Christmas Tree (and Menorah) Lightings Better than Rockefeller Center

You don't have to brave Rockefeller Center to witness a fabulous Christmas tree lighting. These tree (and menorah) lightings are way less crowded, way cooler (one even has a Nutcracker performance) and definitely not loaded with tourists. Plus, all these events are free and you don't even have to stand on top of a car to see all the great things happening.

South Street Seaport Chorus Tree Lighting
The South Street Seaport Christmas Tree stands over 50 feet high and will be lit the Friday after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 27, 2009 at 6 PM. This year, Gordon from Sesame Street is your host and he'll be kicking off the event with a holiday parade and the jolly man himself, Santa. Kid-friendly rockers Princess Katie and Racer Steve will also be joining in the festivities. The tree stands on Old Fulton Street amongst the quaint historic district of the Seaport and it's the perfect setting to get into the Christmas spirit. If you can't make the tree lighting, you can still enjoy Storytime with Santa, and performances by the Big Apple Circus all the way through December 27.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Creche 
The Met's Christmas tree is a magical, only-in-New-York display. It is 20-feet high and placed in front of the 18th Century choir screen from the Spanish Cathedral of Valladolid. The tree is adorned with 18th Century Neapolitan cherubs and angels and at its base is an exquisite nativity scene. There is a spectacular tree lighting ceremony every Friday and Saturday at 7PM and the exhibit runs from November 4, 2009 - January 6, 2010, in the Medieval Scupture Hall.

Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square
Due to the economic situation, the tree lighting for Lincoln Center was cancelled this year. Luckily they are still putting on Winter's Eve--a huge outdoor neighborhood celebration. Along with the tree lighting ceremony there will be tons of free entertainment, food tastings, in-store activities, shopping and more. Some of the kid-centric entertainment will include The Flaming Idiots, Kidrockers, The Big Apple Circus, a marching band, puppeteers and more. Monday, November 30, 2009 at 5:30pm.

World Financial Center
The New York Theater Ballet performs their special child-friendly one-hour performance of The Nutcracker at this free indoor lighting in the World Financial Center's Winter Garden. The Winter Garden is the main attraction for the WFC's month-long Festival of Light and Sound, and is filled with 100,000 lights and 45-foot tall palm trees. The Nutcracker will be performed both at the lighting ceremony at 6:00pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 and also that same afternoon at 12:30.

American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree
There might not be any actual lights involved, but I love this tree. It stands 13-feet tall and has 500 origami creations representing the alphabet (A and an Apatosaurus, B and a butterfuly, C and a chimpanzee, etc.), so the kids will probably agree with me on this one. Plus, there are two merrily lit 19-feet tall Holiday Barosaurus greeting you at the front steps. November 23, 2009 through January 3, 2010.

Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park's tree is always extra special, since it was the park that hosted America's first community Holiday tree. Their tree lighting ceremony includes a concert by AudraRox, yummy treats and more. 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Northern end of the park.
 

Carl Schurz Park Tree Lighting and Caroling
Neighbbors come togehter and sing favorite Christmas carols as they share cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate and candlelight. Song books even provided. Sunday, December 13, 5-6pm

Bryant Park Tree Lighting
The Pond at Bryant Park's tree lighting ceremony is Friday, December 4, 2009 at 7pm. There are skating performances on the Pond, live music, and the Shops.

World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Christmas trees don't get to have all the fun, after all, Hanukkah is the celebration of lights. Every night of Hanukkah, Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan--59th Street and Fifth) showcases a 32-foot tall, two ton Menorah. A cherry picker is used to help light the candles. On the last night there is live music, singing, folk dancing and latkes. (December 11- 19, 2009 at 5:30pm and 3:45pm on Fridays)

For even more Holiday fun, check out our New York City Holiday Activity Guide.