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New York City Events December

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NYC Insider Guide December Events and Activities Calendar

New York City Events December are filled with dozens of New York Christmas Trees & Holiday trees, sparkling lights everywhere, store window displays, holiday lights tours, ice skating, shopping, (hopefully) white snow, the smell of roasted chestnuts and just pure magic everywhere you look. We’ve got some amazing holiday shows this year, like the Rockettes @ Radio City, Nutcracker Ballet and more coming soon.

There is nothing on the planet like New York in December, as the city is breathtaking this time of year. New York City in December can be quite cold and the city is more crowded than usual, but that is the price we pay to experience amazing New York City during the holidays. Please check sightseeing and holiday hours for Christmas Eve and Day (December 24th and 25th) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st). Please add your event or business to NYC Insider Guide.

Top NYC December Events

  • Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
  • Christmas in New York City
  • New York City Holiday Lights Tours
  • New Year’s Eve in New York City
  • Nutcracker Ballet @ Lincoln Center
  • NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
  • Giants, Jets, Knicks, Rangers
  • Jingle Ball – Prior Performers – Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys++
  • Holiday Concerts & Shows
  • Holiday Tree Lightings: Lincoln Center, Bryant Park, Central Park
  • Holiday Markets in NYC
  • Ice Skating

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Save $$ on New York Concert Tickets

Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, official, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Concert tickets.

NYC Concerts Shows by Month

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Bon Jovi, Jerry Seinfeld, John Oliver & Seth Meyers and more being announced daily.

NYC Monthly Concerts Calendar

Insider Guides to NYC Concert Venues

Our insider guides to Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden, Met Life Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre and lots of smaller, more intimate venues. Get discount ticket insider tips, hotels and dining information.

NYC Concert Venues

Concert Schedule and Tickets

See upcoming shows, concerts and special events at NYC's best Live Music Venues:

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New York City Holiday Lights Tours

New York City during Holiday season is a don’t miss! Get in the festive spirit by taking a Holiday Lights Tour in New York in December. Choose from Bus Tours, Holiday Dining Cruises and Movie & TV Site Holiday tours.

New York City Holiday Lights Tours

Best of NYC Holiday Tours

Browse more NYC Holiday Tours

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

See More: December Holiday Tours in New York City

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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes

Nov 6, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 (Tickets On Sale April)
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)

Radio City Christmas with Rockettes

With up to 5 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.

Rockettes Tour Packages

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Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center

Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:

Hotels Near Rockefeller Center

See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels

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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
December 3, 2025 - January 10, 2026 (usually second Sunday)
Ceremony, 7-10 pm

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is a highlight of every winter in NYC. The unlit tree arrives in November, and after Black Friday and Thanksgiving, the department stores open their famous window holiday displays. However, it is the week after Thanksgiving, when the Rockefeller Center Tree is lit, that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.

Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting 2023

Check the full NYC Insider Guide to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting:

  • 2025 | VIP Rock Pass: Holiday Edition - Elevate your Rockefeller Center experience with VIP Rock Pass. A special holiday edition of VIP Rock Pass runs from December 5 through January 10. The only tour in NYC with up-close viewing of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree from Center Plaza (normally closed to the public), a photo with Santa on the Beam Experience (select dates only).
  • 2025 | Tree Lighting Ceremony Indoor Viewing from 45 Rockefeller Center - Be whisked past security with your NYPD-approved credential letter and up to our private, third-floor retreat to watch the whole ceremony from the eight-foot glass windows in our gala hall. Gourmet food, free-flowing drinks and live entertainment.
  • TBD 2025 | VIP Exclusive New York City Holiday Tree Lighting Gala at Rockefeller Center & Rockettes - same gala as above with a slightly different menu & the next day, enjoy orchestra seats to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular & afterwards a licensed NYC guide will greet you for a fun and memorable walking tour of the Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. The grand finale will be afternoon tea with the Rockettes.

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NYC December Sports

Winter is a great time to catch one of our 6 professional sports teams in action! The Giants and Jets are heading towards the end of football season. Knicks and Nets basketball is underway, as are the NY Rangers and Islanders @ UBS Arena hockey seasons.

Highlights this month usually include the Knicks on Christmas Day.

New York Sports December


Giants & Jets MetLife Schedule

The turf at MetLife is stacked with storylines this fall! The Jets kick off the season with a spicy Week 1 matchup against their former QB, Aaron Rodgers—now suiting up for the Steelers in what's likely his final NFL campaign. Meanwhile, the Giants are celebrating their 100th season with throwback uniforms, fireworks and a roster full of promise. Whether it's Russell Wilson launching deep balls or Malik Nabers making highlight reels, Big Blue is ready to light it up. There's nothing more classic than a crisp autumn football Sunday—so grab your gear and head to MetLife Stadium, where tickets start at just $40!

