NYC is magical at Christmastime

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The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall are a great reason to visit New York City during the holiday season.

New York City is a magical place, and the holiday season is no exception. In fact, the Big Apple is known to take the magic up a notch during the holidays with the debut of the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree, holiday markets, shows, ice skating and more.

Here are a few ways to celebrate Christmas in New York City.

2019 Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes

Since 1933, Radio City Music Hall rings in the holiday season with the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.

The show combines traditional numbers with technological elements that transport audiences to places such as the North Pole, Central Park and a manger in Bethlehem.

Last year’s Christmas Spectacular included new digital projections as well as a new final scene. The finale, “Christmas Lights,” begins at the conclusion of the “Living Nativity” scene, which has been performed as part of the Christmas Spectacular since its inception in 1933.

Performances run until Jan. 5 and tickets start at $45. To purchase tickets online, visit www.rockettes.com/christmas or call Ticketmaster at 1-866-858-0007.

Cirque du Soleil’s “ ’Twas the Night Before … ”

Madison Square Garden is bringing Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show “ ’Twas the Night Before … ” to New York City for 28 performances through Dec. 29.

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The show centers on Isabella, a curious girl who’s become jaded by the frenzy that surrounds Christmas, as she’s whisked away into another world where she meets the characters who inspired the classic poem.

Audiences can expect Cirque du Soleil’s famous acrobatics, choreography and glittery costumes combined with traditional holiday music to demonstrate the wonders of sharing and friendship.

Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased by visiting msg.com/cirque or calling 866-858-0008.

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The Bank of America Winter Park in New York City during the holiday season.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Browse nearly 200 holiday shops and eateries, and enjoy free ice skating at the 17,000-square-foot ice rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Holiday shops include home décor, jewelry, apparel, accessories, artwork, health and beauty, and more. The village also boasts The Lodge by Urbanspace, an indoor cocktail bar, outdoor beer garden and food hall. Bring the kids to see Santa at the Winter

Village through Dec. 22 from 1-3 p.m. Skate rentals in December start at $33. The holiday shops are open until Jan. 5 and the rink is open till the end of February.

For information, visit wintervillage.org.

Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice-skating rink

A visit to New York City during the holiday season isn’t complete without a trip to see the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza, between West 48th and West 51st streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues.

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If you’re visiting the tree at night, be sure to catch the mesmerizing holiday light show in the window of Saks Fifth Avenue, which is indeed on Fifth Avenue. In addition to the tree, which was first lit on Dec. 4, lace up your skates at The Rink at Rockefeller Center.

Admission during the month of December starts at $28 for adults and $15 for children under the age of 11. Skate rentals are $13 for adults and children. Skate lessons are also available.

For information and to make reservations, visit therinkatrockcenter.com or call (212) 332-7655.