorded music really adds to the festivities.
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82 Street.
When: Thursday, November 22, 2011 through Sunday, January 8, 2012.
The admission chart says “SUGGESTED” admission. So, pay what you wish, don’t be shy! I’ve seen people pay .25 cents!
Children under 12 years are free when accompanied by an adult.
Seniors enjoy a $10 discount, students get a $10 discount.
All New York City public school students, along with students from Bard Graduate Center, Barnard College, Columbia University, and the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, may visit the museum for free.
Admission tickets includes same-day entrance to The Cloister Museum & Gardens.
Show your Bank of America card and receive FREE admission on the first full weekend of every month!
CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES
Spending Christmas in New York affords unique opportunities for a holiday of joy, family times and worship. The Big Apple has a huge assortment of Christmas church services from which to choose including every denomination you can think of. So, if you’re looking for a place to worship, look no further. Click here for the best list in town!
THE HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden has delighted families for untold years. Every time my sister visits from Washington, DC, she insists that we see the train show, AGAIN. It has become a beloved family outing…and for good reason. Christmas in New York City is a wonderful time to see the Holiday Train Show!
The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory transforms itself into an enchanted world featuring an amazing array of New York City
landmarks, museums, ballparks, bridges, and homes, constructed by natural materials such as twigs, leaves, barks pine cones, gourds, and other things. You'll enjoy awe-inspiring replicas of the Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ellis Island and Radio City Music Hall. Traveling through this botanical menagerie are more than a dozen large-scale model trains including steam engines, circus cars, freight cars, high speed trains and more. You’ll watch them traverse this magical landscape, chugging into tunnels, traveling bridges, and sweeping under waterfalls.
TIP 1: This is the most important and only tip. Get there first thing in the morning! Given that this is such a popular event, arriving first thing ensures you a spot in the parking lot and an enjoyable visit to the train show.
Where: The New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard, Bronx.
When: November 19, 2011 through January 16, 2012. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Monday.For additional information click here.
Discounts:
Free all day Wednesday and before noon on Saturday.
Become a member! A $120 family membership includes admission for 2 adults and children under the age of 16, 8 free parking passes, 4 free guest passes, and it’s all tax deductible. There are many other member packages available.
The West Village Chorale's annual audience participation sing of Handel's Messiah will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM, in beautiful Judson Memorial Church at 55 Washington Square South at Thompson Street in Greenwich Village. Christmas in New York City would not be complete without it!
Score is provided and refreshments are served at intermission. While participation is fun, if you don't wish to sing, just come and enjoy the beautiful music. While time does not permit the singing of the entire Messiah, most of the favorite choruses are sung from all three parts of the work -- and yes, the Hallelujah Chorus is always sung!
Price: $15, and $10 for seniors and students. Tickets are NOT available in advance, but can be purchased at the door. Call 212-517-1776 for more information.
Handel's Messiah at Trinity Church
Trinity Church hosted the New World premier of the Messiah in 1770. So can there be a more fitting place to hear this glorious oratorio? I think not.
Where: Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street.
When: Sunday, December 11, 2011, 3:00 pm and Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Price: $30 - $50, but watch my blog for upcoming discounts.
GEORGE BALANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKER
A holiday, fantasy classic that music be seen by everyone at least once. I’ve seen it at least 10 times—no joke—and will see it again this year. Who can get enough of the marching toy soldiers, the adorable mice, the sugar plum fairy, the dreamy snowstorm, the awesome sets, the giant Christmas tree, and, of course Tchaikovsky’s transporting music? It’s an unforgettable experience that is sure to mesmerize everyone! Enjoying The Nutcracker during your Christmas in New York City, or any other time, will make it a perfect day.
Where: Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts
When: November 25, 2011 through December 31, 2011
Discounts:
Group discounts of 20 and more. It’s worth getting a group together for this!
The School Tix program offers discount tickets to the Nutcracker!
For more information, call 212-870-4071 or Click here.
THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
You can't spend Christmas in New York City without enjoying the
Radio City Spectacular! Experience the world-famous Radio City Rockette's signature eye high kicks and precision choreography in multiple show stopping numbers! This year's show features a new 3D live scene. Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, 212-307-1000.
Discounts:
1) Click here for my huge list of theater discount resources!
2) Watch my blog for discount updates!
3) Goldstar offers lots of discounts to this show.
4) Check out discounts at School Tix.
5) Join Play by Play for $109 per year, and tickets are just $4, when offered!
6) Use your AAA card (Automobile Association of America) by using code AAANOV and save $15 on tickets to select performances.
7) Use code "BBNOV" to save 25% on select performances through December 9.
8) Get discounted tickets at Score Big!
9) Mention code "MNR" when you order full-price tickets to select performances, and for each select ticket you purchase you'll save $10 and receive a FREE round-trip rail ticket on Metro-North Railroad, good for off-peak travel to/from your boarding station and Grand Central Terminal.
10) Get two-for-one tickets on select tickets and performances by using code MCDC online, in person, or by calling 866-858-0777.
CHRISTMAS SHOWS ON BROADWAY!
PETER PAN
What could be more magical than enjoying a wonderful performance of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby? It's playing at Madison Square Garden from December 14-30! The New York Times says "Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized." Peter Pan is filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The legend you thought you knew, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible...Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan! This show will really top off your Christmas in New York City! Discounts::
1-Subscribe to our free blog to receive up-to-the minute discount ticket news!
2-Find discounts at Theater Mania.
3-If you have a AAA card (Automobile Association of America), use code AAAPP and save 25% on select tickets.
4-Tickets start at $25 at the School Tix program.
5-Get discount tickets through Goldstar.
6-Save up to 50% off tickets to select performances through December 24, 2011 by using code MCDPAN. Visit theateratmsg.com/mcdpan to purchase tickets.