New York Giants Tickets


Knicks MSG Schedule

New York Knicks Tickets

No matter how they are performing, Knicks games are always a blast and there's nothing like an event at MSG! Come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, "The World’s Most Famous Arena." Go NYC style with cheap seats, fast paced sports action, hot dogs and beer and cheer on the New York Knicks today! As a general rule, with plenty of exceptions, basketball games start at either 7:30pm or 12:00pm, November through April.


Rangers MSG Schedule

New York Rangers Tickets

Get your New York Rangers tickets and schedule to see our NY hockey team live in action at Madison Square Garden. The NY Rangers have made the finals and/or playoffs the last six consecutive seasons. Their games are the easiest sporting events in NYC to attend, right in Midtown Manhattan, a block from the Empire State Building.

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December New York City Concerts and Shows

Radio City Christmas with Rockettes

See More: NYC Concerts Shows December


Holiday Shows in NYC

NYC is home to more special holiday shows this season than EVER before! Tickets are selling fast for the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before, The Magic Flute and The Nutcracker Ballet. Don't miss out - now is the time to score the best seats on the best days.

Radio City Christmas with Rockettes



Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC

Staying near Penn Station / Madison Square Garden is a great idea when staying late for the Rangers, Knicks or your favorite concert, arrive or leave early via Amtrak or LIRR or just want to stay in a very affordable area of Manhattan steps from the Empire State Building, Macy's and no more than a 15 minute subway ride anywhere in Manhattan. Some of our top picks near Penn Station include:

Hotels Near Penn Station NYC

See More: Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC



Save $$ on New York Concert Tickets

Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, official, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Concert tickets.

Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before…

December 4-28, 2025
Hulu Theater @ MSG

‘Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic show about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike. Expect the unexpected! Find out what really happened before Santa dropped in. A Modern Spin On A Holiday Classic For The Whole Family.

Cirque du Soleil 'Twas the Night Before...

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See All: Compare All NYC Passes – Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart

Save with a New York City Attractions Pass

Want to find the BEST NYC Attractions Pass for your trip? Compare All NYC Passes - Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart.

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Best New Years Eve NYC Ball Drop Hotels

If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC.
Some of our favorites include:

  • New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
  • M Social New York – Bar and lounge perched above Times Square boasting the perfect vantage point for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop
  • The Knickerbocker (photo) – St. Cloud rooftop bar “New York, New Year’s Eve, Times Square, private party on roof top where you can watch the ball drop 180 feet away – what else could you ask for?”

Best New Years Eve NYC Ball Drop Hotels

See More: Best New Years Eve NYC Hotels

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New Year’s Eve in New York City

You have so many options for New Year’s Eve in NYC.

New Year's Eve Times Square VIP Party at Applebees

  • Dinner Cruises with Fireworks
  • Public view of ball drop in Times Square
  • Private indoor parties around Times Square with view of ball drop
  • Special dinners at thousands of restaurants
  • New Years Eve with the New York Philharmonic

Check out the New Year’s Eve Party Guide.

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Hot Deals @ Groupon Right Now

Rockettes at Radio City


Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square

One of our newest hotels, Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square is in the heart of Times Square, in the brand new TSX Broadway, which focuses on experiences including theater, concerts, retail and general entertainment. Tempo’s 36 floors and 661 rooms rise high above Times Square and the hotel will offer an 11th floor restaurant with outdoor terrace, communal and working spaces, fitness center and dedicated Wellness Rooms outfitted with a Peloton and Therabody products. They also offer 31 rooms featuring close-up New Years Eve Ball Drop Views (photo).

Bonus New Hotel Alert – Motto by Hilton NYC Times Square + Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square + Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Times Square – New 1000 room Hilton Hotel with 3 brands in the same building right next to Rockefeller Center. This means Hilton opened over 1600 new hotel rooms last year and rates are sure to be competitive.

Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square

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December Broadway Show Picks

Broadway has a TON of new shows, award winners and legends on stage.

