Hello.

Just wondering if there are any no-miss Christmas events, sights, or things-to-do in NYC......particularly free or cheap events. This is my first Christmas living in Manhattan so I want to make sure I see the major Christmasy things here.

Thanks.

With paid admission to the Met Museum you can see their Christmas tree, it truly is special. Take a walk down 5th, Madison or Lexington and view the beautiful holiday windows, see the tree at Rockefeller Center and watch the skaters, attend a candlelight service at a house of worship of your choice. I'm sure there are also some free/inexpensive concerts around the city too, maybe some one can make a suggestion.

ma,

There is a wonderful FREE concert on New Year's Eve at St. John the Divine, which is an annual tradition in the city. The Cathedral is pretty full, and the music is wonderful, full orchestra and chorus. (that's me on the end, in the soprano section, red hair).

The concert is the annual "Concert for Peace", hosted by Harry Smith. This year Laura Flanagan is singing, from NYC Opera.

At the end of the concert, everyone has a candle all couple thousand attendees and we sing "Let there be Peace on Earth". It is one of the most moving events in the city, so COME.

topping

I ditto everything the other posters have mentioned (especially the Christmas tree at the Metropolitan -- my favorite!). In addition, you should see the decorated Christmas windows at the department stores, like Saks, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Barney's, etc. They are truly extraordinary -- usually with sound and motion and telling a story.

There are also events at the Seaport downtown, including a human, choral Christmas tree on different days.

I second it! Don't miss the Met tree - amazing! Rockefeller Center, too, is worth a trip, despite the crowds.

Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's. Although you do need tickets to get in, which are given out by a mail lottery after Labor Day, if you go early and wait in line you might be lucky enough to get a ticket from someone giving them away.

I have to tell you as a long time resident I get a warn fuzzy just watching people walk arms craddleing gift wrapped boxes. Saw this in a cab over the weekend.

Ever read the Christmas Carol. Dickens talks about the hustle and bustle of Christmas Shoppers that happens in every city every holiday. While being in the thick of it is not always fun going to classic bakery like Veneros on 11th st. and watching shoppers stock up on treats is fun. You also want to sample some of these treats yourself. You will feel like you are in an Italian Pastry shop in Italy.