Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season itinerary with ease in Elmhurst. Our guide has all the top holiday events. Whether Elmhurst is your home or your holiday stop, our guide highlights the best festive events.
Among the enchanting experiences to enjoy, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands tall as a quintessential symbol of the season, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Another highlight is the Union Square Holiday Market, featuring unique artisan gifts and delightful seasonal treats. And you definitely don't want to miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, showcasing stunning performances that capture the spirit of the holidays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Elmhurst Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic Christmas tree with elaborate lighting and decorations.
- 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. It stands as a symbol of the holiday season in New York City, attracting millions of visitors each year.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light displays in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
- Description
- Explore the most extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, with a guided bus tour that includes a walking tour through the neighborhood's most celebrated homes.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Jones Beach Light Show
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with digital animations.
- Description
- Drive through Jones Beach State Park to witness a 2.5-mile display of colorful, twinkling LED lights and holiday music, featuring classic characters and scenes like the Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, and a 240-foot LED Christmas tree.
- Where
- Wantagh | More Info : Jones Beach Light Show
Leg Lamp Lighting from ‘A Christmas Story’
- What to Expect
- Iconic leg lamp lighting with community performances and raffles.
- Description
- The Northport Leg Lamp Lighting from 'A Christmas Story' is a cherished community event featuring the iconic leg lamp, accompanied by local performances, raffles, and festive activities.
- Where
- Northport | More Info : Leg Lamp Lighting from ‘A Christmas Story’
Long Beach Electric Light Parade
- What to Expect
- Antique cars and fire trucks decorated with Christmas lights.
- Description
- The Long Beach Electric Light Parade features antique cars, fire trucks, floats, and bicycles wrapped in Christmas lights, traveling through the West End of Long Beach. The event includes awards for the most festive displays, special restaurant offers, and kids' activities.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Long Beach Electric Light Parade
Belmont Lake State Park Tree Lighting & Fireworks
- What to Expect
- Live holiday entertainment with Santa and fireworks.
- Description
- Join us for the annual tree lighting ceremony at Belmont Lake State Park, featuring live holiday music, an ice sculptor, juggler, refreshments, and fireworks. The public can also visit Santa inside the lobby of the Headquarters Building.
- Where
- North Babylon | More Info : Belmont Lake State Park Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Elmhurst Holiday Markets and Shopping
Union Square Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Largest holiday market in NYC with 150+ vendors.
- Description
- Union Square Holiday Market offers a diverse array of unique gifts from local craftsmen, artists, and entrepreneurs. The market features the City's largest Greenmarket, numerous award-winning restaurants, and retailers. It provides a comprehensive shopping and dining experience, with a curated Local Gift Guide and an interactive Holiday Map to help you find the best gifts and experiences.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- European-style holiday market with diverse artisanal goods.
- Description
- The Columbus Circle Holiday Market offers a European flair with over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts and treats, including special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights like bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Bohemian Hall Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Semi-regular gathering of local artisans and crafters.
- Description
- The Bohemian Hall Holiday Market is an artisan market filled with handmade, baked, and vintage goods. It transforms into a NYC-centric market featuring local crafters, bakers, and artisans.
- Where
- Astoria | More Info : Bohemian Hall Holiday Market
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
- What to Expect
- Iconic winter market with an ice skating rink in the heart of NYC.
- Description
- This vibrant winter gathering features an array of charming shops and delicious food stalls set against the backdrop of the iconic New York City skyline. Visitors can skate on the picturesque holiday ice rink, enjoy seasonal treats, and explore unique artisanal crafts, creating an inviting atmosphere amidst the bustling winter energy.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Elmhurst Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Precision dance performance with live animals and advanced technology.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance presented by The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This classic show features a mix of festive dance, music, and comedy, including iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity." The production boasts intricate choreography, innovative technology, and a cast of over 140 performers.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens
- What to Expect
- Miniature cityscape made from plant parts with G-scale model trains.
- Description
- The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens features intricately crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, with G-scale model trains navigating through the Haupt Conservatory and outdoor lawn display. The event includes special viewing opportunities, holiday classics, and festive food and drink options.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens
Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
- What to Expect
- Holiday concert with seasonal favorites and sing-along.
- Description
- The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra presents a holiday concert featuring exhilarating holiday music, seasonal favorites, and a sing-along experience with holiday refreshments.
- Where
- Massapequa | More Info : Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
Charles Dickens Festival
- What to Expect
- Victorian-themed festivities with literary-inspired events.
- Description
- The Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson, NY, is a celebration of Victorian-era literature and culture, featuring parades, performances, and activities inspired by Charles Dickens' works.
- Where
- Port Jefferson | More Info : Charles Dickens Festival
Elmhurst Other Holiday Activities
Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
- What to Expect
- Iconic ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
- Description
- Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas tree, with 60-minute sessions and various ticket options available.
- Where
- New York City | More Info : Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens
- What to Expect
- Seasonal flower and foliage display in historic gardens.
- Description
- Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens features a vibrant display of seasonal flowers and foliage, showcasing the gardens' beauty during the fall season.
- Where
- Old Westbury | More Info : Shimmering Solstice at Old Westbury Gardens
Lunch With Santa
- What to Expect
- Interactive breakfast event with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- Join St. Pius X RC Church for a delightful Breakfast with Santa event, featuring a manger setup, illuminated parish Christmas Tree, and activities in the Gym. The event includes a Phil Saglimbene Memorial Pancake Breakfast and special activities for young families.
- Where
- Plainview | More Info : Lunch With Santa
Town of North Hempstead Winter Holidays Celebration
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with tree lighting and musical performances.
- Description
- The Town of North Hempstead Winter Holidays Celebration is a joyous event featuring a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, musical performances, and holiday cheer at the "Yes We Can" Community Center.
- Where
- Elmhurst | More Info : Town of North Hempstead Winter Holidays Celebration
Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour
- What to Expect
- Historic homes decorated with traditional candlelight.
- Description
- The Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour is an annual event where historic homes are beautifully decorated and open to the public for a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the meticulously decorated interiors and enjoy the ambiance of the evening.
- Where
- Old Field | More Info : Three Village Historical Society Candlelight House Tour