Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get a snapshot of the holidays in Sunset Park! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. From those who know Sunset Park's secrets to those eager to uncover them, our guide reveals festive treasures.
Popular Events: Experience the magic of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where dazzling performances and iconic music create a festive atmosphere. Featuring a blend of holiday cheer and stunning choreography, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker captures the spirit of the season through its enchanting tale. And the DUMBO Holiday Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautiful displays that illuminate the waterfront. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Sunset Park Holiday Light Displays
Sunset Park Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven tree lighting at a prominent intersection.
- Description
- The Sunset Park Tree Lighting event is a traditional holiday celebration where the community comes together to light the tree at the intersection of 60th Street and 5th Avenue. The event features a festive atmosphere with local volunteers and community members participating in the festivities.
- Where
- Sunset Park | More Info : Sunset Park Tree Lighting
The DUMBO Holiday Lighting
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday celebration with live music, Santa, and community drives.
- Description
- The DUMBO Holiday Lighting features carols, calypso, and hot cocoa, with performances by local bands and students, Santa Claus, a photobooth, and animated video projections on the Manhattan Bridge. The event includes a toy drive, coat drive, and food drive, with generous donations from local bakeries and bars.
- Where
- DUMBO | More Info : The DUMBO Holiday Lighting
Cookies with Santa
- Interactive activities with Santa and festive treats.
- Join Park Slope for a festive Christmas tree lighting celebration at 4th Street Plaza. Enjoy activities like Touch-A-Truck, letters to Santa, and photos with Santa. Savor treats from Patrick Churros and Simple Loaf Bakehouse, and warm up with Mexican Hot Chocolate from Chela.
- Park Slope | More Info : Cookies with Santa
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light displays in a residential Brooklyn neighborhood.
- Description
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features elaborate home decorations in Brooklyn, showcasing unique holiday displays and traditions.
- Where
- Dyker Heights | More Info : Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Central Park Conservancy’s annual holiday lighting
- What to Expect
- Holiday lights and festive activities at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.
- Description
- Central Park Conservancy’s annual holiday lighting features a dazzling display of lights at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, accompanied by Santa, hot cocoa, and live caroling.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Central Park Conservancy’s annual holiday lighting
Sunset Park Holiday Markets and Shopping
Greenpointers Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with local artisans and live entertainment.
- Description
- The Greenpointers Holiday Market is a celebration of local talent and community spirit, featuring over 70 curated vendors, live music, and creative activities like holiday wreath making and tarot readings.
- Where
- Greenpoint | More Info : Greenpointers Holiday Market
Union Square Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Largest holiday market in the city with 150+ vendors.
- Description
- The Union Square Holiday Market is a premier destination for holiday shopping and dining, featuring 150 vendors, the City's largest Greenmarket, and dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers. It offers a curated Local Gift Guide and an interactive Holiday Map to help you find the best gifts and dining experiences.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Union Square Holiday Market
22nd Annual Sinterklaas Day at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
- What to Expect
- Celebration of Dutch holiday traditions with interactive games and a lively parade.
- Description
- This vibrant celebration at the historic Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum brings together community members of all ages to honour the beloved Dutch figure, Sinterklaas. Activities include storytelling, traditional games, and a delightful parade featuring costumed characters who engage with attendees. The event highlights cultural heritage, offering a unique glimpse into holiday traditions through interactive experiences.
- Where
- East Flatbush | More Info : 22nd Annual Sinterklaas Day at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
Sunset Park Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Precision dance routines by the world-famous Rockettes.
- Description
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday performance featuring the iconic Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show includes a mix of festive dance, music, and comedy, with memorable performances like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity." It also features special effects, snow machines, and collaborations with renowned guest performers.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- What to Expect
- Miniature cityscape made from plant parts with G-scale model trains.
- Description
- The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features G-scale model trains navigating a miniature cityscape made entirely from plant parts, including landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor displays, enjoy Holiday Train Nights with illuminated landscapes and live music, and experience a variety of seasonal activities.
- Where
- Bronx | More Info : Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic ballet performance.
- Description
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a renowned ballet production by the New York City Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and Balanchine’s intricate choreography. The production includes elaborate stage elements and intricate lighting, with notable feats such as a one-ton Christmas tree and the comic figure of Mother Ginger. The ballet introduces the Stahlbaum children, Marie, Fritz, Herr Drosselmeier, and his Nephew, transitioning from reality into fantasy through the Snowflake Waltz. Act II offers a complete transformation into the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Sunset Park Other Holiday Activities
3rd Annual Children’s Party with Santa on Atlantic Avenue
- What to Expect
- Interactive arts and crafts with Santa.
- Description
- The 3rd Annual Children’s Party with Santa on Atlantic Avenue features arts, crafts, and Santa visits, creating lasting memories for families.
- Where
- Boerum Hill | More Info : 3rd Annual Children’s Party with Santa on Atlantic Avenue
Origami Holiday Tree
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of intricately designed origami models.
- Description
- The Origami Holiday Tree is a 13-foot, delightfully decorated tree featuring over 1,000 hand-folded origami models of various animals and iconic museum exhibits, created by local, national, and international origami artists.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Origami Holiday Tree
Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree
- What to Expect
- Historic, intricately detailed Nativity scene with lifelike figures.
- Description
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Christmas Tree is a 20-foot blue spruce adorned with lifelike figures and silk-robed angels, set against an 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene in the Medieval Sculpture Hall.
- Where
- Manhattan | More Info : Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree