Discover 38 verified other christmas activities in East Harlem and nearby areas.
Welcome to our guide to diverse East Harlem Christmas activities! Beyond the usual parties and shows, there's a whole world of festive experiences waiting for you. This collection highlights unique seasonal celebrations and holiday fun happening throughout the area. Get ready to explore East Harlem Christmas activities!
From charming local gatherings to vibrant community events, you'll find plenty of ways to embrace the holiday spirit. Discover a variety of festive events and seasonal experiences that make this time of year special in East Harlem.
We've gathered a mix of delightful options to ensure your holiday season is merry and bright. Come explore the unique blend of Christmas fun and seasonal celebrations available near East Harlem!
Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony
Join the East Harlem community for the 22nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive event features music and fun activities, culminating in the joyous illumination of the holiday tree. It's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and...
Annual Three Kings Day parade and community celebration
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of East Harlem at El Museo del Barrio's 47th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration. This vibrant event honors Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art with a lively parade featuring large puppets and festive music, followed...
Annual tree lighting ceremony honoring WWII veterans
The Park Avenue Tree Lighting is a cherished annual tradition that illuminates the malls between 54th and 97th Streets. Originally started in 1945 to honor World War II veterans, the event now stands as a symbol of peace. The dazzling...
Celebration of Kwanzaa principles with music and film
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Kwanzaa with a vibrant celebration featuring music, film, and joyful entertainment. This event honors the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, offering a rich cultural experience for all attendees.
Annual holiday tree lighting with live carols and brass music.
Join the community for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Carl Schurz Park. This cherished family tradition features carols by Cantori New York and music from the New York Brass Quintet, creating a magical start to the holiday season....
Historic Neapolitan Baroque Crèche with a towering Christmas tree
Step into a cherished holiday tradition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with the stunning Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. A magnificent twenty-foot blue spruce, adorned with lights, stands tall, overlooking an incredibly detailed 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. This...
Holiday-themed event listings
Experience the magic of the holiday season with 'Christmas in Venice,' an event offering a festive escape. While specific details are still emerging, this event promises a delightful experience for all. Keep an eye out for updates on this enchanting...
Annual juried exhibition of creative wreath interpretations.
Discover the creativity of artists and artisans at the 43rd Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibition. This unique event showcases over 30 imaginative and unconventional wreaths, each a testament to artistic ingenuity and unexpected materials. From plastic rollers to faux fireworks, these...
Iconic holiday window displays
Step into a world of holiday magic at Tiffany & Co.'s iconic New York City flagship store. Their legendary windows, a tradition since 1837, come alive each November with fantastical displays. Inspired by the allure captured in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,'...
Visit from Santa Claus
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special visit from Santa Claus. While specific event dates are not yet available, this is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Keep an eye on this page for...
Exclusive early access to Papillon Christmas Restaurant.
Embark on a magical Christmas morning tour through Midtown Manhattan, showcasing iconic holiday sights like Rockefeller Center and dazzling 5th Avenue window displays. The experience culminates with exclusive early access and a reserved table at the renowned Papillon Christmas Restaurant,...
Traditional Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service
Join in a beloved Christmas Eve tradition with A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This service beautifully weaves together scripture readings with classic carols and hymns, performed by the acclaimed Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. Experience the...
Concert at Carnegie Hall and worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle
Experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City with the 15th Annual Christmas in New York tour. This 5-day, 4-night event features a major concert at Carnegie Hall and worship at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Explore iconic landmarks...
Iconic New Year's Eve Ball Drop ceremony
Experience the iconic New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, the symbolic center of New York City. Witness the legendary Ball Drop, add your wishes to the confetti, and enjoy live entertainment. This global tradition unites millions in a joyous...
Miniature trains journey from Grand Central to the North Pole.
The New York Transit Museum's beloved Holiday Train Show returns to Grand Central Terminal for its 21st year. This enchanting display features Lionel model trains, including Metro-North and the whimsical Polar Express, traversing a captivating two-level layout. Watch as these...
Community tree lighting with toy distribution
Join the Woodside community for a heartwarming holiday tree lighting event. This festive gathering features dazzling community holiday lights, a special tree lighting ceremony, and a heartwarming toy distribution for children. Enjoy warm treats as you celebrate the season in...
Iconic holiday celebrations and Santa visits at Macy's stores.
Step into the magical world of Macy's holiday celebrations, where festive stories come to life. Experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus at Santaland locations in Chicago, New York City, and Houston, with reservations opening soon. Marvel at the breathtaking...
Free Santa photos and carols in the park.
Join the community for Santa Saturday, a delightful FREE event perfect for the whole family. Capture cherished memories with a photo alongside Santa Claus. Immerse yourselves in the cheerful holiday spirit with live carolers singing beloved classics, while enjoying complimentary...
Free holiday toy giveaway for children
Morris Heights Health Center hosts their annual Burnside Holiday Toy Giveaway, offering free toys to children. This community-focused event aims to spread holiday cheer and support families during the festive season. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come...
International competition celebrating Polish nativity scene tradition.
Experience the beauty of the International Kraków Nativity Scene Competition, a vibrant celebration of a UNESCO-recognized Polish tradition. Participants of all ages are invited to create and submit their own unique nativity scenes in various formats, from intricate 3D models...
