Last updated: November 11, 2024
Enjoy the holidays in East New York with our ultimate guide to festive fun. Whether you're rediscovering East New York or exploring it for the first time, our guide leads you to the holiday fun.
Popular events add to the season's charm, beginning with the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which dazzles with thousands of twinkling lights. Experience the enchanting holiday spirit at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where the Rockettes showcase their impressive dancing and impressive performances. And the excitement of New Year’s Eve at Times Square is something you definitely don't want to miss, as the countdown culminates in a vibrant ball drop surrounded by festive crowds. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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East New York Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic, 80-foot-tall Norway spruce with 50,000 LED lights and a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. This iconic symbol of the holiday season in New York City is a testament to the city's festive spirit and resilience.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light displays created by local homeowners.
- Description
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features over 100 elaborately decorated homes in Brooklyn, showcasing unique holiday displays and traditions.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show on a historic department store facade.
- Description
- The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show features a spectacular, circular-shaped display of over 300,000 LED lights and audio, showcasing Dior's Carousel of Dreams. This immersive visual and audio experience is set against the iconic facade of Saks Fifth Avenue, transforming the building into a magnificent light show every evening.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Christmas Windows at Department Stores
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday window displays with festive animations and interactive elements.
- Description
- Each year, department stores in New York City decorate their windows with intricate and imaginative displays, featuring festive animations and interactive elements. These displays are a cherished holiday tradition, showcasing themes that capture the spirit of the season and delight audiences with their creativity and festive cheer.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Windows at Department Stores
Rolf’s German Restaurant Christmas Decor
- What to Expect
- Extravagant Christmas decorations with thousands of lights and ornaments.
- Description
- Rolf’s German Restaurant is renowned for its extravagant Christmas decorations, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, thousands of ornaments, and intricate icicles. The restaurant is also adorned with porcelain dolls, wreaths, artificial fir trees, garlands, and ribbons, creating a visually stunning atmosphere.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rolf’s German Restaurant Christmas Decor
East New York Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Winter Village
- What to Expect
- NYC's largest free-admission ice skating rink with diverse holiday shopping options.
- Description
- Bryant Park Winter Village offers free ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, and cozy igloos. Enjoy festive cocktails and food at The Lodge while watching skaters. The event features various activities, including curling and bumper cars on ice.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Bryant Park Winter Village
Union Square Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists.
- Description
- The Union Square Holiday Market is a premier holiday destination featuring 150+ vendors, the City's largest Greenmarket, and dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers. It offers a curated Local Gift Guide and an interactive Holiday Map to help you find the best gifts and dining experiences.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- European-style holiday market with diverse artisanal goods and seasonal treats.
- Description
- The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday event located at the southwest corner of Central Park. It features over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats like bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst. The market offers a European flair with colorful lights and festive decorations, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- What to Expect
- NYC's largest free-admission ice skating rink with high-quality rental skates and free skating shows.
- Description
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a premier holiday destination featuring a 17,000-square-foot free-admission ice skating rink, over 180 artisanal vendors, and festive activities like curling and cozy igloos. The event offers a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a must-visit for holiday enthusiasts.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
East New York Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Precision choreography and iconic kickline by the Radio City Rockettes.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a high-energy holiday show featuring the iconic Radio City Rockettes in a spectacular display of dance, music, and visual effects. The event includes classic holiday numbers, elaborate costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting and projections.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
New Year’s Eve at Times Square
- What to Expect
- Iconic ball drop signaling the start of a new year.
- Description
- New Year's Eve at Times Square is a global tradition where millions gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. The iconic Times Square Ball descends from One Times Square, accompanied by live entertainment and confetti, symbolizing hope and joy for the year ahead.
- Where
- New York | More Info : New Year’s Eve at Times Square
Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday experience with a rooftop skating rink and Santa's sleigh.
- Description
- At Disney's The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland, transform Pier 17 into Santa's headquarters. Enjoy breathtaking city views, skate on Manhattan's only rooftop rink, and explore Santa's famous sleigh. Relax with seasonal treats and themed drinks in Judy's Hot Cocoa-inspired café, and capture memorable photos beside Santa's fireplace.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
Christmas Concert at St John the Divine
- What to Expect
- Exquisite a cappella music and symphonic splendor.
- Description
- Join the Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra for a Yuletide concert featuring beloved Christmas carols, symphonic splendor, and exquisite a cappella music by Amy Beach, Hannah Kendall, and J.S. Bach.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Concert at St John the Divine
East New York Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- What to Expect
- Iconic ice skating under the towering Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
- Description
- Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas Tree, with a 60-minute skate session and various ticket options available.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
City Winery Igloos
- What to Expect
- Cozy outdoor wine garden with locally crafted tap wines.
- Description
- City Winery Igloos offer a cozy, outdoor setting at Rockefeller Center, featuring locally crafted tap wines and lite bites in a stunning atmosphere.
- Where
- New York | More Info : City Winery Igloos
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink Chalets
- What to Expect
- Heated, themed chalets with holiday decor and drink options.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink Chalets offer a cozy retreat with heated, themed chalets overlooking the iconic ice rink and Christmas tree. Each chalet features holiday decor and a menu of warming bites and drinks, including alcoholic beverages from Other Half Brewery.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Ice Rink Chalets