23 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in NYC

The Big Apple is a favorite destination this time of year. With so many celebrations happening, it's no wonder millions make the journey to experience the holiday magic in New York City. NYC & Company has the perfect list of highlights for can't miss events and attractions during this time of year.

Dates: November 8 - January 5

Where: Midtown, Manhattan

Radio City Music Hall lights up with its annual Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. Watch as the Wooden Soldiers make there choreographed fall and as the Rockettes kick off the holiday season with their signature synchronized high kicks.

Dates: November 25 - January 12

Where: Upper West Side, Manhattan

For over forty years, the Origami Tree has been a staple at the American Museum of Natural History. The tree is 13 feet in height and decorated with over 800 origami pieces. Each year, the tree takes on a new theme associated with one of the museum's special exhibits-this year's theme is T. Rex and Friends: History in the Making. The museum partners with OrigamiUSA, who hand makes each individual decoration, and volunteers from the group will even be present at the museum to help teach visitors the art of origami.

Dates: November 20 - January 12

Where: Randall Manor, Staten Island

In only its second year, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival will once again be on display at Staten Island's Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. There will be more than 50 LED lanterns exhibited across eight acres. Full of whimsy and intricate designs, this exhibition is sure to wow guests of all ages.

Dates: November 21 - January 5

Where: Fordham, the Bronx

The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo have been in hibernation since 2007, but they are expected to make their re-inauguration this season with wildlife-themed masterpieces and a light show on Astor Court. Guests will also get to enjoy train rides, seasonal treats, specialty performances and ice carvings.

Dates: November 23 - January 26

Where: Fordham, the Bronx

Want to see New York City on a smaller scale? Make your way to the New York Botanical Garden to see an ecological recreation of more than 175 iconic New York landmarks made from natural materials like leaves and bark, complete with model trains chugging their way through the city.

Dates: November 23 - January 13

Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

Be wowed by gingerbread creations like you've never seen before at the New York Hall of Science. Currently, the exhibition holds the record for the largest gingerbread village and the entire village is mapped out over the course of the year. Every element to each structure is made up of entirely edible materials, from pieces of gum to candy canes to M&Ms. There are even special workshops visitors can sign up for where you can make your own gingerbread house.

Date: November 28

Where: Manhattan

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most iconic events of the season. Nearing its centennial birthday, it's an event that attendees will line up for hours in advance. Just make sure that you also get a glimpse of the beautifully decorated window displays outside of Macy's as well.

Dates: Varies

Where: St. George, Staten Island

Thanksgiving signifies one thing for many American consumers-the day before Black Friday. Whether you love it or hate it, Empire Outlets is celebrating its first Black Friday being New York City's first outlet destination. During the holiday shopping season, Empire Outlets will host its own special tree lighting ceremony, fully decked out in garland and lights. Holiday shoppers will also enjoy festive live music and in-store deals.

Dates: Varies

Where: Greenwich Village, Manhattan; Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

A Christmas Carol is a holiday must for many, and in the Big Apple, there are multiple venues where theater patrons can find their fix. The 1832 Merchant's House Museum in Greenwich Village will be running the one-hour production November 29 - January 5, but seating at this venue is very limited. Also located in Greenwich Village, The Players Theatre will be presenting their interpretation for the 11th year in a row, with performances scheduled December 1-30. At the Queens Theatre, you can see a musical version of the show airing December 6-22.

Date: November 30

Where: Belmont, the Bronx

In the Bronx's Little Italy, there is a special tree lighting event with holiday treats, hot chocolate and even a visit from Santa. Enjoy the decorated streets and delicious smells from local restaurants.

Dates: December 1-30

Where: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

See the extravagant Christmas lights adorning the houses of Dyker Heights with A Slice of Brooklyn's bus tours. Known across the country as some of the most over-the-top Christmas decorations, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the area to see the mesmerizing light displays. But with A Slice of Brooklyn's tours, you won't have to worry about the traffic-or the cold-as you enjoy all the sights.

