Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-247-4777
The gam-tastic Rockettes wait all year to get in formation for you. This year, they’re kicking the show up a notch, incorporating 3-D animation, which puts them in a video game (!) and other technological wonders for our eyes to behold. It’s truly a Christmas miracle.
• Dates: Nov. 11–Jan. 2
• Price: $45–$250
New York Philharmonic: Handel’s Messiah
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, nr. 65th St.; 212-875-5030
It’s hard to deny the holiday spirit when the swelling sounds of Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus fill Avery Fisher Hall. There are five chances to catch it.
• Dates: Dec. 13–Dec. 17
• Price: $31–$132
The New York Pops: John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Wish You a Swingin’ Christmas
Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., at Seventh Ave.; 212-247-7800
Pops director Steven Reineke bands his baton for this evening of swing-time hits, featuring Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist and singer John Pizarelli and actress and vocalist Jessica Molaskey.
• Dates: Dec. 16–Dec. 17
• Price: $18.50–$108
The Three Bears Holiday Bash
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, Central Park West at 81st St.; 212-988-9093
He may be controlled by strings, but it’s Baby Bear who call the shots in this comedic variety show, where Santa is invited to participate in his family’s holiday show featuring stories of Hanukkah, The Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa.
• Dates: Nov. 14–Dec. 30
• Price: Adults $8, children $5
NYC Fire Museum Annual Santa Rescue
New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-691-1303
Santa’s stranded on the top of the museum and only the brave men and women of the FDNY can save him. After they do, he’ll pose for pictures. A safe Santa! That’s something we can get behind.
• Dates: Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Price: Adults $8, children $1
Holiday Stories and Sing-Along
Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., at S. Portland St., Ft. Greene; 718-246-0200
Parents can give their voice a rest when author Touré reads How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with music provided by Nina Stone. Kids are encouraged to wear “holiday garb” or their jammies, making it a proper story time.
• Dates: Dec 16, 6 p.m.
• Price: Free
Annual Riverside Christmas Concert Candlelight Carol Festival
The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr., nr. 122nd St.; 212-870-6700
Riverside Church’s in-house cadre of soloists, instrumentalists, chamber singers, children’s choir, and more provide the tunes for two spiritual holiday shows, with a prelude on the massive 74-belled Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon, which (fun fact!) was the first carillon to surpass five musical octaves.
• Dates: Dec. 18, 3:30 and 6:00 p.m.
• Price: $10–$25
Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Pkwy., at Fordham Rd.; 718-220-0300
Locomotive buffs and fans of tiny things in general will enjoy this annual display of model trains zipping around New York landmarks in miniature. This year, for the first time, visitors can also get an insider’s look into the artist’s studio, to see where the magic begins.
• Dates: Nov. 19–Jan. 16
• Price: Adults $20, children $10
A New Holiday Revue: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center, 33 W. 60th St., at Columbus Circle; 212-258-9829
Renowned composer and trumpeter Marsalis joins singer Kim Burrell in a lineup of holiday jazz arrangements and spirituals, with a pre-concert discussion on Friday and Saturday evening.
• Dates: Dec. 15–Dec. 17
• Price: $30-$120
Lunch With Santa Cruise
Spirit of New York, West Side Hwy., at W. 23rd St., Chelsea Piers; 866-483-3866
Santa’s got other ways to travel besides reindeer. Meet him on a boat during this lunch cruise, where kid-friendly fare will be offered, as well as a chance to meet the big man himself.
• Dates: Dec. 10, noon–2 p.m.
• Price: Adults $44.90, children $26.95
Steve Tyrell
Café Carlyle, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, 981 Madison Ave., at 76th St.; 212-744-1600
In his seventh consecutive holiday engagement, the Grammy-winning pop vocalist (who you may remember from Father of the Bride ) endeavors to make your season that much smoother.
• Dates: Nov. 29–Dec. 30
• Price: $80-$185
Greenwich Village Caroling Walk
Judson Memorial Church Assembly Hall, 55 Washington Sq. South, nr. Thompson St.; 212-477-0351
Have the music in you? The West Village Chorale is organizing a caroling stroll through the Village, where song books are provided and the conviviality is free. Stellar pipes aren’t required, but maybe you want to practice your blending. You are trying to spread cheer.
• Dates: Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
• Price: Free
Michael Feinstein Holiday Show
Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Ave., at 61st St.; 212-339-4095
It’ll be a classy affair when the Grammy-winning smooth crooner adds some holiday flair to his Great American Songbook repertoire.
• Dates: Dec. 1–3 and Dec. 26
• Price: $71.86 - $278.72
The Little Orchestra Society Presents: Amahl and the Night Visitors
Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, nr. 65th St.; 212-875-5030
The Little Orchestra Society celebrates the 60th year of the Latin American–tinged holiday opera and the 100th anniversary of the birth of its composer, Gian Carlo Menotti with this event, tailored for kids between the ages of 6 and 12.
• Dates: Dec. 17, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
• Price: $15–$45
Broadway Sings for Toys
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway., at 95th St.; 212-864-5400
Favorites of the Great White Way band together for a two-part cause: 1) Uplift you with holiday hits, and 2) Collect toys for children in need. The lineup has yet to be announced, but you can be sure it’ll be a good one.
• Dates: Dec 19, 7 p.m.
• Price: $40; $25 with new, unwrapped toy; $100 VIP