Just a New York minute!

December is a busy month for New Yorkers and if you’re planning on hitting up the Big Apple to see the sights, be sure to add these holiday favorites to your list. But before you start marking down where you’ll be headed, let us make things a little bit easier for you.

The holiday season gets a huge influx of travelers, so if you’re new to the city, it can be easy to get tangled up and lost in the crowd. At NYCTrip.com, we’re running awesome specials on holiday sightseeing tours that ensure that you get to see everything you want without having to battle all of the crowds. Our Christmas Holiday Walking Tour, Holiday Lights Motorcoach Sightseeing Tour, and NYC Holiday Trip Specials are must-sees before you plan your NYC trip to destinations like these:

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Billed as America’s favorite holiday show, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been a NYC favorite since 1933. It stars The Rockettes and features an amazing performance with music, dancing, a Living Nativity, indoor snow, fireworks, Santa flying high above the audience, and so much more! The show runs through the entire month of December with tickets ranging from $45 to $105. Group tickets available. For tickets, simply consult our Radio City Christmas Spectacular Vacations.

Andy Warhol: Motion Pictures – The Museum of Modern Art will be running an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s black-and-white silent works from December 19, 2010 to March 21, 2011. A must-see for those interested in film, art, or Warhol’s other works. Free with admission. For more information, visit moma.org or call 212-708-9400.

Revelations at 50 – The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is celebrating its 50^th anniversary of the breathtaking piece Revelations. Featuring 50 dancers in a reimagined version of the classic, this moving experience of sight, sound, and motion is sure to make your visit to New York City unforgettable. At the New York City Center from December 1 through January 2. Tickets are $25 and up. For more information, call 212-247-0430 or visit NYCityCenter.org.

Best of the Arts Holiday Festival – Kids will love the chance to make a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and winter-themed crafts at the Best of the Arts Holiday Festival in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Lots of fun for the whole family! 212 W. 83^rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. December 20-26. For more information, visit CMOM.org or call 212-721-1223.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – From November 26 through January 2, see this classic holiday tradition that’s been performed annually by the New York City Ballet since 1954. Simply gorgeous and great for the whole family! Throughout December. Individual and group tickets available. Call 212-870-5570 or visit NYCBallet.com.  The David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, between W. 63rd St. & Columbus Ave and W. 62nd St. & Columbus Ave.

What are some of your favorite, must-see attractions during the holidays?

November is almost here and you know what that means: it’s time to start planning your trip to New York City! The Big Apple has tons to enjoy during the month of November, especially if you’re gearing up for the holiday season. Here are some of the events you’ll need to add to your itinerary during your NYC trip:

The ING New York City Marathon: If you want to see an amazing event that’s all about achieving goals, giving it your all, and doing something wonderful, it’s the New York Marathon. This year’s event, sponsored by ING, will be held on November 7^th. Feel free to watch or compete – it’s up to you! Learn more at http://www.nycmarathon.org/

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Beginning at 77^th Street and Central Park West and ending at 7^th Avenue and 34^th Street, this annual parade is one of the most widely anticipated New York City events of the year. In fact, 3.5 million line the streets to see it and 50 million more watch the giant balloons and floats on TV!  Get there early to reserve your spot along the parade route!  Learn more: http://social.macys.com/parade2010/ or book your Thanksgiving vacation in New York City at http://www.nyctrip.com/Pages/Index.aspx?PageID=83

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: Located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47^th and 50^th Streets and 5^th and 7^th Avenues, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is something that people come to see from all around the world. See it be illuminated for the year if you attend the ceremony on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Bring your camera and dress warm while you enjoy live performances from a variety of popular artists, ice skaters, and much more! Visit http://www.nyctrip.com/pages/index.aspx?pageID=1035 for more information.

Chocolate Show New York: Billed as the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate, the Chocolate Show is a sweet tooth’s paradise. This event offers displays from more 65 fine chocolate companies, cooking demonstrations, fun activities, book signings, and even a Chocolate Fashion Show. Hungry yet? Get tickets and more information at http://newyork.salon-du-chocolat.com/accueil.aspx. Runs November 11-14, 2010 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues).

The New York Comedy Festival: Tickle your funny bone November 3-7, 2010 at this annual event produced in association with Comedy Central. Get the schedules, tickets, and information about how to get in on the action by visiting http://www.nycomedyfestival.com/.

What other events are you looking forward to this November in New York City? Share them with us!

October is right around the corner and if you’re planning on taking a trip to New York City this fall, then you must see some of these fabulous events. October brings changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and tons of great activities and attractions to see in the city!

Mark your calendar for any of these fabulous October events:

Columbus Day Parade: On Monday, October 11, parade goers can celebrate and take in a visual spectacular as they watch the annual Columbus Day Parade from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The parade, which includes more than 35,000 people, begins on 5^th Avenue at 47^th Street and continues north along 5^th Avenue to 79^th Street, so there are plenty of places to catch the excitement.

Fall Spa Week 2010: Enjoy a little extra pampering and get a bit of indulgence for less when you partake in Spa Week 2010 events October 11-17. Discounted spa treatments from NYC’s best spas ($50 a treatment!) are sure to make your NYC trip even more memorable. Check out the official site for more details and participating locations.

NYC Football: Get ready to root for your favorite NYC team during football season. Take in a game at the stadium or check out the Giants or the Jets from the comfort of a city sports bar. Either way, it’ll be a whole lot of fun!

Halloween Day Parade: Located in Greenwich Village, this favorite haunt for NYC’ers is a must-see during the month of October. This year’s theme, “Here Be Dragons” is sure to offer some great floats and costumes. Plus, it’s a great activity for the whole family to enjoy! March along or watch on Saturday, October 31 from 7 p.m. onward.

Have any other must-see October events? Let us know!