Manhattan Calender of Events
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January - March | April - June | July - September | October - December
January - March
Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall,-November-early January
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features the famed Rockettes in Santa hats, high-kicking alongside larger-than-life Nutcracker soldiers.
www.radiocity.com (212) 247-4777
New York National Boat Show, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center-Nine days in early January
Enormous crowds show up each year to see 400 of the world's leading manufacturers show off the latest power-boats from small craft to yachts and marine accessories. Seminars on fishing and boating are also offered.
www.javitscenter.com (212) 216-2000
Winter Antiques Show , Seventh Regiment Armory-Mid-late January
The city's premier antiques fair featuring collections ranging from ancient to Art Nouveau is also a benefit for East Side House Settlement.
www.winterantiquesshow.com (718) 292-7392
Outsider Art Fair, The Puck Building-Late January
This three-day event draws an international crowd of dealers, collectors and art aficionados. Thirty-five dealers exhibit self-taught, visionary and art brut pieces to crowds in the thousands. It's a good place for celebrity sightings and the occasional star-studded seminar.
www.sanfordsmith.com (212) 777-5218
Chinese New Year, Chinatown, on and around Mott Street.-Begins first full moon after January 21
Celebrate the year of the sheep in 2003 with five days of celebrating culminate in a colorful procession of lions and dragons made from wood and silk that wind their way through the narrow and festively decorated streets. Fireworks were banned in 1997, which has taken some of the bang out of the festivities, but the colors, lights, dancing and food still make it quite an experience.
(212) 373-1800.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Madison Square Garden-Mid-February
The nation's most prestigious dog show features 3,000 pampered pooches that are pared down to seven finalists and then a single winner of 'Best in Show'. About 30,000 spectators show up for the two-day event.www.westminsterkennelclub.org (212) 465-6741
The Art Show , Seventh Regiment Armory-Mid-late February
Sponsored by the Art Dealers Association of America, this is New York's foremost art fair. Seventy of the nation's leading galleries gather to exhibit works that span five centuries from 17th-century masters to contemporary artists in a range of media that includes painting, drawing, print, sculpture, photography and video.
www.artdealers.org (212) 766-9200
International Cat Show, Madison Square Garden-March
Hundreds of fabulous felines representing 40 breeds compete for the Best of Show award with all the composure for which cats are famous. After, you can shop for cat accessories at the cat supermarket or listen to lectures on topics like cat acupuncture, massage and feline aerobics.
(212) 465-6741.
Manhattan Antiques and Collectibles Triple Pier Expo
One weekend in mid-March; again for two weekends in mid-November
Nine hundred dealers take over Piers 88, 90 and 92 along the Hudson River to sell everything from posters, toys, textiles, fashions and furniture to silver, porcelain, fine china, paintings, jewelry and glassware. The selection is particularly strong in mid-century modern collectibles and Americana.
www.antiqnet.com/stella (212) 255-0020
St. Patrick's Day Parade , Fifth Ave.-March 17
In one of the city's oldest annual events, 150,000 Irish Americans and other revelers draped in green join the festivities along Fifth Avenue (starting at 11 A.M.) and fill the city's bars well into the night. You can find green beer, green bagels and virtually everything in the shape of shamrock, as New York goes Hibernian for a day. For best views of the parade, line up early.
(212) 484-1222, (212) 484-1222
International Asian Art Fair, Seventh Regiment Armory-Late March
Top dealers from around the world gather at the Armory to sell art from Southeast Asia and the Middle and Far East. The art, sculpture, ceramics and textiles typify the talent and skills of Eastern Artists over the centuries. Fourteen thousand people come to browse and buy items that range anywhere from $200 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
www.haughton.com (212) 642-8572
New Directors/New Films -Late March-early April
This film festival, sponsored by MoMA and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, features works by emerging, overlooked and new directors. Such notables as Wim Wenders, Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg have screened films in past years. Since MoMA's Midtown location is currently under renovaton, check the Web site for locations of this year's screenings.
www.filmlinc.com(212) 875-5610
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Madison Square Garden-Late March-early May
Kicking off its New York run each spring, the circus's lions, tigers and bears (and elephants) parade along 34th Street to Madison Square Garden at midnight on the night before the first performance. The spectacular procession of animals is a great way to get a free peek at 'The Greatest Show on Earth.'
www.ringling.com (212) 465-6741
Whitney Biennial, Whitney Museum of American Art-Late March-early June
Every two years since 1932, the Whitney has presented an exhibition of what it regards as the most influential contemporary American art, often highlighting works by innovative and vanguard artists. The Biennial will be held next in 2004.
www.whitney.org (212) 570-3600
Easter Parade, Fifth Avenue-Easter Sunday
In a tradition dating back to the Civil War era, the Easter Parade draws crowds of bayoneted spectators sporting everything from the classic bowler to the more extravagant flowering bonnets. The best perch is the platform at St. Patrick's Cathedral, if you can get near it.
