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!
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New York City Holiday Light Displays
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features elaborate home decorations, including life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays, creating a spectacular holiday display in Brooklyn.
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride in Central Park
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.
Bronx Zoo Light Show
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.
New York City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Bryant Park
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.
Union Square Holiday Market
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.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
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.
Grand Central Holiday Market
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.
New York City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
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.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
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.
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
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.
Elf The Musical
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.
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
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.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
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.
New York City Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter activity under the iconic Christmas tree, with various ticket options and special events.
Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise
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.
New York City Gift Guide 2024
