Last updated: November 11, 2024
Step into a winter wonderland with our ultimate holiday guide for Forest Hills! From Forest Hills enthusiasts to curious travelers, this guide illuminates the city's seasonal treasures.
Popular during the holiday season, the magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree draws visitors from near and far with its dazzling lights and towering presence. The iconic Rockefeller Center Ice Rink offers a unique skating experience surrounded by festive decorations and joyous crowds. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a stunning performance by the Rockettes. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Forest Hills Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic, elaborately decorated Christmas tree in Midtown Manhattan.
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star featuring 3 million crystals and 70 spikes. The tree is a central attraction during the holiday season, symbolizing the festive spirit of New York City.
- Where
- New York | 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 renowned Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its extravagant Christmas light displays. The tour begins in Manhattan, where guests are transported to Dyker Heights by bus, then guided on a walking tour through the most celebrated homes. Each house features unique and elaborate decorations, making this a standout holiday experience.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
- What to Expect
- Unique horse-drawn carriage ride through NYC's best holiday light displays.
- Description
- Embark on a 50-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City's iconic Fifth Avenue, admiring the dazzling holiday light displays at Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Pass by the illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and enjoy a photo opportunity amidst the festive backdrop.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Illuminate the Farm
- What to Expect
- Handcrafted lanterns and interactive illuminated features.
- Description
- Illuminate the Farm features a stunning array of hand-crafted lanterns creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. The event includes a dazzling display of lights and illuminated Chinese lanterns, all handmade by artisans with decades of dedication. Visitors can expect a luminescent display inspired by majestic creatures from Chinese folklore and animals, plus interactive illuminated tunnels, swings, see-saws, and more.
- Where
- Little Neck | More Info : Illuminate the Farm
Sunnyside Shines tree lighting
- What to Expect
- Vibrant holiday lights installation.
- Description
- Sunnyside Shines' tree lighting features beautifully installed holiday lights along Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue, creating a shimmering holiday corridor with snowflake streamers.
- Where
- Sunnyside | More Info : Sunnyside Shines tree lighting
Athens Square Park tree lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday event with live music and tree lighting.
- Description
- Athens Square Park tree lighting features a beautifully decorated tree, live music, and community celebration.
- Where
- Astoria | More Info : Athens Square Park tree lighting
Tangram Tree Lighting Event
- What to Expect
- Illuminated Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Tangram Tree Lighting Event is a festive celebration featuring a beautifully illuminated Christmas tree, marking the beginning of the holiday season with community leaders and elected officials in attendance.
- Where
- Flushing | More Info : Tangram Tree Lighting Event
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden tree lighting
- What to Expect
- Traditional Czech and Slovak culture combined with holiday lighting.
- Description
- Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden's tree lighting event features traditional Czech and Slovak cuisine, live music, and a festive atmosphere with beautifully lit trees.
- Where
- Astoria | More Info : Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden tree lighting
Whitestone Holiday tree lighting
- What to Expect
- Community tree lighting ceremony with live music and holiday market.
- Description
- The Whitestone Holiday tree lighting is a festive event where the Mayor lights the holiday tree at Renaissance Park Plaza, marking the start of the city's holiday market. The event features live music, holiday decorations, and a lively atmosphere.
- Where
- Whitestone | More Info : Whitestone Holiday tree lighting
Forest Hills Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique European-inspired market with local artisans.
- Description
- Bryant Park Christmas Market features an open-air European-inspired market with artisans from New York City and around the world. Located in custom-designed, "jewel box" kiosks, the market offers local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts. The market is housed in Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, open from October 27 to January 2.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Bryant Park Christmas Market
Union Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Largest Greenmarket in NYC with 150 vendors.
- Description
- 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. 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 Christmas Market
Forest Hills Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- High-energy precision dance performance with live animals and advanced technology.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday performance featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show includes intricate choreography, festive dance, and iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity," blending classic numbers with innovative technology.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Festive Christmas Cruise
- What to Expect
- Live holiday music and complimentary hot cocoa.
- Description
- Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise aboard a classic yacht, adorned with full holiday decor. Enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline while sipping on complimentary hot cocoa, beer, wine, or champagne. Listen to live holiday music and indulge in festive cookies and treats. This cozy cruise offers a memorable experience for all your loved ones.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Festive Christmas Cruise
Queens Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live music, crafts, and Santa selfies.
- Description
- Celebrate the best of December with live musical performances, a menorah, tree lighting, holiday crafts, selfies with Santa, and sales at the QBG Shop. Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Hot Chocolate Bar and participate in activities like candle making, card making, and botanical decorations.
- Where
- Flushing | More Info : Queens Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland
Universoul Circus
- What to Expect
- Diverse global performers in a dynamic circus setting.
- Description
- Universoul Circus is a vibrant, single-ring circus featuring diverse performers from around the world, showcasing incredible talents in acrobatics, dance, and more. The show is known for its energetic performances and inclusive atmosphere.
- Where
- Forest Hills | More Info : Universoul Circus
Forest Hills Other Holiday Activities
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
- What to Expect
- Iconic ice skating experience with festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Ice skating under the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a quintessential New York City winter activity. The Rink offers general admission tickets for a 60-minute skate session, premium tickets with extended skate time and complimentary rentals, and season passes for unlimited access. Special events and après-skate chalets add to the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
Woodside on the Move Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Community-driven celebration with educational and advocacy programs.
- Description
- Woodside on the Move Holiday Event is a community-driven celebration focusing on education, advocacy, and community affairs. It features various programs and services aimed at creating a stable and thriving community for vulnerable residents in Woodside and Western Queens.
- Where
- Woodside | More Info : Woodside on the Move Holiday Event