Discover 38 verified other christmas activities in New York City and nearby areas.
Beyond the traditional festivities, New York City offers a unique tapestry of other Christmas activities to explore. This guide is your gateway to discovering a diverse range of festive experiences that capture the holiday spirit. Get ready to immerse yourself in the seasonal magic that makes New York City so special during Christmas.
From charming neighborhoods to bustling public spaces, there are countless opportunities for festive fun. Whether you're strolling through areas like Greenwich Village or enjoying the winter air in Central Park, you'll find unique seasonal celebrations and activities scattered throughout the city.
We've compiled a collection of varied holiday activities designed to delight everyone. Dive in and discover the wide array of festive events and unique seasonal experiences that await you in New York City this Christmas.
Concert at Carnegie Hall and worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle
Experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City with the 15th Annual Christmas in New York tour. This 5-day, 4-night event features a major concert at Carnegie Hall and worship at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Explore iconic landmarks...
Annual juried exhibition of creative wreath interpretations.
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...
Iconic holiday window displays
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,'...
Traditional Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service
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...
Iconic New Year's Eve Ball Drop ceremony
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...
Exclusive early access to Papillon Christmas Restaurant.
Embark on a magical Christmas morning tour through Midtown Manhattan, showcasing iconic holiday sights like Rockefeller Center and dazzling 5th Avenue window displays. The experience culminates with exclusive early access and a reserved table at the renowned Papillon Christmas Restaurant,...
Miniature trains journey from Grand Central to the North Pole.
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...
Historic Neapolitan Baroque Crèche with a towering Christmas tree
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...
Iconic holiday celebrations and Santa visits at Macy's stores.
Step into the magical world of Macy's holiday celebrations, where festive stories come to life. Experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus at Santaland locations in Chicago, New York City, and Houston, with reservations opening soon. Marvel at the breathtaking...
Holiday-themed event listings
Experience the magic of the holiday season with 'Christmas in Venice,' an event offering a festive escape. While specific details are still emerging, this event promises a delightful experience for all. Keep an eye out for updates on this enchanting...
Festive holiday cruises on classic 1920s-style yachts.
Embark on a magical holiday journey through New York Harbor with Classic Harbor Line's festive cruises. Glide past the illuminated city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty aboard elegantly decorated 1920s-style yachts. Choose from a variety of...
Annual tree lighting ceremony honoring WWII veterans
The Park Avenue Tree Lighting is a cherished annual tradition that illuminates the malls between 54th and 97th Streets. Originally started in 1945 to honor World War II veterans, the event now stands as a symbol of peace. The dazzling...
Annual holiday tree lighting with live carols and brass music.
Join the community for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Carl Schurz Park. This cherished family tradition features carols by Cantori New York and music from the New York Brass Quintet, creating a magical start to the holiday season....
Visit from Santa Claus
Experience the magic of the holiday season with a special visit from Santa Claus. While specific event dates are not yet available, this is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Keep an eye on this page for...
Annual Three Kings Day parade and community celebration
Experience the rich cultural tapestry of East Harlem at El Museo del Barrio's 47th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration. This vibrant event honors Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art with a lively parade featuring large puppets and festive music, followed...
Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony
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...
International competition celebrating Polish nativity scene tradition.
Experience the beauty of the International Kraków Nativity Scene Competition, a vibrant celebration of a UNESCO-recognized Polish tradition. Participants of all ages are invited to create and submit their own unique nativity scenes in various formats, from intricate 3D models...
Celebration of Kwanzaa principles with music and film
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.
Community holiday celebration with toy distribution.
Join the Hoboken Housing Authority and FamilyHood for a magical Winter Wonderland celebration. This heartwarming event brings the community together to share holiday cheer and distribute toys to children of all ages. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors...
Community tree lighting ceremony to start the holidays.
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.
NYC's best Santa sighting locations
Discover the most enchanting places to meet Santa Claus across New York City in 2025. From the iconic Santaland at Macy's Herald Square to charming spots in Bryant Park and unique rooftop experiences, find the perfect setting for a magical...
Community tree lighting with live music and crafts
Join the community for the festive Holiday on the Hudson tree lighting event. Enjoy live music, get creative with holiday decoration making, and savor warm hot chocolate. The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 PM, promising a magical start...
