
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The holidays are in full swing and it's the best time to be in New York City! Take a break from shopping and take some time to enjoy the cheer. Whether you're looking to party it up or relax, we've got you covered with the best food, drinks, shows and music the city has to offer.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
It's not the holidays until the tree is light at Rockefeller Center! Each year thousands flock to the Rock to gaze and admire the tree. The tree is a Norway Spruce and is 77 feet tall, 46 feet wide and weighs approximately 12 tons. This year, the city has implemented new pedestrian zones in the area, so grab some hot cocoa and stay and watch the skaters on the rink.
Where: Rockefeller Center
When: Friday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 8, 5:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free

Hello Panda Festival
The largest lantern festival in North America returns to Citi Field. The festival features over 120 lantern exhibits, live entertainment and interactive experiences that celebrates the traditional Chinese art of lantern making with magical displays of light and color, handcrafted by world-class artisans.
Where: Citi Field, Queens
When: Friday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: $28
Fruit and Grain: a Beer and Cider Festival
Kick off the ultimate celebration of this year’s holiday season with a beer & cider festival featuring 60 producers from all over New York State. A portion of ticket sales and ALL merchandise sales will benefit RAICES, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.
Where: Second Floor (inside Eventi Hotel), Manhattan
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 p.m.– 5 p.m.
Cost: $75

Christmas in the Garden
Get into the holiday spirit with fun for the whole family! Christmas in the Garden returns to Queens Botanical Garden with live musical performances, photo ops with Santa, tree lighting, and holiday crafts and activities.
Where: Queens Botanical Garden
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 p.m.– 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
World's Big Sleep Out with Will Smith
On Saturday, the world will unite to help fight homelessness during The World's Big Sleep Out. The charity aims to raise $50 million. In New York City, actor Will Smith will perform a "bedtime story" to participants braving the cold. 100% of the funds raised from the NYC event will go towards registered charities helping homeless and displaced people. Modell's Sporting Goods has donated 1600 sleeping bags for participants to use that night, which will then be distributed to those in need.
Where: Times Square
When: Saturday, Dec.7
Cost: Varies
17th Annual Holiday Train Show
The New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal is hosting it’s annual train show! Get swept away in this miniature world as Lionel trains travel through a small scale model of New York City and then take a whistful glance at the snow covered countryside.
Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store
When: Friday Dec. 6, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, Sunday Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Big Apple Circus
The world renowned Big Apple Circus is BACK! See acts like the strongman, acrobatic riding, high-wire, aerial straps and inventive juggling! It's guaranteed to be a good time whether you're a kid or kid at heart.
Where: Lincoln Center
When: Friday Dec. 6 - Sunday Dec. 8, show time varies
Cost: Varies
NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K
Burn off some of the junk you consumed during Thanksgiving weekend with a 15k. This race honors Ted Corbitt (1919–2007), the first African-American to compete in the Olympic marathon, and an ultramarathon pioneer who ran more than 200,000 miles in his lifetime!
Where: Central Park
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $33
New York Motorcycle Show
Bike enthusiasts can go to the New York Motorcycle Show for an all-access pass to the world of motorcycling. There will be hundreds of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters and ATVs showcased. Both new and experienced riders of all ages can spend hours walking around looking at all the combination of power and beauty.
Where: Jacob Javits Center
When: Friday, Dec 6, - Sunday, Dec 8, Time varies
Cost: $22
Brooklyn Whiskey and Spirits Fest
The Brooklyn Whiskey Fest features over 100 styles of whiskey and spirits. Guests can try new spirits or sample their favorites while getting to know more about the whiskies from experts that will take you on the ultimate tour of whiskey. Taste an outstanding selection of whiskies and even a variety of craft spirits ranging from the all American Kentucky Bourbons to Irish Whisky’s and more.
Where: Brooklyn EXPO Center - 72 Noble Street
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15