(212) 484-1222.
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April - June
New Directors/New Films-Late March-early April
This film festival, sponsored by MoMA and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, features works by emerging, overlooked and new directors. Such notables as Wim Wenders, Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg have screened films in past years. Since MoMA's Midtown location is currently under renovaton, check the Web site for locations of this year's screenings.
www.filmlinc.com (212) 875-5610.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Madison Square Garden-Late March-early May
Kicking off its New York run each spring, the circus's lions, tigers and bears (and elephants) parade along 34th Street to Madison Square Garden at midnight on the night before the first performance. The spectacular procession of animals is a great way to get a free peek at "The Greatest Show on Earth."
www.ringling.com (212) 465-6741
Whitney Biennial Whitney Museum of American Art,-Late March-early June
Every two years since 1932, the Whitney has presented an exhibition of what it regards as the most influential contemporary American art, often highlighting works by innovative and vanguard artists. The Biennial will be held next in 2004.
www.whitney.org (212) 570-3600
Easter Parade, Fifth Avenue-Easter Sunday
In a tradition dating back to the Civil War era, the Easter Parade draws crowds of bonneted spectators sporting everything from the classic bowler to the more extravagant flowering bonnets. The best perch is the platform at St. Patrick's Cathedral, if you can get near it.
(212) 484-1222
New York International Auto Show, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Mid-April
North America's first and largest auto show features hundreds of the newest cars and concepts as well as classics from automotive history.
www.autoshowny.com
(800) 282-3336
New York Antiquarian Book Fair, Seventh Regiment Armory-Mid-April
About 180 international book dealers offer rare books, manuscripts, autographs, fine bindings, maps, modern firsts, illustrated books, children's books and more. Admission to the show is $15.
www.sanfordsmith.com (212) 777-5218
Macy's Flower Show -Late March-early April
With the arrival of spring, Macy's becomes a botanical paradise, displaying over 30,000 varieties of flowers, plants and trees from around the world.
www.macys.com (212) 494-2922
The Cherry Blossom Festival, Brooklyn Botanic Garden-Late April or early May
To celebrate the blooming of the Garden's 200 cherry trees, this festival features classical Japanese dance performances accompanied by bamboo flutes and taiko drums. There is storytelling, as well as lessons in calligraphy, flower arranging, oriental brush painting, block painting and origami. Check the Web site for an update of the blossom status.
www.bbg.org (718) 622-4433
TriBeCa Film Festival, Venues throughout the neighborhood-May
This brand-new film festival, the brainchild of Robert De Niro and producer Jane Rosenthal, made a splashy debut in 2002 by premiering Star Wars Episode II and drawing a flock of celebrities. The festival was launched to help revitalize Downtown New York after the 9/11 attacks, and it was so successful that it's sure to be a major event in years to come. Buy tickets well in advance on the festival's Web site.www.tribecafilmfestival.org
Bike New York: The Great Five Boro Bike Tour -Early May
America's largest bicycling event draws 30,000 riders who traverse 42 miles (68k) and five boroughs. The tour starts in Battery Park with a send off by the mayor and ends with a ride across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island. A post-ride festival and picnic given by sponsors features food, concessions and activities.
www.bikenewyork.org (212) 932-BIKE
Ninth Avenue International Food Festival -Mid-May
Hundreds of stalls are set up along Ninth Avenue for two days to serve every type of ethic food you can imagine-from Thai to Italian. Live music keeps things festive, and vendors sell plants, crafts and T-shirts while over a million people sample the gamut of New York's ethnic cuisines.
(212) 581-7217.
