Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season in Glendale with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether you're a Glendale native or a curious explorer, this guide illuminates the city's festive charm.
This holiday season, the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular presents a dazzling show featuring the world-famous Rockettes, captivating audiences with their precision dance. The vibrant Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights showcases stunning light displays that transform the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. And the Festive Christmas Cruise is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful way to experience the city’s skyline adorned in holiday lights. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Glendale Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
- What to Expect
- Guided walking tour through elaborately decorated homes in Brooklyn.
- Description
- Explore the iconic Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its extravagant Christmas light displays. This guided bus tour includes a walking tour through the most celebrated homes, showcasing the residents' elaborate holiday decorations. The tour begins in Manhattan and offers round-trip transportation, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
- What to Expect
- Socially-distanced, open-air carriage ride through NYC's most beautifully illuminated holiday displays.
- Description
- Embark on a festive horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City, taking in the breathtaking holiday light displays along Fifth Avenue, including iconic spots like Saks Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. Enjoy the illuminated beauty of Central Park and the city's festive atmosphere while maintaining social distance and adhering to stringent sanitary measures.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- What to Expect
- Immersive light art installations in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail of art, including monumental light sculptures and colorful effects on trees, architecture, and water features, all set to a curated soundtrack.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Tianyu Lights Festival at CitiField
- What to Expect
- Interactive light and lantern show inspired by a young boy's Amazonian journey.
- Description
- At Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field, immerse yourself in Koda's Adventure through luminous art installations, live cultural music, and traditional Chinese performances. Enjoy a variety of food and beverages at the Forest Food Court and explore unique, handcrafted treasures at the Marketplace.
- Where
- Queens | More Info : Tianyu Lights Festival at CitiField
Decorated Shop Windows
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday window displays with a beloved reindeer mascot.
- Description
- Macy's Christmas windows in New York feature intricate, imaginative showcases with interactive elements like toy workshops and three-dimensional cameras, capturing the spirit of the holiday season with themes such as "Tip Toe" and "Give Love."
- Where
- New York | More Info : Decorated Shop Windows
Glendale Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Markets at Bryant Park
- What to Expect
- Free ice skating and unique holiday shopping.
- Description
- The Bryant Park Winter Village features an open-air holiday market with over 180 artisanal vendors selling unique gifts, local crafts, and artisan provisions. Enjoy free ice skating on the 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink and explore beautifully decorated stalls.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Christmas Markets at Bryant Park
Frost Fest at Luna Park
- What to Expect
- Winter-themed activities and rides in a festive atmosphere.
- Description
- Frost Fest at Luna Park in Coney Island offers a thrilling winter experience with select rides, attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and festive food options.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Frost Fest at Luna Park
FAD Market Holiday Markets
- What to Expect
- Unique, handcrafted goods from local makers and designers.
- Description
- FAD Market Holiday Markets in Brooklyn offer a curated selection of handcrafted art, jewelry, apparel, and home furnishings from over 50 local makers and designers. The markets feature a diverse range of unique products, including artisanal packaged food and bath and body care items, all showcased in vibrant and eclectic venues.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : FAD Market Holiday Markets
Glendale Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Precision dance routines by the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. This iconic show at Radio City Music Hall includes high-kicking precision dance routines, festive music, and memorable performances like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Living Nativity" scene. The event showcases the Rockettes' mastery and is a beloved holiday tradition since 1933.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a renowned ballet performance featuring Tschaikovsky’s iconic melodies, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. The production tells the story of young Marie as she encounters the Mouse King and a blustery blizzard, leading to the enchanting Land of Sweets.
- Where
- New York | More Info : George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
- What to Expect
- Miniature cityscape made from plant parts with G-scale model trains.
- Description
- The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features over 30 years of tradition, showcasing model trains navigating meticulously crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made entirely from plant parts. The event includes both daytime and nighttime displays, with colorful lighting and festive food options available.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Mark Morris Dance Group’s *The Hard Nut*
- What to Expect
- Boisterous reimagining of *The Nutcracker* with live orchestra and retro-modern treatment.
- Description
- Mark Morris Dance Group’s *The Hard Nut* is a lively reimagining of *The Nutcracker*, set in the swinging 70s with Tchaikovsky's complete score performed live. This production features dancing GI Joes, whimsical costumes, and a unique Waltz of the Snowflakes. It playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition with its lavish, gender-bent love letter to the canonical ballet.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Mark Morris Dance Group’s *The Hard Nut*
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Iconic giant tree illuminated with thousands of lights in a historic urban setting
- Description
- The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a symbol of the holiday season, featuring a towering tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and an iconic star on top. Visitors gather around the rink below, sharing in the joy and warmth of the season as they take in live performances and seasonal decor throughout the plaza. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement and shared moments, creating cherished memories for families and friends alike.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Glendale Other Holiday Activities
Festive Christmas Cruise
- What to Expect
- Live holiday music and complimentary hot cocoa on a climate-controlled yacht.
- Description
- Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise in New York City aboard a classic, climate-controlled yacht. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, iconic landmarks, and festive holiday decor. The cruise features a live band playing traditional carols and hymns, along with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies.
- Where
- New York | More Info : Festive Christmas Cruise
Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge
- What to Expect
- Premier ice skating experience with iconic Manhattan skyline views.
- Description
- Ice skating under the historic Brooklyn Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The rink is nestled in the DUMBO neighborhood, providing a unique and charming winter experience. Enjoy a variety of culinary options and world-class hospitality while gliding on the ice.
- Where
- Brooklyn | More Info : Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge