New York City Events December 2022

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
• Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• Christmas in New York City
• New York City Holiday Lights Tours
• New Year’s Eve in New York City
• The RIDE Holiday Bus Tour
• Nutcracker Ballet @ Lincoln Center
• NEW! A Beautiful Noise – Neil Diamond Broadway Musical
• NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
• Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli
• Holiday Tree Lightings: Lincoln Center, Bryant Park, Central Park
• Holiday Markets in NYC
• Ice Skating

New York City during Holiday season is a don’t miss! Get in the festive spirit by taking a Holiday Lights Tour in New York in December. Choose from Bus Tours, Holiday Dining Cruises and Movie & TV Site Holiday tours.

November 18, 2022 - January 2, 2023 (Tickets On Sale April 2022)
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)

• Great Tickets: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
• Insider Guide: Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall Guide

• The Jewel facing Rockefeller Center - great value and location. My NY high school classmates stayed here for our reunion
• Radisson Hotel Midtown-Fifth Avenue - rebranded and reopened in August 2019, some suites & kitchens.
• 3 West Club - consistently receives excellent reviews, especially the location and value for the price.
• Radio City Apartments - a NYC Insider Guide Favorite

Projected 2022 Date: November 30, 2022
Dec 1, 2021 - Jan 16, 2022
Ceremony, 7-9 pm

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is a highlight of every winter in NYC. The unlit tree arrives in November, and after Black Friday and Thanksgiving, the department stores open their famous window holiday displays. However, it is the week after Thanksgiving that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.

• New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
• M Social New York – new in 2021 with bar and lounge perched above Times Square boasting the perfect vantage point for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop
• The Knickerbocker (photo) – St. Cloud rooftop bar "New York, New Year’s Eve, Times Square, private party on roof top where you can watch the ball drop 180 feet away – what else could you ask for?"

• Dinner Cruises with Fireworks
• Public view of ball drop in Times Square
• Private indoor parties around Times Square with view of ball drop
• Special dinners at thousands of restaurants
• New Years Eve with the New York Philharmonic

A Christmas Carol on Broadway

(Nov 8, 2022 – Jan 1, 2023) - The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to thrilling new life as Tony Award® winner Jefferson Mays plays over 50 roles in a virtuosic, master class of a performance that must be seen to be believed.

A Strange Loop Broadway Musical - 2022 Tony Award Winner!

Meet Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer... Michael R. Jackson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, blisteringly funny masterwork exposes the heart and soul of a young artist grappling with desires, identity, and instincts he both loves and loathes. Ages 16+. Opened April 26, 2022

MJ the Musical Broadway - Tickets on Sale through April 2023

MJ is the electrifying new Broadway musical that takes audiences inside the creative process of one of the greatest entertainers in history. Featuring over 25 of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, MJ allows us to rediscover the man in the mirror.

A Beautiful Noise - Neil Diamond Broadway Musical

The story of the legendary Neil Diamond comes to life on stage in a gripping and uplifting new musical featuring his hit songs Sweet Caroline, America, and Cracklin’ Rosie. Directed by Tony Award® winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), choreographed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and written by four-time Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Two Popes). Good times never seemed so good. Previews November 2, Opens December 4, 2022

Six the Musical Broadway

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Six centers on the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII, who take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse. They remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power. Opened September 17, 2021. Ages 10+

The Music Man on Broadway - Starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster.

