Dont Miss: December Events by NYC Go Lyrics
The holiday season kicks into high gear come December, with much-loved events like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Winter's Eve at Lincoln Center, the Lighting of the World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah and Holidays at the Apollo. Close out the year with the world-famous Times Square Ball Drop—an event that everyone should attend at least once—or by snagging tickets to Billy Joel's New Year's Eve performance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Performing at the arena earlier in the month is Beyoncé, and sports fans can see the Knicks vs. Nets rivalry play out there early in December. For more, visit our weekly "Free in NYC" and "Top Five Events" features, check out our monthly sports calendar and our roundup of annual events, or search for an event in our calendar.
Lighting of the World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah
November 27–December 5
Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights.
African Diaspora International Film Festival
November 29–December 15
The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) screens films that demonstrate how many different kinds of black films and black filmmakers there are, looking past Hollywood to present movies that might not otherwise find an audience or a distributor. This year's festival will showcase 73 films from 35 countries. Movies that have premiered at ADIFF include 100% Arabica and Tsotsi, so it's a good place to find an unheralded film maybe heading for fame.
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square
December 2
Once again, the neighborhood around Lincoln Center serves as the setting for the City's largest holiday festival (for one night only). Beginning with a tree lighting in Dante Park, the Winter's Eve festivities also include many street performers, food from some of the 'hood's best restaurants and fun activities, inside and out, for kids and grown-ups alike.
'Tis the Season: Louis Armstrong House Museum Holiday Tours
December 3–29
This holiday season, the Louis Armstrong House Museum presents special tours of the former home of the world-famous jazz legend. In addition to some festive holiday decor, the 40-minute, guided interpretive tours will feature rare audio clips from Louis' personal recordings of himself and family celebrations at home.
Trend-ology
December 3–April 30, 2014
Trends may come and go, but in the fashion industry nothing ever really goes out of style for too long. Trend-ology focuses on a 250-year-old trend cycle—starting in the 18th century—and follows the emergence (and reemergence) of fads up into the current period. This exhibition features 100 flash-in-the-pan pieces including a tartan dress made in the early 1800s, a chunky gold Chanel necklace inspired by late 1980s and early 1990s hip-hop, and a Murakami-designed Louis Vuitton satchel that was replicated ad nauseam. The show also touches on how crazes develop from channels such as art, music, film and street style, and how fast-fashion stores like H&M and Zara have contributed to the world of both passé and beguiling trends.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4–January 7, 2014
It doesn't get much more "iconic NYC Christmas" than the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, towering above the ice rink below. Things get festive on December 4, when thousands of revelers will fill the area for the lighting of this signature Norway spruce. Catch holiday-themed performances from a star-studded guest list, hosted the past few years by Today show stars Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. When the switch is flipped on that Swarovski star–topped tree wrapped in 40,000-plus energy-efficient LED lights, expect plenty of "oohs" and "ahs" from the crowd. If you can't make it to the big event, you can see the tree (and snap plenty of photos of it) through January 7.
Knicks vs. Nets
December 5
New York City's NBA teams go head-to-head for the first time this season in what's sure to be a hard-fought battle for bragging rights. In addition to the built-in conflict that any regional rivalry brings, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett had an on-court run-in last year that may bring even more intensity to this matchup.
It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
December 6–22
It's a Wonderful Life is performed as a live 1940s radio broadcast before a studio audience. This Harbor Lights version is brought to life by director Stephen Nachamie, whose previous credits for the theater company include 2010's I Hate Hamlet.
Edward Steichen in the 1920s and 1930s: A Recent Acquisition
December 6–February 23, 2014
The Whitney Museum of American Art presents this exhibition of Edward Steichen photographs, including celebrity portraits and fashion photographs taken during his tenure as chief photographer for Condé Nast. The photographs, a number of which reflect the artist's interest in nature, were given to the museum by collectors Richard and Jackie Hollander.
Holidays at the Apollo
December 7–27
Celebrate the holidays all December long at the world-famous Apollo Theater. Performances include Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite, the annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic, an Amateur Night holiday special and a Kwanzaa celebration, featuring an evening of dance and music that honors the traditions of the holiday.
American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
December 13–22
ABT's Nutcracker, set to a score by Tchaikovsky, and featuring magical toy soldiers, sparkling snowflakes and mischievous mice, is a holiday-season favorite at BAM. The 2013 engagement features the Alexei Ratmanksy production that had its world premiere at BAM in 2010.
