#1 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center 

December 4–January 5 

Midtown, Manhattan 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s holiday season opens with premieres, new productions and repertory favorites, including the masterpiece Revelations. The performances feature the Theater’s incredible 32 dancers led by artistic director Robert Battle. More info here. 

#2 Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo 

December 6–21 

Westchester Square, the Bronx 

During December, the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance presents its annual Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo! This gay, Latino comedic play intertwines two holiday classics: The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. More info here. 

#3 Holiday Workshop Weekend at Wave Hill 

December 7–8 

Riverdale, the Bronx 

Create one-of-a-kind holiday decorations by the gorgeous gardens and galleries at Wave Hill during their Holiday Workshop Weekend. The interactive workshop is bound to fuel everyone’s creative spirit—whether you’re interested in miniature tree arrangements or multicultural decor. More info here. 

#4 A Holiday Doo Wop Spectacular at the St. George Theatre 

December 7 

St. George, Staten Island 

The famous St. George Theatre presents its annual Holiday Doo Wop Spectacular featuring rhythm and blues. Audiences can enjoy the soulful presence of critically acclaimed performers such as: The Vogues, The Crystals, Eddie Holman and the Fireflies. More info here. 

#5 Three Extraordinary Versions of The Nutcracker in Three Boroughs 

Various dates 

Upper West Side, Manhattan; Flushing, Queens; Flatbush, Brooklyn 

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center Plaza brings the classic Christmas Eve tale to life with breathtaking music and choreography. Visitors are invited to experience the magic in Manhattan from November 29 to January 21. More info here. 

The Nutcracker at the Salzburg Marionette Theatre is coming to Flushing, Queens on December 4 with a twist on the original characters. A historical puppet cast that is hand carved and traditionally painted is bound to entertain children and adults alike. More info here. 

The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre is a re-imagined holiday classic opening its doors on December 14. The production transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of melting pot Brooklyn. More info here.

#6 Holiday Performances at the World Famous Apollo Theater 

Various dates 

Harlem, Manhattan 

The iconic Apollo Theater, celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2019, hosts a variety of holiday events at the iconic Harlem theater this winter. On December 14, gospel choirs from the Harlem community will perform for free under the theater’s famed marquee in the return of holiday favorite Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland followed by the Amateur Night Holiday Special showcasing recent winners of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow.” Gospel legends Yolanda Adams and Donald Lawrence headline the return of the theater’s annual concert Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration on December 21. As a grand finale, the Apollo Theater celebrates its annual Kwanzaa Celebration on December 28 featuring the renowned dance company Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and guest performances. More info here. 

#7 Candlelight Tours 

December 14–21 

Richmond Town, Staten Island 

This Christmas season experience the taste, smell and touch of centuries past at Historic Richmond Town. Step back in time while touring the unique New York town which is illuminated by candles and oil lamps. Reservations are not required, but they are recommended. More info here. 

#8 11th Annual Latke Festival at the Brooklyn Museum 

December 16 

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn 

One of New York City’s most unique and delicious holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event that celebrates the best and most creative potato pancakes in New York City. More info here. 

#9 Melrose Holiday Parranda 

December 21 

Melrose, the Bronx 

The Melrose Holiday Parranda follows in the footsteps of Puerto Rican holiday caroling with a procession based on plena music and other holiday songs from the island. The festive parade will be led by members of the Bronx’s music and cultural community and is co-sponsored by the Bronx Council on the Arts, Bronx Music Heritage Center and We Stay/Nos Quedamos Committee. More info here. 

#10 Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn and Lighting of the World's Largest Menorah in Manhattan 

December 22

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan 

Both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Grand Army Plazas host competitors in the race for the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. The Largest Menorah in Brooklyn has been lit since 1985, and the annual concert to kick off the holiday will be held on December 22. 

#11 New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop 

December 31–January 1 

Times Square, Manhattan 

Each year, millions of viewers watch the Times Square Ball Drop from New York City and around the globe. The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year's Eve Ball sparkles in Times Square for visitors to see all season, but its descent on December 31 is a spectacular, once-in-a- lifetime way to ring in the New Year. More info here. 

#12 New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park 

December 31–January 1 

Prospect Park, Brooklyn 

Tucked far away from Central Park’s frenzy is the Grand Army Plaza’s iconic New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park. This spectacular celebration includes live music, followed by a fireworks show at midnight. More info here. 

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