Last updated: November 11, 2024
Looking forward to festive cheer in Williamsburg? Our guide has everything you need! From locals to visitors, our guide showcases the best of Williamsburg's festive season.
Popular events include the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, where the dazzling lights of the massive tree create a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city. Dyker Heights Christmas lights, renowned for their extravagant displays and intricate decorations, transform the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. And the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring high-energy dance numbers and beloved holiday classics. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Illuminated trail with artistic lighting design and site-specific music.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden features an illuminated trail with monumental lighted sculptures, colorful effects on trees and architecture, and site-specific music and sound. Visitors explore the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Elaborate home decorations by local residents.
Dyker Heights Christmas lights feature elaborate home decorations, including towering soldiers, icicle lights, and pastel-colored net lights, creating a vibrant holiday display in Brooklyn.
Where: Dyker Heights | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with live entertainment and celebrity appearances.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a cherished annual tradition featuring a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star. The event marks the official start of the holiday season in New York City, attracting millions of visitors worldwide.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Unique shopping experience with over 100 artisans and designers.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is an internationally renowned holiday shopping destination featuring glittering aisles of art, jewelry, home goods, and delicious eats from local artisans and designers.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
G-scale model trains traverse a miniature cityscape made from natural materials.
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden features model trains navigating intricate, plant-based replicas of New York City landmarks in the Haupt Conservatory, with colorful lighting and festive food options available.
Where: The Bronx | More Info: Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Fuses ballet, hip-hop, and global dance genres in a culturally immersive performance.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker is a re-imagined holiday classic that fuses ballet, hip-hop, and global dance genres to create a new family tradition. Culturally immersive, it transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the heart of Brooklyn's cultural mosaic. The performance includes a mysterious pop-locking Uncle Drosselmeyer, a daring hip-hop battle scene, and a bohemian Mother Ginger, all set against the backdrop of Victorian Flatbush and modern-day Brooklyn landmarks.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: The Brooklyn Nutcracker
Symphony of Christmas carols and classical music.
The Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra present a Christmas concert featuring works by J.S. Bach, Amy Beach, and Franz Biebl, along with classic carols and world premieres.
Where: Morningside Heights | More Info: Christmas Concert at St John the Divine
High-kicking precision dance with immersive digital projections.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday show featuring intricate choreography, classic numbers, and innovative technology at Radio City Music Hall. The production includes iconic performances like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the newest number, "Dance of the Frost Fairies," where the Rockettes perform alongside Frost Fairy drones.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet is a timeless ballet featuring Tchaikovsky's melodies, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. The production includes a one-ton Christmas tree and a blustery blizzard of ballerinas, transporting audiences to a world of confection and fantasy.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
Retro-modern ballet with live music and whimsical costumes.
Mark Morris Dance Group's *The Hard Nut* is a boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky's *Nutcracker*, blending E.T.A. Hoffmann's original story with Charles Burns' comic book art. This lavish, gender-bent production transports the 1890s setting to the swinging 1970s, featuring raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, and whimsical costumes. The complete Tchaikovsky score is performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble, driving this colorful retelling that playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition.
Where: Fort Greene | More Info: Mark Morris Dance Group’s *The Hard Nut*
Candlelit performances of diverse holiday music.
A Christmas Candlelight Concert features a diverse range of classical and contemporary music performed in a serene, candlelit setting. The event showcases talented musicians interpreting classic Christmas hits and modern holiday songs, creating a harmonious and intimate atmosphere.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Christmas Candlelight Concert
Winter-themed amusement park experience with eco-friendly skating and holiday attractions.
Frost Fest at Luna Park transforms the iconic amusement park into a winter destination with holiday lights, festive activities, and over 20 rides, including the Cyclone. Enjoy Santa's Wonderland, Rudolph's Rink, and a holiday market with unique novelties and delicious bites.
Where: Coney Island | More Info: Frost Fest at Luna Park
World-class ice skating with iconic Manhattan skyline views.
Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park offers an unforgettable ice skating experience under the historic Brooklyn Bridge, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy premium food and beverage options, and experience the best of Brooklyn at New York City’s newest ice rink.
Where: DUMBO | More Info: Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge
Meet Santa Claus in a festive setting with holiday activities and shopping.
At Bloomingdale's 59th Street, Santaland offers a delightful holiday experience where families can meet Santa Claus, enjoy festive activities, and take memorable photos. The event includes a candy café, special holiday shopping experiences, and exclusive activations.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Bloomie's Santaland
Immersive indoor Christmas experience with real snow and interactive activities.
Christmas House NYC is an indoor, fully immersive Christmas experience featuring a 45-minute walk-through of all things Christmas, including a drive-thru light show, carnival games, and themed rooms like the North Pole and Blockbuster Christmas Room.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Christmas House
Heated glasshouses with a curated holiday menu.
Santa's Winter Wonderland at Watermark Bar in New York offers an immersive holiday experience with outdoor activities, heated glasshouses, and a curated holiday menu. Guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, visit Santa, and participate in various festive activities.
Where: Manhattan | More Info: Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
