New York City Events December 2020

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.

Thursday, December 3, 2020 - January 11 (TBD), 2021
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. In 2020, no tickets are required. There are QR codes for you to scan all around Rock Center and they will tell you your wait time and when to get in line to view the tree in your pod or 5 minutes.

The Union Square and Columbus Circle Holiday Markets are closed in 2020. Please visit the Bryant Park Holiday Market and the Grand Central Holiday Fair or you can take a New York Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Tour - all being safely held in 2020.

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.

November 27 & 28
December 5, 12, 18, 19, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
January 1, 2, & 9

5–10 pm

November 27, 2020 - January 10, 2021
Randall's Island

This year's festival is one of the few large-scale events happening this holiday season - all outdoors and socially distanced. This year, the festival will present a brand new theme and never-before-seen art installations on view for 29 nights.

• More Info & Tickets: LuminoCity Festival of Lights
• Directions: Take the Uptown or Downtown 4, 5, or 6 train to 125th St and transfer to the M35, which goes right to Randall’s Island.

• 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

NY Sightseeing Pass

• Choose from 100 sights
• Choose 1-10 days or # of Attractions
• Unlimited Hop On Hop Off Bus
• 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

Go New York Explorer

• Choose from 90+ sights
• Good for 30 Days
• Smartphone, print or physical card
• Explorer or Build Your Own

• 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.

• 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
• A Christmas Carol, The Illusionists Holiday Show, 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

On Sale Now: November 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Cancelled - Nov 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021
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
• OYO Hotel Times Square - Rated the #1 Sexiest Hotel in America. Formerly the Night Hotel (best for couples)
• 3 West Club - consistently receives excellent reviews, especially the location and value for the price.
• Radio City Apartments - a NYC Insider Guide Favorite

• A Christmas Carol - November 7, 2019 - January 5, 2020
• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular - Nov 8, 2019 - Jan 5, 2020
• The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays - November 29, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
• Nutcracker Ballet - November 29, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… - December 12-29, 2019 @ Hulu Theater at MSG

• 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

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

• Jerry Seinfeld – December 13, 2019 @ Beacon Theatre
• Billy Joel – Dec 11, 2019 @ MSG
• Jingle Ball w/ Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers – Dec 13, 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
• Idina Menzel – December 11, 2019 @ Carnegie Hall
• Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before… @ Hulu Theater at MSG

• LaGuardia LGA Airport Guide
• JFK Airport Guide
• Newark EWR Airport Guide
• NYC Limos, Taxis, Shuttles and Car Services
• Luggage Storage @ LGA, JFK and Newark
• Cheap Flights to New York

December 12-29, 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

• Hotel Pennsylvania - closest to MSG and one of NYC's most popular hotels
• Crowne Plaza HY36 - new in 2018, great reviews online
• Radisson Hotel New York Times Square - new in late 2019, crazy low rates under $150 night

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

New York Rangers

New York Giants

New York Knicks

Islanders

New York Jets

Brooklyn Nets

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.

freestyle love supreme - closed, see List of Broadway Shows

Sept 13, 2019 - Jan 12, 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.

A Christmas Carol on Broadway

November 7, 2019 - January 5, 2020 - A new interpretation of Charles Dickens' classic story about Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge debuts on Broadway this holiday season. The ghosts of the past, present and future visit Scrooge and remind him what is really important in life. Time Out raves, “Five stars. It’s a stunning piece of visual theatre.”

The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays

November 29, 2019 - January 5, 2020 - The mind-blowing spectacular of 'The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays' on Broadway showcases the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible Illusionists on earth, alongside special guests Light Balance. In 2019, the show stars Dom Chambers and Eric Chien, the multi-talented magic makers known for their appearances on America's Got Talent, along with master entertainers Chris Cox, Paul Dabek, Kevin James, Sos & Victoria Petrosyan and Enzo Weyne.

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner didn't just break the rules, she rewrote them. This new hit stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. Previews: Oct 12, 2019, Tickets on sale through September 2020. Ages 14+

Jagged Little Pill Broadway Musical

The Healys are a picture-perfect family, but looks can be deceiving. When the cracks beneath the surface begin to show, they must choose between maintaining the status quo or facing harsh truths about themselves, their community, and the world around them. Featuring Alanis Morissette’s iconic songs including “Ironic,” “You Oughta Know,” and “Hand In My Pocket,” plus brand-new songs written for the show. Previews: November 3, 2019

• To Kill a Mockingbird - Jeff Daniels/Ed Harris (play adapted by Aaron Sorkin)
• Plaza Suite Comedy Play - Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick (Postponed 2020)
• American Buffalo - Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell, Darren Criss (March 24, 2020 - open)
• Take Me Out Broadway - Jesse Williams, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Patrick Adams (April 2 - June 14, 2020)
• Birthday Candles - Debra Messing (Fall 2020)
• The Music Man on Broadway - Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster (September 9, 2020 - open)

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.

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!

• 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

Check out our Monthly Things to do in NYC Guides.

• Things to do in New York in March
• Things to do in New York in April
• Things to do in New York in May
• Things to do in New York in June
• Things to do in New York in September
• Things to do in New York in October
• Things to do in New York in November
• Things to do in New York in December