Get discount tickets for the New York Philharmonic’s December 11 & December 13 performances of Handel’s Messiah at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City.
The New York Philharmonic’s “Messiah” is the must-see holiday event. Performing with the Philharmonic are soprano Lauren Snouffer, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, tenor Andrew Staples, bass-baritone Neal Davies and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, led by director Joe Miller.
Tuesday, Dec 11, 2018 / 7:30pm
Thursday, Dec 13, 2018 / 7:30pm
Discount tickets are available for the Tuesday, December 12th and Wednesday, December 13th New York Philharmonic performances of Handel’s Messiah at Lincoln Center, David Geffen Hall.
The discounted tickets are available through Goldstar, a national provider of discounted event and entertainment tickets.
Handel’s “Messiah” — the composer’s monumental celebration of faith and the human experience — boasts a chorus known by many people (“Hallelujah”), but there’s nothing quite like hearing the entire work’s soaring grandeur live in person. And this is especially true when the composer’s masterwork is performed by the New York Philharmonic. A holiday classic for 275 years, “Messiah” is sure to be especially dazzling this year as the Philharmonic performs under the expert baton of guest conductor Andrew Manze. They’ll be joined by soprano Joélle Harvey, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, tenor Ben Bliss, bass-baritone Andrew Foster-Williams and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, led by director Joe Miller. Experience the piece’s timeless beauty this season at David Geffen Hall.
Bar Car Nights are special adults-only nights at the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train show.
Save money on your visit with discount tickets from Goldstar.
Enjoy an adult evening after hours at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, where you can drink and be merry at one of the many seasonal bars and relax at the all-new Visitor Center fire pit. Venture through the wintry landscape as the illuminated Snow Globe Dancers guide you through the Garden, and then bundle up with your favorite tunes as dueling pianos set in the warmth of the Pine Tree Café. The traditional Holiday Train Show gets rolling inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory within the New York Botanical Garden, featuring model trains zipping over bridges and past replicas of New York landmarks made of plant parts such as nuts, bark, leaves and pine cones. This year’s exhibition pays homage to one of NYC’s most celebrated districts: Midtown Manhattan. Watch as locomotives zip through a half-mile track around iconic skyscrapers and other architectural wonders. These special 21-and-older evenings allow you to get into the holiday spirit in a grown-up atmosphere under the magical glow of thousands of twinkling lights, perfect for date night or a festive group outing.
The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker comes to Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, December 9th. There will be a 2:00 p.m. performance and a 7:00 p.m. performance.
Goldstar has discount tickets available for both Kings Theatre performances. The discounted tickets are priced from $29 to $59 (regular full price: $55.90 to $143.55).
There are several different performances of The Nutcracker Ballet to choose from this 2016 holiday season. Details on each are listed below. Additional performances and discount information will be added as it becomes available.
The New York City Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center November 24 – December 31, 2017.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker is a modern take on the classic ballet. December 16th at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn.
Nutcracker Winter Suite is a family-friendly abridged version of The Nutcracker that includes many of the ballet’s favorite dances in a one hour production. Saturday, December 2nd at Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway.
The Yorkville Nutcracker is set in old New York, with the holiday party scene at Gracie Mansion and skating at Central Park. December 7 – 10, 2017 at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue.
It’s time for our annual round-up of New York City holiday activities and entertainment. Each year we provide information on some of the best things to do in NYC during the Christmas season. And since this website is all about experiencing the best of NYC for less, we emphasize things to do that are free, inexpensive, or for which discounts are available.
We’ll keep this page updated as more information about the 2017 season becomes available. Check additional online event resources such as TimeOut and the Official NYC Guide at nycgo.com to find more events. Dates, hours of operation, and fees should be verified with the official websites.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Santa’s arrival at the end of this big Thanksgiving Day parade helps usher in the holiday season. Thousands and thousands of people line the parade route each year to see the bands, floats, and giant balloons go by. The parade is on Thanksgiving Day and the start time is 9:00 a.m.. The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, turns at Columbus Circle onto Central Park South, continues to 6th Avenue, then continues south along 6th Avenue until it gets to the end at 34th Street (Macy’s Herald Square).
You can see the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons inflated outside the American Museum of Natural History on the night before the parade. It’s a great opportunity to see the balloons up close, but lots people show up to see the inflation, so be prepared for lines and crowds.
