There’s nothing more beautiful and fulfilling than spending Christmas in New York City. The holiday lights, the decorations, holiday displays in the department stores, and the Christmas trees, are just some elements that will make this holiday season in NYC unforgettable.
The Nutcracker
- Location: New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023
- Phone: 212-496-0600
- Tickets: $34-$250
- Website: http://www.nycballet.com/Ballets/G/George-Balanchine-s-The-Nutcracker.aspx
One of the most famous and popular holiday shows in New York City is “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”. This magical show is presented throughout the entire holiday season and it’s interesting for both adults and children. The representation is offered by the New York City Ballet. The choreography is signed by George Balanchine and the music appertains of course, to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky. The extraordinary performance gathers the forces of 50 young students, 32 stagehands, 62 musicians and 90 dancers. The David Koch Theater welcomes hundreds of spectators that come every year to see this one-of-a-kind show. The people are amazed by the magical sets, the sumptuous costumes, the choreography, and the music. The first representation will be offered on November 23, 2012, at 8 pm and the last representation will take place on December 30, 2012, at 5 pm.
The viewer’s imagination is going to be unleashed by the special visual effects, the intricate lighting and the complex stage elements. For example, the center of the stage will house a huge Christmas tree weighing 1 ton and growing from 12’ to 40’ in height. The Nutcracker will also feature crystal-shaped snowflakes and Mother Ginger’s comic figure. The dancing and ballet is truly amazing and will take spectators into a world of fantasy. Prices for the tickets range from $34 to $250, depending on the seats chosen.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020
- Ticket price: $39-$119
- Website: http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/newyork.html#the-show
Another great holiday show is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This annual representation takes place at the Radio City Music Hall and includes original musical score, more than 140 performers and lavish costumes and sets. The show lasts 90 minutes and offers a combination of humor, dancing, and singing performances. The first edition of the show was staged in 1933 and it has become a Christmas tradition ever since. The Rockettes, a precision dance troupe, is the star performer of the night.
In 2012, the show will be named The Rockettes Celebration and will celebrate Christmas Spectacular’s 80th edition and The Rockettes’ 85th anniversary. The first show was held on November 9 and the representations will end on December 30, 2012. During the Christmas Spectacular, the Radio City Music Hall becomes a magical and giant canvas that displays a miraculous and thrilling event. The show does not include only the stage, but also the walls and the ceiling. The Christmas Spectacular features representations like “Santa Claus flies to New York”, “The Wooden Soldiers’ Parade”, “The Living Nativity” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.
Individual tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular have prices ranging between $39 and $150 per person and group tickets range between $40 and $119. Make sure to reserve a ticket in advance if you don’t want to miss this magical show.
