Experience New York City’s top holiday events, from iconic tree lightings to festive markets. Discover the best things to do in NYC this holiday season!
The holiday season in New York City is a truly magical time. With twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and spirited cheer around every corner, it's no surprise that the city attracts millions of visitors each year. However, with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to decide what to prioritize during a limited stay. That's why we've put together this guide of the top 10 things to do in New York during the holidays.
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One of New York's most iconic holiday landmarks is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a towering spruce over 75 feet tall, adorned with more than 50,000 lights and crowned with a Swarovski star. The tree is surrounded by The Rink at Rockefeller Center, a popular ice skating spot, along with festive decorations that provide a perfect holiday backdrop. This annual tradition is free and open to the public, with the tree lit from late November through early January. For more information, visit the official Rockefeller Center website.
Local Tip: If you’re in the Seaport District (South Street Seaport), check out their annual holiday event, which features live music, crafts, and a tree lighting ceremony. This festive celebration takes place at the end of November, offering another great photo opportunity in front of the dazzling tree.
Bryant Park Winter Village is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City during the holidays. From late October through early January, the park is transformed into a festive shopping spot, with over 170 unique artisan stalls offering everything from one-of-a-kind gifts to handmade crafts. You can enjoy seasonal food and drinks, like hot chocolate and cozy treats while checking out the twinkling lights and even renting a private igloo to hang out with friends. The ice skating rink is always a highlight, and the giant holiday tree adds even more cheer. Plus, there are plenty of live performances and events throughout the season to keep things lively.
For more details, check out the official Bryant Park website.
For over 90 years, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been a beloved holiday tradition in New York, featuring the famous Rockettes in a high-energy show filled with stunning dance numbers, classic songs, and impressive special effects. Running from mid-November through early January, this iconic performance is a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the holidays. Whether you’re a dance fan or just looking for a festive outing, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular promises a wholesome and unforgettable experience.
For showtimes, ticket info, and more, visit the official Radio City website. The event is held at Radio City Music Hall, located at 1260 Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10020.
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in New York City, and Central Park is one of the best places to enjoy it. The Park's iconic Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink provide magical outdoor skating experiences, set against the picturesque winter scenery of the Park. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, skating in Central Park is a must-do during the holiday season.
The rinks are open typically from late October through March, with special holiday hours and events. For more information on hours and tickets, visit the official Wollman Rink website. The rinks are located in Central Park, at the following addresses:
A trip to New York City during the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without witnessing Times Square's world-famous New Year's Eve ball drop celebration. This iconic event draws massive crowds yearly, with people eagerly waiting to see the glittering ball descend at midnight. Be sure to arrive early to secure the perfect spot, as the waiting period can be long and chilly.
The ball drop celebration takes place on December 31 each year, with festivities kicking off in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. For more details, including securing your spot and additional event information, visit the official Times Square website. The event is located in Times Square, Manhattan, New York, NY 10036.
Fifth Avenue in New York City is a holiday shopping dream, with iconic stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman featuring elaborate, festive window displays. The holiday lights and decorations typically go up in early November, with windows debuting around Thanksgiving. The Rockefeller Center tree lighting at the end of November marks the season's official start. For a full list of stores and events, visit the Fifth Avenue Association.
If you're looking for a magical holiday experience, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is a must-see. This timeless production features stunning classical ballet, with enchanting holiday scenes that bring the story to life elegantly. The production is known for its beautiful costumes, incredible dancers, and the unforgettable music of Tchaikovsky. You can catch the show from late November to early January, so there's plenty of time to enjoy it. Tickets are available on the Lincoln Center website at this link. The performances take place at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, located at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY.
The Union Square Holiday Market is a festive gem in the heart of New York City, offering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. This outdoor market is filled with unique artisanal gifts, handcrafted goods, and local foods, making it the perfect spot to find something special for everyone on your list. Stroll through the market to discover beautiful jewelry, cozy scarves, quirky home décor, and delicious treats like hot cocoa, baked goods, and local specialties. The market is beautifully decorated with holiday lights, creating a cozy and festive ambiance. The market runs from mid-November through Christmas Eve. For more details, visit the official website. Union Square Park is located at the intersection of Broadway and 14th Street, New York, NY.
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a holiday tradition that brings festive cheer to the city. This incredible display features model trains winding through a stunning set of over 150 iconic New York landmarks, all crafted from natural materials like leaves, bark, and twigs. It’s a jaw-dropping, intricate exhibit that’s fun for all ages. The show runs from mid-November to mid-January, giving you plenty of time to experience the magic. You can get tickets and more details on the official NYBG page. The garden is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY.
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for its holiday light displays, where residents go all out with vibrant decorations, creating a festive, neighborhood-wide light show. The displays typically go up from late November through early January, with the best evening viewing after dark. This neighborhood is a holiday wonderland, with elaborately decorated homes, oversized inflatable figures, and sparkling lights lining the streets. For a guide to the area and tips on where to find the best displays, visit the Dyker Heights visitor guide. To get there, you can take the D train to 79th Street or the R train to 86th Street, then walk a few blocks into the heart of the decorated neighborhood.
The best holiday markets in NYC can be found at Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle, offering unique artisanal gifts, local foods, and festive decorations. These markets are must-visit spots for a truly festive shopping experience.
Holiday-themed shows in NYC include George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes, and the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. These classic performances bring festive magic to the city each season.
In addition to the popular events like the Rockefeller Tree Lighting and Dyker Heights light displays, NYC offers more festive experiences, such as Winter Village at Bryant Park, with its ice skating and holiday market, and the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, featuring magical light displays. The Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market showcases local handmade gifts, while The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center brings a classic ballet performance. For family-friendly fun, check out Holiday Nights at the New York Hall of Science with interactive exhibits and seasonal activities.
The holidays in New York City offer a range of unforgettable events, from the iconic Rockefeller Tree Lighting to the enchanting Dyker Heights light displays. Explore the magical Winter Village at Bryant Park, enjoy the holiday cheer at the Union Square Market, and experience the timeless beauty of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. For an unforgettable holiday getaway, Placemakr is the perfect choice to help you plan your stay. With a variety of accommodations in the heart of the city, Placemakr offers hotels in New York that feel like home for a holiday stay that keeps the festive spirit alive!
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