It's Christmas Time in the City

[kristinj1]

Posted: 8/10/18 at 8:40pm

Any tips for fun Holiday activities in NYC for an adult (all over 21) theatre-loving family?

Updated On: 8/10/18 at 08:40 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 12:03pm

If you haven't seen the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, I strongly recommend it!

I'd seen it as a kid (decades ago) and went back last season. It's high tech and eye popping!

[inception]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 3:15pm

I'm planning a trip to NY for this same time.  54 Below already has shows scheduled for almost all of December.  The week before x-mas the great Norm Lewis (Phantom, obc Sideshow) is doing shows, & on the 14th & 15th "Be More Chill"'s compser Joe Iconis has both early & late shows.  Unfortunately I can't work either into my schedule. But if I could, 54 Below is a very elegant & also has very good food - though dinner is on the higher $$$ scale.

If you also enjoy dance, the Alvin Ailey dance company performs through December at NY City Centre - with sinlge tickets on sale beginning of September.

NY Ballet is also doing the Nutcracker almost daily.

X-mas eve lands on a Monday this year so there are a very limited number of Broadway shows with matinee's that day.  The only big event I could find with an evening performance on the 24th is the Met Opera's iconic production of Mozart's Magic Flute from Lion King director Julie Taymor.  Tickets went on sale for that in June, but likely still available.

Also maybe fun, though more a family event, is the Big Apple Circus which has multiple shows most days in December.  Will see - going to that during the day on the 25th.  A few broadway shows do have evenng performances scheduled on the 25th.  

[YvanEhtNioj]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 3:34pm

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is go to the Holiday Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square. Its free, and it instantly puts everyone in a good mood. So much good energy in the air.

Also, If you are all into something a little more risque, Company XIV puts on a production called The Nutcracker Rouge which is AMAZING. Nutcracker + Burlesque.  

[perfectliar]

Posted: 8/11/18 at 5:27pm

Piggybacking on inception's post, Well Strung are a wonderful group of theater performers who play strings and mashup classical music with pop songs, and their Christmas show is Dec 11 and 12 at 54 Below. The Laurie Beechman will likely have at least one drag queen doing a holiday show around that time as well (Courtney Act, Alaska, Paige Turner, and Jinkx Monsoon are some that have been there in the past).

[kristinj1]

Posted: 8/12/18 at 11:57pm

These are all fantastic suggestions... many thanks!!!!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/12/18 at 11:59pm

Don't forget to thank Janice

[Speed]

Posted: 8/13/18 at 4:16am

Best time of the year in NYC.

Go to tree at Rockefeller and go ice skating.  Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.  Twice.  Go to Macys and see the windows and Santa.  Go to 5th Avenue and see the windows.  Go to showings of Meet Me In St Louis and It's a Wonderful Life around the city.  If you're here for Thanksgiving, even better.  Go see the balloons the night BEFORE the parade and then go to the parade too!  I love NYC and the holidays!

[kristinj1]

Posted: 8/17/18 at 1:41pm

In case it's helpful to anyone, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has a Chase pre-sale underway now, and regular ticket sales start on the 22nd.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 8/17/18 at 2:33pm

Check out Off-Broadway as well. The Irish Rep always presents an intimate and wonderful Christmas show each year. Whether it be A Child's Christmas in Wales or It's a Wonderful Life the Radio Show. I do not know what they are doing this holiday season but ALL of their shows ar top notch. They are currently running On a Clear Day, Soon to be followed by Bill Erwin's Beckett.

[kristinj1]

Posted: 12/6/18 at 1:19pm

Does anyone have tips on which restaurants are/aren't fun for Christmas dinner?  We are considering The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, with the expectation that it may be overpriced mediocre food with a lovely Christmas vibe.  Is this correct?  Are there nicer or less expensive places we should consider (all over 21)?

Updated On: 12/6/18 at 01:19 PM

[jbird5]

Posted: 12/6/18 at 5:44pm

Check out Birdland on Christmas Day. They have a Christmas show with Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst starting around 5 PM. There’s a cover but you might be able to find them on Goldstar.

If you want a later meal Freddy Cole (Nat’s brother) is doing 2 shows as is his tradition. Those are a little more pricey. The food is decent and fairly reasonable. The minimum is only $10 if you don’t feel like eating.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 12/7/18 at 8:14am

Depending on the weather, you might want to check out the walking tour that Big Onion does every Christmas Day in the Jewish Lower East Side. 

https://www.bigonion.com/tour/•the-annual-pre-passover-jewish-lower-east-side-tour/

[kristinj1]

Posted: 12/7/18 at 1:20pm

Many thanks for these added suggestions!!  If anyone has eaten at The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center I'd also love to hear thoughts about that.

[Catsbroadwayfan]

Posted: 12/7/18 at 1:24pm

This is just a small traditon my family does and I wanted to share. Every year we go to juniors and then we take a walk in Central park and act like tourists for the day haha

[kristinj1]

Posted: 12/7/18 at 6:38pm

It's hard to argue with tradition, cheesecake, Central Park and playing tourist!! 

And speaking of cheesecake, if you were wanting a whole one would you go to Juniors or is there a better place  (I think I used to prefer Roxy's)?

 

Updated On: 12/7/18 at 06:38 PM