Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the festive spirit of Ridgewood with our comprehensive guide. From Ridgewood regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the best holiday events.
Among the must-see attractions is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Rockettes and their mesmerizing performances that capture the essence of the season. For a unique shopping experience, the Bryant Park Winter Village transforms the area into a charming holiday market, brimming with artisan goods and seasonal treats. And the Union Square Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant array of local crafts and festive food options. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Ridgewood Holiday Light Displays
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival offers an immersive light experience with over 40 stunning attractions and interactive elements, creating memorable moments for all ages. Dive into four captivating themes filled with excitement and surprises, featuring dazzling light displays, interactive activities, and unique souvenirs.
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
The Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 lights and 80 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can expect a luminescent display inspired by Chinese folklore and animals, plus interactive features like illuminated tunnels and swings.
Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across seven lantern trails, representing nearly 100 animal and plant species. The event includes interactive glowing walls, illuminated trees, and shimmering flowers, along with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
A towering display of holiday spirit, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands tall in the heart of Manhattan. Adorned with thousands of lights and topped with a stunning star, this iconic symbol attracts visitors from around the world. Surrounding the tree, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by the nearby ice skating rink and beautifully decorated storefronts.
Ridgewood Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park Winter Village offers free-admission ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, cozy igloos, and The Lodge for festive food and drinks. It's a premier holiday destination in New York City.
Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market offers a diverse array of local vendors, artisanal shops, and award-winning restaurants, making it a premier destination for holiday shopping and dining.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant shopping destination featuring over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats, including bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst, while strolling through the market or after an ice skating session at Wollman Rink.
Ridgewood Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show blends classic dance numbers with innovative technology, including digital projections and drone performances. It is a celebration of the holiday season with intricate choreography and festive music.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features over 30 years of tradition, showcasing nearly 200 replicas of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, with G-scale model trains navigating through the Haupt Conservatory and outdoor lawn display.
NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating through meticulously crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, creating a vibrant and detailed cityscape in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Visitors can explore the show during the day and enjoy special after-hours events with festive food and drink.
27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
The 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson transforms the village into a Victorian-era setting, featuring parades, ice skating, magic shows, artisan demonstrations, and theatrical performances. Attendees can enjoy Dickensian-themed food and shopping while participating in various street activities and concerts.