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.
Things to Do for the Holidays in NYC
1. 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 11, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
More info: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
2. 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 25 2024 – January 2, 2025).
More info: Bryant Park’s Winter Village
3. 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 2024 – March 2025).
More info: Wollman Rink
4. 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 29 – December 24, 2024).
More info: Macy’s SantaLand
5. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is bringing back its gorgeous, after-dark illuminated spectacular to its grounds from November 17, 2024–January 5, 2025.
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.
More info: Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
6. 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.
More info: Winter Wonderland Tour in Central Park
7. 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.
More info: Winter Whirl Roller Rink
8. 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.
More info: Rolf’s
9. 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.
More info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
10. 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 11 – December 24, 2024).
More info: Grand Central Holiday Fair
11. 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 14 – December 24, 2024).
More info: Union Square Holiday Market
12. 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.
More info: Holiday Market at the Oculus
13. 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 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025).
More info: Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show
14. 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 14, 2024 – February 2025).
More info: Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal
15. Central Park Holiday Lighting
Ring in the holiday season with the 27th annual Central Park holiday lighting on Friday, December 6, 2024. Meet Santa, sing carols on the Plaza and warm up with hot cocoa while enjoying a variety of seasonal activities. End the night watching the lighting of flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer.
More info: Central Park Holiday Lighting
16. 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.
More info: Holiday Window Displays
17. Macy’s Herald Square Holiday Square
For the first time ever, discover a holiday wonderland of food & gifts at Macy’s Herald Square, featuring artisans from NYC & beyond (November 1, 2024 – January 3, 2025).
More info: Macy’s Herald Square Holiday Square
18. Watermark Winter Wonderland
This season Watermark NY at Pier 15 transformed into Santa Clause’s headquarters at the North Pole. Step into Santa’s living room, explore a gingerbread house bar stocks with seasonal treats and drinks, take photos in a sleigh on the water and much more!
More info: Watermark Winter Wonderland
Season-Specific Guides to New York
Discover year-round activities in the City That Never Sleeps.