Handel’s Messiah – Enjoy the New York Philharmonic’s performance of this classical masterpiece. Performances are December 12 – 16, 2017 at Lincoln Center. Discount tickets available.
Messiah … Refreshed – Enjoy Handel’s Messiah re-orchestrated for full symphony orchestra performed in the beautiful, iconic Carnegie Hall. At the Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, Sunday, November 27th. Discount tickets available.
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square – November 27, 2017. Annual street festival that stretches along Broadway from the Time Warner Center to 68th Street. There’s lots of free entertainment and performances, plus food tastings from neighborhood restaurants.
Caroling at Washington Square Park – Christmas Eve caroling under the Washington Square Arch is an annual tradition. The caroling usually starts at 5:00 p.m. but watch for an official announcement on the Washington Square Association website.
Holiday Edition of The Ride – Enjoy the sights of New York City from the comfort of The Ride’s high-tech interactive buses with stadium-style seating. The Holiday Edition of The Ride combines sightseeing with holiday-themed street performances.
Holiday Lights, Trees, and Displays
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Christmas Decorations
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – This is the big one – and it really is a big tree. The tree, lights and decorations at Rockefeller Center are beautiful and a must-see for any holiday season visit to New York City. The tree lighting event will take place on November 29, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The tree stays lit until 11:30 each night until the lights go off at 9:00 p.m. on January 7th, 2018. Free.
The Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – November 20, 2017 – January 7, 2018. The holiday tree at the American Museum of Natural History is decorated with a collection of paper-folded origami ornaments. The theme for the ornaments changes each year. It’s a unique and beautiful display. Admission to the museum is free during the last hour of operation each day (4:45 – 5:45), so that’s a good time to visit if you just want to see the tree.
Metropolitan Museum Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche – This beautiful tree is decorated with cherubs and angels and a classic Nativity scene is arranged beneath. Lighting ceremonies are held each day, visit the museum website for details. The museum operates on a recommended admission policy, with a recommendation of $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students, and free admission for children under 12.
Bryant Park Winter Village and Christmas Tree – There’s a big tree next to the skating rink at Bryant Park. The ice skating rink here is free (there’s a charge to rent skates if you don’t have your own). This park also features a very nice holiday market with little shops nestled in between the park’s trees. Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The 2017 Bryant Park Tree Lighting and Skate-tacular takes place December 1st at 6:00 p.m. Free.
Park Avenue Memorial Trees – Fir trees along Park Avenue are lit each year in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives at war. This tradition began in 1946 when a group of Park Avenue families lit trees in honor of those lost in WWII. The Brick Church at the corner of Park Avenue and 91st Street holds a tree lighting ceremony and carol sing on the night of the first Sunday in December. The trees stretch along Park Avenue from 54th to 96th Streets. The 2017 tree lighting date has not yet been announced. Free.
Star Display at the Time Warner Center
The New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree – A tree has been decorated in front of the NYSE each year since 1923. The Stock Exchange Christmas Tree is located on Broad Street, between Wall Street and Exchange Place. The 2017 tree lighting ceremony is November 30th. Free.
Washington Square Park Christmas Tree – This tree has a spectacular location, right at the foot of the iconic Washington Square Arch. The park is located at the foot of Fifth Avenue in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. Washington Square Park also has a popular holiday market. Free.
Lincoln Center Christmas Tree – There’s always a nice holiday tree in the plaza in front of Lincoln Center. It’s a pretty setting with the fountain and Lincoln Center’s lighted architecture in the background. While you’re in the neighborhood, pay a visit to the Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, located on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets. This public space is open until 10:00 nightly, has free wifi, restrooms, a cafe, free music on Thursdays, and is the box office for discount tickets to same-week performances at Lincoln Center venues. Free.
Holiday Under the Stars at The Time Warner Center – Twelve large stars suspended from the ceiling of the Time Warner Center atrium shift colors in a display choreographed to holiday music. The Time Warner Center is located across from Columbus Circle, where you’ll find an outdoor holiday market. Free.
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens – November 22, 2017 – January 15, 2018. Think train shows aren’t your thing? You might want to re-think that. This train show is special. Trains run around a landscape of real plants and detailed replicas of New York City’s landmarks, created completely out of natural plant material. It all takes place in the nice warm conservatory building of the New York Botanical Gardens. There are special adults-only Bar Car Nights with entertainment and holiday cocktails.
