See city landmarks in miniature at the NY Botanical Garden Train Show
1. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Central Park
There is no place quite as beautiful as Central Park after a light dusting of snow. To view this glistening winter wonderland, enlist a horse-drawn carriage for a ride past the skaters on Wollman Rink and through the silent Sheep Meadow. 59th St. between Seventh and Eighth Aves., 646-399-7404
2. Jazz at Lincoln Center
Listen to enchanting Christmas classics during A New Holiday Revue, performed by Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, accompanied by vocalist Kim Burrell, December 15–17. Then join Brianna Thomas for some Holiday Swing, December 20–24. 33 W. 60th St., 212-258-9800
3. Joaquín Sorolla & The Glory of Spanish Dress
Developed by Oscar de la Renta, who serves as chairman of the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute’s board of directors, and curated by André Leon Talley, the exhibit presents paintings depicting the history of regional styles of Spanish clothing as seen through the eyes of painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida. December 8 through March 10, 2012. 684 Park Ave., 212-628-0420
4. Metropolitan Museum of Art
Start your holiday celebrations early with a gallery talk on December 3 that delves into evolution through paintings of the Nativity scene during the Middle Ages. Then bring the entire family for the Met’s traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, December 8. 1000 Fifth Ave., 212-535-7710
5. Metropolitan Opera
Known for her refined and distinctive tabletop collections, acclaimed home goods designer Rosanna Bowles is collaborating with the Metropolitan Opera to design commemorative items inspired by its 2011–2012 season. The dainty teacup and colorful La Bohème plate, among others, will debut at a reception during an intermission of Faust on December 3. Met Opera Shop, Lincoln Center, 136 W. 65th St., 212-580-4090
6. The New York Botanical Garden
Wander past the snow-covered conifers and step inside for the 20th annual Holiday Train Show, which features exquisite displays of classic model trains twisting and turning through replicas of famous New York City landmarks and winter evergreens. New this year: a behind-the-scenes look at how the intricate models are created. Through January 16, 2012. 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, 718-817-8700; nybg.org
7. New York Philharmonic
Celebrate the season with the world’s most beloved holiday oratorio, Handel’s jubilant Messiah, December 13 through 17. Don’t forget the custom of standing for the “Hallelujah” chorus, as King George II reportedly did at the London premiere; it has stuck ever since. Avery Fisher Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5656; nyphil.org
8. The Russian Tea Room
Enjoy a gilded Christmas with this New York institution’s three-course Christmas menu, served on December 25. Raise a glass over goat cheese and wild mushroom blinchiki and boeuf a la stroganoff. Then for dessert, cherry and cheese blintzes, traditional New York cheesecake, or the mouthwatering chocolate pyramid, round out your holiday meal. 150 W. 57th St., 212-581-7100; russiantearoomnyc.com
