December is here. This is both exciting and extremely nerve-racking. It's exciting because that means the holidays are coming and it is now truly acceptable to listen to Christmas music 24/7. However, for us college students, it means that final papers and projects are due soon, exams are just around the corner, and we'll be chugging coffee in the library for the next three weeks. With all that in mind, it is important to stay happy and not let the end of semester stress stop you from having fun! Take a break from writing that 10 page paper and hop on the train/bus to the city for the day to relax for a bit.

Here's a list of events, sights to see, and markets to go to in that I compiled:

1. Rockefeller Tree Lighting

When: Wednesday, December 2 at 7 p.m.

If you're bold and ready for an adventure, this is an exciting event to go to. Get more information on tickets and times here.

2. See The Tree At Rockefeller Center

When: Anytime

I don't remember a year when my family and I didn't at least drive by Rockefeller Plaza to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Christmas tree. If you want to avoid large crowds, don't go the first week after the tree lighting ceremony. When you go to Rockefeller Center, make a point to walk down 5th Ave to see the famous window displays of the upscale stores. They never fail to impress.

3. Ice Skating (Various Locations)

When: Check the hours for the ice skating rink you're going to.

There are many places in NYC to go ice skating. The first (and most expensive) option is at Rockefeller. During their "peak" times it's $32 for general admission into the rink and $12 for skate rental (and you'll probably have to wait at least an hour to get in). Another option is Bryant Park, where it's free to get onto the rink (less than $20 for skate rental). Of course you can always go to MSU's own Floyd Hall Arena and rent skates for less than $5 with your student ID!

4. Winter Village At Bryant Park

When: Now through January 3.

M-F: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

There are over 125 unique vendors filled with food, clothes, drinks, decorations, and more. While you're there, you could even go ice skating!

5. Union Square Holiday Market

When: Now through December 24 starting at 11 a.m. daily.

This is one of my favorite holiday markets because of the variety of shops and food choices. You can completely immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit for a few hours as you try amazing chocolate, purchase hand made gifts for your loved ones, and simply just walk through and enjoy.

6. Merry Tuba Christmas At Rockefeller Center

When: Sunday, December 13 at 3:30 p.m.

Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players of all ages will be playing classic Christmas carols under the tree. Because the crowd is encouraged to sing along, this is the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit!

7. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

When: Dec. 1 - Dec. 24

Mondays-Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

This market is run by the same people who put together the Union Square Market every year so visiting one of the two is definitely a must!

8. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

When: Nov. 21 - Jan. 18

Model trains navigate through and around a miniature model of all of New York's famous landmarks. The best part is, all of the buildings and monuments are made of plant parts! All of this plus lights and sound is something you definitely don't want to miss.

9. Radio City Christmas Spectacular

When: varies

This show is truly one of a kind that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime. All of the seats in Radio City are good seats so you can get tickets for as cheap as $45. There are usually good Groupon deals for this show, as well.

10. The Nutcracker

When: varies

There are tons of dance schools and companies in NYC that put on Tchaikovsky's famous ballet. This one is a classic that is always worth seeing.

11. Origami Holiday Tree

When: Nov. 23 - Jan. 10. Check museum hours.

The American Museum of Natural History puts a unique spin on decorating Christmas trees. Volunteers spend almost a year making 1000 paper animals to decorate their 13-foot tree. Students who show ID can get tickets to the museum for $17.

12. SantaCon 2015

When: Saturday, December 12

This annual bar crawl is a classic NYC holiday tradition. Find out more at http://santacon.nyc/. They post the route the night before.

13. Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree

When: Through January 6

This is another Christmas tree that is just magnificent. Around the tree, there is a 18th century Neapolitan Nativity scene that is unique to the museum. Students can get in to the museum for as little as $5.

If you're interested in volunteering to help various organizations during the holidays, check out Time Out New York's article here.

I hope you found something on this list that you might want to do, after all, there's no time like Christmastime in the greatest city in the world.