Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Music Hall; now through 12/30; 1260 Sixth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-247-4777
What’s Christmas in New York without leg kicks, fireworks, and the chance to see Santa flying by the Empire State Building through 3-D glasses? In its 77th year, the Christmas Spectacular is still an institution.
An Anna Copa Cabanna Christmas!
Joe’s Pub; 12/5 at 11:30 p.m.; 425 Lafayette St., nr. Astor Pl.; 212-539-8777
Sequin-leotard-clad Anna performs hits from the seventies and eighties, as well as her own original music, with the help of her xylophone and guest stars like Hula-Hoop Harlot Melissa-Anne.
Twisted Sister Presents: A Twisted Christmas on Broadway
Nokia Theatre; 12/6 at 6 p.m.; 1515 Broadway, at 44th St.; 212-930-1950
In their fourth Twisted Christmas, these eighties rockers put their spin on traditional carols. One fan favorite is the reimagined “Twelve Days of Christmas,” which includes lines like, “On my heavy-metal Christmas, my true love gave to me / Three studded belts, two pairs of spandex pants, and a tattoo of Ozzy.”
The Christmas Revels
Symphony Space; 12/11–12/13; 2537 Broadway, at 95th St.; 212-864-1414
The cast of The Christmas Revels performs lively Irish music, step-dance routines, and tall tales in the tradition of Celtic bards to celebrate the winter solstice. Every show includes some audience participation, so make sure to bring your dancing shoes.
Handel’s Messiah
Avery Fisher Hall; 12/15–12/19; 10 Lincoln Center Plz., nr. 65th St.; 212-875-5030
The New York Philharmonic is at it again with their yearly performance of Handel’s Messiah. Arrive an hour early for a pre-concert talk with David Wallace, the Philharmonic senior teaching artist.
The New York Pops
Carnegie Hall; 12/18–12/19; 154 W. 57th St., at Seventh Ave.; 212-247-7800
Sandi Patty, who has performed everywhere from neighborhood churches to Johnny Carson’s Tonight show, joins the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall to belt out some Christmas and Hanukkah tunes.
Basically Brandenburg
Symphony Space; 12/20 at 7 p.m.; 2537 Broadway, at 95th St.; 212-864-1414
The Symphony Space All-Stars perform six exuberant concertos from among Bach’s most beloved works. Come an hour early to mingle with fellow music enthusiasts and hear artistic director and composer Laura Kaminsky moderate “Underscore: Cocktails and Conversation.”
Comfort Ye!
Symphony Space; 12/21 at 7:30 p.m.; 2537 Broadway, at 95th St.; 212-864-1414
Lauren Flanigan hits a high note once again for the fifteenth-annual “Comfort Ye” concert to benefit New York’s homeless. She is joined by the Metropolitan and New York City operas.
The Bouncing Souls
The Stone Pony; 12/26–12/29; 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, New Jersey; 732-502-0600
These Jersey boys have been making sweet melodic punk together for twenty years. They’ll be playing a string of shows for their third-annual “Home for the Holidays” residency.