Dates: December 1-23

Where: Flatiron District, Manhattan

The Flatiron District loads up on holiday cheer with 23 days of events highlighting partnerships throughout the area. From free holiday-themed attractions to events like the Holiday Installation Launch Party, just walking through this area will put an extra pep into your holiday cheer.

Date: December 4; 7-9pm

Where: Midtown, Manhattan

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center is one of the city's quintessential holiday favorites. Enjoy live performances on the night of the lighting ceremony, but also just relish in the festive cheer emitting from Rockefeller Center every night after by ice skating, sipping hot chocolate and being immersed in the holiday spirit.

Dates: December 6-21

Where: Westchester Square, the Bronx

Join the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance in their one-of-a-kind performance incorporating the season's favorite performances, an interweaving of 'The Nutcracker' and 'A Christmas Carol,' in a comedic fashion. This unique blending of plays is now in its eleventh year running and will have you laughing out of your seat.

Date: December 7

Where: St. George, Staten Island

Get into the holiday spirit with special live doo-wop performances with A Holiday Doo Wop Spectacular at the St. George Theatre. Enjoy songs from Jay Siegel's Tokens, The Vogues, The Crystals, Eddie Holman and more as you dance the night away to rhythm and blues.

Dates: Various

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

Throughout the three boroughs, you can find renditions of the beloved performance of 'The Nutcracker.' At the Lincoln Center, you'll be treated to George Balanchine's classic retelling with performances airing November 29 - January 21. At Flushing Town Hall, adults and kids alike will be entertained with a show comprised of marionette puppets that have all been hand carved by the Salzburg Marionette Theatre. And at the Kings Theatre, a New York twist has been given to the production-incorporating the melting pot of cultures and traditions that can be found in Brooklyn within the performance.

Dates: Various

Where: Harlem, Manhattan

Join the Apollo Theater in celebrating its 85th anniversary by seeing one of their holiday performances. The holiday favorite 'Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland' is set to return to the stage, as well as an 'Amateur Night Holiday Special.' 'Holiday Joy: A Gospel Celebration' is also scheduled, with performances by Yolanda Adams and Donald Lawrence headlining the annual concert set to take place on December 21. On December 28, the annual 'Kwanzaa Celebration' will be enjoyed with performances from Abdel Salaam's Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.

Dates: December 14-21

Where: Richmond Town, Staten Island

Experience over 300 years of history of the holiday season on Staten Island with these candlelight tours. Along the way, you'll enjoy holiday treats and see what it was like to celebrate the holidays in New York throughout the years.

Date: December 16

Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Calling all foodies! The 11th Annual Latke Festival at the Brooklyn Museum is one event your tummy is sure to thank you for. Experience latkes in a number of ways, from traditional potato pancakes to truly incredible delicacies. And proceeds from the event go to programs like The Sylvia Center.

Date: December 21

Where: Melrose, the Bronx

It's important to remember that New York City is a melting pot of cultures and traditions-meaning that unique celebrations are taking place all over the city, including the Melrose Holiday Parranda. Experience traditional Puerto Rican holiday caroling with a parade and plenty of plena music and dancing.

Date: December 22

Where: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan

A dueling competition for who can host the largest Menorah Lighting Ceremony, with the real winners being the visitors. Watch as the 32 foot-high, weighing in at 4,000 pounds, Menorah is lit across the street from The Plaza Hotel. The lighting of the World's Largest Menorah in Manhattan kicks off the festivities for the Jewish Festival of Lights. In Prospect Park, the lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn takes place normally at 6 pm each night with a celebratory concert on the first night.

Date: New Year's Eve

Where: Times Square, Manhattan

Millions of people travel to New York's Time Square to ring in the New Year and watch the iconic Ball Drop. The Waterford Crystal Ball weighs roughly 11,875 pounds and is 12 feet in diameter. It's also covered in over 2,500 Waterford Crystal triangles and illuminated by over 32,000 LEDs in red, blue, green and white.

Date: New Year's Eve

Where: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

For a less crowded experience, visitors can watch the midnight New Year's Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park. There is still live music and celebrations, but with less of the Time's Square crowdedness.