Last updated: November 11, 2024
Everything you need for the holidays in Fordham is in our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're deeply rooted in Fordham or just branching out, this guide helps your holiday spirit grow.
One highlight of the season is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Rockettes and their dazzling dance routines. The Rockefeller Center Ice Skating offers a picturesque setting to glide beneath twinkling lights while enjoying the winter ambiance. And the Union Square Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing unique gifts and local treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Wildlife-themed LED displays and interactive light experiences.
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive experiences include glowing walls, illuminated trees, and shimmering flowers, along with family-friendly entertainment and seasonal treats.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Dazzling light art installations and festive music.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with artistic lighting design, monumental sculptures, and site-specific music, taking visitors on an otherworldly nighttime journey through the Garden's landscape.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Unique holiday decorations by local residents.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features elaborate home decorations in Brooklyn, showcasing unique holiday displays and traditions.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Immersive holiday light display with interactive activities.
Hudson Yards Shine Bright features over 2 million twinkling lights, 725 evergreen trees, and 16-foot tall illuminated hot air balloon decorations. Visitors can enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and an immersive holiday speakeasy experience.
Where: New York City | More Info: Hudson Yards Shine Bright
Live music and holiday activities in a festive setting.
The Seaport Holiday Tree Lighting features live music, hot toddies, and gingerbread, along with holiday shopping and activities like cookie decorating and crafting maritime-inspired decorations.
Where: New York City | More Info: The Seaport Holiday Lighting
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with a breathtaking star atop the Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands tall and radiant, attracting visitors from around the world. This iconic tradition features a massive tree adorned with thousands of shimmering lights and a splendid star on top. A hub of holiday spirit, this location is a backdrop for countless photos and cherished memories during the winter season.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Unique gifts from local craftsmen and artisans.
The Union Square Holiday Market is a premier holiday destination in New York City, featuring the city's largest Greenmarket with 150 vendors, dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers, and a fantastic lineup of events and performances. 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 City | More Info: Union Square Holiday Market
Extensive selection of artisanal goods and seasonal treats.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a bustling outdoor event featuring over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Enjoy a variety of treats like bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst in a European-flaired setting.
Where: New York City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Unique local vendors selling a variety of gifts and seasonal items.
The Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village offer a diverse array of local vendors selling unique gifts, artwork, jewelry, and home decor items.
Where: New York City | More Info: Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village
Unique handcrafted gifts and MTA merchandise.
The Grand Central Station Holiday Fair is an indoor artisan market in Vanderbilt Hall, featuring unique handcrafted jewelry, pottery, artwork, and more. This year, it welcomes Uncommon Goods and exclusive limited-edition MTA merchandise.
Where: New York City | More Info: Grand Central Station Holiday Fair
Synchronized precision dance with advanced technology.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday show featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. The performance includes intricate choreography, iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," and innovative technology such as digital projections and drone performances. The show blends classic numbers with modern elements, creating a unique and captivating experience.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Miniature cityscape made from plant parts with G-scale model trains.
The NYBG Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating through intricate, plant-based replicas of New York City landmarks in the Haupt Conservatory and outdoor lawn display.
Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG Holiday Train Show
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic melodies, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. The production brings to life the story of young Marie as she navigates a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, culminating in a journey to the delectable Land of Sweets.
Where: New York City | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Iconic ice skating rink with a historic Christmas tree backdrop.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas tree, surrounded by grand skyscrapers and festive lights.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
Live holiday music and complimentary hot cocoa.
Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise in NYC aboard a classic, climate-controlled yacht. Enjoy the city skyline during Christmas while listening to live holiday music and savoring complimentary hot cocoa, beer, wine, or champagne. The cruise features elegant tables with colorful garland and classic holiday decorations, making it a memorable sightseeing activity.
Where: New York City | More Info: Festive Christmas Cruise
Locally sourced decorations in medieval-inspired settings.
The Cloisters Holiday Decorations feature grand displays of fresh ivy, hand-polished lady apples, hazelnuts, rose hips, and pine cones, all locally sourced, symbolizing light, warmth, and welcome.
Where: New York City | More Info: The Cloisters Holiday Decorations
Unique outdoor wine garden experience with locally-crafted wines and Mediterranean-inspired menu.
City Winery Rockefeller Center is an outdoor pop-up wine garden located between 50th and 51st Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. It offers locally-crafted wine on tap, featuring a variety of reds, whites, and rosé, along with Mediterranean-inspired menu items like charcuterie, cheeses, and burrata.
Where: New York City | More Info: City Winery Igloos