Holiday decorations and historical winter traditions tour
Step back in time this holiday season with a special guided tour at The Met Cloisters. Discover the festive decorations and learn about ancient Roman Saturnalia and Medieval Christmastide traditions. Explore how Hanukkah was celebrated centuries ago, offering a unique...
Authentic medieval Christmastide decorations with historical plant symbolism.
Step back in time at The Met Cloisters and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of medieval Christmastide. Discover unique decorations crafted from fresh plant materials, reflecting traditions from the 12 days between the Nativity and Epiphany. Explore the symbolism...
Festive holiday cruises on classic 1920s-style yachts.
Embark on a magical holiday journey through New York Harbor with Classic Harbor Line's festive cruises. Glide past the illuminated city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty aboard elegantly decorated 1920s-style yachts. Choose from a variety of...
Holiday center access while classes are closed
Experience a peaceful Christmas Recess at N.E.W. Christian Academy. While classes are closed for the holiday, the center remains open, offering a quiet space for reflection and family time during the festive season. Enjoy the break from the usual academic...
Photos with Santa Claus
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with a visit to Santa's winter wonderland at Queens Center. This beloved tradition offers families the chance to create lasting memories with Santa Claus himself. Capture the magic of the season with a...
Historic Dutch Colonial house celebration
Step back in time at the historic Vander Ende-Onderdonk House for a charming St. Nicholas Day celebration. This event brings to life the beloved legend of St. Nicholas with visits from the jolly figure himself, festive singing, and a traditional...
Holiday tree lighting event by Lewis Latimer House
Experience the magic of the Tinker Fest & Holiday Tree Lighting, a festive community gathering designed to spark creativity and holiday cheer. This event, organized by Lewis Latimer House, aims to bring people together for a celebration of the season.
Ice skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge
Glide across the ice at Roebling Rink, an enchanting seasonal ice skating experience situated directly beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River while participating in this festive winter...
Free holiday events across NYC Parks
Celebrate the holiday season with NYC Parks at a series of free winter events. Families and children can enjoy a Silent Disco, a Winter Wonderland celebration, and a creative Family Art Night. These festive gatherings bring extra joy to the...
Community holiday celebration with toy distribution.
Join the Hoboken Housing Authority and FamilyHood for a magical Winter Wonderland celebration. This heartwarming event brings the community together to share holiday cheer and distribute toys to children of all ages. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors...
NYC's best Santa sighting locations
Discover the most enchanting places to meet Santa Claus across New York City in 2025. From the iconic Santaland at Macy's Herald Square to charming spots in Bryant Park and unique rooftop experiences, find the perfect setting for a magical...
Community tree lighting with live music and crafts
Join the community for the festive Holiday on the Hudson tree lighting event. Enjoy live music, get creative with holiday decoration making, and savor warm hot chocolate. The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 PM, promising a magical start...
City-wide Santa Claus convention and bar crawl
Get ready for SantaCon NYC, a unique and charitable Santa Claus convention that descends upon the city. This non-political, nonsensical event is all about spreading absurdist joy and supporting art. Participants are encouraged to don full Santa costumes or get...
Christmas Day dining and entertainment in NYC
Experience the magic of Christmas Day in New York City, a truly enchanting time. While many shops are closed, the city offers unique opportunities for festive fun. Enjoy ice skating at iconic rinks, take a special holiday cruise with stunning...
Community tree lighting ceremony to start the holidays.
Join the community for the enchanting Newport Lighting Ceremony, a beloved tradition that marks the start of the holiday season. This festive event brings people together to celebrate the magic of the season with a special tree lighting ceremony.
Free holiday concerts for kids
Bring the little ones for a delightful free holiday concert experience at Time Out Market. These engaging performances are designed to entertain and enchant children with festive music and interactive fun, creating joyful holiday memories.
Live lunchtime holiday concerts with diverse musicians
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Holiday Harmonies 2025, a delightful lunchtime concert series. Enjoy performances by talented musicians, including Mafer Bandola, Anant Pradhan, and the Brooklyn Klezmer Trio, as they fill the Winter Garden with festive tunes....
Iconic NYSE Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Join the New York Stock Exchange for their annual Tree Lighting Event, a spectacular celebration that officially kicks off the holiday season. This cherished tradition features the magnificent NYSE Christmas tree, captivating live music performances, and engaging company activations. Attendees...
See the location of all other christmas activities around East Harlem and nearby areas
Open Map →While East Harlem itself may not have dedicated outdoor ice skating rinks, the surrounding areas of New York City offer numerous options. You can often find seasonal rinks in nearby parks or public spaces. Keep an eye on local park announcements for any winter sports or ice skating events that might be organized.
Santa meet-and-greets are popular during the holidays, and you can often find him at local community centers, holiday markets, or even some shopping areas in and around East Harlem. Check event listings for specific dates and times when Santa will be making appearances to spread holiday cheer.
Special holiday train rides are typically found a bit further out from the immediate East Harlem area, often requiring travel to specific parks or historical railways. However, East Harlem itself hosts various community events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations that capture the holiday spirit. Check local event calendars for unique happenings.
Many free and budget-friendly Christmas activities can be found throughout East Harlem. Enjoying the festive decorations along the streets, attending free community caroling events, or visiting local libraries for holiday story times are great options. Keep an eye out for neighborhood-organized light displays or small festive gatherings.