Bird Watching in Central Park -May-June
With 275 species sighted at last count, Central Park is one of the 14 best bird watching places in North America. From parrots to bald eagles to the red-tailed hawks that nest along Fifth Avenue, all manner of birds show up for springtime in the park. Many of the more exotic species arrive en route from southern states, Mexico and even the tropical rain forests.
www.nycparks.org (212) 427-4040
Fleet Week U.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum -Late May
Fifteen to 20 battleships, aircraft carriers and other ships from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard as well as foreign fleets sail up the Hudson, past the Statue of Liberty, and dock at Pier 86, where 10,000 uniformed personnel disembark so curious New Yorkers can explore their vessels for free. During the week there are also parachute drops and air displays that are sure to impress the kids.
www.uss-intrepid.com (212) 245-0072
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibition, Washington Square Park-Starts Memorial Day
For nearly 70 years, the 20 blocks in and around the park have been transformed into an arts and crafts fairground on Memorial Day and continuing for the three following weekends. Around 600 exhibitors participate each day of the fair from noon until sundown.
(212) 982-6255
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, Theater for the New City,-Early June
This annual three-day cabaret-style festival featuring more than 20 theatrical troupes celebrates the culture of the Lower East Side.
(212) 245-1109
Metropolitan Opera Parks Concerts, Various parks throughout the five boroughs-June
Each year the Met presents free performances of two operas in Central Park and other locations throughout the city. Bring a picnic and grab a patch of grass early if you want to get a good view.
www.metopera.org (212) 362-6000
Bryant Park Free Summer Season -June-August
Lunchtime concerts and performances are a favorite of Midtown workers throughout the summer. The free classic movies under the stars on Monday evenings have become a beloved New York tradition. Bring a blanket and a picnic and arrive early for some prime lawn space.
(212) 922-9393
Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival Park Bandshell-June-August
Some 25 free outdoor performances in music, dance, film and theater are offered for nine weeks in Prospect Park. The city's longest-running free performing arts festival attracts top-notch acts from around the country and the world. Check the Web site for a schedule of events.
www.bkny.net/celebrate (718) 855-7882
Central Park SummerStage-June-August
Since its founding in 1986, SummerStage has presented over 500 free weekend afternoon concerts and performances for over 5 million people. Everyone from the latest pop stars to up-and-coming artists have graced the stage; the 2002 season featured an array of world music acts, plus headliners like Lucinda Williams, the B-52s, the Tom Tom Club and John Mayer. Occasional benefit shows charge admission to help fund the program.
www.summerstage.com/celebrate (212)-360-2777
Puerto Rican Day Parade, Fifth Avenue-Second Sunday in June
With sizzling music, colorful floats and an enthusiastic crowd, this is one of New York's most festive parades.
(718) 401-0404.
Belmont Stakes Belmont Race Track, Elmont-Sunday in early June
The final leg of the Triple Crown is a major event on the horse-racing circuit.
www.nyracing.com/belmont (516) 488-6000
Toyota Comedy Festival, Various venues throughout the city-Early-mid June
Thirty venues host over a hundred big-name comedy acts; 2002 brought Bill Cosby, Lewis Black, Steven Wright, Dave Attell, Jon Stewart and many more.
www.toyotacomedy.com.
Museum Mile Festival, Various locations-Second Tuesday in June
For one day in June, you can get into nine of the city's major museums for free, enjoying live entertainment along Fifth Avenue (82nd-104th Sts.) as you stroll from one to the other.
www.museummilefestival.org (212) 606-2296
JVC Jazz Festival -Mid- to late June
From small clubs to Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, world-class jazz musicians and lesser-known artists take to New York's stages for performances and jam sessions.
www.festivalproductions.net/jvc/ny (212) 501-1390
Mermaid Parade Boardwalk at Coney Island-Saturday after summer solstice
To kick off the summer, hundreds of mermaids, as well as mermen, merchildren and other sea creatures march down the boardwalk in a colorful display. Elaborate floats and outlandish costumes make this one of the city's most unique parades.
www.coneyisland.com (718) 372-5159
Lesbian and Gay Pride Week and March, Fifth Ave.-Late June
Thousands take to the streets to celebrate the birth of the gay liberation movement in the world's largest gay pride parade. A week of events surrounds the flamboyant parade, including an outdoor dance party at the West Side Piers, a film festival, club events throughout the city and many other activities.
(212) 807-7433.
