Holiday Activities In NYC
There is no place like New York City for the Holidays! Enjoy endless amounts of activities with family and friends this holiday season in NYC. From holiday performances, ice skating, holiday light experiences and holiday pop-up shops, New York City during the holidays will have you feeling merry and bright.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
This world-famous Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. As one of NYC’s favorite holiday celebrations, get ready to be dazzled by the Rockettes. The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers and an original musical score, and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes. This performance is perfect for all ages and runs from November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Bryant Park’s magical Winter Village is back in New York City this holiday season with holiday shops, a free ice-skating outdoor rink, après-themed outdoor bar and food hall and cozy igloos where you can enjoy a festive drink. The holiday shops feature over 150 local vendors selling everything from clothing to food and all sorts of fun and unique holiday gifts in between (October 27, 2023 – March 3, 2024).
Wollman Rink
Lace up your skates and hit the ice at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This stunning city-owned ice rink truly is a winter wonderland (October 28, 2023 – March 15, 2024).
Macy’s SantaLand
Take a trip to the North Pole at Macy’s yearly “Santaland” in Herald Square, where kids and adults can take those classic photos with Santa Claus. Macy’s Santaland experience is an immersive 13,000-square-foot display of all things Christmas and is an annual tradition at the Macy’s flagship store (November 24 – December 24, 2023).
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing back its gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular to its grounds from November 17, 2023–January 1, 2024. Lightscape, an illuminated trail of art from local and international artists, features the iconic Winter Cathedral and a larger Fire Garden—all set to over a million lights, color and music.
Winter Wonderland Tour in Central Park
Explore Central Park’s winter wonderland tour on a charming snowy day while sipping on a warm beverage while learning from expert guides on unique seasonal insight.
Winter Whirl Roller Rink
Skate beneath the world-famous architecture of the Oculus and revel in festive live music performances, complimentary gift wrapping and a variety of food and beverage options.
Rolf’s
Situated in Gramercy, Rolf’s is a whimsical German restaurant decked to the halls with garland, ornaments, lights and Christmas galore. The food is authentic German, serving favorites like schnitzel and potato pancakes. Make sure to get that perfect Instagram shot before leaving, as the decorations are a true sight to behold.
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic at Rock Center
The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic invites guests of all ages on a jaw-dropping journey rich in mouthwatering, memory-making moments.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
This Brooklyn neighborhood is completely transformed once a year with homes along several blocks festooned in elaborate holiday decorations. Both kitschy and enchanting. Find these holiday homes decked out on 83rd and 86th Street, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Shop for everyone on your list at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, one of the longest running indoor holiday fairs in NYC, showcasing over 40 local-artisan vendors and one-of a kind products (November 13 – December 24, 2023).
Union Square Holiday Market
With over 150 vendors selling unique gifts made by local artists, you are bound to find all the gifts you need at the Union Square Holiday Market (November 16 – December 24, 2023).
Holiday Market at the Oculus
This famous building has a mini holiday market until January 2 with multiple spots for holiday photos, a handful of booths featuring emerging artisans and makers.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show
The Bronx Zoo will light up at night during this holiday season with this family-friendly festival. The walk-through experience includes wildlife-themed LED displays, lanterns and animated light shows at Astor Court. Programming throughout the seven-week run includes holiday-themed music, seasonal treats, caroling and train rides (November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024).
Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
Train enthusiasts of all ages will be awed by Grand Central Terminal’s annual Holiday Train Show. At the New York City Transit Museum’s gallery annex, model trains loop through a two-level, 34-foot-long miniature New York City and countryside scene. Vintage trains from the museum’s collection, including New York Central models, travel all the way to the diorama’s North Pole (November 16, 2023 – early 2024).
Elf Screening at Empire State Building
Get into the spirit this holiday season and watch Elf at the Empire State Building. Watch this Christmas comedy where Elf adventures to find his father whose office is located inside the Empire State Building. See Elf on Sundays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17.
Central Park Holiday Lighting
Ring in the holiday season with the 27th annual Central Park holiday lighting on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Meet Santa, sing carols on the Plaza and warm up with hot coca while enjoying a variety of seasonal activities. End the night watching the lighting of flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.
Holiday Window Displays
Window shop along fifth avenue from Saks Fifth Avenue to Macy’s, as Manhattan’s flagship department stores put on a big show to reveal their elaborately holiday designed windows.
Glide Ice Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline. Nestled in the historic DUMBO neighborhood, Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Manhattan’s newest ice rink, is a winter wonderland for all ages. This year the rink will also feature epic skyline projections that change with the sunset at Glide (November 15, 2023 – March 1, 2024).
