We're all about that holiday cheer, you know?
For us, a huge part of the holiday season are songs. What would December be like if we couldn't revel in harmony, couldn't belt out about how good we've been all year?
Christmas is about joining together, and there isn't a better way to unite in celebration than through songs.
Well, also we can unite in ballets, and in cartoons. Specifically, in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Yeah, did you hear? It's the 50th Anniversary of that iconic movie, so there'll be a screening at the Met.
Plus, there are plenty of other holiday concerts that'll be absolutely brimming with seasonal cheer. Ingrid Michaelson is putting one on. Cyndi Lauper is putting one on, and Mariah Carey is putting one on too.
Plus, of course, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic, staple of the holiday season of Christmas in New York City. As is, of course, The Nutcracker.
What other holiday shows can you gape at this holiday season in NYC? Read on to find out.
1. Radio City Christmas Spectacular (1260 6th Avenue)
skgotsweets Radio City Music Hall. @radiocitymusichall @radiocitychristmas #radiocitymusichall #radiocity #nyc #rockettes #rockerfellercenter #rockerfellerplaza #christmastree #radiocitychristmasspectacular
Oh, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. So spectacularly tacky ... or is it?
Could it be the Radio City Christmas Spectacular isn't a played out tourist trap, but rather an enchanting, magical holiday experience?
If you've never been, you'll just have to find out for yourself, won't you?
We do know that the Rockettes have been completely, totally charming the city every holiday season since 1932. We know that the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is nothing short of a revered NYC tradition.
Every year, they put on a show that's more dynamic and magnificent than the last. This year, they're putting on "A Wondrous Journey," which is a 3D ride into the skies of New York with Santa. They're also showing "Dreams Come to Life," which is a unique take on "The Nutcracker."
They'll also stage "Celebrate the Miracle," which celebrates the Living Nativity. If you haven't been, you should probably go at least once. Just to say you've done it, right? Get tickets here.
2. The Nutcracker (405 West 55th Street)
The Nutcracker is a time-old, wondrous, mischievous show. It's a dance of sneaky mice, toy soldiers that came to life, and the bet, most stunning part: a blizzard of ballerinas.
These ballerinas won't just stun you with ballet prowess; they'll also reveal the enchanting Land of Sweets. There are toy soldiers who come to life, and music so beautiful you'll probably find yourself crying.
The show is a marvelous collaboration among dancers, musicians, and stagehands, and it's basically guaranteed to leave you mesmerized.
It's a captivating, traditional story, that transforms reality to fantasy in its two acts. The Nutcracker truly is a wonderful way to be blown away together with people you love. Plus, it's a beloved American tradition.
You want to see it, right? Thought you would. Get tickets here.
3. Mariah Carey at the Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
mariahcarey Just announced - I’m adding 3 more shows at The @beacontheatre - December 11th, 12th, and 18th! Pre-sales start this Monday November 9th. Details: http://bit.ly/1NfDOY1 #AIWFCIY
We know you've rocked out to "All I Want For Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey. You've belted that out at the top of your lungs, don't even lie.
Well, the good news is that Mariah Carey is coming to the Beacon Theatre for her second annual All I Want For Christmas Is You concert series.
She'll have seven shows, and they'll pop off with, of course, "All I Want For Christmas Is You." She'll also sing "Merry Christmas" and "Merry Christmas II You." Basically, it'll be a Christmas centric show, completely bursting with holiday cheer.
Do you love Christmas? Do you love Mariah Carey? Then you should probably go. Pro tip: this might be a great gift for your holiday-loving pal. Get your tickets here.
4. Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays (2124 Broadway)
cyndilauper #Home4Holidays special presale for Cyndi fans is running NOW until 11/5 @ 10PM ET. Use code UNITY for access at https://truecolorsfund.org/homefortheholidays/
Mariah Carey isn't the only one hitting the Beacon Theatre this holiday season.
Cyndi Lauper will be jamming there too, on December 5th. This incredible concert isn't just a seriously popped-off holiday jam session. It's also supporting a tremendous cause.
Cyndi Lauper's concert's proceeds will support of the True Colors Fund's work to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.
We are completely aligned with this worthy goal, so we would completely support your decision to make it out to this musical celebration of holiday cheer. It's been going on every year for the past four years, and has seen audiences of over 2,800 each year.
Past performers included P!nk, Jason Mraz, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, 50 Cent, and Adam Lambert (plus many more).
Get your tickets here, and get ready for some serious celebrations.
,5. Ingrid Michaelson's Holiday Hop (125 East 11th Street)
Everyone knows Ingrid Michaelson is an irresistible rockstar, right?
Right. So she's bringing out her excellence at the Grand Ballroom at Webster Hall on December 7th at 8 p.m. Sure, it's called a Holiday Hop, but she won't just play holiday music.
In fact, we know she'll hit her pop classics like "Girls Chase Boys," and "The Way I Am," addition to some very riveting holiday cheer.
Will she sing her more gorgeous, tear inducing songs like "The Chain?"
We can't really say. We can bet she'll be hitting jams off her "I'll Be Home for Christmas," album, though. We know you're intrigued. Get tickets here.
6. A Philharmonic Holiday (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
stringsmagazine The New York Philharmonic opens its 174th season with a performance by new concertmaster Frank Huang. Link in bio. #nyphil #newyorkphilharmonic #frankhuang #violin #concertmaster @nyphilharmonic
The New York Philharmonic is one of the most beloved symphony orchestras in the country, and one of America's oldest musical institutions.
For the holiday season, they're coming in hot with "A Philharmonic Holiday." They'll come together in melodious holiday delight.
Their bows will rub against their strings, and what will come out are some of the most timeless, classic holiday songs of this century. They'll play Dr. Seuss's "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You," Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, and many more.
You'll be sure to leave enchanted, and your spirit bright with the solace of joyful holiday music. Get your tickets here.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Met (1000 5th Avenue)
Can you believe it was half a century ago that A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS? Well, we hate to break it to you, but it was.
Still, there are plenty of contemporary Peanuts fans, aren't there? We all love that good guy, Charlie Brown, don't we?
If you haven't seen the movie, here's how it goes: it starts with Charlie wondering if we've all lost sight of the true spirit of Christmas among all the eating and gift getting.
To cheer him up, Lucy convinces him to put on a Christmas play at his school. We don't want to give anything away about the ending, but we'll just say that you'll probably leave happy.
The Rob Schwimmer trio will lend live accompaniment to this special screening at the Met, bringing the jazzy score to real-time life. There will also be an audience sing-a-long of the holiday favorites after the film ends.
So, get to the Met and watch A Charlie Brown Christmas among other Charlie Brown enthusiasts on its 50th anniversary. Get your tickets here.
Check out 5 Signs It’s Already Holiday Season in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Aleksandr Stikhin]