Celebrate Christmas In New York -- New York City Christmas Events

I've always loved Christmastime in New York City. While the city always has a lot of energy, there's even more around the holidays, especially since so many tourists visit Manhattan. The city also looks beautiful when all of the buildings are decked out in holiday lights.

When friends from out of town come to visit Manhattan at Christmas, they inevitably want to see the tree at Rockefeller Center or admire the Christmas displays at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and the other department stores. However, while these things are certainly worth seeing, there's a lot more to do in Christmas in Manhattan besides going to Rockefeller Center or going to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Hall.

Below are some of the coolest things to do during the holiday season in New York City -- whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or just love being part of a huge party, you're sure to find something to put you in a good mood and make you smile.

By far, the two most popular things that tourists like to do is see the tree at Rockefeller Center or see the show at Radio City Music Hall.

1. Rockefeller Center (between 47-50th Streets/5-6th Avenues): This large space between sky scrapers is impressive to begin with, but it becomes even more so when you add a gigantic Christmas tree and a skating rink. Yes, the famous tree and rink are beautiful, as are the other Christmas decorations in that area, but a warning from a native New Yorker -- it gets CROWDED there. As in so crowded, you can barely walk down the sidewalk sometimes. Also, that rink is expensive and doesn't have the greatest ice. My recommendation is to try to see the tree later at night when the crowds have thinned and to find another ring to skate in, such as the rink at Bryant Park (listed below). Enjoy your view of the tree and then move on to someplace where you can breathe (and aren't getting shoved).

2. Radio City Music Hall (6th Avenue and 50th): Even without the show, this landmark art deco building is worth checking out. Almost every big name that you can think of in show business has performed here at one time. I was fortunate enough to see a joint show between Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. here in the early '80s, when I was 8 or 9 years old. Even at my young age, I understood how monumental this was. As for the Christmas Spectacular, it's definitely worth checking out, especially if you have kids. The famed Rockettes are the stars of the show, choreographing their kick line to Christmas tunes and the holiday-themed sets are gorgeous. Every kid I know who's seen this musical has loved it ... and the adults like it, too! I know some people who enjoy it so much, they've made seeing it a yearly tradition.

If you're looking for an alternative to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, here are some great ideas. Of course, you can truly get into the holiday spirit by trying everything!

Bryant Park (40-42nd Sts. between 5-6th Avenues): Bryant Park, which is directly behind the New York Public Library is the spot where all of the fashions shows are held. Each Christmas, it's turned into a beautiful holiday village with dozens of shops, stands and even a skating rink and carousel! I actually prefer this to Rockefeller Center because it's slightly less well-known and is therefore a little less crowded. Bryant Park isn't that big, either, so it's easy to see everything in one visit.

Madison Square Garden (32nd St. between 7-8th Avenues): If the Rockettes aren't your thing, then you might enjoy attending Wintuk instead. This holiday show, which is quickly gaining as much popularity as the Christmas Spectacular, is a Cirque du Soleil. Therefore, amidst the holiday-themed songs and dances are incredible acrobatics and feats of athleticism. The sets are amazing in this production, as well.

The Windows At Macy's and Lord & Taylor (Macy's is between 34-35th Sts. between 6-th Avenues; L&T is on 5th Avenue, between 38-39th): One great free activity to do before waiting to attend Wintuk or visit Bryant Park is to check out the holiday window displays in these department stores. Macy's in particular puts together an outstanding display with puppets, dolls and incredible backdrops. And if you need to do some holiday shopping, both stores have plenty of items to choose from!

If you celebrate Hanukkah, as I do, there's stuff to do for this holiday, as well. Probably the most popular party, though, is to celebrate Hanukkah at Webster Hall.

Webster Hall (125 E. 11th Street): Webster Hall usually has a menorah lighting ceremony on one of the nights of Hanukkah (check the calendar for the exact day and time), where they have popular Jewish performers say the prayers and lead everyone in song. They also throw the appropriately-named "Matzo Ball" around Christmas, usually on December 24 since everyone's Christian friends are out celebrating! The party includes drinks, dancing ... and if you're looking for some nice, Jewish singles is a good place to find that date for New Year's.

By far, the best way to fully appreciate the holidays in New York City is to see all of it!

New York Holiday Lights Tour (see link above): This tour takes visitors past all of the well-known places in the city where lights are abundant, such as Rockefeller Center. It's a great way to sit back and enjoy the views without having to push through the crowds.

FAO Schwartz (767 5th Avenue, across from Central Park): This monumental toy store is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping, if you've got the money. Even if you don't want to spend a dime, however, it's worth checking out for the elaborate Christmas displays involving toy soldiers, dolls and any other play thing you can imagine.

The Lights Of 5th and 6th Avenues: One of my favorite things to do around Christmas is to simply walk up and down these two streets to admire the decorations. Nearly every store, especially the high-end places like Tiffany's and Chanel, go all out when it comes to showing that Christmas spirit. It's fun, it's free ... and it's great exercise, to boot! Who could ask for a better way to take in the holidays in this fabulous city?