Closing Jan 1, 2023. The Music Man follows traveling salesman Harold Hill (Jackman) as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys band that he vows to organize, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. When he soon falls for the town librarian, Marian Paroo (Foster), his plans take an unexpected turn. One of the most cherished musicals ever on Broadway, The Music Man was an instant smash hit in 1957 and went on to win five Tony Awards. Dec 20, 2021 - Jan 1, 2023

• The Music Man on Broadway - Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster (Dec 20, 2021- Jan 1, 2023)
• Funny Girl - Lea Michele & Tovah Feldschuh (September 6, 2022-open)

• Billy Joel – Dec 19, 2022; MSG
• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – Nov 18, 2022 – Jan 2, 2023
• Andrea Bocelli – December 14, 2022; MSG
• Cirque Dreams: Holidaze – Dec 26, 2022 @ Prudential Center (NJ)
• Nutcracker Ballet – Nov 25 – Dec 31, 2022
• Jingle Ball – TBD 2022; Dec 10, 2021 @ MSG – Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Saweetie, AJR, Kane Brown, Tate McRae, Bazzi and Dixie D’Amelio.
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… -TBD 2022 @ Hulu Theater at MSG

• Pendry Manhattan West - new in 2021, beautiful rooms (photo)
• Hilton New York Fashion District - great rooftop with amazing views
• Crowne Plaza HY36 - opened in 2018, great reviews online

• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular - Nov 18, 2022 - Jan 2, 2023
• A Christmas Carol on Broadway - Nov 8, 2022 – Jan 1, 2023
• Nutcracker Ballet - Nov 25 - Dec 31, 2022
• The New York Pops: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Dec 16 @ Carnegie Hall
• The Magic Flute - Dec 16, 2022 - Jan 6, 2023 @ The Metropolitan Opera
• Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland - Dec 1, 2022 @ Palladium Times Square
• A Charlie Brown Christmas - Dec 22-24, 2022 @ Palladium Times Square
• Jingle Ball - Dec 9 @ MSG - Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, The Kid LAROI, AJR, Demi Lovato, Lauv, Ava Max, Dove Cameron and Jax.
• Big Apple Circus - Nov 9, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… - TBD @ Hulu Theater at MSG

TBD 2022 – there is usually a holiday show at Hulu Theater @ MSG

‘Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic show about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike. Expect the unexpected! Find out what really happened before Santa dropped in. A Modern Spin On A Holiday Classic For The Whole Family.

• Tickets: Hulu Theater @ MSG
• See More: Cirque du Soleil NYC

Explore the top holiday markets in NYC, sip hot cocoa, ice skate and shop your way through our fantastic holiday bazaars, featuring unique artisan gifts for the whole family. We review Grand Central Holiday Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, flea markets, Holiday Markets Shopping Tours and more. Cross off your holiday shopping list with our full season Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC

November 19, 2022 - Jan 22, 2023

A dazzling and detailed replica of Manhattan, made entirely from plants, leaves, seeds and bark. There are at least 14 electric trains running in loops around the city, which showcases more than 175 scaled iconic buildings and structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty. The exhibit is great for both kids and adults, and makes an especially beautiful date night with cocktails on "Bar Car Nights" in December. Located in the Bronx, accessible by Subway and Metro North.

Tickets: Holiday Train Show All-Garden Pass (good for Holiday Train Show and grounds 10am-5pm, not for Glow or other evening events)

November 18–19, 23, 25–26
December 2–3, 9–11, 15–17, 22–23, 26–30, 2022;
January 1, 7, 14, 2023

Back for it’s third year, let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden. Discover the beauty of the landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark, breathtakingly illuminated with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling LEDs, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections—creating a spectacle not to be missed! @ NYBG

• Ice Skating in New York City - Central Park, Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park are not to be missed
• NYC Helicopter Tours - beat the cold weather and see the absolute best NYC views!
• New York City Museums - take in a new exhibit, film or revisit one of your old favorites

There is nothing like Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Tree, Central Park, Bryant Park, Lincoln Center, glamorous store window displays and holiday lights everywhere you look bring the most amazing city and landmarks in the world to a whole new level. You want to make sure to have the best dinner, know which attractions are open and closed and so much more.

• Ticketmaster Gift Card - There is probably no more versatile gift in NYC than a Ticketmaster Gift Card. Broadway, Sports, Concerts and so much more.
• Classic Harbor Cruise - NYC Boat Cruises are one of my favorite things to do in NYC, with both my lifelong NYC friends and when visitors come to town
• NYC Foodie and Restaurant Gifts - choose from dozens of food tours, restaurant gift cards, classes.

