INSIDER’S NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY GUIDE:
SHOWS:
Radio City Christmas Spectacular 1260 Avenue of the Americas (at 50th St) https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/
You’ll get a kick out of this holiday stalwart, which still features Santa, wooden soldiers and the leggy, spunky Rockettes. In recent years, new music, more eye-catching costumes and advanced technology have been introduced to bring audience members closer to the performance.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (7th Ave between W. 31st and W. 33rd St) https://www.msg.com/calendar/hulu-theater-at-madison-square-garden-december-2018-dr- seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-the-musical You’ll find your heart growing a few sizes when you watch Dr. Seuss’ whimsical holiday classic come to life on stage! Inspired by the original children’s book and featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” the Grinch, his sidekick Max and Cindy Lou Who help remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker David H Koch Theater at Lincoln Center: W 63rd St (at Columbus Ave) https://www.nycballet.com/Ballets/N/George-Balanchines-The-Nutcracker.aspx This magical 1954 production, set to Tchaikovsky's incredible score, includes the full New York City Ballet company and two casts of School of American Ballet students, as well as an onstage blizzard and a Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 40 feet. In the end, however, Balanchine's choreography is what holds it all together. It's enchanting.
A Christmas Carol at the Merchant's House 29 East Fourth St (between Bowery and Lafayette St) http://merchantshouse.org/christmascarol/
In late 1867, Charles Dickens trekked across the Atlantic to spend a month performing his Christmas classic here in NYC. The Merchant’s House Museum reenacts this one-hour performance for modern-day audiences in its old-fashioned museum. If you think A Christmas Carol is enchanting now, just wait until you see it performed by candlelight in a 19th-century home by Dickens—or rather an actor playing the part of the British author. (Bonus: Come early for mulled wine and tasty snacks!)
John Legend: A Legendary Christmas Show Monday December 3, 8PM Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (7th Ave between W. 31st and W. 33rd St) https://www.johnlegend.com/legendaryxmas/ John Legend is making his first contribution to the wellspring of holiday cheer. He brings all the classic fireplace jams—and likely some of his secular hits as well—to the stage at the Theater at MSG.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE:
Winter Village at Bryant Park Bryant Park: 42nd St (between 5th and 6th Ave) http://bryantpark.org/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at- bryant-park Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. Enjoy the Holiday Shops, a pop-up rink side food hall, and The Rink, the centerpiece of Winter Village and New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink.
Grand Central Holiday Fair *open November 12th, 2018 – December 24th, 2018; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal: 89 E. 42nd St (at Park Ave) https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/event/grand-central-holiday-fair/ For a magical, one-stop holiday-shopping experience, nothing compares to the Holiday Fair at Grand Central. The experience itself is a holiday gift. Explore one of the most beautiful architectural settings in the world featuring 40 talented artisans. The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is one of the finest, longest-running indoor holiday fairs in New York City. The Holiday Fair Committee spends the year looking for unique vendors with a focus on American-made and handmade products with locally-sourced materials or a socially-conscious business model. 40 vendors will take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for almost six weeks to sell artwork, clothing for all ages, men’s/women’s accessories, children’s clothing/toys and home goods. A range of products and price points guarantees that New Yorkers, commuters, and tourists alike can find interesting gift items for others as well as covet-worthy items for themselves. Since 1993, the Holiday Fair has been a must-shop destination during the holiday season.
Union Square Holiday Markets Union Square Park: 14th St (at Union Square West) https://www.urbanspacenyc.com/union-square-holiday-market/
The Union Square Holiday Market is an internationally renowned Holiday Market located at the heart of New York City, in Union Square Park. Hailed as a must-visit destination for unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists, millions of people browse the winding aisles each year enjoying this unique and eclectic holiday experience. Now with an upgraded look, exciting new sections like Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions, a Warming Station and Lounge Presented by Citi, a Kid’s Arts Studio by our partners at CMA and Citi, live music, and the best vendor selection in the Northeast, Union Square Holiday Market is the holiday destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike.
Holiday Train Show *Tickets required; opens November 17th, 2018 New York Botanical Garden: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/ Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials - all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives
humming past familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition showcases Lower Manhattan—the birthplace of New York City—featuring the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and iconic skyscrapers sharing the spotlight among old and new favorites. Making their debut this year are
One World Trade Center and the historic Battery Maritime Building along with two vintage ferry boats.
Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St (at 48th Ave) https://nysci.org/event/gingerbread-lane-4/ Visitors can marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy. The houses are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. Gingerbread Lane has won the Guinness World Record for 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the largest gingerbread village. Lovitch’s creation will again contend for this year’s Guinness World Record.
Holiday Wreath Workshop Sunday December 2nd, 3PM – 5PM The Nomad Hotel: 1170 Broadway (Between E 27th and E 28th St) https://www.thenomadhotel.com/new-york/experiences/holiday-wreath-workshop Join Ingrid Carozzi, owner and creative director of Brooklyn-based floral studio, Tin Can Studios for a hands-on holiday wreath workshop. Under Carozzi’s guidance, participants will learn techniques to create a beautiful, personalized floral wreath just in time for the holidays. All materials are included, and refreshments will be served.
