Happy Holiday Times In New York City

There’s no time as exciting as the holidays in the city.  Here’s a list that will please both families and adults.

• Big Apple Circus (www.BigAppleCircus.com). Celebrating its 40th season, watch world record-holding high wire artiest Nik Wallenda, Grandma the Clown, and The Flying Tunizianis trapeze artists at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park.  Seats are no more than 50 feet from the performers.  Circus of the Senses offers special enhanced experiences for audiences with autism, visual and auditory challenges.  Through January 7, 2018.

• For theater buffs:  In & Of Itself (www.InanOfItselfshow.com) and Cruel Intentions, The Musical (www.CruelMusical.com).  In & Of Itself (Union Square’s Daryl Roth Theatre) is the talented work of creator and star Derek DelGaudio who is a magician, a raconteur, a conceptual artist and mind reader.  A mysterious story is deciphered and the illusion of one’s own identity is revealed.  Cruel Intentions pulls you into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaison, Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, stepsiblings.  Seduced by revenge and fueled by passion, these two find themselves entangled in a web of secrets, temptation, and love.  13+ show; those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Union Square Holiday Market (14th Street & Union Square W).  This European-style outdoor winter market has over 150 local and national vendors selling handcrafted gifts and artwork.  Enjoy new sections like Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions, a Warming Station and Lounge, a Kid’s Arts Studio, live music and more. Through December 24th.  At Winter Village at Bryant Park (41 W. 40th Street bet. 5th & 6th) not only is there free ice skating (bring your own, rent for $20), but also over 150 holiday shops, new kiosks, eateries, and a gorgeous Christmas tree.  Through January 2, 2018. 

• NYC Holiday Lights Motorcoach Sightseeing Tour (1-866-977-6312) (www.nyctrip.com).  On this 3 ½-4-hour guided and narrated tour, you’ll hear stories about the rich history, tradition and pageantry of some of the finest New York holiday displays.  The tour takes place in a climate controlled luxury motor coach with frequent stops to get out and view the displays up close.  You’ll see sights like Central Park’s Holiday Markets, the trees at Lincoln and Rockefeller Centers, the world’s largest Menorah, Times Square, the 5th Avenue window displays of Bloomingdales, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s and more.  Adult price from $55.00; same for children. Daily at 6:30pm through December 30th.

Remember to look for the red, green, and white lights of the majestic Empire State Building during the festivities.  Happy Holidays to you and your families!