Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the magic of the holidays in Astoria with our comprehensive event guide. From Astoria regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the season's top events.
This festive season, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands tall, showcasing thousands of twinkling lights and bringing warmth to the cold winter evenings. Another highlight is the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, where visitors can glide across the ice in a picturesque setting. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the legendary Rockettes in a dazzling holiday performance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Astoria Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic Norway spruce decorated with 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic symbol of the holiday season, adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. This towering Norway spruce, typically measuring over 80 feet tall, is meticulously decorated and serves as a beacon for holiday celebrations in New York City.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
- What to Expect
- Guided walking tour through elaborately decorated homes in Brooklyn.
- Description
- Explore the iconic Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its spectacularly decorated homes with thousands of lights, motorized displays, and festive themes. The tour includes a guided bus ride from Manhattan to Dyker Heights, followed by a leisurely walking tour through the most celebrated homes.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light display tour with photo opportunities.
- Description
- Embark on a 50-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City's most beautifully illuminated shops, including Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Pass by the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and enjoy a socially-distanced, open-air experience with your significant other or family and friends.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Decorated Shop Windows
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday window displays with a toy workshop and three-dimensional camera.
- Description
- Macy's Christmas windows in New York feature beautifully decorated displays with interactive elements like a toy workshop and three-dimensional camera, showcasing festive scenes with Tip Toe the reindeer.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Decorated Shop Windows
LuminoCity Festival
- What to Expect
- Immersive light displays and interactive activities.
- Description
- LuminoCity Festival offers an immersive light experience with over 40 stunning attractions and interactive elements, creating memorable moments for all ages. Dive into four captivating themes filled with dazzling light displays and interactive activities, including food trucks and holiday gift shops.
- Where
- Glen Cove | More Info : LuminoCity Festival
Lightscape at the Botanic Garden
- What to Expect
- Immersive light art installations with site-specific music and seasonal treats.
- Description
- Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail of art, including monumental lighted sculptures and colorful effects on the garden's trees, architecture, and water features. The event is set to a curated soundtrack and offers seasonal treats and dining options along the route.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Lightscape at the Botanic Garden
Astoria Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets at Bryant Park
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and artisanal provisions in a European-inspired setting.
- Description
- Bryant Park's Christmas Market features an open-air European-inspired market with artisans from New York City and around the world. Located along Bryant Park's allées, plazas, and terraces, the market offers local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts in custom-designed, jewel box kiosks.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Markets at Bryant Park
Christmas Markets at Union Square
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists.
- Description
- Union Square Holiday Market offers a diverse array of local vendors, award-winning restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it the ultimate holiday destination in NYC. The market features the city's largest Greenmarket with over 150 vendors, providing countless opportunities to shop and dine locally.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Markets at Union Square
Astoria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- High-kicking precision dance routines and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show includes festive dance, music, and comedy, with elaborate set designs and special effects.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday favorite featuring Tschaikovsky’s transcendent melodies, awe-inspiring special effects, and exquisite choreography. The ballet follows young Marie as she encounters the fearsome Mouse King and a blustery blizzard of ballerinas before arriving in the delectable Land of Sweets. The production includes dazzling sets and costumes, captivating audiences of all ages with its complex ballet choreography.
- Where
- New York | More Info : George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Broadway Musical Shows
- What to Expect
- Diverse theatrical performances with renowned actors and elaborate sets.
- Description
- Broadway musicals offer a diverse range of performances, from classic dramas to contemporary hits, featuring renowned actors and elaborate sets.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Broadway Musical Shows
Astoria Other Holiday Activities
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Iconic ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is an iconic outdoor skating destination located in New York City, offering 60-minute general admission sessions and premium packages with extended skate time and complimentary rentals. The rink is set against the backdrop of the famous Christmas tree and Prometheus statue, providing a unique and memorable experience.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
Festive Christmas Cruise
- What to Expect
- Live holiday music and complimentary hot cocoa.
- Description
- Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise aboard a classic yacht, adorned with full holiday decor, and enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Listen to live holiday tunes while sipping on complimentary hot cocoa, beer, wine, or champagne. This festive cruise is perfect for families, friends, and loved ones to create lasting memories during the holiday season.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Festive Christmas Cruise
New York Giants American Football
- What to Expect
- High-energy football games with legendary players and historic achievements.
- Description
- The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) East division of the National Football League (NFL). The team has a rich history, having won eight NFL championships, including four Super Bowl victories. They are known for their iconic players like Eli Manning, Lawrence Taylor, and Phil Simms, and have a dedicated fan base.
- Where
- East Rutherford | More Info : New York Giants American Football
NY Rangers Hockey
- What to Expect
- High-intensity hockey with a focus on player development.
- Description
- The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team known for their high-energy games and talented roster. With a rich history and a commitment to developing young talent, the Rangers offer an exciting experience for fans of all ages.
- Where
- New York | More Info : NY Rangers Hockey
English High Tea at The Plaza Hotel
- What to Expect
- Elegant afternoon tea service with customizable dietary options.
- Description
- Savor traditional English High Tea at The Plaza Hotel, featuring delicate sandwiches, scones, and an assortment of pastries, accompanied by a selection of premium teas or coffee.
- Where
- New York | More Info : English High Tea at The Plaza Hotel