Restaurant Week-Late June
A prix-fixe lunch at over 100 of the city's top restaurants is only $20.03 for a week in June. Check the Web site for a list of participants; as soon as they're announced in mid- to late May, reserve immediately-places fill up fast. Some restaurants continue the deal throughout the summer.
www.restaurantweek.com
Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center Plaza-Late June-late July
Nothing can quite compare to dancing under the stars with Lincoln Center's famed fountain as a backdrop. Top dance bands play everything from swing to salsa. Dance lessons, which are included in the price of admission, begin at 6:30 P.M. and the featured band goes on at 8 P.M. The dance floor can get awfully crowded, so you might just listen in for free on the edges of the plaza.
www.lincolncenter.org (212) 875-5766
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July - September
Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center Plaza-Late June-late July
Nothing can quite compare to dancing under the stars with Lincoln Center's famed fountain as a backdrop. Top dance bands play everything from swing to salsa. Dance lessons, which are included in the price of admission, begin at 6:30 P.M. and the featured band goes on at 8 P.M. The dance floor can get awfully crowded, so you might just listen in for free on the edges of the plaza.
www.lincolncenter.org(212) 875-5766
Lincoln Center Festival, Lincoln Center-July
This festival showcases dance, theater, music and opera in and around Lincoln Center's several venues, with performances by the Center's regular companies and other artists from around the world. The festival also offers special symposia about and inspired by the festival's performances.
www.lincolncenter.org.(212) 875-5928
New York Shakespeare Festival Delacorte Theater, Central Park-July-August
Sponsored by the Joseph Papp Public Theater, this is New York's quintessential summer event. Celebrity performers often headline these free outdoor performances; the 2002 season featured Julia Stiles, Jimmy Smits and Kristen Johnston in Twelfth Night. Available at the Public Theater and the Delacorte Theater starting at 1 P.M. on the day of the performance, tickets can be difficult to come by.
www.publictheater.org(212) 539-8750
Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, Over the East River-July 4
The FDR Drive is closed to traffic for a few hours so pedestrians can get a better look at the lavish 30-minute display launched from two points on the East River beginning at 9 P.M.
www.macys.com(212) 484-1222
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Various locations-Late July-early August
The Philharmonic presents free evening concerts in parks throughout the city.
(212) 875-5656
Mostly Mozart Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center-Late July-late August
The Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra-along with world-class soloists and guest performers-presents around 30 concerts in a four-week period each summer.
www.lincolncenter.org(212) 875-5030
Harlem Week, Throughout Harlem-August
The Taste of Harlem food festival, the Black Film Festival and a lively street fair along Fifth Avenue (125th-135th St.) are highlights, along with open houses, block parties, outdoor concerts and special events at area jazz clubs.
www.harlemweek.com(212) 484-1222
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, The Lake at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.-Mid-August
More than 80 teams from across the U.S. and Canada race traditional 39-foot boats decorated like Chinese dragons in a spectacular display. Admission is free.
www.hkdbf-ny.org(718) 539-8974
Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Lincoln Center-August-September
Everything from classical music and dancing to children's puppet shows is featured in this series of free performances on the plazas of Lincoln Center.
www.lincolncenter.org(212) 875-5108
U.S. Open Tennis Championships, USTA National Tennis Center-Late August-Labor Day
This Grand Slam event is the premier U.S. tournament on the tour. Fans can pay top dollar for a seat at the showcased matches, or purchase grounds admission, which entitles them to wander from one early-round match to another; prices go up and the tournament progresses. Buy tickets well in advance; they go on sale in June.
www.usopen.org(718) 760-6200 or (888)
Wigstock -Labor Day weekend
With up to 10,000 bewigged spectators and around 60 performers, this drag festival may be the city's most colorful. Tickets run about $25.
www.wigstock.nu.(800) 494-8497 or (212) 439-5139
West Indian Day Carnival, Brooklyn-Labor Day
A crowd of nearly 2 million revelers turns out to celebrate Caribbean culture in New York's biggest and most energetic parade. The parade of extravagant costumes and colorful floats caps a weekend of festivities beginning Friday evening with reggae, salsa and calypso at the Brooklyn Museum.
