Christmas Tree (and Menorah) Lightings Better than Rockefeller Center

While the masses are distracted with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting on December 3, you can sneak off to these much more interesting Holiday lighting events where you'll find everything from origami to great performances of The Nutcracker and even kid rocker AudraRox. And remember, all these events are free.

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 28th, at 6 PM. The event will be kicked off by carol singing by The Big Apple Chorus and, of course, an appearance from Santa. 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.

The carolers continue to perform every weekend until and culminating with a special performance on Christmas Eve. And Santa is there every day except Mondays. Check the site for schedules.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Creche
I find the Met's Christmas tree to be one of the most magical holiday sightings in New York. I don't know if it is the sublime surroundings of the Museum or the hushed atmosphere or just the fact that I always seem to stumble on it and the sense of discovery of this wonderful tree is like stumbling upon a beautiful flower in the middle of a forest.

The tree 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.

World Financial Center
The New York Theater Ballet performs their special child-friendly one-hour performance of The Nutcracker at this indoor Christmas Tree lighting in the World Financial Center's Winter Garden. The Nutcracker will be performed both at the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm on Tuesday, December 2 and also that same afternoon at 12:30.

American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree
Okay, this one doesn't actually include a tree lighting per se, but with 500 origami animals representing the beasts from the museum exhibits. November 24 through January 1, 2008.

Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park events are always planned with kids in mind, maybe that's why this holiday lighting features AudraRox as well as carolers and treats. 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 9 at the Northern end of the park.

World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Christmas trees don't get to have all the fun. Hanukkah is, after all the celebration of lights, and there will be two giant menorah lightings. Both take place in Grand Army Plaza (both the one in Manhattan and in Brooklyn).

Every night of Hanukkah, beginning December 21, but on the first night there is a celebration with dancing. Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan (59th Street and Fifth) and Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn.

Find more fun Holiday activities in our NYC Holiday Guide