City-wide Santa Claus convention and bar crawl
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...
Christmas Day dining and entertainment in NYC
Experience the magic of Christmas Day in New York City, a truly enchanting time. While many shops are closed, the city offers unique opportunities for festive fun. Enjoy ice skating at iconic rinks, take a special holiday cruise with stunning...
Live lunchtime holiday concerts with diverse musicians
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....
Community tree lighting with toy distribution
Join the Woodside community for a heartwarming holiday tree lighting event. This festive gathering features dazzling community holiday lights, a special tree lighting ceremony, and a heartwarming toy distribution for children. Enjoy warm treats as you celebrate the season in...
Ice skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge
Glide across the ice at Roebling Rink, an enchanting seasonal ice skating experience situated directly beneath the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River while participating in this festive winter...
Iconic NYSE Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Join the New York Stock Exchange for their annual Tree Lighting Event, a spectacular celebration that officially kicks off the holiday season. This cherished tradition features the magnificent NYSE Christmas tree, captivating live music performances, and engaging company activations. Attendees...
Free holiday concerts for kids
Bring the little ones for a delightful free holiday concert experience at Time Out Market. These engaging performances are designed to entertain and enchant children with festive music and interactive fun, creating joyful holiday memories.
Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony with Santa gifts
Experience the magic of the holidays at Jersey City's annual Christmas Tree & Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Join the community for a festive evening featuring the ceremonial lighting of both a Christmas tree and a Menorah. Attendees can look forward to...
Historic Dutch Colonial house celebration
Step back in time at the historic Vander Ende-Onderdonk House for a charming St. Nicholas Day celebration. This event brings to life the beloved legend of St. Nicholas with visits from the jolly figure himself, festive singing, and a traditional...
Festive train ride and sock skating experience.
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,...
Holiday center access while classes are closed
Experience a peaceful Christmas Recess at N.E.W. Christian Academy. While classes are closed for the holiday, the center remains open, offering a quiet space for reflection and family time during the festive season. Enjoy the break from the usual academic...
Free Santa photos and carols in the park.
Join the community for Santa Saturday, a delightful FREE event perfect for the whole family. Capture cherished memories with a photo alongside Santa Claus. Immerse yourselves in the cheerful holiday spirit with live carolers singing beloved classics, while enjoying complimentary...
Annual holiday lighting ceremony with live entertainment and ugly sweater contest.
Join Downtown Brooklyn for their annual holiday lighting ceremony at Albee Square. Enjoy seasonal vibes from DJ Mike Doelo, festive music from The Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, and entertainment by Andrea Flow, Brianna Kalisch, and Flow Juggle. Don't miss the chance...
Photos with Santa Claus
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season with a visit to Santa's winter wonderland at Queens Center. This beloved tradition offers families the chance to create lasting memories with Santa Claus himself. Capture the magic of the season with a...
Comprehensive guide to NYC holiday events for families.
Discover the magic of the holiday season with 'A Very Merry New York Family Holiday Guide.' This comprehensive resource covers Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa events across NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Staten Island. Find festive shows, tree lightings, dazzling light...
Free holiday toy giveaway for children
Morris Heights Health Center hosts their annual Burnside Holiday Toy Giveaway, offering free toys to children. This community-focused event aims to spread holiday cheer and support families during the festive season. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come...
See the location of all other christmas activities around New York City and nearby areas
Open Map →Iconic ice skating rinks are popular choices, such as the one at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink in Central Park, offering classic winter fun. Many other parks and plazas throughout New York City also set up temporary rinks during the holiday season.
You can often find Santa Claus making appearances at major department stores like Macy's in Herald Square, or at various family-friendly events held in parks and community centers across New York City. Check local listings for specific dates and times.
While specific holiday train rides might be outside the immediate city, New York City itself hosts numerous special seasonal events. Look for unique pop-up experiences, festive markets, and community gatherings happening in various neighborhoods.
Absolutely! Many New York City neighborhoods offer free holiday light displays to admire, and window shopping along Fifth Avenue is a classic free activity. Exploring festive decorations in areas like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn can also be a memorable, budget-friendly outing.