Nov 25 – Dec 31, 2022
Tickets on Sale in September

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.

Photo: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

• Metropolitan Opera - Sept - May
• NYC Ballet - September - May; (Fall, Nutcracker, Winter, Spring)
• NY Philharmonic - Sept to June
• Jazz at Lincoln Center - all year

• The Muse New York - spa suite with a jacuzzi tub (photo)
• YOTEL at Times Square West - ask for the "The First King Terrace cabin"
• Eventi, a Kimpton Hotel - 'beds are so comfy, the bathroom (with jacuzzi!) was fantastic'

Don’t let the cold weather fool you! There are lots of great things to do in New York in December. For starters, winter sports abound, whether you like to play, watch, or both. Shopping reaches a fever pitch this month, from crafts and artists’ markets to flea markets to sample sales.

Check our day by day guide to the Holiday Season in New York City. Thanksgiving, the Rockettes, Cocoa and Carols Cruises, The Nutcracker Rockefeller Tree, Central Park Christmas Tree and more on our NYC Holiday Events Calendar. Deck the Halls, Light the Menorah and celebrate Christmas in New York with our calendar.

• Rockettes at Radio City (keep checking 2022 updates)
• Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland - Dec 1, 2022 @ Palladium Times Square
• A Charlie Brown Christmas - Dec 22-24, 2022 @ Palladium Times Square
• Rangers, Knicks, Giants, Jets
• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
• NY Sightseeing & Attractions Passes
• One World Observatory
• Empire State Building
• Rangers, Knicks, Giants, Jets
• Manhattan Helicopter Tours
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before…

My research shows plans start at $20 USD per week per person that include Covid Medical Care, and you can add trip cancellation and other travel insurance coverage (luggage, delays, etc) in the online comparison tool. Our US medical expenses are not for the faint of heart, or anyone used to medical care being paid for (our ACA-Obamacare charges $600/month + the first $7,000 of medical expenses per year be paid per person and then denies 17% of care as "not medically necessary" so you have to pay for that care outside of the $600/$7,000). Please consider this small investment if it makes sense for you. We recommend SquareMouth to compare global travel health insurance plans.

Back in February 2022 @ Barclays Center

Dec 27, 2019; February 17, 2020 MSG
December 29, 2019 @ Nassau Coliseum
Dec 30, 2019; Prudential Center (NJ)
February 16, 2020; Barclays Center

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are always a blast to watch. This is not ordinary basketball – it is a comedy show and wholesome family fun. Their high-flying blend of basketball action and comedy has thrilled fans of all ages for over 80 years. We loved this show as a kid.

Ready to see the Giants and catch our newest star recruit, Saquon Barkley? Perhaps you'd rather see football's newest stars on the Jets roster? Either way, there's nothing like a traditional American football game, so head on out to MetLife Stadium, where tickets start at just $40 per game!

• Giants Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
• Jets Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
• Insider Guides: NY Giants and NY Jets

Get your New York Rangers tickets and schedule to see our NY hockey team live in action at Madison Square Garden. The NY Rangers have made the finals and/or playoffs the last six consecutive seasons. Their games are the easiest sporting events in NYC to attend, right in Midtown Manhattan, a block from the Empire State Building.

• Rangers Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
• Insider Guide: NY Rangers Tickets, Schedule, Directions

No matter how they are performing, Knicks games are always a blast and there's nothing like an event at MSG. Come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, "The World’s Most Famous Arena." Go NYC style with cheap seats, fast paced sports action, hot dogs and beer and cheer on the New York Knicks today! As a general rule, with plenty of exceptions, basketball games start at either 7:30pm or 12:00pm, November through April.

• Knicks Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
• Insider Guide: NY Knicks Tickets, Schedule, Directions