Manhattan Other Christmas Activities 2026

Travel via luxury motorcoach featuring comfortable reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard movies. Passengers are dropped off directly in Times Square to enjoy free time exploring holiday sights, world-class shopping, dining, or a Broadway performance. The journey also includes...

Visitors journey through redesigned holiday environments that magically transport them from Herald Square to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Guests experience an immersive holiday setting, with VIP bookings featuring a personalized visit and story reading. Professional commemorative photo...

Held in East Harlem, this annual parade proceeds along Park Avenue from 106th Street to 115th Street. The procession showcases fantastic 14-foot puppets, live music, and a lively parranda alongside community members wearing handmade crowns. Visitors can also explore traditions...

This festive community celebration features the iconic NYSE Christmas tree, live musical performances, and various company activations. Guests can explore a holiday market featuring booths from participating companies and charitable organizations. Snacks and refreshments are also served throughout the gathering.

Visitors of all ages can meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and pose for holiday photos near the carousel. Complimentary festive props are available to borrow, and guests may also bring their own. Santa's helpers are on...

Gather with the community to watch the lighting of the park's dazzling holiday tree. Visitors can listen to traditional carols performed by the professional choir Cantori New York alongside the New York Brass Quintet. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary treats,...

Attendees view elaborate, multi-tiered Kraków-style nativity scenes featuring miniaturized elements of historic Polish architecture, ornate decorations, and handcrafted figures. The festive celebration features an exhibition of competition entries alongside an awards presentation and community Christmas caroling.

Participants run or walk along a scenic route in small, capped waves supported by on-site race coordinators. The event does not use timing chips, though participants can record their run via an app or ask coordinators for timekeeping support. Registration...

Children design and assemble personalized holiday ornaments using clear baubles, drawings, and decorative materials. Participants also have the option to craft holiday greeting cards during the session while listening to festive music. Each child takes home all of their handmade...

Spectators witness the illumination of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in the Plaza to usher in the holiday season. The towering tree is crowned with a Daniel Libeskind-designed Swarovski star containing millions of crystals across dozens of spikes. Following the...

Participants take a charter bus trip to New York City with the option of free time for shopping and sightseeing or attending a Radio City Music Hall Rockettes performance from orchestra seating. The trip includes the chance to view the...

Guests cruise New York Harbor aboard climate-controlled, 1920s-style yachts adorned with holiday decor, garland, and glowing lights. Visitors take in 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty through grand solarium windows or from the open outer...

Guests sail through New York Harbor to take in panoramic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline before viewing a festive fireworks display. The cruise features a live DJ, party favors, and an open bar...

Visitors take to the ice in Central Park beneath views of the surrounding city skyline. Off the ice, guests can warm up with grab-and-go meals, hot drinks, and vegan options at Wollman Café, or enjoy comfort food from Melba's on...

Historic Downtown Jersey City gathers at the pedestrian mall stage for its annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremony. Attendees can celebrate the season with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. The celebration also includes a visit and gifts from Santa.

Visitors lace up their skates to glide across a seasonal pop-up ice rink positioned right beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge. The setting features twinkling lights, crisp winter air, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. The experience welcomes both seasoned...

Visitors can step inside Westbury House to explore historic rooms decorated in festive period style. Guests can also stroll through the seasonal gardens, enjoy complimentary cookies and warm cider, and meet Santa. Select dates feature included holiday choir and caroling...

Guests can participate in uplifting cultural programs centered on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, including a candle-lighting ceremony, vibunzi, and hands-on arts and crafts. African drum beats and dance traditions bring audiences together, while local musicians, dancers, and artists present...

Participants learn how to incorporate leaves, flowers, barks, seeds, and berries into a range of nonalcoholic drink bases to enhance seasonal celebrations. The session explores how botanical aromatics and bitters introduce complexity and health benefits into aperitifs and digestifs. Attendees...

Participants learn foundational flameworking techniques to shape custom glass beads using handheld torches and glass rods. Instruction covers color layering, surface design, and embedding materials like silver leaf, gold leaf, metallic foils, and aventurine into molten glass. Attendees practice torch...

Participants learn how to blend fragrances and pour wax to create a custom candle under the step-by-step guidance of an instructor. The hands-on workshop provides all necessary materials, including wax, wicks, jars, and scents. The session is tailored for all...

Step into a world of holiday magic at Tiffany & Co.'s iconic New York City flagship store. Their legendary windows, a tradition since 1837, come alive each November with fantastical displays. Inspired by the allure captured in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,'...

Step into a cherished holiday tradition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with the stunning Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. A magnificent twenty-foot blue spruce, adorned with lights, stands tall, overlooking an incredibly detailed 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. This...

The New York Transit Museum's beloved Holiday Train Show returns to Grand Central Terminal for its 21st year. This enchanting display features Lionel model trains, including Metro-North and the whimsical Polar Express, traversing a captivating two-level layout. Watch as these...

Get ready for SantaCon NYC, a unique and charitable Santa Claus convention that descends upon the city. This non-political, nonsensical event is all about spreading absurdist joy and supporting art. Participants are encouraged to don full Santa costumes or get...

Join in a beloved Christmas Eve tradition with A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This service beautifully weaves together scripture readings with classic carols and hymns, performed by the acclaimed Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. Experience the...

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Kwanzaa with a vibrant celebration featuring music, film, and joyful entertainment. This event honors the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, offering a rich cultural experience for all attendees.

Step back in time this holiday season with a special guided tour at The Met Cloisters. Discover the festive decorations and learn about ancient Roman Saturnalia and Medieval Christmastide traditions. Explore how Hanukkah was celebrated centuries ago, offering a unique...

Discover the creativity of artists and artisans at the 43rd Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibition. This unique event showcases over 30 imaginative and unconventional wreaths, each a testament to artistic ingenuity and unexpected materials. From plastic rollers to faux fireworks, these...

Join the East Harlem community for the 22nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive event features music and fun activities, culminating in the joyous illumination of the holiday tree. It's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Holiday Harmonies 2025, a delightful lunchtime concert series. Enjoy performances by talented musicians, including Mafer Bandola, Anant Pradhan, and the Brooklyn Klezmer Trio, as they fill the Winter Garden with festive tunes....

Experience the iconic New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, the symbolic center of New York City. Witness the legendary Ball Drop, add your wishes to the confetti, and enjoy live entertainment. This global tradition unites millions in a joyous...

The Park Avenue Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition that illuminates the malls between 54th and 97th Streets. This event, a symbol of peace and remembrance, has been a beacon of hope since 1945, honoring those who made sacrifices. The...

Experience the magic of the holidays at The Plaza, New York City's iconic address. This luxurious hotel transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling décor, festive traditions, and exceptional dining. From elegant Afternoon Tea and special holiday dinners to New...

Celebrate the season at Liberty Science Center's Holiday Adventure! Enjoy a festive LSC Winter Train Ride, try "Sock Skating" on a synthetic ice rink, and dance at the Holiday Dance Party. Special live science shows and captivating winter animal presentations,...

Join the community for the enchanting Newport Lighting Ceremony, a beloved tradition that marks the start of the holiday season. This festive event brings people together to celebrate the magic of the season with a special tree lighting ceremony.

Join the community for the annual Brighton Beach Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. This cherished event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing together residents for a heartwarming celebration.