‘Twas The Night Before Christmas: 8 Ideas For A Merry Christmas Eve

Before the kids set out Santa’s milk and cookies, enjoy one of these festive events from around the city. For even more light displays, trees, and Santas, check out our guide to the ultimate New York holiday.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

What’s a better way to ring in the holiday other than seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! Join the Rockettes, wooden soldiers, and Santa himself in this timeless performance. There are shows beginning at 11am and 2pm on Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $59.00. radiocitychristmas.com

Macy’s Santaland at Macy’s Department Store

10845898_859584560759076_5865043142384798238_n — Marvel at the Dyker Heights light displays on Christmas Eve.

Located on the 8th floor of Macy’s at Herald Square, Santaland will be open on Christmas Eve if you need to get a last minute picture with St. Nick before he heads out on his sleigh. With over 13,000 feet of North Pole to explore, complete with elves and giant toys, Santaland provides a great setting for photo opportunities. Doors open at 9am. visitmacysusa.com

Caroling at Washington Square Park

Beginning at 5pm, the Rob Susman Brass Quartet will perform under the arch at Washington Square Park. Bring the whole family to join in the celebration of Christmas through music. Song books will be distributed to all of the carolers courtesy of the Washington Square Association. Santa will also make an appearance! The festivities will end promptly at 6pm and admission is free. washingtonsquarenyc.org

Caroling at Gramercy Park

Gramercy Park opens its gates to the public on Christmas Eve for caroling beside its tree. Gates open at 6pm; bring a flashlight. gramercyparkblockassociation.org

Holiday Under the Stars at the Time Warner Center

The Time Warner Center’s amazing Christmas light display will be open from 5pm to 12am this Christmas Eve. With over a dozen 14-foot stars composed of flashing LED lights, Holiday Under the Stars is sure to amaze the entire family. theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Don’t forget to stop by the city’s world-famous symbol of the Christmas season. In its 83rd year of tradition, the tree at Rockefeller Center stands at at a staggering 85-feet tall. Imported into the city from Bloomsburg, PA, you won’t want to miss the Norway spruce covered in thousands of LED lights! Visiting hours run from 5:30am-midnight. rockefellercenter.com

Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Since 1957, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has displayed its dazzling tree and Neapolitan nativity scene from the 18th century. Accompanied by holiday music and candles, the display is a moving symbol of the Christmas season. Doors open at 10am, and viewing the tree is free with museum admission. metmuseum.org.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

After eating dinner on Christmas Eve, head over to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood to see dozens of homes decked out in Christmas spirit! With nearly every home impeccably decorated with lights, nativity scenes and even Santa Claus figures the spectacle is not to be missed! facebook.com/dyker-heights-christmas-lights

Atlantic Acting School

Looking for a fun and exciting theater program for kids and teens? Join us at the Atlantic. Our programs are intense, exciting and fun!

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;