Yurts at The Standard East Village 25 Cooper Square (between East 5th and 6th St) https://www.standardhotels.com/new-york/properties/east- village Strip off those extra layers in their heated alpine yurts, slip into some fondue, and stay warm with hot spiked drink. Get extra toasty with friends and book a Fondue Feast in the comfort of your very own yurt. Macy’s Santaland * reservations open November 18 th 151 W 34th St, 8th floor (between Broadway and 7th Ave) https://www.macys.com/social/santa-land/coming-soon/
‘Tis the season for Macy's to open its 13,000-square-foot winter wonderland, which overflows with holiday cheer from its live "elves," to an enchanted forest, animatronic toys, and a train display. Santa holds court from Friday, November 23, 2018 (the day after Thanksgiving and the parade) through Monday, December 24, aka Christmas Eve.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Dyker Heights Blvd (from 11th to 13th Ave and from 83rd to 86th St) https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dyker-heights-christmas-lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2018 display offers so much luminous, holiday razzle-dazzle that you may want to wear shades. Seriously, the Kings County neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas lights we’ve ever seen with more than tens of thousands of lights. As one of the most popular Brooklyn attractions, the event entices crowds with inflatable Santa’s, snowmen and houses blasting Christmas carols from loudspeakers. The experience involves you wandering down multiple blocks and avenues for hours, so make sure you bundle up and peep our list of bars with fireplaces where you can warm up afterward.
2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Wednesday November 28th, 7PM – 9PM Rockefeller Plaza : between West 48th and West 51Sts and 5th and 6th Ave https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats- happening/2018/11/28/2018-rockefeller-center-christmas- tree/ The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 28, with live performances from 7–9pm, at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The Tree will remain lit and can be viewed until 9pm on January 7, 2019. 2018 45 th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center Sunday December 9th, 3:30PM 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between W 49th and W 50th St) https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats- happening/2018/12/9/2018-45th-annual-merry-tuba-christmas- rockefeller-center/ Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players will congregate on The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 49th and 50th streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 3:30pm to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites. Tubists of all ages will line up under the famous Christmas tree and fill the plaza with the organ-line sound of low brass. Spectators are encouraged to sing along with the Christmas carols and holiday favorites. The musicians, hailing from across the country, will be
conducted by Chris Wilhjelm, conductor of the famous Goldman band. Conceived by tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, the late William J. Bell (Born Christmas Day, 1902), the first Tuba Christmas was presented at Rockefeller Center in 1974, conducted by Paul LaValle, of Band of America fame. This unusual Christmas tradition is firmly established in over 200 cities around the world.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center: VIP Skate *tickets required, starting at $60 600 5th Ave (between 49th and 50th St) https://therinkatrockcenter.com/vip-skate-rink-reservations
Enjoy a first-class experience at the world-famous Rink at Rockefeller Center with this premium pass that allows you to make an advance reservation and get on the ice immediately through our exclusive VIP Igloo. Bypass any general admission line with a guaranteed reservation at a time and day of your choosing.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market Wednesday, November 28th – Monday, December 24th, 2018 Columbus Circle: 59th Street and Central Park West https://www.urbanspacenyc.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market/
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is internationally known as one of the most elegant and beautiful places for holiday shopping. Located at the entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West, visitors lose themselves in glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers. Now in its 15th year, the market is the perfect place to do all your holiday shopping while soaking in the splendor of winter in New York City.
The 19th Annual Winter's Eve Event Monday, November 26th, 2018, 5:30PM – 9:30PM The Shops at Columbus Circle: 10 Columbus Circle (between W58th and W60th St) https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/events/winters-eve-event/ Join the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District on Monday, November 26th for the 19th Annual Winter’s Eve Event. Artists, up-and- coming musicians, dancers, street performers and more will be present to welcome the holiday season and light up the Upper West Side with an evening of music, food, dancing and fun for everyone. The Shops at Columbus Circle will host an evening of entertainment, shopping discounts and food samplings. Not So Silent Night Thursday, December 6th, 2018, 7PM Barclays Center: 620 Atlantic Avenue, Prospect Heights https://donyc.com/events/2018/12/6/alt-92-3-not-so-silent-night
ALT 92.3 brought alt-rock back to NYC's airwaves last fall, and this winter they're celebrating the season with a stacked lineup at the Barclays Center. Florence and the Machine, Muse, Deathcab for Cutie, Chvrches, AJR, Mike Shinoda, Foster the People and Bastille take the stage for an arena-sized holiday bonanza. Broadway Under the Stars Every Monday from November 13th - December 11th, 5PM The Shops at Columbus Circle: 10 Columbus Circle (between W58th and W60th St) http://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/broadway-under-the-stars/
There’s always magic in the air on Broadway. You’ll also feel it at The Shops at Columbus Circle this holiday season during the second annual Broadway Under The Stars, a free concert series held every Monday from November 13 to December 11. Current cast members of popular musicals will be on hand for special performances at our own glittering version of the Great White Way on the second-floor mezzanine. Hum a tune and linger afterward for drinks or dinner — and of course, a little holiday shopping inspired by Broadway’s top musicals. Stars United Sunday, December 2nd, 2018, 6PM The Rink at Brookfield Place: Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey St https://www.gpice.com/
Stars United returns to the Rink at Brookfield Place for its fourth annual holiday show. Olympic figure skaters Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov join forces with electronic dance music stars Ultra Naté and Tony Moran with vocalist Jason Walker for a free, awe-inspiring hour-long performance beginning at 6pm. Afterward, registered guests get to participate in a Skating with Stars United event from 7 to 8:30pm on the ice.
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