Celebrities on Broadway

Broadway Show Tickets * StubHub * Ticketmaster Deals

  • Chess - Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele (through May 3, 2026)
  • The Fear of 13 - Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson (through July 12)
  • Dog Day Afternoon - Jon Bernthal & Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Mar 10 - July 12, 2026)
  • Every Brilliant Thing - Daniel Radcliffe (Feb 21-May 24)
  • Proof - Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle (March 31+)
  • Come and Gone - Taraji P. Henson and Cedric "The Entertainer" (March 30-July 12)
  • Giant - John Lithgow (March 11-June 28)
  • Death of a Salesman - Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf (March 6 +)
  • Just in Time - Matthew Morrison

George Clooney Broadway Good Night Good Luck

See More: List of Broadway Shows and How to See Celebrities in NYC


Broadway Shows NYC

List of Broadway Shows NYC

Buy Great Broadway Tickets Today!

Top Picks for Broadway Tickets

Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Broadway tickets.

NYC Hotels Times Square

The best NYC Hotels Times Square chosen by a NYC local! If you want to be in the heart of Broadway, all the tourist action, Restaurant Row, lounge by a pool, check out the best views from a rooftop or splurge on the live NYE Ball Drop, we will show you the best places to stay.

See All: NYC Hotels Times Square & Broadway

NYC Hotels Times Square

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Holiday Markets in NYC

Explore the top holiday markets in NYC, sip hot cocoa, ice skate and shop your way through our fantastic holiday bazaars, featuring unique artisan gifts for the whole family. We review Grand Central Holiday Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, flea markets, Holiday Markets Shopping Tours and more. Cross off your holiday shopping list with our full season Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC

Holiday Markets in NYC

  • Holiday Shops at Bryant Park - October 24, 2025 - early Jan 2026
  • Grand Central Holiday Fair - November 10 - December 24, 2025
  • Union Square Holiday Market - November 13 - December 24
  • Columbus Circle Holiday Market - December 2-31, 2025

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New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

November 15, 2025 - January 11, 2026

A dazzling and detailed replica of Manhattan, made entirely from plants, leaves, seeds and bark. There are at least 14 electric trains running in loops around the city, which showcases more than 175 scaled iconic buildings and structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty. The exhibit is great for both kids and adults, and makes an especially beautiful date night with cocktails on "Bar Car Nights" in December. Located in the Bronx, accessible by Subway and Metro North.

Tickets: Holiday Train Show All-Garden Pass (good for Holiday Train Show and grounds 10am-5pm, not for Glow or other evening events)

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Just like NYC, twinkling lights go on at night with both city and holiday lights. All NYC landmarks and buildings are created entirely from botanical "ingredients" such as, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, poppy pods, pine cones, berries, mushrooms, nuts, bark, leaves twigs and dozens of other plant parts. Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center, large-scale model trains cover a quarter-mile of track to bring life to this traditional holiday landscape. The Holiday Train Show @ NYBG is definitely one of those "not-to-be-missed" and "only in NYC" unique and memory-creating things to do for couples, families and children.

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NYBG GLOW – An Outdoor Light Experience

New York Botanical Garden GLOW

Let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden. Discover the beauty of the landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark, breathtakingly illuminated with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling LEDs, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections—creating a spectacle not to be missed! @ NYBG

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Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

There are so many winter activities in NYC, making it one of the BEST times to visit NYC. Yes, the weather can be cold and wet, so it is a risk. However, there are two huge payoffs, depending on a pre-or post holidays visit. Wondering what do to in New York in winter? Some of our favorite picks are:

See All: Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

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NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan

NYC Printable Guides - Available for Immediate Download

REALLY??? This is a lifesaver! I’m too ADD-riddled to ever have been able to compile all this info in a useful way. Thanks to these tools, our 3 short days in NYC will be spent just how we want with no time wasted. I really can’t say enough good things. To anyone on the fence about this purchase…it truly is the best $20 you can spend and will probably save you way more than that in time alone.

NYC Insider Printable Guides

Honestly this was the best book I’ve ever purchased and it was worth every single dollar I spent on it!!

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Christmas in New York City

There is nothing like Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Tree, Central Park, Bryant Park, Lincoln Center, glamorous store window displays and holiday lights everywhere you look bring the most amazing city and landmarks in the world to a whole new level. You want to make sure to have the best dinner, know which attractions are open and closed and so much more.

Read the full NYC Insider Guide to Christmas in New York City to get the inside scoop and plan your Christmas holiday.

Christmas in New York City

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New York City Gift Ideas

There are so many fantastic New York City Gift Ideas that will bring a smile to anyone who lives here, is moving to NYC or is just visiting for a few days. You can treat your loved ones of any age to almost anything in NYC, like foodie gift cards, Broadway gift cards, or a special experience as a gift for someone visiting New York.

