Where to See Holiday Lights in New York City

As New York City pulls out all the stops for the Christmas season, here's an overview of some of the city's more spectacular seasonal sights. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Bronx Zoo (Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road)
Now its 11^th season, visitors can walk around two miles of the zoo featuring illuminated animal, snowflakes, lighted Christmas trees and other light displays. Admission charge.
(http://bronxzoo.com/bz-whatshappening/holiday_lights/46633422)

Empire State Building (Fifth Ave. at 34th Street)
Check out this famous landmark as it glows red and green.

Fifth Avenue Shops (Fifth Avenue, 57^th-39^th Streets)
Star the tour at Fifth Avenue and 57^th Street, the site of the giant lighted snowflake. Then stroll down Fifth Avenue for some serious window shopping. Be sure to stop by Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Lord & Taylor. Also take a side trek to Madison and 60^th to see Barney's unique take on the holidays, and then stop by 59^th and Third Avenue to check out Bloomingdale's over the top display. After you've walked down Fifth Avenue, walk over to Broadway and 34^th Street to get a glimpse of the Macy's Department Store display.

Grand Central Lights Display and Holiday Fair (Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue(
Take a break from surveying the wares offers in this indoor Holiday Market to watch the laser light show with synchronized music. The show is projected periodically on the recently restored sky ceiling in the Maine Terminal.

CHRISTMAS TREES
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (30 Rockefeller Center Plaza and 49^th Street)
The world's most famous Christmas tree replete with lighted wire angels and of course, the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center. Gazing is free though there is a charge to go skating. (http://www.rapatina.com/iceRink/)

American Museum of Natural History Tree (Central Park West and 79^th Street)
In addition to gazing at the origami tree located in the Theodore Roosevelt Hall, visitors are greeted by two holiday brarosaurs decorated with pine boughs and lights. Admission charge. (http://www.amnh.org/programs/specials/holiday/)

Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport (Fulton Street)
Check out the Chorus Tree come to life with live performances.

Lincoln Center Holiday Tree (Broadway and 63rd Street)
While not as unique or famous as some of the other trees, visitors to the Upper West Side should stop by Lincoln Center and check out the decorations.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche (Fifth Avenue and 82^nd Street)
This tree located in the museum's Medieval Sculpture Hall stands over an impressive nativity scene. 18^th century angels and cherubs encircle the tree as recorded music plays in the background. Admission charge. (http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId=%7B390226DE-80DE-11D3-9367-00902786BF44%7D)

HOLIDAY MARKETS
Holiday shoppers looking to take a break from the mall madness can stroll along some of New York City's favorite outdoor holiday shopping markets. Bryant Park (6th Avenue at 42nd Street) becomes transformed into a winter wonderland featuring shopping, dining and even ice staking. While the skating is free, be prepared for long lines. (http://www.bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php). Other holiday markets include Christmas in Little Italy (Mulberry Street bet. Canal & Broome Streets) and the Union Square Holiday Market (14th - 18th Street and Broadway).