This Christmas, get into the Christmas spirit and experience all the city has to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.

Recently, I’ve been bursting at the seams with holiday spirit (I had too much to eat at Thanksgiving), and being in the city that never sleeps, I’ve found an endless list of activities to spread some Christmas joy this season and for years to come.

Favorite New York Tree Lighting Ceremonies

Typically lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see. A-list celebrities appear to celebrate the illumination of the New York symbol, while performances typically feature the Radio City Rockettes and ice skaters twirling in the Rockefeller Ice Rink. The tree, which Rockefeller Center requires to be at least 65 feet-tall and 35 feet-wide, shines with over five miles of lights and a giant star adorning the tip. Located in the center of the complex of buildings between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues, the tree attracts gawking tourists from all over, so be sure to be very, very early to grab a good spot.

Though not as renowned as the event at Rockefeller Center, the Bryant Park Pond tree lighting ceremony has the upside of fewer crowds and a few star appearances, including opera singers and professional ice skaters. If you arrive early, you can grab a pair of blue ice skates before and after the ceremony or simply observe all the action from one of the metal chairs surrounding the ice rink. Afterwards, check out the tented booths of one of New York's top Christmas Markets, where one-of-a-kind arts and crafts are featured.

The American Museum of Natural History has its own Christmas tree, though by no means is it comparable to those of Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. Yet, what you’ll find dangling from this pine is arguably much more interesting than just bright lights. Its boughs are decked with hundreds of origami shapes as well as 26 especially complicated forms, adhering to the theme of “Origami, A to Z.” Like a “Where’s Waldo” kids book, the tree draws many gawkers who, no matter how long they scrutinize the tree, can always find one after another hidden wonder in its branches.

Favorite New York City Christmas Events

If you missed out on their performance at the 30 Rock tree lighting, don’t miss out on the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Whether it’s the kick line of scantily clad women or the kick line of scantily clad women in reindeer suits that gets your attention, the dazzling musical will be sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. If you haven't seen this in its 75-year run, now is the time.

Officially kicking off the holiday season at the end of November, the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is a big, bold, indoor version of Europe's famed Christmas Markets. Families can begin a tour of the famous railway station at the round Information Booth. (According to their website, it has a hidden, spiral staircase leading to the Information Booth on the Lower Level.) The famed Constellation Sky Ceiling is an astronomical mural inspired by the French painter Paul Helleu that floats above the 80,000-square-foot Main Concourse. Its view of the Mediterranean sky with 2,500 stars (60 of which are lighted with fiber optics) is said by astronomers to be backwards, but it's extraordinary anyway. Free public tours of the station are given on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30pm. The Wednesday tour meets at the Round Information Booth and is given by the Municipal Art Society (212/935-3960). The Friday tours meets outside on 42nd Street in front of the Phillip Morris Building/Whitney Museum entrance across the street from Grand Central and is given by the Grand Central Partnership (212/883-2420).

Then, take the subway over to the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, which always has a special exhibit over the holidays. Currently it is featuring "Ab Ex New York" or the museum's collection of Abstract Expressionist work done by New York area painters. There's always something going on at MoMA, with family tours led by kid-friendly docents on weekends, and regular film screenings. Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time or arrive early to purchase them at the front desk, as the special programs sell out fairly quickly.

New York Outdoors at Christmas Time

While you can certainly walk around and enjoy all of the sights New York City has to offer, Gray Line Sightseeing Tours gives riders an easier way to traverse the city, take in the spectacular lights that blanket each city block, and get some fresh air. Cruising along on one of Gray Line’s double-decker buses is perfect for the older generation or littler ones, who will enjoy the unique storefront displays of Macy’s, the massive snowflakes of Saks on Fifth Avenue and a little history of Christmas in the city from the friendly tour guide. Only half of the bus’s top is covered, making for a chilly ride, and seating can be limited, so try to board early for the best sight-seeing seats, or plan ahead according to the weather.

On select dates in late December, the Bronx Zoo will hold ice sculpting workshops, where you and your family can watch as artists chink away at ice to create beautiful glistening animal statues. You can also meet and feed the zoo’s reindeer, or watch as animals throughout the zoo are given presents to unwrap – or should I say, tear up. Throughout the season, the "Polar Express 4-D Experience" will show regularly in the zoo's theatre and from the 18-30th of December, you can watch the Zoo’s first-ever "Sing! for Wildlife" competition, featuring city-wide high school choral group contestants.

Also located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is celebrating the Christmas season with its Garden Holiday Train Show and Gingerbread Adventures this year. The kids can watch as model trains speed along more than a quarter mile of track at the Garden’s Enid A Haupt Conservatory or sip on a hot chocolate at one of the cafes. A unique fact about the model train display: All recreations are made entirely from natural resources – even the model of the Brooklyn Bridge is made out of sugar pine cones!

Don’t forget, too, that every city block is alive with dazzling lights, so simply taking a stroll downtown will make for an awesome time during the holidays. Wherever you go, be sure to gaze skyward to see the lights on the Empire State Building, whose colors change according to specific dates and holidays.

Favorite New York City Christmas Shoppping

At Bryant Park, a Christmas Market of small shops surrounds the ice skating pond.  This is the place to buy relatively inexpensive winterwear, Christmas ornaments and all kinds of jewelry. If you’re hungry or want to really get into the spirit with a mug of hot chocolate, try the Pond’s concession stand or mill around until you find a hot chocolate shop. (Along with candy apples, too!)

After your shopping spree, head to the Holiday Market at Union Square, where you’ll find tents filled with all sorts of Christmas goodies ,of the produce and edible variety, as well as arts and crafts items. This venue is open on select days until December 24.

While there are certainly thousands of stores and many more things to do during Christmastime in the city, the end of the year brings the most spectacular events of all in the Big Apple.

Those who can brave the cold and the crowds should experience Times Square and the New Year’s Eve ball drop, the Midnight Central Park Mini-Marathon, as well as the New Year’s Eve fireworks held in many venues.

For more information and current events schedules, check out the NYC & Company website.