Store Window Holiday Displays – Elaborate holiday window displays are a long-standing tradition in New York City. Macy’s, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s are some of the best. If you’re traveling with children, see Mommy Poppins’ “NYC Holiday Windows Walk 2013: Seeing Department Store Christmas Displays with Kids” for good information and photos. And don’t just look in the windows at Macy’s, the interior of the store has great decorations, including the famous Santaland.
Ice Skating
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Wollman Rink, Central Park
The Rink at Rockefeller Center – This is the most famous, and most crowded of the city’s skating rinks. If it’s always been your dream to skate at Rockefeller Center, you show go for it. And if you’re not much of a skater, the rink and surrounding decorations are still something worth seeing. The rink opened for the 2017 season on October 11th.
Wollman Rink in Central Park– This is probably the second most famous ice rink in the city. It’s a large rink located near the southern entrance to Central Park, where the city’s skyline provides a picturesque background. Try to go during the week when the rink is less crowded and the fees are lower. Wollman Rink opened for the 2017 season on October 21st.
Bryant Park Ice Skating – Skating at Bryant Park is free, although if you don’t have your own skates, there is a skate rental fee. The 170′ x 100′ rink here is smaller than the one a Central Park, but larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center. The park also has a nice holiday market. Bryant Park is located right behind the Main Branch of the New York Public Library, so you can stop by there to see the tree in Astor Hall and the wreaths decorating the lion statues at the entrance. The Bryant Park rink opened for the 2017 season on October 28th.
Holiday Markets
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Holiday shops and tree at Bryant Park
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park– October 28, 2017 – January 2, 2018. The glass-enclosed structures that house the shops at the Bryant Park holiday market allow shoppers an opportunity to get out of the cold and the glass shops nestled among the park’s trees make for the very pretty setting. There are over a hundred little boutique-type shops set up along the park’s pathways. Bryant Park also has a skating rink and large Christmas tree here.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market– November 28 – December 24, 2017. This outdoor market has a great location, right at the southern end of Central Park. Combine shopping here with a trip to nearby Wollman Rink in Central Park or the lights display in the Time Warner Center.
Union Square Holiday Market– November 16 – December 24, 2017. Vendors of gift and food items sell their wares from temporary outdoor stalls topped with red & white striped awnings. The scene at this popular market is reminiscent of European Christmas markets. Located in Union Square Park, Greenwich Village.
Grand Central Holiday Fair – November 13 – December 24, 2017.Grand Central’s indoor holiday market is a good way to escape from the cold. About 40 vendors sell a variety of goods in Vanderbilt Hall.
Time to start making your plans for holiday travel to New York City.
Discount Tickets
If you’re planning on going to Radio City Music Hall in November to see the Rockettes in the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, you can save some money with discount tickets from Goldstar or Groupon.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the hottest tickets of the NYC holiday season. There are usually several discount ticket options available throughout the season. We’ll post information about more discount options as they become available.
Christmas music sounds really nice played on low brass instruments. Each year tuba players gather in cities around the country to spread holiday cheer with Merry Tuba Christmas concerts.
The Tuba Christmas tradition started right here in New York City, with a 1974 concert held at Rockefeller Center. The 2016 event is the 43rd annual Merry Tuba Christmas concert held at Rockefeller Center.
The concert takes place on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. Come out, enjoy the music, and sing along with holiday favorites. The free concert begins at 3:30 pm on Sunday, December 11th, 2016. NYC Tuba Christmas Concert Details.
******** Christmas in New York City 2016 – Our annual round-up of holiday activities and entertainment, with an emphasis on free and inexpensive things to do.
Get out of the cold and enjoy a different kind of sightseeing experience with The Ride, the bus tour that’s part tour and part show. See the sights and enjoy street performances along the way. You’ll ride in special buses that are custom-designed for this experience with stadium-type setting (you sit facing out the large side windows), plasma monitors, advanced audio system, and led lights.
There’s a special “Holiday Edition” of The Ride November 12 – January 3rd. You’ll get to see the city’s holiday lights and displays from the comfort of a high-tech bus, and enjoy special holiday-themed street performances.
LivingSocial is now running a discount ticket offer for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
They have discounted tickets priced at $45 to $75, and they’re also running a package deal that combines tickets to the show with a behind-the-scenes backstage tour.
Save an additional 15% if you make your LivingSocial purchase October 28 or 29 and use promo code NEWTHINGS.