- Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square -- Join the annual Winter's Eve extravaganza in Lincoln Square on December 1, 2008. Sidewalks along Broadway from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street will be alive with performers, street musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more.
- Gen Art SHOP NYC -- On December 1st, get up to 70% off on runway fashions from 50+ up-and-coming Gen Art designers at this combination sample sale and holiday party. Shop for deals while enjoying an open bar, free chocolate and beauty product sampling and services. General admission tickets are free for Gen Art members, $15 for non-members.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting -- See the famous tree in Rockefeller Center as it is lit for the holiday season on December 3, 2008.
- See The Nutcracker at the World Financial Center -- Enjoy a free performance of this classic holiday ballet featuring the New York Theatre Ballet.
- See Santa in New York City -- Take the kids to see the jolly, fat man in the red suit this holiday season. A little time with Santa may convince them to be more nice than naughty -- at least until after Christmas.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular -- The famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular is new and improved this year with 3-D effects, a cool light show, and revamped versions of all of the classic numbers you love. See the Rockettes at their finest this holiday season.
- Holiday Lights and Decorations -- Get out and see the holiday lights and decorations this season. Don't miss this year's spectacular department store windows or the holiday glitter in Rockefeller Center, in Columbus Circle, or at the Bronx Zoo.
- Central Park Holiday Lighting -- See the holiday lights go on in Central Park on December 7th and enjoy craft projects, carolers, cookie decorating, and free hot chocolate.
- Madison Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting -- Enjoy live seasonal music from kids' rocker Audra Rox and The New York Life singers at the annual holiday tree lighting festivities in Madison Square Park on December 9th.
- Hanukkah in New York City -- The eight-day Festival of Lights begins on December 21, 2008. Check out our listings of a wide range of events and ideas for celebrating the occasion.
- 2nd Annual Beer Ball at the Village Pourhouse -- Celebrate your love for beer this holiday season and a portion of your beer tab will be donated to Toys for Tots. The Beer Ball on December 16th is no ordinary pint night. Sample a wide selection of classic and exotic brews and nibble on beery treats like beer battered shrimp and chicken wings. Tickets are $40 per person and include beer tastings, appetizers and dessert. Still thirsty? Return on December 17th for the Pourhouse's Beertopia event, featuring a dozen tastes for $10.
- Meet Saint Nicholas in Central Park -- Join Santa Claus at Belvedere Castle on December 21st and learn all about the history of jolly Saint Nick.
- The Ball On Christmas Eve -- This party hosted by Let My People Go is billed as the biggest Jewish singles event of the year and will host more than 4,000 Jewish singles at five hot clubs on Monday, December 24 from 8PM until 4AM. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
- 21st Annual Matzo Ball Party at Capitale -- This Jewish singles extravaganza hosted by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals will keep Capitale hopping on Christmas Eve. Organizers boast that this annual bash has been responsible for more than 1,000 marriages and countless friendships over the years. Tickets are $30 in advance.
- Christmas in New York City -- Celebrate Christmas on December 25th and have a very happy New York holiday.
- Klez For Kids at The Museum at Eldridge Street -- This family concert and celebration at the Eldridge Street Synagogue on December 25th will feature klezmer music, singing, dancing, and Yiddish lessons for kids and parents alike. The concert will be followed by an audience-enacted shtetl wedding. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for kids and seniors (kids under two are free). Call 212-219-0888 for more information.
- New Year's Eve in New York City -- Break out the bubbly and ring in 2009 in style. Brave the crowds to watch the ball drop in Times Square or find a fabulous New York City New Year's Eve party.
December 2008 Events in New York City
Events and Things to Do in New York City in December
By Pamela Skillings, About.com
Get more information about can't-miss events in New York City this December.
Holidays in New York City
Holidays in New York City
Christams in Rockefeller Center
Explore Manhattan, NY
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
On the National Mall in Washington, DC
Take a look at the capital's best sight-seeing spot. More >
Oktoberfest in Phoenix
Find the best places to celebrate and join the festivities. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.