Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get a snapshot of the holidays in East Village! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. For East Village insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where you can explore a charming holiday market and enjoy ice skating surrounded by the city skyline. A dazzling display of lights and inflatables transforms Dyker Heights into a holiday wonderland, attracting visitors from far and wide. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the stunning Rockettes in a festive performance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Over-the-top home decorations by local residents.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features elaborate home decorations, including life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays, creating a spectacular holiday display in Brooklyn.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dazzling light display on the Harlem Meer.
Central Park Holiday Lighting features a dazzling light display on the Harlem Meer, live ice-carving demonstrations, caroling, and hot cocoa. Meet Santa and friends while enjoying seasonal activities.
Where: New York City | More Info: Central Park Holiday Lighting
Iconic Christmas tree adorned with lights and a star atop Rockefeller Center.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands tall as a symbol of holiday spirit in New York City. Illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a dazzling star, the magnificent tree attracts visitors from around the world. Surrounding the tree are various holiday decorations and activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the season's joy.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
NYC's largest free-admission ice skating rink with unique holiday shops.
Bryant Park's Winter Village offers free ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, and cozy igloos. Visitors can enjoy high-quality rental skates, free skating shows, and festive eats at The Lodge.
Where: New York City | More Info: Bryant Park’s Winter Village
European-style market with diverse artisanal goods and food.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a bustling outdoor market located at the southwest corner of Central Park, featuring 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.
Where: New York City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Free admission ice skating with various skate aid options.
Ice skating at Bryant Park offers a 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink with free admission for those bringing their own skates. The rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours on select weekends and holidays. The surrounding area features holiday shops, The Lodge for food and drinks, and other festive activities.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Bryant Park
High-energy dance performances with advanced technology.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show blends classic dance numbers with innovative technology, including digital projections and drone performances. It includes iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity," which have delighted audiences since 1933.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Iconic holiday performances by a legendary artist.
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time concert is a spectacular celebration of holiday classics and timeless hits, featuring Mariah Carey's iconic voice and festive spirit.
Where: New York City | More Info: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a renowned ballet production by the New York City Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic melodies and Balanchine's intricate choreography. The performance includes elaborate stage elements, intricate lighting, and grand visual effects such as a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet. The ballet introduces the Stahlbaum children, Marie and Fritz, Herr Drosselmeier, and his Nephew, transitioning from reality into fantasy with the concluding Snowflake Waltz. Act II offers a complete transformation into the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy.
Where: New York City | More Info: NYCBallet’s The Nutcracker
Classical music performance under candlelight with guest soloists.
The Bach Society of Saint Louis presents a Christmas Candlelight Concert featuring the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra performing timeless classics like "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and Vivaldi's "Gloria," with guest soloists Josefien Stoppelenburg and Kate Tombaugh.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Candlelight Concert
Hilarious tale of a young orphan's journey to discover his true identity.
Elf the Musical is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the family-favorite holiday film, following Buddy, a human raised as an Elf, on his journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas. With catchy songs and lively choreography, it’s a feel-good experience that explores love and friendship.
Where: New York City | More Info: Elf the Musical
Ecological and synthetic ice rink with breathtaking city views.
Celebrate the holiday season at The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland, where you can skate on Manhattan's only rooftop rink, explore Santa's famous sleigh, and enjoy seasonal treats and themed drinks.
Where: New York City | More Info: The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
Pedestrianized Fifth Avenue with holiday window displays and live performances.
Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays feature iconic storefronts transformed into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces showcasing elaborate holiday window displays, performances, and food vendors.
Where: New York City | More Info: Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
Largest menorah in the world, certified by Guinness World Records.
The annual Menorah Lighting at Central Park features a ceremonial lighting of the world's largest menorah, designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, inspired by the original menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The event includes live music and Chassidic dancing, with additional activities such as free donuts and performances by singer Eli Marcus.
Where: New York City | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Central Park
Iconic outdoor ice skating in Central Park.
Ice skating at Central Park's 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: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Central Park