(212) 484-1222, (718) 625-1515
Broadway on Broadway-Mid-September
For a couple of hours each year, Broadway is accessible to everyone. On a stage erected in the middle of Times Square, a free concert of highlights from the season's biggest shows features big stars and splashy production numbers.
www.timessquarebid.org(212) 768-1560
Feast of San Gennaro, Mulberry St.-Mid-September
Since 1926, Little Italy's main drag, Mulberry Street, has been transformed into a fairground for 11 days each September. Three million people turn out each year for food, fun and music at this festival honoring the patron saint of Naples.
www.sangennaro.org(212) 764-6330
Atlantic Antic, Atlantic Ave.-Last Sunday in September
With music, food, arts and crafts, a children's circus and over 450 vendors, the Antic is one of Brooklyn's largest street fairs, drawing nearly 1 million people each year.
www.atlanticave.org(718) 875-8993
New York Film Festival, Lincoln Center-Late September-early October
Approximately 20 independent, foreign and big-studio films are screened in a two-week run at Lincoln Center. Held annually since 1965, the festival has premiered films by directors such as Martin Scorsese, Jean-Luc Godard and Robert Altman.
www.filmlinc.com.(212) 875-5601
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October - December
Thursday, October 6 – Sunday, October 9
Off The Main: Show of African, Caribbean & Latin American Contemporary Art
The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street. A fine art fair showcasing paintings, sculpture, graphics and photography. Forty-one exhibitors representing over 200 artists from 20 countries. The only art fair in New York to feature works by artists of Continental African, Caribbean & Latin American ancestry.
Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10
The New York Fall Antiques & Fine Art Fair, St. Paul the Apostle Church, Columbus Avenue at 60th Street. Manhattan's Upper Westside gets its own world-class antiques show! The prestigious event features treasures from around the world. Admission $15. Special preview day: Thursday, October. 6, to benefit THE MOMENTUM PROJECT, that provides meals & supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS & their family members. Admission $50 for the entire weekend.
Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9
Open House New York Inc., America's largest celebration of architecture and design, excites and inspires interest in the City's architecture, history and cultural heritage. The event is packed with guided tours of secret spots in neighborhoods throughout NYC, activities for families, talks with designers, performances, concerts, exhibits and workshops - all free of charge!
Monday, October 10
Columbus Day Parade, Columbus Citizens Foundation, Fifth Ave., 44th -79th Streets, then to Third Avenue. Starts at Fifth Avenue at 44th Street. 11:45am – 3pm.
Friday, October 14 – Saturday, October 15
The Manhattan Vintage Clothing & Textile Show, Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th St. (bet 6th & 7th Aves.) Over 80 of the country's most important vintage clothing and textile experts gather for this event, making it a "headquarters" for some of the country's most fashionable vintage resources. Designer labels, coats, lingerie & more to satisfy every taste & pocketbook!
Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16
D.U.M.B.O. Art Under the Bridge Festival, Dumbo Arts Center, Jay St. between John and Plymouth Sts. and Washington St. between Front and Plymouth Sts., Brooklyn. Open studios, parade of concepts, gallery exhibitions, site-specific installations, live music, dance, street theater, short film/video festival, spoken word, and simultaneous projections.
Monday, October 17
9th Annual Brooklyn Eats™ Tasting, New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn. It's an annual October tasting event showcasing Brooklyn's best foods and beverages. Unlimited tastings! Remember: Brooklyn Food–It's New York's Home Cooking!
Thursday, October 20 – Sunday, October 23
Postage Stamp Mega Event Fall 2005, American Stamp Dealers Association, Madison Square Garden at the Expo Center. Over 100 National and International Stamp Dealers, Societies, Clubs and Postal Agencies, United States Postal Service, United Nations Postal Administration. Events include US & UN First Day of Issue Ceremony, 180 Frame Dealers Choice Awards, Exhibits, Special Shows, Show Souvenir Cards, Free Lectures & Appraisals.
Thursday, October 20 – Friday, October 28
Singapore to New York Food Festival, Millennium UN Plaza Hotel, One United Nations Plaza, 44th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Award-Winning Master Chef Chan Kwok of the Renowned Hua Ting Restaurant, Singapore, Joins UN Plaza Executive Chef Scott Rossi in the "Singapore - New York Food Festival" to showcase haute Asian cuisine at the Ambassador Grill & Lounge at the Millennium UN Plaza Hotel from October 20 – October 28, 2005.
Friday, October 21 – Sunday, October 23
First Annual Broadway Cabaret Festival, The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street. A glorious 3-day weekend featuring many of NY's best Broadway talents, including Ann Reinking, Euan Morton (of Taboo), Louise Pitre (of Mamma Mia!) and many more.
The 30th International Vintage Poster Fair sponsored by Wine Spectator
Poster Fairs International, 870 Seventh Ave. at 56th St., between 55th & 56th Streets. There will be 30 exhibitors there and thousands of posters for sale from 1890-1980's. Tickets cost $12 each day. The fair runs Fri. Oct. 21 from 5pm-9pm, Sat. Oct. 22 from 10am-7pm, and Sun. Oct. 23 from 11am-6pm.
