Date and venue: Now through mid-January at Rockefeller Plaza

A short walk uptown from the Theatre District is Rockefeller Center, where visitors can view the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. The area also offers The Rink, an ice skating rink at the base of the tree, and nearby are the dazzling Saks Fifth Avenue light show and the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.

Date and venue: Now through January 4 at Radio City Music Hall

If the Radio City Rockettes are back, then it really is the holiday season in NYC. The high-kicking precision dance troupe have returned to Radio City Music Hall for the annual Christmas Spectacular, dazzling audiences with jaw-dropping dances, sets, costumes — and even an appearance from Santa Claus himself. Don’t miss your chance to catch the Rockettes during their 100th anniversary.

Get Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets now.

Date and venue: Now through March 1 at Bryant Park

An NYC holiday must-do is a visit to the Bryant Park Winter Village. Ice skate with free admission (skate and locker rental fees apply), shop at the holiday market, and hit up the delicious food vendors featuring all types of global cuisines. Just a short walk from the Theatre District, it’s the perfect place to hang out before or after a show.

Date and venue: Now through January 4 at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park

The Big Apple Circus is back in NYC, taking up residency near Lincoln Center at Damrosch Park. Displaying high-flying acts and death-defying stunts, as well as comedic routines and more. Perfect for families, the Big Apple Circus is in town for the holiday season, making it a great stop on anyone’s seasonal trip to the city.

Get Big Apple Circus tickets now.

Date and venue: Now through January 11 at the New York Botanical Garden

The Bronx garden's annual train show includes nearly 200 replicas of landmark NYC buildings, all made entirely out of plant-based materials and tucked amid the NYBG's blooming conservatories. It's a beloved holiday tradition for all ages and a great way to escape the concrete of the city for an afternoon.

Get Holiday Train Show tickets now.

Date and venue: December 11 to January 3 at the Metropolitan Opera House

The Met Opera’s annual production of The Magic Flute is back, along with free, kid-friendly activities at many shows. Each year, the Met puts on this abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s enchanting fairy tale, featuring colorful sets, costumes, and puppetry.

Families can find free activity books for kids and themed photo opportunities in the lobby. Plus, those who attend the December 27, 29, 30, or January 3 shows can also enjoy complimentary face painting.

Get The Magic Flute tickets now.

Date and venue: Now through February at Grand Central Terminal

The New York Transit Museum is holding its 21st annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central. This free, 34-foot display features miniature versions of NYC landmark buildings like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Grand Central.

Numerous model trains move along the tracks and wind among the buildings, and many are modeled after New York trains like the Metro North and the subway, plus the Polar Express. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, except for major holidays.

Date and venue: Now through January 7 at Hudson Yards

With over 100 miles of holiday string lights, more than 700 trees, and a massive floating hot air balloon, the holidays are unmatched at Hudson Yards during its annual Shine Bright event. Head west of the Theatre District to catch this shimmering light display and soak up the festive cheer.

There are also food, drink, and shopping options available throughout the Hudson Yards complex. Time it right, and you can catch live performances from a toy soldier dance troupe. If you visit after November 28, you can take free pictures with Santa.

Date and venue: Select dates through December 18

Stars from Broadway shows like The Lion King, Six, The Book of Mormon, and more will perform under the dazzling light display at The Shops at Columbus Circle this holiday season. These free concerts feature live performances and interviews with Broadway performers from today's hottest musicals.

Catch the shows at 5 p.m. on November 20 and December 4, 11, and 18, and see the full lineup here.

Date and venue: Now through January 3 at the David A. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center

The Nutcracker is a classic way to kick off the holiday season, and New York City Ballet is putting on its iconic annual performance through January 3. While the choreography stays true to the original from 1954, this year's production adds some exciting features, like a one-ton Christmas tree that grows up to 40 feet tall and an actual blizzard that takes place on stage.

