MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas New York City

It's the No. 1 destination of holiday revelers (The lights! The music! The Rockettes!) year after year according to many travel polls.

Below, a taste of why Christmas in New York makes the season bright for so many...

Christmas at Rockefeller Center - The famous lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 2, 2009 this year from 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. and twinkling everyday until midnight thereafter, until the first week in January 2009. In the U.S., watch local TV listings for times and channels.

Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center's newest attraction featuring a 70-story high observatory, holiday event calendar, online ticket purchase, history and pictures, more.

Radio City Music Hall - Home of the Rockettes, and the annual Christmas Spectacular in NYC that continues to attract visitors from around the world year after year. Check out the schedule and buy tickets online by clicking on 'Box Office.'

Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo - More than a hundred illuminated animal and holiday sculptures, an array of local choral groups, the Holiday Express Train and the Polar Bear Express Experience, and more family fun throughout the holiday season, with map and directions, hours and rates, visit planner.

The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center - A barrel of laughs that critics say beats the Barnum & Bailey extravaganza by a smile - with fun for kids of all ages and just in time for the holiday season. Includes show and ticket info, online shop.

The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet - George Balanchine's annual holiday treat featuring that one-ton Christmas tree rising magically from the stage. Check out an online tour of what you'll see plus view ticket, group ticket, and schedule options for the 2006 season.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - Check out one of the world's top museums for their series of holiday concerts, family activities and don't miss the annual Christmas tree and Neapolitan Baroque crèche in the Medieval Sculpture all on view from late November – early January 2007.

Christmas at South Street Seaport - The scene for 19th century caroling, seasonal entertainment and more - to get you into the holiday shopping mood...

Mount Vernon Museum Candlelight Tours - Visit one of the oldest buildings left standing in Midtown with information on their annual Christmas tours and other happenings scheduled around the holidays.

also see -> New York City Tourist Attractions

New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square

Christmas in New York State