Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive itinerary in New York City with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether you're a New York City insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's holiday soul.
One highly anticipated attraction is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Rockettes and their dazzling performances that captivate audiences every year. The holiday markets, such as the Union Square Holiday Market, offer a delightful array of artisan gifts and seasonal treats, creating a charming shopping experience. And the Holiday Market at Bryant Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting atmosphere full of festive stalls and ice skating. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Elaborate home decorations with life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features elaborate home decorations, including life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays, creating a spectacular holiday display in Brooklyn.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Socially-distanced, open-air carriage ride with narrated facts about NYC.
Embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park and Fifth Avenue, taking in the stunning holiday light displays at iconic locations like Saks Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and Cartier.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Horse Carriage Ride in Central Park
Interactive glowing walls and illuminated flowers.
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 immersive experiences. The event includes family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Bronx Zoo Light Show
Free-admission ice skating rink and over 180 holiday shops.
The Bryant Park Holiday Market is an open-air European-inspired market featuring artisans from New York City and around the world. Located along Bryant Park's alleys, plazas, and terraces, the market houses custom-designed, jewel box kiosks offering local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts.
Where: New York City | More Info: Holiday Market at Bryant Park
City's largest Greenmarket with 150 vendors.
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, and a curated Local Gift Guide to find the best gifts from local businesses. The market also offers an interactive Holiday Map to discover shopping and dining experiences.
Where: New York City | More Info: Union Square Holiday Market
European flair with over 100 vendors selling unique wares.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday event located at the southwest corner of Central Park, offering a diverse array of unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods from over 100 artisans and designers.
Where: New York City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Curated shopping experience with artisanal goods.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a six-week celebration of small businesses and holiday cheer, featuring 36 vendors offering handmade bath products, knitwear, jewelry, art prints, and more in the stunning beaux-arts Vanderbilt Hall.
Where: New York City | More Info: Grand Central Holiday Market
High-kicking precision dance routines by the Radio City Rockettes.
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 festive music, dance, and comedy.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Elaborate sets and costumes.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic melodies, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. The production brings to life the story of young Marie as she navigates a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, culminating in a journey to the delectable Land of Sweets.
Where: New York City | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
G-scale model trains traverse plant-based NYC landmarks.
The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden features G-scale model trains navigating through miniature replicas of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, creating a vibrant and detailed cityscape in the Haupt Conservatory. Visitors can explore the Conservatory Lawn and enjoy beautifully lit scenes, including cactus-filled deserts and lush rainforests, offering unique holiday photo opportunities.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Buddy's hilarious journey to discover his true identity.
Elf The Musical is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the family-favorite holiday film, following Buddy, a human raised as an Elf, on his journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas. With catchy songs and lively choreography, it’s a feel-good experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and the joy of the holiday season in your heart.
Where: New York City | More Info: Elf The Musical
Exclusive Q&A with Macaulay Culkin after the screening.
Join Macaulay Culkin for a nostalgic evening featuring a screening of Home Alone, followed by a conversation with the iconic actor about his experiences and favorite memories from the film.
Where: Newark | More Info: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Iconic tree adorned with thousands of lights and live musical performances.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting marks the arrival of the holiday season in New York City. A magnificent tree, often adorned with thousands of lights, stands as a centerpiece for joyous celebration. The event features live performances, with music echoing through the iconic plaza, captivating audiences of all ages. It’s a cherished tradition that attracts both locals and visitors alike, uniting them under the shimmering lights.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Iconic ice skating experience under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter activity under the iconic Christmas tree, with various ticket options and special events.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Live jazz band and traditional carols.
Classic Harbor Line offers holiday cruises in NYC aboard luxury 1920s-style yachts. Enjoy the city skyline, iconic landmarks, and festive atmosphere with live music and complimentary drinks.
Where: New York City | More Info: Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise
