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Holidays in New York City - Events, Theater, Ice Skating, and More

If you're spending the 2013 holidays in NYC, you won't want to miss these annual events and special performances that make the Big Apple one of the merriest places on the planet. Check back for updates!

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It’s not the holiday season in New York City until the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been lit. This year, the Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Wednesday, December 4th, with scheduled musical performers and celebrity appearances Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Goo Goo Dolls, Ariana Grande, and Jewel. The tree remains on view through January 7th.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

And while you’re visiting the tree, make sure to lace up your skates and get on the ice at that world-famous Rink at Rockefeller Center (Fifth Ave. btw. 49th & 50th Sts., 212-332-7654), still magical after all these years.
   
There are several other skating options around town. In Central Park alone there are two: Wollman Rink (enter the park at Central Park South/59th St. & Sixth Ave., 212-439-6900) and Trump-LaskerRink (near 110th St. & Lenox Ave., 917-492-3857; ice fee, $2.25 to $6; skate rental, $5.25). Winter Village at Bryant Park is free (skate rental is $14), and part of a larger complex that includes shops and a lounge (Sixth Ave. btw. 40th & 42nd Sts., 212-661-6640).

A Slice of Brooklyn’s Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour

Through December 31st, A Slice of Brooklyn’s 3-1/2-hour Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour highlights the festive homes of Dyker Heights, the Italian-American section of Brooklyn made famous in the PBS documentary Dyker Lights and seen on TLC’s Crazy Christmas Lights. The tour, which departs from Union Square in Manhattan, also stops for a delicious cannoli and hot chocolate from an authentic, Brooklyn neighborhood pastry shop. The multimedia presentation includes vintage Christmas variety specials like Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and more. Call 212-913-9917 or click here for reservations. Use promo code CITYGUIDE when purchasing tickets and receive $3 off tickets.


   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No holiday vacation to NYC is complete without a viewing of the 86th annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Fan favorites include "New York at Christmas," where the Rockettes board a real double-decker bus and the high-energy tap number, "Twelve Days of Christmas." Of course, beloved classics like "The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity" will also be back. 

If the kids want some time with Santa to whisper their special wishes, Spirit Cruises has a special Lunch with Santa Cruise that sets sail at noon on Saturday, Dec. 14! Last chance to dine with Santa is with Circle Line Downtown's Breakfast with Santa aboard the Zephyr on Sat., Dec. 14.

New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show
Photo by Ivo M.Vermeulen

Running now through January 12th, the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Holiday Train Show is one of the city’s most cherished family-friendly traditions, with charming model trains and New York City landmark replicas made of plant parts such as nuts, bark, and leaves. This year’s edition features more trains than ever before, and a new holiday dining experience inspired by the historic streets of New York. Open Tues.-Sun., 10am-6pm.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet

Photo: Paul Kolnik

At Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theatre through January 1st, the New York City Ballet’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker serves as the heart of the city’s year-end holiday season. From the moment the lights dim, you’ll be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets, and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.

On Location Tours is known for offering some of the best movie- and TV-related tours of NYC, including their Sopranos and Sex and the City tours. Every Thursday through Saturday through January 4th, their Holiday Lights & Movie Sites tour features some of the most iconic NYC sites from films such as Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street, Serendipity, Elf, Scrooged, and many others. Thurs. & Fri., 6pm; Sat. 4pm.

The Big Apple Circus returns to Lincoln Center with Luminosity

Now in its 36th season, the Big Apple Circus presents its latest show, LUMINOCITY, under their intimate Big Top at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, where, famously, no seat is more than 50 feet from ringside. Ringmaster John Kennedy Kane pulls out all the stops with clowns, acrobats, animals, jugglers, live music, and more. Visit website for playing schedule and to reserve tickets. Amsterdam Ave. & W. 62nd St., 888-541-3750; bigapplecircus.org

Here are some other great NYC holiday events to make sure not to miss.

Handel's Messiah at Lincoln Center -Dec. 17-21

A Very Jewish Christmas at Gotham Comedy Club - December 24

New Year's Eve with Roy Wood, Jr. at Gotham Comedy Club - December 31

New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise - Circle Line Downtown - December 31

New Year's Eve 2013 Fireworks Cruise - CitySightseeing Cruises - December 31

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