Cirque du Soleil: Wintuk
WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza, nr. 32nd St.; 212-465-6741
This acrobatic show follows a city child on his quest for snow and adventure, using everything from trampolines to puppets. It’s poised to become a new tradition, too: Now in a second season, it’s set to return to the Garden each winter through 2011.
• Dates: Oct. 30–Jan. 4
• Price: $40–$220
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-247-4777
There aren’t any major changes for the 76th year of this classic stage spectacle, but with leg-kicking Rockettes, fireworks, and the most grandiose Nativity scene you’ll ever see, who needs change?
• Dates: Nov. 7–Dec. 30
• Price: $42–$250
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway, nr. 45th St.; 212-382-0100
This over-the-top musical, like the 1954 film it’s based on, is inspired by Irving Berlin’s dreamy, holiday anthem, which he allegedly (and not so inaccurately) dubbed “the best song that anybody’s ever written.”
• Dates: Nov. 14–Jan. 4
• Price: $65–$250
New York City Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular
Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-247-7800
For its 29th season belting out traditional Christmas songs, this talented ensemble of 250 gay men is joined by the cast of the Broadway hit [title of show].
• Dates: Dec. 9
• Price: $39–$88
McGarrigle Christmas Hour With Rufus & Martha Wainwright
Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-247-7800
This evening of holiday tunes and comedy sketches benefiting cancer research boasts a star-packed lineup that also includes Lou Reed and Jimmy Fallon.
• Date: Dec. 10
• Price: $40–$150
Red Hot Holiday Stomp
Jazz at Lincoln Center, 33 W. 60th St., nr. Columbus Cir.; 212-258-9829
Wynton Marsalis won’t be leading this concert of big-band-style jazz takes on familiar holiday tunes this year, but trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is stepping in to provide the requisite fun seasonal storytelling between songs.
• Dates: Dec. 11–13
• Price: $30–$120
Holiday Brass
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center; 212-875-5030
The New York Philharmonic’s principal brass quintet adds a deep-sounding undertone to even the cheeriest Christmas carols. For this critically lauded annual performance, they’re aided by the chords of the Canadian Brass orchestra.
• Date: Dec. 14
• Price: $45–$75
Comfort Ye!
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, nr. 95th St.; 212-864-1414
Soprano Lauren Flanigan has been helping the homeless by belting out high notes at this concert for fourteen years. In this season’s rendition, she’s joined by her high-pitched pals from the Met and the New York City Opera.
• Date: Dec. 15
• Price: $40 suggested donation
Tell Your Friends! There’s No Christmas in Darfur!
The Bell House, 149 7th St., nr. Third Ave., Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510
This night of Darfur-saving stand-up—hosted by Best Week Ever’s Liam McEneaney and featuring sets by John Oliver and Todd Barry—is an upbeat outlet for philanthropy during a particularly needy season.
• Date: Dec. 15
• Price: $25
Joy
Studio B, 259 Banker St., nr. Meserole Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-389-1880
Charitable D.J.’s like Afrika Bambaataa spin to benefit the homeless at the nightclub’s annual Stuck on Earth food drive for City Harvest.
• Date: Dec. 19
• Price: $5, with three cans of food
A Simply Barbra Holiday Spectacular
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, nr. 95th St.; 212-864-1414
For the holiday rendition of Steven Brinberg’s beloved one-man/woman drag performance as Ms. Streisand, he’s aided by cabaret star Julie Wilson, performing effervescent versions of holiday numbers with the same passion as the real Babs.
• Date: Dec. 20
• Price: $25–$65 for the show, $100–$125 with reception
Handel’s Messiah
Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-247-7800
Esteemed chorus Musica Sacra performs this classic oratorio, best known for the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus.
• Date: Dec. 22–23
• Price: $25–$128