New York City Gift Ideas

  • Ticketmaster Gift Card - There is probably no more versatile gift in NYC than a Ticketmaster Gift Card. Broadway, Sports, Concerts and so much more.
  • Classic Harbor Cruise - NYC Boat Cruises are one of my favorite things to do in NYC, with both my lifelong NYC friends and when visitors come to town
  • NYC Foodie and Restaurant Gifts - choose from dozens of food tours, restaurant gift cards, classes.

See All: New York City Gift Ideas

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Ice Skating in NYC

Do you like to see? Or be seen? Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a chance to be in the spotlight; or perhaps, spot a figure skating star. There’s also lots to do around Rockefeller Center, from fabulous shopping to television studio tours, this can be a great way to spend an afternoon in NYC. Read more insider tips at our guide to Ice Skating in New York City.

Ice Skating in New York City

Other great skating spots, for those who want a little more ice time and a little less glitz, Lasker and Wollman rinks in Central Park and Winter Village in Bryant Park are great bets.

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The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center

Nov 28, 2025–Jan 3, 2026
Tickets on Sale in September

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.

Photo: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

The Nutcracker NYC Ballet



More Info: Nutcracker Ballet

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Lincoln Center - Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway

You really haven't been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC's (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.

Lincoln Center NYC

More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide

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Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room

Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in room offer travelers a wonderful way to relax and connect after a long day of walking around NYC. Our top picks for in room jacuzzi spa tubs include:

See More: Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room and Romantic New York City Hotel Deals

Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room

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Things To Do in New York in December

Don’t let the cold weather fool you! There are lots of great things to do in New York in December. For starters, winter sports abound, whether you like to play, watch or both. Shopping reaches a fever pitch this month, from crafts and artists’ markets to flea markets to sample sales.

If you want to ice skate, see the most beautiful skyline lit up to a whole new level, head to Radio City Music Hall for the Rockettes, Lincoln Center for the Nutcracker, see the best of Broadway or the beautiful windows of 5th Avenue, don’t miss our insider tips and guide to a great December in NYC.

Things To Do in New York in December

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Christmas in New York Holiday Season Calendar

Check our day by day guide to the Holiday Season in New York City. Thanksgiving, the Rockettes, Cocoa and Carols Cruises, The Nutcracker Rockefeller Tree, Central Park Christmas Tree and more on our NYC Holiday Events Calendar. Deck the Halls, Light the Menorah and celebrate Christmas in New York with our calendar.

Christmas in New York Holiday Season Calendar

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Walk, Bike, Bus, Blade or Fly Over NYC?

Tourist Attractions Empire State Building

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Things to Do in NYC by Month

Our Event Calendars show you exactly which events occur by day, but our Things to Do monthly guides highlight seasonal tours, bike rides, best time for boat cruises, when to buy tickets, the biggest sales and all the optimal times to do activities by month. Check out our Monthly Things to do in NYC Guides.

Things to do in NYC by Month

Promote YOUR NYC Event on NYC Insider Guide

NYC Insider Guide consistently ranks on the first page of Google and other search engines for New York City Events. We can get YOU there as well! There is no faster, easier or more cost-effective way for YOUR event to be highlighted in Google’s #1 spot. Learn More: Promote your New York City Event

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Promote YOUR Business on NYC Insider Guide

Help US Help Our site visitors by promoting YOUR NYC business. Have a great NYC restaurant, hotel, store or attraction? Want to offer a coupon to our guests? Want to share your favorite parts of New York City? We want to hear all about it. Learn More: Promote YOUR Business on NYC Insider Guide

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List free or choose from one of our featured packages. We love to design custom promotions that help both our site visitors and our local NYC businesses. We never do banner advertising. We work WITH you to make the most of your advertising by designing unique programs to maximize our expertise with our site visitors and spending habits.

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The Harlem Globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters NYC

Back in February @ Barclays Center

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are always a blast to watch. This is not ordinary basketball – it is a comedy show and wholesome family fun. Their high-flying blend of basketball action and comedy has thrilled fans of all ages for over 80 years. We loved this show as a kid.

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NYC Insider Guidehttps://nycinsiderguide.com
Welcome! I'm Melissa, a fourth generation New Yorker, who has been lucky enough to live in New York for over 30 years. I love just about everything in New York City, the very reason I started this web site, and I look forward to sharing it all with you. Please explore the New York City Insider Guide at your own pace. I hope it helps you plan your New York City Vacation, so you not only go home as a NYC Insider, but plan to visit us again soon.

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