For a an alternative, free Nutcracker option, the downtown mall Brookfield Place is holding three performances of Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker from November 22-23. The show is sold out, but there may be day-of walk-up availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Date and venue: December 4-28 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

Revisit a classic story in a completely new way. Cirque du Soleil performs its take on this Christmas tale, blending incredible acrobatics and storytelling in one unique, all-ages show.

Get Cirque du Soleil: Twas the Night Before... tickets now.

Date and venue: December 12 at Madison Square Garden

Jingle Ball NYC brings together the year’s biggest musical artists in one all-star show. Ed Sheeran, Conan Gray, Laufey, Reneé Rapp, Ravyn Lenae, and more artists take the stage this year, along with a special sing-along performance from KPop Demon Hunters. Although singers will mostly perform their biggest hits, expect holiday-ready outfits, decorations, and other festive elements. Learn more.

Get iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tickets now.

Date and venue: Now through January 6 at Greeley Square

The annual Macy’s window displays bring the holiday cheer to Herald Square, and new this year, at the adjacent Greeley Square, is a two-story Christmas carousel decorated in festive garland and lights. Tickets are $7, and you can buy them in person or online.

Date and venue: December 12-13 at the Beacon Theatre

Brett Eldredge’s annual holiday concert, the Glow Live Tour, comes to New York City’s Beacon Theatre this month. The country singer performs music from his three Christmas albums, including covers of classics and original holiday tunes, against a dazzling winter wonderland set. Comedian Steven Rogers is the opening act.

Get Brett Eldredge's Glow Live tickets now.

Date and venue: December 14 at the Jewish Museum

Gather at the Jewish Museum for its Hanukkah Family Day, which has crafts, activities, and more for families to enjoy. With live music from Grammy winner Joanie Leeds and a display of over 130 Hanukkah menorahs from around the world, this is the perfect way to celebrate the festival of lights. Tickets to the event include museum admission.

Date and venue: December 14 at the Beacon Theatre

John Oliver and Seth Meyers are wrapping up their popular residency at the Beacon Theatre this month. Their co-headlining show is a unique chance to catch these two comedic and late-night icons under one roof, delivering jokes, stories, and observations about everything from current events to family life.

Learn more about John Oliver and Seth Meyers at the Beacon Theatre.

Get John Oliver and Seth Meyers tickets now.

Date and venue: December 17-18 at Madison Square Garden

Every year, Andrea Bocelli brings his stunning vocals to NYC for a special holiday concert. This year, you can see the famous Italian tenor at Madison Square Garden for two performances, where he’ll deliver a mix of classical songs and holiday favorites, backed by a full orchestra.

Get Andrea Bocelli tickets now.

Date and venue: Now through January 5 at the Museum of Broadway

The Radio City Rockettes are high-kicking into their 100th year, and the Museum of Broadway is celebrating with a special exhibit. Learn how the Rockettes dance troupe started in Missouri and made its way to the historic Radio City Music Hall. Get an up-close look at their dazzling costumes, and even take a special photo with the famous Toy Soldiers.

Get Museum of Broadway tickets now.

Get Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes tickets now.

Date and venue: December 12 in Times Square

Ever wish the Friends coffee shop actually existed in NYC? Well, your wish has come true: Central Perk is opening December 12. Sit on the famous orange couch, shop Friends merchandise, and, of course, enjoy delicious coffee and a curated menu by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio.

Plus, Friends superfans can make a whole themed day out of it by catching Friends: The Musical Parody off Broadway nearby.

Get Friends: The Musical Parody tickets now.

Date and venue: Select dates in December at the Plaza Hotel

Part of its Holidays at the Plaza programming, Tappy Hour at the Plaza welcomes The Sarafinas, a New York precision dance troupe, for a special performance for guests at both The Palm Court and The Champagne Bar. Whether you're staying at the Plaza or just enjoying a drink or bite before a show, you can catch these dancers from 4-5 p.m. on December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, and 22.