Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-247-4777
This one-of-a-kind Christmas tradition combines all of your old favorites: Santa, the Nutcracker, the Nativity, and the inimitable Rockettes. The show features over 140 performers and is seen by over a million people every year.
Dates: Nov. 20 to Dec. 30
Price: $46-$225
A Christmas Carol
The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., nr. Minetta Ln.; 800-901-4092
The classic Dickens tale finds a home at the Players Theatre once again: Expect lots of good cheer in this fun family musical. Arrive an hour before the Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. shows for a pre-show arts workshop.
Dates: Dec. 1 to Dec. 30
Price: $25-$45
Holiday Train Show
Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. at Park Ave.; 212-340-3404
The New York Transit Museum celebrates its twelfth annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central, where kids and adults alike can join characters from Maira Kalman’s book, Next Stop Grand Central in marveling at the 34-foot-long display.
Dates: Nov. 16 to Feb. 23
Price: Free
Annual Santa Rescue
New York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., nr. Hudson St.; 212-691-1303
What happens when Santa is stranded without his reindeer? Watch as FDNY firefighters courageously save Santa from the roof of the museum. Viewing the rescue is free to the public, but the cost of museum admission will get you inside for caroling, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa.
Date: Dec 8, at 11:30 a.m.
Price: $10 for adults, $2 for children. Viewing is free.
Origami Holiday Tree
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St.;212-769-5100
Over 500 origami models will cover this year’s tree, the theme of which is “Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful,” inspired by the Museum’s new exhibition, “The Power of Poison.” Look forward to folded snakes, frogs, and spiders, and feel free to make your own: Volunteers from OrigamiUSA will be teaching the craft to visitors.
Dates: Nov. 25 to Jan. 12
Price: Museum admission: $22 for adults, $12.50 for children, $17 for seniors and students with ID.
Peter & the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St.; 212-423-3500
George Manahan will conduct the Juilliard Ensemble while Isaac Mizrahi narrates this children’s classic. Watch as the cast brings the story to life with a new dance routine, choreographed by John Heginbotham, to help audience members learn about various instruments of the orchestra.
Dates: Dec 7 to Dec. 15
Price: $30-$35
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plz. at 50th St.; 212-332-6868
Join the crowds at this New York tradition, featuring the most famous Christmas tree in the world. This year’s pick is 76 feet tall, weighs 12 tons, and will be lit by 40,000 multicolored LED lights and 5,000 miles of wire. The tree will remain lit until January 7.
Date: Dec. 4
Price: Free