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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Discover the joy of the season in Manhattan with our detailed guide. For Manhattan natives and holiday travelers, this guide ensures everyone enjoys the season's best.

Popular events in the city include the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, a tradition that dazzles with its enormous, beautifully decorated tree. The neighborhood of Dyker Heights is well-known for its stunning holiday light displays, attracting visitors eager to witness the festive brilliance. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the famous Rockettes in an enchanting holiday performance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Manhattan Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live NBC broadcast.

Description:

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event featuring a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star. The tree is lit by the current Mayor of New York City, accompanied by live entertainment and broadcast live on NBC.

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

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What to Expect:

Elaborate and unique holiday decorations on each house.

Description:

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a renowned holiday attraction in Brooklyn, featuring elaborate and over-the-top Christmas decorations on homes along 11th to 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets. The neighborhood transforms into a spectacular display of holiday cheer, with each house showcasing unique and extravagant decorations.

Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

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What to Expect:

Extravagant Christmas decorations with over 200,000 ornaments.

Description:

Rolf’s German Restaurant is renowned for its extravagant Christmas decorations, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, thousands of ornaments, and icicles strung throughout the restaurant. The interior is adorned with porcelain dolls, wreaths, artificial fir trees, garlands, and ribbons, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Where: New York | More Info: Rolf’s German Restaurant Holiday Decor

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Manhattan Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Largest holiday market in the city with 150+ vendors.

Description:

The Union Square Holiday Market is a premier destination for holiday shopping and dining, featuring the City's largest Greenmarket with 150 vendors, dozens of award-winning restaurants, and unique gifts from local craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

Where: New York | More Info: Union Square Holiday Market

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What to Expect:

Ice rink at the center with surrounding artisanal craft shops.

Description:

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Bryant Park’s Winter Village transforms into a quaint hub of seasonal activities. Featuring an ice skating rink surrounded by charming market stalls, visitors can explore local artisan crafts and seasonal treats. The park's atmosphere is enhanced by twinkling lights and warm, inviting spaces, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and festive shopping.

Where: New York | More Info: Bryant Park’s Winter Village

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Manhattan Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Precision dance routines and high kicks by the Radio City Rockettes.

Description:

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition featuring the iconic Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show includes precision dance routines, high kicks, and memorable performances like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Living Nativity" scene. It is a celebration of the holiday season with special effects, snow machines, and collaborations with renowned guest performers.

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

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What to Expect:

G-scale model trains traverse plant-based replicas of NYC landmarks.

Description:

The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating through miniature replicas of New York City landmarks made from plant materials, creating a lively cityscape in the Haupt Conservatory.

Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG’s Holiday Train Show

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What to Expect:

Immersive holiday installations and live entertainment.

Description:

Santa's Secret Speakeasy offers an immersive holiday experience with eight installations, leading to a vintage speakeasy room featuring Christmas cocktails, a live band, and a variety show with cabaret, burlesque, and unique acts.

Where: New York | More Info: Santa’s Secret Speakeasy

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Manhattan Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Free admission ice skating with various skate aids.

Description:

Ice skating at Bryant Park offers a free-admission rink with various skate aids and rentals available. The rink is open daily, and early morning sessions are ideal for avoiding crowds. Non-skating adults can enjoy the view from around the rink or The Lodge Bar and Food Hall.

Where: New York | More Info: Ice Skating at Bryant Park

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday photo experiences with festive decor.

Description:

Frosty’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar is a vibrant, interactive Christmas experience in the heart of New York City. Featuring sensational seasonal cocktails, wonderfully interactive holiday photo experiences, and immersive environments with lights and music, it offers a unique holiday celebration.

Where: New York | More Info: Frosty’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar

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What to Expect:

Ecological and synthetic rooftop skating rink.

Description:

Celebrate the holiday season at Disney's The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland, where you can skate on Manhattan's only rooftop rink, explore Santa's famous sleigh, and cozy up in Santa's living room with a memorable photo beside his fireplace.

Where: New York | More Info: Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland

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What to Expect:

Live DJ entertainment and bottomless mimosas.

Description:

Embark on a luxurious 2.5-hour Christmas Day Premier Brunch Cruise aboard Bateaux New York. Savor a delicious plated brunch with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, accompanied by bottomless mimosas for guests 21 and older. Enjoy live DJ entertainment while taking in breathtaking 360° views of the city skyline.

Where: New York | More Info: Christmas Day Brunch Cruise

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