There’s nothing quite like New York in December. The lights get brighter, the streets feel livelier, and the whole city seems to be in on the celebration—from Fifth Avenue’s windows to Times Square’s midnight magic.
At The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, the holidays are more than a backdrop—they’re an experience. Step outside our Lexington Avenue doors and you’re instantly part of it all: ice skating under city lights, sipping hot cocoa between window shopping, or catching the first notes of a carol echoing through Midtown. Whether you’re here to stroll, shop, or simply soak it all in, the season unfolds right at your doorstep. Here’s how to make the most of the season bright, festive, and full of charm.
Santa Brunch at The Parliament
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with Santa Brunch at The Parliament on Saturday, December 5, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Enjoy a festive family brunch, capture photos with Santa, and receive a complimentary watercolor portrait of your loved ones with Santa with your brunch reservation.
Reservations available starting November 2026.
The 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Kick off the holiday season with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as it celebrates its historic 100th anniversary! Experience the magic of Thanksgiving Day in New York City with larger-than-life balloons, spectacular floats, marching bands, Broadway performances, and celebrity appearances. Watch as Santa Claus makes his grand arrival, officially welcoming the most wonderful time of the year!
The Classics
Start your holiday season with one of New York’s most iconic traditions — head to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year’s 75-foot Norway spruce from East Greenbush will shimmer under more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights, topped with a Swarovski crystal star that sparkles above Midtown until January. There’s no better way to feel the city’s energy than standing under the glow of this world-famous tree.
Afterward, take a stroll down Fifth Avenue between 45th and 60th Streets to experience the most dazzling holiday window displays and building façades in the country. From Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show to Cartier’s iconic bow-wrapped mansion, the stretch transforms into a living holiday postcard — perfect for photos, window shopping, and soaking in the magic.
It wouldn’t be the holidays in New York without a little showtime sparkle. No holiday New York City visit feels complete without seeing The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. The Rockettes transform the iconic Radio City Music Hall into a winter wonderland, featuring more than 140 performers, an original musical score, and classic scenes. This year’s show is extra special since the Rockettes are celebrating their 100-year anniversary. Running from November 4, 2026 through January 4, 2027, it’s a must-see experience for all ages.
Winter Villages & Holiday Markets
Nothing says “holiday in New York” quite like skating under skyscrapers. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened October 28, 2026, with a free-admission rink (just rent your skates) – surrounded by holiday shops that offer everything from artisan candles to handmade scarves. 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 28, 2026 – February 28, 2027).
Nearby, the Union Square Holiday Market keeps the festive energy going. With over 150 unique vendors, you’ll find mulled wine, handmade ornaments, and local art — perfect for last-minute gifts that feel thoughtful Market (November 13 – December 24, 2026).
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 9 – December 24, 2026).
Take a trip to the North Pole at Macy’s Herald Square Santaland, that brings Santa’s world to life with dazzling decorations, immersive displays, twinkling lights, and cheerful elves – and don’t forget to take your photo with Santa Claus all at the Macy’s flagship store (November 27 – December 24, 2026).
Holiday Exhibits & Seasonal Culture
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the beloved New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, November 14, 2026 – January 10, 2027. Watch model trains journey through nearly 200 miniature NYC landmarks, beautifully crafted from natural materials, inside the enchanting Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Discover a cherished New York City holiday tradition filled with festive wonder for all ages.
For a festive experience with a creative twist, visit the Museum of the City of New York’s annual Gingerbread NYC exhibit. This delightful showcase features intricate gingerbread creations inspired by iconic New York City architecture, crafted by local bakers, designers, and architects. It’s a sweet celebration of the city’s skyline and holiday spirit—and a perfect outing for all ages during the winter season.
If you’re craving even more sparkle, make your way to the iconic Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn, where residents turn their homes into a full-blown Christmas spectacle. Picture 20-foot toy soldiers, glowing reindeer, and enough twinkling lights to guide Santa’s sleigh himself. It’s pure, over-the-top joy — and an NYC holiday must-see.
Step into a world of wonder at Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where the night comes alive in a million lights. This after-dark spectacular transforms the gardens into an immersive trail of glowing art installations by local and international artists (November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027).
Presented by New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker blends nostalgia, beauty, and pure magic. As a true New York holiday tradition, bring the whole family or make it a chic evening out—it never fails to impress (November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027).
Celebrate Holiday Magic at The Metropolitan Opera with Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a family-friendly masterpiece filled with color, wit, and music that lingers long after the curtain falls (December 11, 2026 – January 2, 2026).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s the annual Christmas Tree brings a refined sense of holiday wonder. Decorated with handcrafted angels inspired by medieval art, the towering tree offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle (November 2026 – January 2027).
Winter Experiences & Festive Fun
Skate beneath the towering Christmas Tree and glittering flags at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. It doesn’t get more quintessentially New York. Whether you’re gliding confidently or holding hands for balance, this is the moment that defines a New York winter (Starting October 10, 2026).
With New York City as your winter playground and continue on your cold-weather adventure by lacing up your skates at Wollman Rink in Central Park, one of the city’s most iconic winter destinations. Open from October 24, 2026 through March 16, 2027, this open-air rink offers postcard-perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and a serene setting of the trees in the middle of the park.
Down by the waterfront, Watermark Winter Wonderland at Pier 15 transforms the East River into a snow-globe escape. From heated glass igloos and festive cocktails to holiday music and skyline views, this seasonal pop-up combines the charm of an alpine lodge with the energy of downtown Manhattan (November 7, 2026 – December 30, 2026).
At Shine Bright at Hudson Yards, over two million white holiday lights transform Manhattan’s west side into a glowing wonderland. Presented by Wells Fargo, Shine Bright sets the stage for ice skating at Edge (the city’s highest rink), free photos with Santa, and Santa’s sleigh. Stay for festive dining and upscale shopping (November 16, 2026 – January 7, 2027).