The Magic Flute
December 16–January 4, 2014
Julie Taymor (The Lion King) reinvents—and abridges—Mozart's classic opera in her own imaginative style. The underlying plot is the same: Tamino, a handsome prince from a faraway land, is shown a picture of the princess Pamina and instantly falls in love. To earn Pamina's hand in marriage, Tamino must rescue her from the evil Sarastro. Accompanied by his friend Papagero, three child-spirit guides and a certain woodwind instrument with special properties, Tamino undertakes a mystical journey to find his true love.
Beyoncé
December 19 and 22
The pop-culture icon makes another stop in Brooklyn on "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour." The arena show is sure to be full of glitzy costumes and loyal fans belting out the lyrics to "Single Ladies" (and maybe, just maybe, trying to imitate that famous dance).
Islanders vs. Rangers
December 20
Sports rivalries don't get much nastier than Rangers vs. Islanders, a grudge match that often produces vulgarity in the stands and—while we would never condone it, we must report it—spirited pugilism on the ice. Chants reference heroes and villains of long ago (Rangers fans frequently use salty language to demean Denis Potvin, who is 25 years removed from his time as an Islander), and the atmosphere is always charged, regardless of the standings. The Islanders plan on packing up and moving from the burbs to Brooklyn in time for opening night in 2015.
Tracy Morgan
December 26–29
Stand-up comedian and TV star Tracy Morgan (known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock) is a true New Yorker—raised in Brooklyn and later moving to the Bronx. For four nights, he performs his sometimes controversial, always funny stand-up at Carolines in Times Square.
Billy Joel and Ben Folds Five
December 31
Go downtown [Brooklyn] ridin' in your limousine and your fine Flatbush Avenue clothes to the New Year's Eve event for anyone who's enjoyed piano-based rock music in the past four decades.
Times Square Ball Drop
December 31
Celebrate the arrival of 2014 with the annual Times Square Ball Drop. Nothing compares with the exhilaration of watching the fete from the streets, plus you can catch music and other performances before and after midnight. With all the revelry, it's best to get to Times Square as early as possible in the day; street closures begin during the midafternoon and the choicest spots are usually filled by 3pm or earlier. For more information, read our guide.
New Year's Eve Grand Army Plaza Fireworks
December 31
Check out Brooklyn's dazzling New Year's display with the Grand Army Plaza fireworks near the entrance to Prospect Park. This free event is fun for all ages. The fireworks begin at midnight, but get there early if you come by car; parking spots can be scarce. The best places for viewing are along Prospect Park's West Drive and between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street on Prospect Park West.
New York Road Runners Midnight Run
December 31
The quirky folks at Emerald Nuts sponsor this annual New Year's Eve event. The 4-mile run (what better way to kick off those resolutions?) starts at midnight at the first sight of fireworks; consider the prerace dancing and costume parade and contest to be evening-appropriate handicaps.
Lighting of the World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah
November 27–December 5
Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights.
African Diaspora International Film Festival
November 29–December 15
The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) screens films that demonstrate how many different kinds of black films and black filmmakers there are, looking past Hollywood to present movies that might not otherwise find an audience or a distributor. This year's festival will showcase 73 films from 35 countries. Movies that have premiered at ADIFF include 100% Arabica and Tsotsi, so it's a good place to find an unheralded film maybe heading for fame.
Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square
December 2
Once again, the neighborhood around Lincoln Center serves as the setting for the City's largest holiday festival (for one night only). Beginning with a tree lighting in Dante Park, the Winter's Eve festivities also include many street performers, food from some of the 'hood's best restaurants and fun activities, inside and out, for kids and grown-ups alike.
'Tis the Season: Louis Armstrong House Museum Holiday Tours
December 3–29
This holiday season, the Louis Armstrong House Museum presents special tours of the former home of the world-famous jazz legend. In addition to some festive holiday decor, the 40-minute, guided interpretive tours will feature rare audio clips from Louis' personal recordings of himself and family celebrations at home.
Trend-ology
December 3–April 30, 2014
Trends may come and go, but in the fashion industry nothing ever really goes out of style for too long. Trend-ology focuses on a 250-year-old trend cycle—starting in the 18th century—and follows the emergence (and reemergence) of fads up into the current period. This exhibition features 100 flash-in-the-pan pieces including a tartan dress made in the early 1800s, a chunky gold Chanel necklace inspired by late 1980s and early 1990s hip-hop, and a Murakami-designed Louis Vuitton satchel that was replicated ad nauseam. The show also touches on how crazes develop from channels such as art, music, film and street style, and how fast-fashion stores like H&M and Zara have contributed to the world of both passé and beguiling trends.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
December 4–January 7, 2014
It doesn't get much more "iconic NYC Christmas" than the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, towering above the ice rink below. Things get festive on December 4, when thousands of revelers will fill the area for the lighting of this signature Norway spruce. Catch holiday-themed performances from a star-studded guest list, hosted the past few years by Today show stars Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie. When the switch is flipped on that Swarovski star–topped tree wrapped in 40,000-plus energy-efficient LED lights, expect plenty of "oohs" and "ahs" from the crowd. If you can't make it to the big event, you can see the tree (and snap plenty of photos of it) through January 7.
