Last updated: November 11, 2024
Explore the festive delights of Bensonhurst with our holiday event guide. From Bensonhurst aficionados to first-time guests, our guide is your gateway to holiday wonder.
One of the highlights of the season is the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, where elaborate displays illuminate the streets, captivating visitors of all ages. Another must-see is the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which dazzles with its stunning ornaments and traditional charm. And the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting displays and festive animal encounters. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Bensonhurst Holiday Light Displays
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Locally guided tours highlighting the neighborhood's iconic holiday displays.
- Description
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features over 100,000 lights on homes in Brooklyn, showcasing elaborate decorations and holiday traditions.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Immersive wildlife-themed light displays and interactive experiences.
- Description
- The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. The event includes interactive glowing walls, illuminated trees, and seasonal treats, making it a comprehensive holiday celebration.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic, 80-foot tall Norway spruce with over 50,000 LED lights.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic, 80-foot tall Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. This annual tradition is a symbol of holiday cheer in New York City.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Bensonhurst Holiday Markets and Shopping
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Elegant holiday shopping with local artisans and designers.
- Description
- The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a premier holiday shopping destination featuring over 140 vendors offering art, jewelry, home goods, and delicious eats. Visitors can peruse through glittering aisles filled with local artisans and designers, creating a unique and memorable shopping experience.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Bensonhurst Holiday Shows and Entertainment
The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a complex theatrical ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's music, Balanchine's choreography, and elaborate stage elements. It introduces the Stahlbaum children, Marie, and Fritz, and transitions from reality into fantasy with the concluding Snowflake Waltz. The production includes a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet, and other notable feats like Mother Ginger and crystal-shaped snowflakes.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : The Nutcracker
Christmas Eve Caroling
- What to Expect
- Traditional holiday caroling with a brass quartet.
- Description
- Join the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and revelers at Washington Square Park for a traditional Christmas Eve caroling event. Songbooks will be distributed, and familiar holiday tunes will fill the air.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Christmas Eve Caroling
Stomp, Clap and Sing with FunikiJam’s Holiday Beat
- What to Expect
- Cultural celebration of diverse holidays through music and stage show.
- Description
- Join FunikiJam for a vibrant stage show celebrating various holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Shichigosan. This live concert is specially curated for kids and families to journey through the rich tapestry of holiday traditions in New York City.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Stomp, Clap and Sing with FunikiJam’s Holiday Beat
NYSoM HolidayMania
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with music and activities.
- Description
- NYSoM HolidayMania is a free event featuring holiday activities, music, and community gatherings at 2017 1st Ave. in New York, NY.
- Where
- Harlem | More Info : NYSoM HolidayMania
Christmas in New York Dinner Cruise
- What to Expect
- Elegant dinner cruise with holiday music and skyline views.
- Description
- Celebrate Christmas in New York City with a luxurious dinner cruise featuring a 3-course plated dinner, wine, and hot cocoa, all while enjoying stunning views of the NYC skyline and festive holiday music.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Christmas in New York Dinner Cruise
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Renowned precision dance performances by the Rockettes in a historic venue
- Description
- This iconic holiday performance features the world-famous Rockettes, delivering a dazzling array of dance numbers and spectacular visual effects. Set in the historic Radio City Music Hall, the show captures the spirit of the season with traditional carols and elaborate stage designs, making it a highlight of the festive calendar.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Bensonhurst Other Holiday Activities
Tea with Santa
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling session with Santa Claus.
- Description
- Join Santa for a special afternoon of storytelling and holiday cheer, creating lasting memories with family and friends.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Tea with Santa
Holiday House Tours
- What to Expect
- Historic house tours focusing on architecture and period rooms.
- Description
- Explore the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion, a grand 19th-century country estate in Pelham Bay Park, featuring Greek Revival architecture and period furnishings. Guided tours reveal the family life and history of its inhabitants.
- Where
- Pelham Bay Park | More Info : Holiday House Tours
Nature’s Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
- What to Expect
- Hands-on crafting of nature-inspired holiday ornaments.
- Description
- Join the Urban Park Rangers for Nature’s Workshop: Nature Ornament Making, where you can create your own nature-inspired holiday ornaments using natural materials.
- Where
- Crotona Park | More Info : Nature’s Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
The Magical Hot Chocolate Experience
- What to Expect
- Personalized hot chocolate creation with magic wand-activated toppings.
- Description
- At The Cauldron NYC, guests can craft personalized hot chocolate using a variety of bases, chocolates, and flavorings in a cast iron cauldron. The experience includes a magic wand-poured mocktail, interactive tastings with mini hot chocolate flights, and a treasure trove of festive toppings from a locked wizard chest. Guests can also indulge in add-ons like Baileys or a toasted XL marshmallow.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : The Magical Hot Chocolate Experience
Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
- What to Expect
- Iconic outdoor ice skating in Central Park.
- Description
- Ice skating at Wollman Rink offers a quintessential New York winter experience, with breathtaking views of the city skyline and a welcoming environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Ice Skating at Wollman Rink