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Our Favorite Christmas-y Things to See and Do in New York City

The lights. The windows. The drinks. Lucky enough to be visiting this season? Here's your agenda.

By Lauren Valenti

Dec 13, 2014

Performing arts, Event, Entertainment, Dancer, Performance, Art, Choreography, Artist, heater, Performance art,

If you're lucky enough to be in New York City during the holidays, don't take a second for granted. The lights. The windows. The cocktails—it's all happening. To ensure that you soak up every merry moment, we've carved out an itinerary of all the sights and attractions you must hit before the tree comes down.

The Shop Windows on Madison Avenue

Have a taste for luxury on a shoestring budget? A stroll down Madison Avenue affords you a gaze into its famed whimsical holiday installations (complete with equally awe-inspiring fashion) for zilch. Editors' pick: Baz Luhrman's 'Baz-Dazzled' Windows at Barneys New York.

Hat, Tradition, Interior design, Ornament, Fedora, Holiday, Floral design, Christmas, Flower Arranging,

Rolf's German Restaurant

If you like your Christmas decor in spades, head down to Rolf's, which is decorated with an explosion of lights, ornaments, and poinsettias. We tend to order a glass of mulled wine and some homemade schnitzel. View the menu and hours at rolfsnyc.com.

Lighting, City, Tower block, Metropolitan area, Metropolis, Public space, Urban area, Building, Skyscraper, Christmas decoration,

The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

With over 125 mini-boutiques running the gamut from artisanal foods to handmade jewelry, the open-air market has everything you didn't know you were shopping for amidst Bryant Park's charming allées.The Holiday Shops are open until January 4, 2015.

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

The hottest ticket in town, New York City Ballet's rendition of the storied tale will enchant you from beginning to end with its world-class stage, fairy tale costumes, and of course, the magical choreography. The Nutcracker runs until January 3, 2015.

Abdomen, Performance art, Headpiece, Lingerie top, Dance, Flesh, Dancer, Bikini,

Joshua Flannigan

The Nutcracker Rouge

Company XIV presents a decidedly naughtier version of The Nutcracker. Expect erotic dance numbers, live music, opera, and a charming, old-fashioned theater-lounge. The Nutcrack Rouge runs until January 4, 2015.

Vegetation, Botany, Garden, Terrestrial plant, Bridge, Chinese architecture, Tourist attraction, Botanical garden, Vascular plant, Palm tree,

The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show

Fittingly just a train ride away, the Bronx botanical garden's fantastical, G-scale railroad is a whimsical take on the New York City skyline, including Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. The Holiday Train Show runs until January 19, 2015.

People, Recreation, City, Crowd, Tower block, Metropolitan area, Leisure, Building, Ice rink, Metropolis,

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

A New York tradition that's been immortalized in films like Love Story and Serendipity, head to Central Park to ice skate amidst the romantic skyline scenery. For more information, visit centralparknyc.org.

Christmas decoration, Christmas tree, Interior design, Christmas ornament, Holiday, Interior design, Holiday ornament, Christmas, Ornament, Evergreen,

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree

Forgo the madness at Rockefeller Center in favor of another longstanding holiday season destination: the Met's towering Christmas tree and eighteenth-century Neopolitan nativity scene, complete with recorded music and light ceremonies. Get more information at metmuseum.org.

Neapolitan Nativity scene

Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

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Lauren Valenti Associate Web Editor I’m the associate web editor at Marie Claire.