Can't-Miss Events in New York This December

Full of hand-crafted goods, local vendors, and cheer, this seasonal market in Union Square Park is the perfect place to snag holiday gifts. Find dozens of vendors, a lounge area, and even an arts space for kids.

Though many NYC restaurants are closed on Christmas, that’s not the case in Chinatown. Dim sum serves as a holiday treat at the popular Nom Wah Tea Parlor, open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Theatergoers hoping for a culturally rich performance shouldn't miss the Apollo Theater's Kwanzaa Celebration. Set in Harlem’s legendary jazz venue, this one-night-only show packs in jazz, dance, and stellar costumes.

This south Brooklyn neighborhood has become a popular destination to see Christmas lights, thanks to the residents’ tradition of creating some of the borough's most extravagant displays. Book a guided tour, or take the subway to find your own way.

For a cozy evening in Lower Manhattan, head to the Metrograph. In December, the movie house screens archival holiday films including It’s a Wonderful Life, Billy Wilder's The Apartment, and the cult classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Part tiki bar, part Christmas decoration disaster, the Sippin’ Santa holiday pop-up at Boilermaker is an East Village gem. With signature drinks like the “Christmas Eve of Destruction,” expect a late night.

With more than 100 ensembles on display, the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Paris, Capital of Fashion exhibit showcases couture over the centuries in Chelsea.

More than 100 high-kicking Rockettes dance to original holiday music at this knockout show, hosted at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York’s Theater District. If you can, book tickets in advance to secure your seats.

Every holiday season, the New York City Ballet stages Balanchine's The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center, on the Upper West Side. The holiday classic features a Tschaikovsky score and 90 of the company's top dancers.

This Upper East Side museum draws art lovers year-round, but there’s an extra reason to visit The Met this season. Stop by the Medieval Sculpture Hall to see a holiday tableau in full artistic style, complete with an adorned tree, Neapolitan nativity scene, and hundreds of antique figures.

Fifth Avenue is famous for its high-end retail, but even if you don't shop for couture, you can still enjoy the decked-out window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Saks Fifth Avenue.

A Norway spruce topped with Swarovski crystals, this famous Christmas tree is an NYC tradition and a must-see for holiday visitors. Even if you can't make the lighting ceremony on December 4, the tree is up through mid-January.

See model trains chugging through small-scale replicas of New York City landmarks at the Bronx garden’s Holiday Train Show. Bring the kids to check out the trains, or join for an adults-only evening.

Head to the heart of Central Park to enjoy the seasonal Yeti, Set, Snow! show at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. The original production tells a tale of discovery and friendship that kids will love.