Experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City with an array of festive events that will enchant both locals and visitors. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting that transforms the plaza into a glittering wonderland, to the dazzling performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the high-kicking Rockettes, there is something for everyone.
For families, Macy's Santaland offers a whimsical journey through a North Pole wonderland complete with animatronic displays and Santa's workshop. Whether you're here to shop, skate, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, New York City is a holiday destination like no other.
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The Top Christmas Events in New York City
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Macy's Santaland
- Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Christmas at St. Patrick's Cathedral
- The Nutcracker
- Union Square Holiday Market
- New York Philharmonic Holiday Concerts
New York City Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony broadcast worldwide
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands as a towering symbol of the holiday season in New York City. This decades-old tradition transforms the bustling plaza into a glittering spectacle. Visitors can ice skate beneath the illuminated branches, surrounded by the art deco architecture. The first tree was erected in 1931 by construction workers, marking the beginning of this beloved custom. As the switch is flipped, thousands of LED lights burst to life, casting a warm glow across the faces of onlookers and signaling the start of the holiday season in the Big Apple.
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
New York City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Village at Bryant Park
What to Expect:
Open-air holiday market with free ice skating
Description:
The Winter Village at Bryant Park transforms the heart of Midtown into a bustling holiday hub. This open-air market features over 170 artisanal kiosks, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. At its center lies a 17,000-square-foot ice rink where visitors can glide for free, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the park. The village harkens back to traditional European Christmas markets, bringing a touch of Old World charm to New York City. Warm up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate as you browse handcrafted goods, or try your hand at curling on the rink – a recent addition that's quickly becoming a favorite winter pastime.
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Union Square Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Diverse array of local artisans and international vendors
Description:
The Union Square Holiday Market brings together a diverse array of local artisans and international vendors in the heart of Manhattan. This open-air bazaar features over 160 booths offering unique gifts, from handcrafted jewelry to artisanal foods. The market has been a staple of New York's holiday season since 1993, growing from a small gathering to a major attraction. Visitors can sample global cuisines, watch live craft demonstrations, and discover one-of-a-kind presents. The aroma of freshly baked treats and mulled cider wafts through the air, enticing shoppers as they browse. This eclectic marketplace showcases the multicultural fabric of New York City, all within the historic setting of Union Square.
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New York City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Precision dance performances by the Rockettes
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular dazzles audiences with its high-kicking Rockettes and elaborate stage productions. This annual extravaganza showcases the legendary precision dance troupe in their iconic eye-high kicks and intricate formations. You'll witness breathtaking scenes that bring holiday stories to life through cutting-edge technology and classic showmanship. The show has been a New York tradition since 1933, evolving from a simple stage act to a multimedia experience. The thunderous applause echoes through the historic Art Deco theater as the Rockettes perform their famous "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" routine, a hallmark of the show since its inception.
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Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-renowned ballet performance by New York City Ballet
Description:
The New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker epitomizes holiday tradition in the world of dance. This lavish interpretation of Tchaikovsky's classic features over 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and 32 stagehands, bringing the magical tale to life on a grand scale. The choreography, originally created by George Balanchine in 1954, continues to captivate audiences with its technical brilliance and storytelling. Witness the iconic moment when the Christmas tree grows to a towering 41 feet, eliciting gasps of awe from the audience. The Nutcracker has been performed annually since its debut, becoming an integral part of New York's cultural landscape during the holiday season.
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New York Philharmonic Holiday Concerts
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics
Description:
The New York Philharmonic Holiday Concerts elevate seasonal music to new heights with performances by one of the world's premier orchestras. These concerts feature beloved holiday classics reimagined through the virtuosity of over 100 master musicians. The Philharmonic, founded in 1842, is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States, bringing nearly two centuries of musical excellence to its holiday repertoire. Audiences can revel in the rich, full sound of the orchestra as it fills David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. From Handel's Messiah to contemporary holiday favorites, these concerts offer a sophisticated musical journey through the season, showcasing the Philharmonic's unparalleled artistry and the timeless appeal of holiday melodies.
