Following are top festive events, performances and activities across the five boroughs to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:
ANNUAL BIG EVENTS:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Midtown Manhattan
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony on November 30 will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and the tree will be on view through mid-January.
Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn
December 18–25 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza will light the largest menorah on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31–January 1 | Times Square, Manhattan
The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Millions view the broadcast event in NYC and around the globe along with spectators in Times Square on December 31. Guests can also stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1 on to submit (in person and online here) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops. Guests can also look out for details (at TSQ.org) about the arrival of the official numerals (‘2’ and ‘3’ for 2023) that will be in Times Square before ascending to the top of One Times Square to be lit as we welcome the New Year.
CHEERFUL PERFOMANCES:
DREAM BIG: Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center for 45th Anniversary
November 9–January 1 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The Big Apple Circus is back for its 45th anniversary season and invites visitors to experience the excitement of its dazzling newest extravaganza: DREAM BIG! For eight weeks only, Big Top at Lincoln Center will be home to astonishing wonders and daring acrobatics, setting imaginations soaring to the most astounding, awe-inspiring heights.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
November 18–January 2 | Midtown Manhattan
The beloved holiday tradition once again returns to Radio City Music Hall for its annual musical stage show, which has dazzled audiences of all ages for nearly a century. With incredible costumes, festive songs, synchronized high kicks, new acts and several shows daily, now is the time to return and enjoy this festive custom.
A Christmas Carol, a one-man show on Broadway
November 21–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
In this astonishing Broadway adaptation, Tony Award–winning actor Jefferson Mays tackles more than 50 roles in this season’s limited run of A Christmas Carol at the Nederlander Theatre. The beloved Dickens story featuring notable characters—Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the four ghosts—will be making its return for the first time since 2019 and will enchant theatergoers with its redemptive story.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet
November 25–December 31 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center returns for its annual performance featuring exquisite costumes, magnificent sets and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score that transports audiences to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers and more. On November 27, TDF Autism Friendly Performances will present the first-ever Autism-Friendly Performance of New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.
The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre
December 9–11 | St. George, Staten Island
The beloved theater presents its annual Christmas Show, a two-hour production filled with high energy and a rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy. The show also serves as a fundraiser for the St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc., over its limited three-day run.
Amateur Night Holiday Show at the Apollo
December 10 | Harlem, Manhattan
The Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special showcases talented young alumni of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” segment. The program captures the spirit of young performers all hoping to follow in the footsteps of music legends like Ella Fitzgerald and H.E.R., whose careers were launched on the stage of the Apollo.
The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at The Met Opera
December 16–January 6 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The Met Opera’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages, bringing the charming story and enchanting music to life. This year’s series will feature Maestro Duncan Ward, making his company debut conducting Julie Taymor’s irresistible production.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
December 17 | Flatbush, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar characters and scenes from the holiday classic to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of Brooklyn. From the old Dutch Brooklyn to the iconic Flatbush Avenue, the production is fresh and full of virtuosity and celebrates the borough’s spirit.
The New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hal
December 24 | Midtown Manhattan
A favorite of Carnegie Hall audiences for more than 50 years, the New York String Orchestra returns for its annual Christmas Eve concert conducted by Jaime Laredo and will feature some of the nation’s most celebrated young musicians performing alongside guest artists, including Venezuelan violinist Rubén Rengel, who joins the orchestra for J. S. Bach’s virtuosic Concerto in A Minor.
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at the Apollo Theater
December 30 | Harlem, Manhattan
The Apollo Theater will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater in a powerful evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance. This year’s celebration will feature special guest artist Pauline Jean and will celebrate the season with moments of unity, self-determination, as well as with sharing and giving back to local communities.
