The lights of the Christmas season shine brightest in the Big Apple, where decorations adorn department store windows, holiday tunes fill the air and the city’s stages come to life with Christmas productions. Here are our six picks for the must-see shows this season in New York City – from traditional favorites to newcomers.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

(credit: Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

Radio City Music Hall
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
(800)745-3000
radiocitychristmas.com

Nov. 9 – Dec. 30

The show is called “America’s favorite holiday show” – and for good reason. The Radio City Rockettes will mesmerize youngsters and adults alike. The performance pairs modern technology (Santa races over the audience in 3D) with the traditional scenes from the 80-year-old production – like the March of the Wooden Soldiers.  Along with Santa, New York City is the show’s big star – the Rockettes even do a number on an authentic double-decker Gray Line tour bus.

Pink Martini: Joy to the World

Pink Martini

881 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 765-7677
newyorkpops.org

Fri., Dec. 14 & Sat., Dec. 15

Alongside jazzy, Latin-flavored and cabaret-inspired band Pink Martini, the New York Pops orchestra is once again celebrating the season at Carnegie Hall. The New York Pops are led by Music Director Steven Reineke. This year’s show will feature Pink Martini’s modern sound, as they perform holiday concert features from the band’s best-selling album, Joy to the World.

A Christmas Story

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street
achristmasstorythemusical.com

Nov. 5 – Dec. 30

The movie (based on Jean Shepherd’s book) about a young boy at Christmastime in 1940′s Indiana has captivated Americans each holiday season for decades. Now, the production has hit the theater stage with stars Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years), John Bolton (Spamalot, Contact, Titanic), Erin Dilly, Johnny Rabe and Zac Ballard. We triple dog dare you to try and skip this show.  Tickets are $49 – $159 may be purchased at TicketMaster.com, (877) 250-2929, or in person at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater Box Office.

Elf The Musical

(credit: Joan Marcus)

Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 West 45th Street
elfmusical.com

Nov. 9 – Jan. 6

Follow Buddy on his hilarious travel from the North Pole to New York City as ELF returns to Broadway this holiday season at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Seinfeld’s Wayne Knight will play Santa and Avenue Q’s Jordan Gelber will play Buddy. Ticket prices for ELF range from $49 to $160 (including a $2 facility fee) and are available online at Telecharge.com, by phone at 212-239-6200, and in person at the theater’s box office (302 West 45th Street).

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

(credit: nycballet.com)

David H. Koch Theater
20 Lincoln Center
Manhattan, NY 10023
nycballet.com/nutcracker

Nov. 23 – Dec. 30

The sparkling tradition by the New York City Ballet is back. This is a great option for children, who will likely be enchanted by the winter wonderland, marching toy soldiers and bright Christmas lights. The show is made up of 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and students from the School of American Ballet.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

The Theater at Madison Square Garden
4 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10121
(212) 465-6741
theateratmsg.com/grinch

Dec. 13-30

This is the Christmas story that never gets old. Featuring classics like “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” Dr. Seuss’ magical tale of holiday spirit comes to life in Midtown this season Ticket prices range from $40 to $149.

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