A short list of things to do and see in NYC this December curated by Belinda Jackson.
It’s The Holidays! Holiday Shopping, Holiday Shows, Holiday Fun.
Holiday Windows & Tree Lightings
All the shops are brimming and the windows are a splendor, a fun thing to do is a holiday window walk. Special mention to Barney’s this year as their windows have been designed by Aussies Baz Luhrman and Catherine Martin – get a sneak peek here. If you haven’t yet done it, you should also check out the classic Rockefeller Tree Lighting on December 3, it’s not to be missed.
Holiday Shopping Fairs
Wander around the markets, buy some warm apple cider and look at all those special one off’s that you can find at markets. The big holiday markets we love are: Grand Central Holiday Fair; Bryant Park’s Winter Village; Union Square Holiday market; Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
There are plenty of other Holiday markets around the city, for more see here.
Holiday Shows
The Nutcracker by American Ballet Theatre at BAM – this version of the Nutcracker opened 5 years ago for the holidays and this year is the final year in NYC. Beautifully designed by Richard Hudson and choreographed by Alexi Ratmanski
NY City Ballet – George Balanchine’s Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center.
Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Madison Square Garden.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the famous Rockettes. Make sure you get to the show early and check out Radio City Music Hall and it’s beautiful Art Deco design.
Hansel and Gretel at The Met – “Returning for the holidays, this season’s family entertainment at the Metropolitan Opera is the English-language production of Engelbert Humperdinck‘s witty fairy-tale opera in which two children face off against a wicked witch. Set in a world of giant chefs, suit-clad trees, and a sweet-filled kitchen where the Witch gets what’s coming to her, Hansel and Gretel is “a holiday feast… a magical affair all around” (Associated Press).
Holiday Music
The Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra‘s 56 members are doing a free performance – December 13
The Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach are a collection of six instrumental works presented by Bach to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg–Schwedt, in 1721 (though probably composed earlier). They are widely regarded as some of the best orchestral compositions of the Baroque era. Performed by The Chamber Music Society annually for the Holidays at Alice Tully Hall.
Rufus and Martha Wainwright Noël Nights returns to NYC after a three year break. These concerts are a charming ensemble of performers singing Christmas tunes. This year will feature special guests Emmylou Harris, Loudon Wainwright III, Justin Vivian Bond, Cibo Matto, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Sloan Wainwright and many more plus special appearances by Cyndi Lauper (Dec. 17) and Renee Fleming (Dec. 18).
Holiday Concert at The High Line – December 6
Handel’s Messiah at Trinity Church – December 17-21
Do you enjoy singing? Why not join the West Village Caroling Walk on Dec 20 commencing and finishing at Judson Memorial Church
Channukah – December 16 to 23
World’s largest Menorah will be lit on Dec 16 at Grand Army Plaza – 5th Ave and 59th St
Holidays with Kids
For more family fun check out the list of ideas on the Mums and Bubs page here.
Art
And now, for some culture that is completely unrelated to the holidays. Madame Cezanne at The Met, this is the first exhibition devoted to Paul Cézanne’s portraits of his wife. It is a remarkably comprehensive show that brings together drawings, watercolors and 24 paintings: nearly every existing painting of her, not counting the two that belong to the non-lending Barnes Foundation and remain on permanent view in Philadelphia.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 