It’s that time of year again.  With Christmas right around the corner, many local museums and parks are hosting special events.  New York City is known for its Fifth  Avenue stores’ festive holiday window displays, massive Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and of course the ball drop at midnight to celebrate the new year.  Even on Long Island, many families set up fun decorations in their front yards.  Not only does all of New Yorkspruce up for the holidays, but museums  also host many holiday art exhibits. Many talented artists have been featured in exhibits at the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Met, the MoMa, and more. 

Here in Nassau County there is A Bug’s Night at the Nassau County Museum of Art.  The drive-through display features over 20 acres of festive holiday lights and handmade lanterns.  The event will run until Jan. 9 and welcomes all ages.  Tickets run from $34.99 to $59.99, depending on the time of week and holidays, and customers are charged one ticket per car.  The company promoting the event is The Kaleido Arts and Entertainment Group, whosemission is to provide people with new experiences, while learning about the culture of traditional Chinese lantern festivals.  They are also hosting events on Staten Island and in Queens. 

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, exhibits such as a Christmas tree and a silver menorah will be up until Jan. 9.  The menorah on display is one of the largest Hanukkah lamps ever made, and comes from Lviv, Ukraine.  The Christmas Tree exhibition is referred to as the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Créche, and is on a 20-foot wooden platform with 20 cherubs, 59 angels, and 71 other decorations that simulate the nativity scene.  

“The Christmas tree was gorgeous and I wish my tree at home looked like that, ” said freshman Athena Dristas. 

Gingerbread cookies, peppermint chocolate bars, eggnog, and hot cocoa can be found at any of the dining locations at the Met.  If you’d rather stay home during these cold months, however, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes videos and art tutorials on their website. 

The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is returning to the stage this year.  Rockette dancers practice all year round to perform every day for most of November, all of December, and the beginning of January at Radio City Music Hall. 

“Seeing The Rockettes is always a great experience and a huge part of my Christmas,” said freshman Kaitlyn Schechter.

 The Rockettes were established in 1925 and have been doing their iconic kick lines ever since.  They have performed at many historical events, such as entertaining troops abroad during World War II and dancing at former president George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2001.  Tickets to their Christmas Spectacular are on sale now and the cost varies from $56.00 to $206.00. 

If you desire a less structured day in the city, there are many smaller sources of entertainment that you can participate in.  Ice skating in Bryant Park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day until the end of the season.  Admission is free, but skate rentals are not.  There are various cafes and restaurants to relax and eat at, and of course there are many holiday boutiques, run by local artisans. 

 “I love ice skating and seeing what the local artists and vendors have to offer. Also, the hot chocolate is amazing,” said freshman Emma Goldberg. 

With the New Year around the corner, residents should visit these New York Holiday traditions and activities before they end.