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New York Philharmonic Holiday Concerts
New York City Other Holiday Activities
Macy's Santaland
What to Expect:
Elaborate indoor Christmas village with animatronics
Description:
Macy's Santaland transports visitors to a North Pole wonderland right in the heart of Manhattan. This 13,000-square-foot Christmas village comes alive with animatronic displays, twinkling lights, and the centerpiece: Santa's workshop. Children can embark on a journey through snowy landscapes and meet elves before their special moment with Santa himself. The tradition of Macy's Santaland dates back to 1861, making it one of the oldest Santa meet-and-greet experiences in the United States. As you stroll through the village, the soft crunch of artificial snow underfoot adds to the immersive experience of this indoor winter spectacle.
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Christmas at St. Patrick's Cathedral
What to Expect:
Midnight Mass in historic Neo-Gothic cathedral
Description:
Christmas at St. Patrick's Cathedral offers a profound spiritual experience in one of New York's most iconic religious landmarks. The Neo-Gothic masterpiece, completed in 1879, resonates with the angelic voices of choirs during special holiday services. The cathedral's towering spires and intricate stained glass windows provide a majestic backdrop for the celebration of Midnight Mass, a centuries-old tradition that draws thousands of worshippers and visitors. You can admire the elaborate Nativity scene, meticulously crafted and displayed within the cathedral. The solemnity and grandeur of St. Patrick's during the Christmas season offer a moment of reflection amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
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Christmas at St. Patrick's Cathedral
Nearby Events
Holiday Train Show (Bronx)
What to Expect:
Miniature NYC landmarks made from natural materials
Description:
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden showcases intricate miniatures of New York City landmarks, all crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves, and pine cones. Model trains weave through this miniature metropolis, passing by scaled-down versions of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other iconic structures. This botanical reimagining of the city has been delighting visitors since 1992. You can marvel at the detail of each tiny building, spotting familiar facades and hidden gems alike. The show's unique blend of horticulture, architecture, and model railroading creates a one-of-a-kind celebration of New York's diverse cityscape.
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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
What to Expect:
Extravagant residential light displays in Brooklyn neighborhood
Description:
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights transform a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood into a dazzling outdoor gallery of holiday decorations. Homeowners compete to create the most spectacular displays, adorning their houses with thousands of lights, massive inflatable figures, and animatronic scenes. This grassroots tradition began in the 1980s and has since grown into a must-see attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. As you stroll through the illuminated streets, you'll encounter everything from towering Nutcrackers to life-sized Nativity scenes. The community's dedication to this annual spectacle has turned Dyker Heights into an unofficial capital of Christmas cheer in New York City.
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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures throughout zoo grounds
Description:
The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo illuminate the night with hundreds of animal-themed light sculptures spread across the zoo's expansive grounds. This after-hours event transforms the wildlife park into a glowing menagerie of LED creations, featuring everything from polar bears to butterflies. Visitors can stroll through immersive light tunnels and encounter illuminated recreations of species from around the globe. The event, which began in 2019, has quickly become a new holiday tradition, blending conservation education with festive cheer. You can warm up by one of the fire pits while sipping hot cocoa, adding a cozy touch to your nighttime wildlife adventure.
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Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
Christmas Spectacular at Brooklyn Tabernacle (Brooklyn)
What to Expect:
Grammy Award-winning choir performance in historic church
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular at Brooklyn Tabernacle features the renowned, Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in a powerful celebration of the season. This 270-voice ensemble fills the historic church with soul-stirring harmonies, performing a mix of traditional carols and contemporary gospel arrangements. The Tabernacle, originally built in 1918 and beautifully restored, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for this musical extravaganza. Visitors can experience the choir's signature blend of voices, accompanied by a full orchestra, in a performance that has become a cherished Brooklyn tradition. The event showcases the cultural diversity of the borough through its music, reflecting the varied backgrounds of its choir members and the community they serve.
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Christmas Spectacular at Brooklyn Tabernacle