We’ve talked so much about the beautiful Christmas trees all around the city, let us not forget the lighting of the world’s largest Hanukkah Menorahs at the Manhattan and Brooklyn Grand Army Plazas.  And there’s a new tradition this year in lower Manhattan – the Luminaries, a beautiful interactive light exhibit at the Winter Garden.  The Latkes Festival is right around the corner too. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Merchant House has a wonderful version of A Christmas Carol in this 19th century setting.

Dec. 6-13. The Festival of Lights

The Manhattan and Brooklyn Grand Army Plazas are in competition this year for the claim to the world’s largest Hanukkah Menorah.  The Manhattan Menorah is 32-feet high and 4,000 pounds and you watch the lightings from the Plaza hotel, usually around 5:30 PM.  Head across the East River to Prospect Park where you’ll see the rival Menorah.  Get more details.

Dec. 2-Jan. 10. A New Holiday Tradition Illuminates Lower Manhattan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rlauz60FYc

Head downtown to the Winter Garden for a new holiday tradition, the Luminaries—a spectacular lighting display that follows the glass enclosed topography of the Winter Garden. Inspired by the season’s traditions of sharing, community and connection, visitors are immersed in a glowing canopy of 650 lanterns, embedded with LEDs, each capable of changing color and intensity.

The interactive installation is transformed into a unique light display every time a participant touches a special wishing station positioned within the iconic palm trees of the Winter Garden.  For every wish made this holiday season, Arts Brookfield will donate $1 up to $25,000 to the GRAMMY Foundation® to support its GRAMMY in the Schools® music education programs for high school students.

Spectacular light shows are scheduled throughout the day and evening every two hours beginning at 10 AM and ending at 8 PM daily. Five shows celebrate the season: Snowfall, Christmas Tree, Ribbons, Firecracker, and Northern Lights.

And while you’re there, pop into the new French marketplace, Le District.

Brookfield Place New York  Winter Garden, 230 Vesey Street.  New York, NY

Dec. 7. Latke Festival at the Metropolitan Pavilion

This is the 7^th annual Latke Festival that brings together top chefs, food lovers and food professionals to enjoy creative interpretations of a beloved holiday food.  All proceeds from the event will benefit The Sylvia Center which promotes kids healthy eating.   General admission is $65.  Purchase your tickets now!

Dec. 10-24. A Christmas Carol at the Merchant House

Here’s another reason to head downtown this holiday season.  Join Mr. Dickens, portrayed by actor John Kevin Jones, as he tells his timeless Christmas tale in the elegant intact Greek revival parlor of the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.

Surrounded by 19th century holiday decorations, flickering candles, and richly appointed period furnishings, audiences will be transported back 150 years in this captivating one-hour performance created from Dickens’ own script.  NEW this year! Toast the holiday season with actor John Kevin Jones in the cozy mid-19th century kitchen before the performance. Mulled wine and light fare will be served. Pre-performance reception begins at 6 p.m. each night, except December 23 and Christmas Eve, which begin at 5 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.  or call BrownPaperTickets.com at (800) 838-3006.