It’s almost the end of 2017 and we know the holiday season is finally here when all the decorations are put up and colorful lights show up everywhere. It is the most wonderful time of the year also in New York City with all the holiday events. Here are the top 10 picks for this year:
1. Christmas Tree Lighting
It is one of the holiday traditions that are carried out every year. The most famous and most watched tree lighting in NYC is of course the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. This year the time is changed to November 29th, 7-9 PM. Other places with tree lighting includes: Central Park, November 30th; Bryand Park, December 1st; Washington Square, December 6th.
Address: 30 Rockfeller Plaza, New York, NY10111
Website: www.rockefellercenter.com
2. The Nutcracker – Ballet
One of the most important traditions of the Christmas holidays is watching the Tchaikovsky’s ballet masterpieces Nutcracker. Fortunately in New York, you can watch one of the most famous adaption in the Lincoln Center – the version produced by Geroge Balanchine of the New York Ballet. This year the New York City Ballet’s “Nutcracker” will take place from November 24 until December 31. For people like to enjoy the classic performance, this is of course the first choice.
Address: 20 Lincoln Center, NY10023
Website: www.nycballet.com
3. Z100 Jingle Ball
For those who are not interested in traditional classical performances and prefer pop music, there are also wonderful activities during the Christmas holidays. New York local pop music radio Z100 holds the annual Christmas concert – Z100 Jingle Ball. It is a star-studded show every year. This year it will happen on December 8 at Madison Square Garden.
Address: 4 Penn Plaza, New York, NY10001
Official Website: thegarden.com
4. SantaCon
SantaCon is usually held on a date specified by the organizer before Christmas. The participants dressed themselves up as Santa Claus and met at a designated place. These locations are scattered all over the city, usually bars where they often get drunk. They will also meet in public places like Times Square to form a spectacular scene. The place is usually announced on the day before the event. The date of this year’s SantaCon is December 9th.
Location: Across the city
Official website: santacon.nyc
5. Hanukkah lighting
In addition to the Christmas tree lighting, the New Yorker can see the world’s largest Judaea Hanukkah lighting , Lighting of the Menorah, in December. It is held either at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn Lookout Park or in the Grand Army Plaza opposite the Park Plaza Hotel in central Manhattan. It has a lighting ceremony of a giant Jewish candlestick of up to 32 feet and weighing 4,000 pounds. This year’s Brooklyn Army Plaza lighting time is from 5:30 PM December 12th through 19th. During the lighting ceremony, there is live music.
Location: Flatbush Ave & Prospect Park West, BK
Official Website: chabadparkslope.com
6. Winter solstice celebration
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, where some of the New York’s most important events are held , hosts a concert in collaboration with renowned New World music master Paul Winter during the winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, To welcome the sun and the arrival of the new year. This year’s time is December 14th to 16th. You can check the official website for the schedule and purchase tickets.
Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, NY10025
Official Website: paulwinter.com
7. Washington Square Christmas Eve carols
The most atmospheric activity to celebrate Christmas is of course the Christmas Caroling, especially on Christmas Eve. In Washington Square Park, every year’s Christmas Eve, there will be a Christmas carol performance. You can go listen, you can sing, or join the carol. It’s a wonderful place to spend time and know new friends. The time is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m December 24th.
Address: 5th Ave & Waverly Pl, NYC
official website: washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org
8. Good riddance day
Good riddance day, organized by Times Square Alliance, is a very interesting event. It is held at the end of each year, so you can gather all the unlucky things, the unpleasant events, the forgettable memories of the past year, all into Times Square, smash them on the spot and discard them. Or write it on paper and shred it with a shredder. This year’s date is December 28th, the time is from 12 noon to 1 pm. You got to try this.
Location: Broadway & 7Ave, 42nd to 47th St, NYC
official website: timesquarenyc.org
9. Times Square New Year’s Eve countdown
Every New Year’s Eve, the countdown to Times Square in New York City and the fall of big apples are probably the best-known events in the world. In addition, the live performance of superstars also bring the atmosphere to the highest point. With people from all over the world and countless other New Yorkers gathering together, counting down and greeting the new year, this is a memorable event and a once in a lifetime experience.
Location: 7th Ave & 46th St, NYC
Official Website: timesquarenyc.com
10. Prospect Park New Year’s Eve fireworks
In New York City, the most popular event on New Year’s Eve is of course the countdown to Times Square. But there are so many activities that night, from running and cycling to various concerts and parties. Fireworks at Brooklyn Prospect Park at midnight on New Year’s Eve are another wonderful event. There are fireworks, live performances and food festivals. It is a good alternative for the night.
Location: Flatbush Ave & Prospect Park W, BK
official website: prospectpark.org
