'LIVE with Kelly and Michael' gears up for the season with a month of holiday-inspired festivities

Holiday merriment includes "Holidays in New York Week" and "Holiday Hits Week"

Special guest Matt Damon headlines "LIVE's Christmas Eve Special"

As the 2012 holiday season kicks into gear, top morning talk show "LIVE with Kelly and Michael" is helping viewers get into the spirit with festive programming throughout the coming month.

There's no place like New York City during the holidays and, beginning on Dec. 3, hosts Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan will showcase the best of "LIVE's" hometown during "LIVE's Holidays in New York Week." The week will include Strahan's Broadway debut, in the stage adaptation of the Christmas favorite "Elf"; Kelly's behind-the-scenes look at the New York City Ballet production of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker"; and a special Santa medley from the New York cast of the Broadway hit "Jersey Boys."

Throughout the month a wide range of musical talents will ring in the season on "LIVE," beginning with Rod Stewart, who will be followed by mezzo-soprano and "Dancing with the Stars" alumna Katherine Jenkins. Plus, "LIVE's Holiday Hits Week" begins on Dec. 10, and will include performances by Richard Marx, Lifehouse, Colbie Caillat, Ashanti and "America's Got Talent's" Jackie Evancho.

In addition, kids will be thrilled to see a special performance by the cast of "Disney on Ice: Rockin' Ever After," and "LIVE's" month of celebration wraps up on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, when the hosts present "LIVE's Christmas Eve Special." The "LIVE" set will be transformed into a colorful winter wonderland for an hour of holiday cheer, including a visit from Academy Award winner Matt Damon. And the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, makes an appearance before his busy night begins.