New York City Events December 2021

• 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
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before…
• The RIDE Holiday Bus Tour
• Nutcracker Ballet @ Lincoln Center
• Music Man Broadway – Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster
• Project Scene NYC Christmas Pop Up
• Smash Room by Visible
• NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
• Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Genesis
• 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

Dec 1, 2021 - Jan 16, 2022 (Confirmed Dates)
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.But, it is the week after Thanksgiving that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.

• Rockettes at Radio City
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before…
• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
• NY Sightseeing & Attractions Passes
• One World Observatory
• Empire State Building
• Rangers, Knicks, Giants, Jets
• Central Park Carriage Rides
• Manhattan Helicopter Tours

• 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

The Music Man on Broadway - Starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster. Performances start Dec 20, 2021

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.

Company Broadway Musical - Starring Patti LuPone & Katrina Lenk

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical comedy about life, love and marriage, presents this iconic musical with the lead role of “Bobby” re-imagined for the first time as a woman. At Bobbi’s 35th birthday party all her friends are wondering why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man? Why doesn’t she settle down and have a family? Her friends are driving her mad! Find out how she handles it through Sondheim’s iconic songs – The Ladies Who Lunch, Being Alive and Side by Side. Previews Nov 15th, Opens Dec 9, 2021. Ages 16+

freestyle love supreme

Oct 7, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022. Before Hamilton! Before In The Heights! More than 15 years after its inception, Freestyle Love Supreme — the original hip-hop musical phenomenon from Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Anthony Veneziale — returns to Broadway for a limited engagement. Every performance, the crew takes the crowd on a freestyle, hip-hop, improvisational, never-before-seen comedy ride. Performers take suggestions from the audience and spin them into instantaneous riffs and full-length musical numbers. With spontaneous guest appearances from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christopher Jackson, Wayne Brady, Utkarsh Ambudkar, James Monroe Iglehart, Daveed Diggs, and more, every night brings the unexpected.

Dear Evan Hansen – 2017 Tony Award Winner

Resumes December 11, 2021. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Ages 12+

The Lehman Trilogy Broadway Play - Sep 25, 2021- Jan 2, 2022

Directed by Academy Award®, Tony® and Golden Globe® winner Sam Mendes, The Lehman Trilogy follows three brothers from their arrival in America in search of a new life, to the collapse of the firm they established, to the resulting financial crisis, the largest in history. The Wall Street Journal says, "You should crawl across broken glass to see it." NYC Insider Guide saw this in London and it was AMAZING! The acting is superb, the characters indelible and the set design totally unique. This is a true New Yorkers play and a must-see.

• Billy Joel – Nov 5 & Dec 20, 2021; MSG
• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – November 5, 2021 – January 2, 2022
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… Dec 9 – 27, 2021 @ Hulu Theater at MSG
• Genesis – December 5-6, 2021; MSG
• Andrea Bocelli – December 15-16, 2021; MSG
• Jingle Ball – 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.
• Phish – Dec 29 – Jan 1, 2022 @ MSG
• Nutcracker Ballet – Nov 26, 2021 – Jan 2, 2022

• Pendry Manhattan West - new in 2021, beautiful rooms (photo)
• Hilton New York Fashion District - great rooftop with amazing views
• Crowne Plaza HY36 - new in 2018, great reviews online
• The Hub Hotel NY Times Square - new in late 2019, crazy low rates under $150 night

• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular - Nov 5, 2021 - December 17, 2021 (originally Jan 2, 2022)
• Nutcracker Ballet - Nov 26, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… - Dec 9 - 27, 2021 @ Hulu Theater at MSG
• Big Apple Circus - Nov 11, 2021 - Jan 30, 2022
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live - Dec 21–24, 2021
• Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas! - Dec 10, 2021 - Jan 2, 2022

Dec 9 – 27, 2021

‘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 20, 2021 - Jan 23, 2022

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 24, 2021–January 22, 2022 (25 Select nights)
5–10 pm

Back for it’s second 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 [email protected] 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 26, 2021 – Jan 2, 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.

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.

MetLife Stadium will operate at full capacity for the 2021 season!!!!! 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