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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Enjoy the charm of the holidays in Kensington with our comprehensive guide. Whether Kensington is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide brings you the best of the holidays.

Popular events include the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a stunning showcase of dance, music, and elaborate visuals that captures the spirit of the season. You can also experience the enchanting Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, featuring a dazzling display of lights perfectly synchronized to festive music. And the Bryant Park Winter Village is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its cozy holiday market and festive ice skating rink. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Kensington Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Synchronized light and sound show with a luxury fashion house theme.

Description:

The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show features a synchronized display of over 300,000 LED lights projected onto the side of its flagship store on 5th Avenue. This annual event, which premiered on November 20th, runs daily every 10 minutes from 5 PM to 10 PM and is free to watch. The show is part of Saks' annual holiday celebration, this year themed as Dior's Carousel of Dreams, and is located near iconic landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and St. Patrick Cathedral.

Where: New York | More Info: Saks 5th Avenue Light Show

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What to Expect:

Spectacular holiday light display with intricate hot air balloon decorations.

Description:

Hudson Yards features over 2 million twinkling lights, 725 evergreen trees, and 16-foot hot air balloons, creating a vibrant holiday display throughout The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, and Edge.

Where: New York | More Info: Hudson Yards Holiday Decorations

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What to Expect:

Elaborate home decorations with synchronized lights and themes.

Description:

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a renowned holiday attraction in Brooklyn featuring over 100 elaborately decorated homes, showcasing a variety of themes and decorations that transform the neighborhood into a spectacular display of holiday cheer.

Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

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What to Expect:

Wildlife-themed LED displays and interactive light experiences.

Description:

The Bronx Zoo Light Show features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive glowing walls, illuminated trees, and shimmering flowers create an immersive experience with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.

Where: Bronx | More Info: Bronx Zoo Light Show

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What to Expect:

Iconic holiday tree surrounded by dazzling lights in the heart of New York City

Description:

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering symbol of the holiday season, adorned with thousands of shimmering lights and topped with a spectacular star. This iconic tree attracts visitors from around the world, offering a breathtaking sight amidst the vibrant backdrop of New York City's bustling atmosphere. The surrounding area features delightful seasonal decorations, creating a captivating ambiance for all to enjoy.

Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

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Kensington Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

European-style holiday market with diverse vendors.

Description:

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market offers a European flair with 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.

Where: New York | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Curated shopping experience in a historic Beaux-Arts setting.

Description:

The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a six-week celebration of holiday cheer, featuring 36 vendors offering unique gifts like homemade bath products, knitwear, jewelry, art prints, and homeware. This event takes place in the stunning Beaux-Arts Vanderbilt Hall, providing a truly curated shopping experience.

Where: New York | More Info: Grand Central Holiday Market

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Kensington Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Synchronized precision dancing with elaborate digital projections and drone performances.

Description:

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show blends classic numbers with innovative technology, including digital projections and drone performances. It showcases intricate choreography and festive music, making it a highlight of the holiday season.

Where: New York | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Elaborate sets and costumes with a one-ton Christmas tree.

Description:

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a renowned ballet production by the New York City Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic music and Balanchine's intricate choreography. The show includes elaborate stage elements, intricate lighting, and grand visual effects like the one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet. It 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 | More Info: The Nutcracker

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What to Expect:

Acclaimed new, record-breaking production starring Tony Award nominee Grey Henson.

Description:

Elf The Musical is a heartwarming tale about Buddy, a young orphan raised by Santa's elves, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological family. Starring Grey Henson as Buddy and Sean Astin as Santa, this modern-day holiday classic features a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin.

Where: New York | More Info: Elf The Musical

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Kensington Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Iconic ice skating experience with diverse events and stunning city views.

Description:

Ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a quintessential New York winter experience. Nestled in the heart of Central Park, the rink provides a welcoming environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels. With breathtaking views of the city skyline, Wollman Rink hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances, making it a hub of wintertime activity.

Where: New York | More Info: Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

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What to Expect:

Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with photo opportunities.

Description:

Meet Santa Claus at Bloomingdale's 59th Street, where holiday shoppers can exchange gifts and take memorable photos with the big guy in red. The event offers a unique and interactive experience for families, with free printed photos and goodie packets for children.

Where: New York | More Info: Bloomie's Santaland

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What to Expect:

Immersive indoor Christmas experience with interactive activities.

Description:

Christmas House NYC is an indoor, fully immersive Christmas experience featuring a 45-minute walk-through of all things Christmas, including a drive-thru light show, carnival games, and interactive activities like a North Pole setting and a Christmas-themed late-night talk show.

Where: New York | More Info: Christmas House

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Kensington Holiday News

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