Whole Bead Show New York
The Hotel Pennsylvania, Penn Top & Sky Top Ballrooms 18th Fl. 401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd Street. Find beads of precious & semi-precious gems, silver and gold, vintage & contemporary glass and crystal, handmade & hand blown, natural & plastic, buttons, findings, charms, pendants and some pre-made jewelry. The Whole Bead Show is open to the public as well as to the trade.
The 2005 World Sumo Challenge: Battle of the Giants, Madison Square Garden. This major international sporting event will attract 24 of the world's top Sumo wrestlers from Japan, Asia, Europe and North America.
Monday, October 31
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, Greenwich Village, Sixth Avenue from Spring to 22nd Streets. The most creative Halloween event in the world features costumes from the whimsical to the over-the-top. Sixth Avenue from Spring to 22nd Streets.
New York Film Festival, Lincoln Center-Late September-early October
Approximately 20 independent, foreign and big-studio films are screened in a two-week run at Lincoln Center. Held annually since 1965, the festival has premiered films by directors such as Martin Scorsese, Jean-Luc Godard and Robert Altman.
www.filmlinc.com(212) 875-5601
Columbus Day Parade Fifth Ave.-Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Columbus may have landed far from New York on a Spanish ship, but he was born in Italy. That's enough for the city's Italian-Americans, who are front and center for this parade up Fifth Avenue.
(212) 484-1222
Halloween Parade, Sixth Ave.-October 31
Over 25,000 participants take to the streets of Greenwich Village for the most famous Halloween parade in the country. Join the crowd of elaborately costumed revelers or have nearly as much fun watching from the sidelines.
www.halloween-nyc.com(212) 475-3333, ext. 4044
BAM Next Wave Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music-October-December
BAM showcases experimental works by both established and lesser-known contemporary artists from around the world in music, theater and dance.
www.bam.org(718) 636-4100
New York City Marathon, Starts Staten Island side of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
Last Sunday in October or first Sunday in November
This 26.2-mile race, one of the most prestigious in the world, finishes in Central Park as a crowd cheers on the 35,000 participants each year. Spectators line the streets handing out drinks all along the course, which hits each of the five boroughs. The 2002 event will be held on November 3.
www.nycmarathon.org (212) 860-4455
The Nutcracker-November-December
The New York City Ballet performs this holiday classic each year with students from the School of American Ballet. New York State Theater at Lincoln Center
www.nycballet.com(212) 870-5570
Big Apple Circus, Lincoln Center-November-January
With its local roots, intimate one-ring big top and kid-friendly mission, the Big Apple Circus has staked out its own ground between the glitz of the Ringling Brothers circus and the adults-only artistry of the Cirque du Soleil.
www.bigapplecircus.org(212) 268-2500
Macy's Parade, Central Park West-Thanksgiving Day
From 9 A.M. to noon on Thanksgiving, a procession of floats and huge cartoon character balloons marches down to Macy's in this children's favorite. Catch the inflating of the balloons the night before at Central Park West and 77th Street (6-11 P.M.).
www.macys.com(212) 494-2922
Christmas Window Displays-December
Along Fifth Avenue in Midtown, marvel at the intricate winter scenes in department store windows. (Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's are the most popular.) Check out the Cartier building wrapped for Christmas in an enormous red bow and the doormen at FAO Schwartz dressed as wooden soldiers.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rockefeller Center-Early December
One of the tallest Christmas trees in the country is mounted in Rockefeller Center, where it is strung with five miles of lights and lit by a celebrity in a nationally televised ceremony that includes an ice-skating show and other entertainment.
(212) 632-4000
Messiah Sing-Along Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center-Mid-Late December
The National Chorale Counsel organizes this sing-along for Handel's "Messiah" led by 20 conductors with an audience of up to 3,000, including four trained soloists to rescue the arias. No experience is necessary adn lyrics sheets are provided. Amateurs, professionals, even high-school schoirs participate.
www.lincolncenter.org(212) 333-5333
New Year's Eve Ball Drop Times Square-Mid-Late December
It's not officially the New Year until the ball drops over Times Square. The new and improved ball is now adorned with a stunning 12,000 rhinestones and 180 75-watt bulbs. Arrive early, since the area is packed with revelers hours before midnight.
www.timessquare.org(212) 768-1560
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