For example, Manhattan visitors might want to visit the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, which showcases 12 14-foot illuminated stars dancing to holiday music and falling snow cascading from the ceiling.

The traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which kicks off the holiday season, is Nov. 27. Department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Macy's all offer holiday window displays.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs from Nov. 9 through Dec. 30 with tickets ranging from $40 to $250.

On Nov. 19, UNICEF welcomes the gift-giving season with a special lighting ceremony of the Snowflake that hangs above the city's Fifth Avenue.

George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" is performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center Nov. 28-Jan. 3; tickets range from $10 to $215.

The Cirque du Soleil production of Wintuk is at the MaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden Oct. 30 through Jan. 4, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $220.

The annual tree lighting for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is Dec. 3. The tree will remain lit until Jan. 9.

The ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center opened Saturday for the season.

Other events will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Brooklyn, Coney Island, Staten Island Children's Museum, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronx, and at the Bronx and Queens zoos.

For a complete listing of all the events and more details, visit nycvisit.com.