NYC Insider Guide December Events and Activities Calendar
New York City Events December 2019 is filled with magic, dozens of holiday trees, sparkling lights everywhere, store window displays, holiday lights tours, ice skating, shopping, (hopefully) white snow, the smell of roasted chestnuts
(which, by the way, smell far better than they taste).
There is nothing on the planet like New York City during the winter holidays. The City is breathtaking at this time of year. It’s also very cold and more crowded than usual, but that is the price we pay to experience
amazing New York City during the holidays.
Please check sightseeing and holiday hours for Christmas Eve and Day (December 24th and 25th) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st).
Please add your event or business to NYC Insider Guide.
Top NYC December Events
- 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
- Nutcracker Ballet
- Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before
- The RIDE Holiday Bus Tour
- NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
- Billy Joel, Cher, Andrea Bocelli
- Holiday Tree Lightings: Lincoln Center, Bryant Park, Central Park
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Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular 2019
Nov 8, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)
- Great Tickets: Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Tickets
- Insider Guide: Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall Guide
With up to 4 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.
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Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center
Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:
- The Jewel facing Rockefeller Center - great value and location. My NY high school classmates stayed here for our reunion
- Night Hotel - Rated the #1 Sexiest Hotel in America (best for couples)
- 3 West Club - consistently receives excellent reviews, especially the location and value for the price.
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels
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New York City Holiday Lights Tours
New York City during Holiday season is a don’t miss! Get in the festive spirit by taking a Holiday Lights Tour. Choose from Bus Tours, Holiday Dining Cruises and Movie & TV Site Holiday tours.
See More: December Holiday Tours in New York City
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Ceremony, 7-9 pm
The unlit tree arrives in November, then Black Friday and Thanksgiving pass, 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.
Check the full NYC Insider Guide to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
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Which is the BEST NYC Pass? Download our FREE Guide!
See All: Compare All NYC Passes – Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart
Save with a New York City Pass
Get savings coupons and find the best New York City Pass Discounts for your NYC vacation. Unbiased reviews of the New York City Sightseeing Passes. Which is the BEST – NY Sightseeing Pass, New York City Explorer Pass, New York Pass or New York CityPASS?
NY Sightseeing Pass
- Choose from 100 sights
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- NY Sightseeing Pass
The New York Pass
- Includes 100 tours and attractions
- Choose 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 Days
- Digital or Physical Pass
- New York Pass
NY Explorer Pass
- Choose from 55+ sights
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- Smartphone, print or physical card
- Explorer or Build Your Own
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Best New Years Eve NYC Hotels
If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC.
Some of our favorites include:
- New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
- Casablanca Hotel Times Square – champagne on the rooftop close enough to "touch" the ball
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – special hotel access to Times Square all night and to watch ball drop
See More: Best New Years Eve NYC Hotels
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New Year’s Eve in New York City
You have so many options for New Year’s Eve in NYC.
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
Check out the New Year’s Eve Party Guide.
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December New York City Concerts and Shows
- Billy Joel – Dec 11, 2019; MSG
- Cher – Dec 3, 2019; MSG
- Andrea Bocelli – December 18-19, 2019; MSG
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – Nov 8, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
- Nutcracker Ballet – November 29, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
- Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… @ Hulu Theater at MSG
See More: NYC Concerts Shows December
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NYC Airport Guides - LGA, JFK, EWR
Our detailed NYC Airport Guides go in-depth on everything you need to know about each airport. Free shuttles, nearby hotels, Stay & Fly Free Parking, Taxis, Limos, Shuttles, Parking, Cheap Flights and more.
NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan
NYC Printable Guides - Available for Immediate Download
NYC Printable Map Guide Book
BONUS NYC Maps
NYC Travel Guide
Download over 100 pages of NYC maps, information and recommendations in less than 5 minutes! Our NYC Insider Printable Map Guide Book, Travel Planner and Bonus Map Guides include organized, easy to follow, color coded guides, detailed maps of every neighborhood, weekly chart of Free Museum Days and Times and free weekly neighborhood tours, Best of NYC Categories and lists by ALL native New Yorkers. Download everything you need to know NYC Like a Pro and make the most of your NYC vacation.
The information provided is exactly what we were looking for to be able to plan our trip this year to NYC!! We are over the moon at all the information and maps we received. Our excitement has grown exponentially since we got our info. Thank you for the thoroughness of your guides! Well worth it! - Odette (March 2019)
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Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before…
December 11-29, 2019
‘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
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Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC
Staying near Penn Station / Madison Square Garden is a great idea when staying late for the Rangers, Knicks or your favorite concert, arrive or leave early via Amtrak or LIRR or just want to stay in a very affordable area of Manhattan steps from the Empire State Building, Macy's and no more than a 15 minute subway ride anywhere in Manhattan. Some of our top picks near Penn Station include:
- Hotel Pennsylvania - closest to MSG and one of NYC's most popular hotels
- Crowne Plaza HY36 - new in 2018, great reviews online
- Holiday Inn Express – Madison Square Garden - well-reviewed budget hotel
See More: Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC
NYC Uber and UberPool - Save $5 Coupon
For a long time, I was only pro taxi as Uber had so many issues and just congested NYC. However, the launch of uberPOOL has made rides much more affordable as well as better for our roads and the environment.
uberPOOL basically combines rides, so you may go out of your way for a few minutes, but the rides will cost you about 30% less. This is a great option for 1-2 people (any more than that and you'll have to take your own car). Many times, you'll have the whole ride to yourself anyway if they can't find you a match, so you'll save huge $$. Even better, get $5 off your first Uber or uberPOOL using my link or with code uber-nycinsiderguide.
