Battery Park City Life

THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2009
Seaport Ice Skating
Through February 28, 2009, ice-skating lovers can ice-skate on an 8,000 square foot rink at this wonderful location. Think of skating while taking in the views of tall ships,  skyscraper buildings and the views of the harbor. The first 150 guests on opening day will receive free admission and skate rentals. Opening day will include seaport trolley rides as well as the holiday lighting celebration. Weekends will have the Big Apple Chorus and check out Santa Claus strolls tuesdays thru saturdays, 12 pm - 7:30 pm, sundays, 12pm - 5:30 pm Christmas eve, 12pm - 5 pm. Cost: $5 admission, $7 skate rentals. Times of operation: 10am - 10pm. Visit www.thenewseaport.com/icerink for more information. Let's skate!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
The Rockefeller Center Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The 76th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on December 3, 2008 from 7-9 p.m. The annual event is televised and features musical performances from a variety of popular artists. Typically, the Radio City Rockettes perform and there are also ice skaters performing. FREE. Place: Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, NYC

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2009
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at NY City Center
Alvin Ailey is marking its 50th anniversary of bringing American modern dance with African American cultural expression to world stages. There will be new productions, world premieres as well as the popular and beloved Alvin Ailey ballet pieces. In addition to great dance performances, for one week only, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will join Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for a live celebration of modern dance and jazz music!
Tickets start at $25, AMEX cardmembers have preferred seating access, a limited number of Family Matinee tickets are available for all Saturday afternoon performances for just $20 (max of 6 tix please, note: fam mat tix are not available online). Goto nycitycenter.org for more information.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 3pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7:30 PM
George Frideric Handel - Messiah
America first fell in love with Handel's masterpiece when portions of the oratorio received a new world premiere at Trinity Church in 1770 as a rent party for the organist. Every year since, New Yorkers have reveled in Messiah's splendor and majesty. The Trinity Choir - a collection of extraordinary young singers, all of whom are soloists in their own right - shares its compelling and dramatic reading of this timeless work. Tix:
$50 premium seating, $40 reserved seating, $30 general admission.
For more information, plse call 212-279-4200 or goto www.ticketcentral.com