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Holiday Shows In NYC, From The Rockettes To The Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker Ballet
(Credit: New York City Ballet)

The holiday season is here. From the department store decorations to the arrival of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the city is filled with holiday cheer. New Yorkers can experience this magical time of year with various concerts that happen throughout the city. Here are some of the best concerts to get into the holiday spirit. By John Friia

Rockettes And Santa Celebrate "Christmas In August"
Santa Claus and the Radio City Rockettes perform on 6th Ave. August 14, 2014. (credit: AFP PHOTO/Don Emmert/Getty Images)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall
1260 Sixith Avenue
New York, NY 10020
(866) 858-0008

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Now – January 2: Christmas in New York is not complete without tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. For over 90 years, the holiday show brings a Christmas wonderland to Midtown, with the help of the renowned Radio City Rockettes. While new acts are added annually, people will be amazed by the signature performances of the Wooden Soldiers, Rag Dolls and the live nativity. Santa Claus helps the Rockettes spreads the Christmas spirit through the beginning of January.

The Nutcracker Ballet
(Credit: New York City Ballet)

George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker"

David H. Koch Theater
20 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
212-870-4060

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November 25 – December 31: The wonder and amazement of children's imagination come to life at the New York City Ballet with George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." This holiday season classic is filled with elaborate settings and costumes that bring the holiday spirit to young children and adults.

rudolph-credit-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-the-musical
(Credit: Courtesy Photo/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer)

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical

The Theater at Madison Square Garden
4 Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(866) 858-0008

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December 1 – December 18: The classic Christmas television special has been transformed into a musical this holiday season. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is flying into The Theater at Madison Square Garden for a limited engagement with beloved characters, including Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius. There are no losers with these reindeer games -- children will cherish the Christmas special and parents will fall in love with the story all over again.

Cyndi Lauper Holiday Concert
(Credit: True Colors Fund)

Cyndi Lauper & Friends Home for the Holidays

Beacon Theatre
2124 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
(866) 858-0008
www.beacibtheatre.com

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December 3: Cyndi Lauper is bringing the festive spirit to the Upper West Side with the 6th Annual "Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays" concert benefiting the True Colors Fund. Carson Kressley will  host, along with special appearances by Aloe Blacc, Judy Gold, Sara Ramirez and Theresa Caputo. The True Colors Fund is a national organization founded by Lauper that aims to tackle homelessness in the LGBT community.

Mariah Carey
(Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Mariah Carey: All I Want For Christmas Is You

Beacon Theatre
2124 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
(866) 858-0008

www.beacibtheatre.com

December 5 – December 17: Mariah Carey is known for numerous hit singles, but none is as famous as "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Celebrating the holiday season, Carey continues her annual tradition of performing Christmas songs at the Beacon Theatre. With twelve performances, people will get a chance to hear the powerhouse vocals and acclaimed music from her two holiday albums. As a holiday staple and celebrated artist, Carey brings Christmas joy to all the attendees.

Carnegie Hall & The New York Pops: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

New York Pops
New York Pops

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

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December 18: Once again, the New York Pops orchestra is celebrating the season at Carnegie Hall. This year, the orchestra is bringing "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," to life with their musical rendition of the classic children's tale. The poem will be narrated by John Bolton, and accompanied by a performance from the New York Theater Ballet.

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John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.

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