HOLIDAY VINTAGE SUBWAY AND BUS RIDES!
Mark your calendar during this magical holiday season for the annual “Nostalgia Shoppers Special Train” offered by the MTA. This is a wonderful tradition to start for Christmas in New York City! Train enthusiasts, vintage lovers and children of all ages will love this historic ride on a classic antique subway train available for just a few weeks this time of year. You'll see and feel it all including wicker seats, old subway ads, etc. You'll be transported back to another time.
You can hop a train about every hour and a half starting at 10:00 am on the 6 Avenue line between the Queens Plaza and 2 Avenue stations. Unfortunately, you'll pay today's regular rates! But, considering all the fun that you and your family will have, it's a bargain! Click here for details.
Trains stop at:Queens Plaza 23 St-Ely Av Lexington Av/53 St 5 Av/53 St 47-50 Sts/Rockefeller Center 42 St Bryant Park 34 St Herald Sq 23 St (6 Av) 14 St (6 Av) W 4 St Wash Sq B’way-Lafayette St 2 Av F Line
Love trains? Visit the 10th ANNUAL GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW!!Click here for details.
VINTAGE BUSES:
You can also enjoy a ride on a vintage bus! They run on weekdays in the late morning and mid-afternoon on these routes: B1, B65, S61, Q13, Q46, M34, M42, Bx7, and Bx30.
It's not Christmas or Christmas in New York City without seeing Frank Capra's perennial Christmas staple, "It's a Wonderful Life." Join the International Film Center's annual screening of this classic film and leave feeling up, up, up!
Where: 323 Sixth Avenue at West 3rd Street.
When: Wednesday, December 21 - Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Price: $8 - $13. Watch my blog for discount prices and for other great ideas for Christmas in New York City!
Cruise with Santa: Meet Santa in a most unique way, with Circle Line. Hop aboard with 1 unwrapped child's gift per person and a mere $3.00 and you and your family will enjoy a ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. While on board, you'll enjoy complimentary milk & cookies as you listen to the tunes of the joyful holiday. In addition, all children will take a FREE personal picture with Santa. What a great memento of your Christmas in New York City!
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011 Board: 10:30 am Sail: 11:00 - 1:00 (2 hrs.) Admission: $3.00 per person + donate 1 unwrapped toy per child.All toys will be donated to Toys For Tots. After all, isn't this what the holiday is all about? Click here to buy tickets or for more information.Limit: 2 children per adult
Macy’s Santaland 151 W. 34th Street, 8th Floor New York, NY 10001 212-494-4495 Macy’s Santaland is open daily from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm beginning the day after Thanksgiving through December 24th, 2011. Chat with Santa, tell him what's on your holiday list, and have your photo taken with him--all free!
You can also enjoy the wonderful Puppet Theater. Admission is $5.00, free for children under 2! With More than 9 shows per day, it's a great way to celebrate Christmas in New York City! Open Fridays through Sundays only. For showtimes and more information, call 212-494-4495 or visit macys.com/believe.
Breakfast with Santa at Rockefeller Center Between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues Visit with Santa Claus and his elves after enjoying a session of ice skating at Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. To top off your visit, enjoy a unique holiday breakfast experience with special guests! Ticket prices start at $45 for adults and $40 for children. Be sure and make advanced reservations from November 26 through December 21, 2011! Watch my daily daily/blog for discounts! Click here for more information or to make reservations. Can there be anything more festive while spending Christmas in New York City then skating in Rockefeller Center and Breakfast with Santa? I think not!
Bloomingdale’s Santaland 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street New York, New York 212-705-2000 Visit the 8th Floor of Bloomingdale's to meet Santa will and take great photos. Available from November 25th - December 24th, 2011 from Noon - 6:00 pm.
Santa on the South Street Seaport Fulton & South Streets, Pier 17 New York, New York 10038 212-SEA-PORT Visit the South Street Seaport where your children can enjoy a Santa Story Hour in the Pier 17 atrium's third floor from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday from November 28th - December 20th. Take time to tell Santa what you'd like for Christmas and snap pictures for your memory book! Free.
3rd ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA!
Does anything say Christmas in New York City better than a Gingerbread House wonderland? See the gorgeous creations of local bakeries, food trucks and restaurants made of yummy marshmallows, gum drops, candy canes and more! And your visit is FREE! This year's theme is "Movies Made in New York." Vote for your favorite house for $1, and be entered to win a 5 night stay at the Parker Palm Springs. All money benefits City Harvest, the world's first food rescue organization dedicated to feeding the city's hungry, men, women, and children.
December 1, 2011 - January 9, 2012
Le Parker Meridien New York Hotel
56th Street Lobby
119 West 56 Steet
212-245-5000 Click here for details.
FREE HOLIDAY READING OF ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS' WITH LEGENDARY JAZZ BASSIST RON CARTER
The Church of the Intercession Broadway & West 155th Street Be part of New York's oldest Christmas tradition, a holiday reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas,' with legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter on Sunday, December 18, 2011, at 4:00 pm. There will be a slide show presentation at 3pm and prelude music at 3:30 pm. Following the reading, join St. Nicholas in a lanternprocession and wreath-laying at author Clement ClarkeMoore’s tomb at Trinity Church Cemetery & Mausoleum, located across the street from the church. A reception follows. Call 212.283.6200 or log on to intercessionnyc.org for more information.
EASY TRANSPORTATION FOR CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK CITY EVENTS
By Foot: Use your handy street map and follow the easiest route to your outing. Walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the sights and smells of Christmas in New York City.
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Loved The Nutcraker
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I took my little girl to see The Nutcracker. it was awesome and very magical. I would recommend it to anyone but especially someone with a daughter. There ...