Knicks vs. Nets
December 5
New York City's NBA teams go head-to-head for the first time this season in what's sure to be a hard-fought battle for bragging rights. In addition to the built-in conflict that any regional rivalry brings, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett had an on-court run-in last year that may bring even more intensity to this matchup.
It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
December 6–22
It's a Wonderful Life is performed as a live 1940s radio broadcast before a studio audience. This Harbor Lights version is brought to life by director Stephen Nachamie, whose previous credits for the theater company include 2010's I Hate Hamlet.
Edward Steichen in the 1920s and 1930s: A Recent Acquisition
December 6–February 23, 2014
The Whitney Museum of American Art presents this exhibition of Edward Steichen photographs, including celebrity portraits and fashion photographs taken during his tenure as chief photographer for Condé Nast. The photographs, a number of which reflect the artist's interest in nature, were given to the museum by collectors Richard and Jackie Hollander.
Holidays at the Apollo
December 7–27
Celebrate the holidays all December long at the world-famous Apollo Theater. Performances include Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite, the annual Double Dutch Holiday Classic, an Amateur Night holiday special and a Kwanzaa celebration, featuring an evening of dance and music that honors the traditions of the holiday.
American Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker
December 13–22
ABT's Nutcracker, set to a score by Tchaikovsky, and featuring magical toy soldiers, sparkling snowflakes and mischievous mice, is a holiday-season favorite at BAM. The 2013 engagement features the Alexei Ratmanksy production that had its world premiere at BAM in 2010.
The Magic Flute
December 16–January 4, 2014
Julie Taymor (The Lion King) reinvents—and abridges—Mozart's classic opera in her own imaginative style. The underlying plot is the same: Tamino, a handsome prince from a faraway land, is shown a picture of the princess Pamina and instantly falls in love. To earn Pamina's hand in marriage, Tamino must rescue her from the evil Sarastro. Accompanied by his friend Papagero, three child-spirit guides and a certain woodwind instrument with special properties, Tamino undertakes a mystical journey to find his true love.
Beyoncé
December 19 and 22
The pop-culture icon makes another stop in Brooklyn on "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour." The arena show is sure to be full of glitzy costumes and loyal fans belting out the lyrics to "Single Ladies" (and maybe, just maybe, trying to imitate that famous dance).
Islanders vs. Rangers
December 20
Sports rivalries don't get much nastier than Rangers vs. Islanders, a grudge match that often produces vulgarity in the stands and—while we would never condone it, we must report it—spirited pugilism on the ice. Chants reference heroes and villains of long ago (Rangers fans frequently use salty language to demean Denis Potvin, who is 25 years removed from his time as an Islander), and the atmosphere is always charged, regardless of the standings. The Islanders plan on packing up and moving from the burbs to Brooklyn in time for opening night in 2015.
Tracy Morgan
December 26–29
Stand-up comedian and TV star Tracy Morgan (known for his roles on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock) is a true New Yorker—raised in Brooklyn and later moving to the Bronx. For four nights, he performs his sometimes controversial, always funny stand-up at Carolines in Times Square.
Billy Joel and Ben Folds Five
December 31
Go downtown [Brooklyn] ridin' in your limousine and your fine Flatbush Avenue clothes to the New Year's Eve event for anyone who's enjoyed piano-based rock music in the past four decades.
Times Square Ball Drop
December 31
Celebrate the arrival of 2014 with the annual Times Square Ball Drop. Nothing compares with the exhilaration of watching the fete from the streets, plus you can catch music and other performances before and after midnight. With all the revelry, it's best to get to Times Square as early as possible in the day; street closures begin during the midafternoon and the choicest spots are usually filled by 3pm or earlier. For more information, read our guide.
New Year's Eve Grand Army Plaza Fireworks
December 31
Check out Brooklyn's dazzling New Year's display with the Grand Army Plaza fireworks near the entrance to Prospect Park. This free event is fun for all ages. The fireworks begin at midnight, but get there early if you come by car; parking spots can be scarce. The best places for viewing are along Prospect Park's West Drive and between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street on Prospect Park West.
New York Road Runners Midnight Run
December 31
The quirky folks at Emerald Nuts sponsor this annual New Year's Eve event. The 4-mile run (what better way to kick off those resolutions?) starts at midnight at the first sight of fireworks; consider the prerace dancing and costume parade and contest to be evening-appropriate handicaps.