Read More: NYC Limos, Taxis, Shuttles, Car Services
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The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™
November 29, 2019 -January 5, 2020
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. Great seats at Nutcracker Ballet
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Christmas in New York City
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.
Read the full NYC Insider Guide to Christmas in New York City to get the inside scoop and plan your Christmas holiday.
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Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room
Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in room offer travelers a wonderful way to relax and connect after a long day of walking around NYC. Our top picks for in room jacuzzi spa tubs include:
- The Muse New York - spa suite with a jacuzzi tub (photo)
- Hotel Metro - ask for an "Executive Jacuzzi Room"
- YOTEL at Times Square West - ask for the "The First King Terrace cabin"
See More: Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room
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Things To Do in New York in December
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.
If you want to ice skate, see the most beautiful skyline lit up to a whole new level, head to Radio City Music Hall for the Rockettes, Lincoln Center for the Nutcracker, see the best of Broadway or the beautiful windows of 5th Avenue, don’t miss
our insider tips and guide to a great December in NYC.
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Christmas in New York Holiday Season Calendar
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.
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Sports New York City Events December
Winter is a great time to catch one of our 6 professional sports teams in action! The Giants and Jets are
heading towards the end of football season. Knicks and Nets basketball is underway, as is the NY Rangers
and Islanders hockey season. Make sure to add a NYC Game Day to your NYC vacation – it’s an absolute MUST in NYC!
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December Broadway Show Picks
Check out our newest Broadway Shows and top NYC Insider Picks for December!
Sept 13, 2019 - Jan 5, 2020. 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 — arrives on Broadway. 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, Daveed Diggs, James Monroe Iglehart, and more, every night brings the unexpected.
Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange teenager obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a degenerate demon who happens to have a thing for stripes. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, he comes up with the perfect plan involving exorcism, arranged marriage and a girl scout who gets scared out of her wits. Previews March 28, Opens April 25, 2019. Ages 12+
Based on the classic film, Tootsie tells the story of a talented, but difficult-to-work-with actor who will do anything to land the role of a lifetime - including adopting a new, female persona, Dorothy Michaels. His audacious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a lifetime,only to cause complete comedy and chaos in his life. Previews March 29th, Opens April 23, 2019.
Moulin Rouge The Musical Tickets
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular! Previews June 28, 2019, Opens July 25, 2019.
Full List of Broadway Shows and Discount Broadway Tickets
Celebrities on Broadway
- Sea Wall/A Life - Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Sturridge (July 26 - Sept 29, 2019)
- The Rose Tattoo - Marisa Tomei (Sept 19, 2019 - open)
- To Kill a Mockingbird - Jeff Daniels (play adapted by Aaron Sorkin) - open run
See More: Celebrities on Broadway and List of NYC Broadway Shows
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Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
There are so many things to do in New York in Winter, making it one of the BEST times to visit NYC. Yes, the weather can be cold and wet, so it is a risk. However, there are two huge payoffs, depending on a pre-or post holidays visit. Some of our favorite picks are:
- 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
See All: Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
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New York Christmas Vacation Packages
Prices on hotels tend to skyrocket during NYC’s busiest time of year! Luckily, we have a fantastic NYC Vacation Company that has scoured the city to bring you the BEST deals and help you enjoy your NYC vacation. December is a great time to
book your all inclusive NYC Vacation Package and save. All New York City Vacation Packages include Hotel, Taxes, Free Attractions and Museums, Discounts,
Maps, Vacation Planning Assistance and more.
Best New York City Vacation Packages in December:
- Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Vacation Package
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular Hotel Package
- Christmas Dinner Staycation in New York City
- New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop Gala
- New Year’s Eve Times Square Hotel
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Most Popular New York City Tours and Activities
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Giants & Jets MetLife Schedule
Ready to see the Giants star quarterback, Eli Manning or 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!
NY Giants & Jets Schedule – Home Games December
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Rangers MSG Schedule
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.
More Info: NY Rangers
NY Rangers Schedule – Home Games December
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Knicks MSG Schedule
The NY Knicks have a great roster, so come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”
More Info: NY Knicks
NY Knicks Schedule – Home Games December
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New York City Events Calendar 2019
Things to Do in NYC by Month
Our Event Calendars show you exactly which events occur by day, but our Things to Do monthly guides highlight seasonal tours, bike rides, best time for boat cruises, when to buy tickets, the biggest sales and all the optimal times to do activities by month.
Check out our Monthly Things to do in NYC Guides.
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Help US Help Our site visitors by promoting YOUR NYC business. Have a great NYC restaurant, hotel, store or attraction? Want to offer a coupon to our guests? Want to share your favorite parts of New York City? We want to hear all about it. Learn More: Promote YOUR Business on NYC Insider Guide
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