Once Santa makes his way down Fifth Avenue during the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the holiday season is alive in NYC. The City puts on its party clothes, with choreographed light shows, pop-up winter wonderlands, incredible window displays and, of course, moving celebrations of the season through music and performance.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to the holidays in the City—and discover old favorites and new traditions.
Festivals and Parades
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Wave to the floats and marchers at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Watch Snoopy and SpongeBob make their way down to 34th Street as the holiday season kicks off at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
November 28
Bring the kids to the Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
Take the whole family to celebrate the festival of lights with a day of crafts and activities at the Jewish Museum. Kids can build their own work with found objects or join in on a larger, collaborative sculpture, make cards and dance.
December 15
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Photo:Michael Hull
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Have a rockin’ time ringing in the new year in Times Square while waiting for the ball drop at one of the most famous parties in the world.
December 31
Three Kings Day Parade. Photo: Tagger Yancey IV
Line up for El Museo del Barrio’s Three Kings Day Parade
Wind up the holiday season at El Museo del Barrio’s Three Kings Day Parade with puppets, camels, music and other festive features.
January 6
Performances
Join the fun with the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center
Head to the big top, or in this case Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center, for a night of acrobatics, aerial feats and juggling by the Big Apple Circus.
November 8–January 5
Radio City Rockettes. Courtesy, MSG
Get into the spirit by seeing the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Visit the iconic Radio City Music Hall to see the high-kicking Rockettes in a holiday show that’s an NYC institution.
November 8–January 5
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Paul Kolnik
Embrace a classic at George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Make it a night to remember at Lincoln Center by catching the New York City Ballet’s holiday staple, The Nutcracker.
November 29–January 4
Continue a tradition with a showing of A Christmas Carol, The Musical
This family-friendly Off-Broadway production returns for its 16th year, bringing Charles Dickens’ classic tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge to life with music.
December 1–30
Photo: Dario Calmese
Get inspired by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dive into the beloved dance theater’s winter programming for its 66th season, which features a special anniversary return, world premieres and updated takes on Ailey classics.
December 4–January 5
Courtesy, New York Philarmonic
Celebrate the season with the New York Philharmonic
Holidays with the NY Phil returns with classic programming like Handel’s Messiah, featuring the instantly recognizable “Hallelujah” chorus, as well as the festive Sounds of the Season and a production of Elf in concert.
December 11–22
Courtesy, The Met Opera
Welcome back The Magic Flute to The Met Opera
Bring the family to the abridged version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, a fairytale that comes to life every holiday season at The Met Opera.
December 12–January 4
Cheer for the biggest names in mainstream pop at iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball
Music stars come together for this holiday celebration at Madison Square Garden, with featured artists Katy Perry, Twenty One Pilots, Gracie Abrams and more.
December 13
Don't miss The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre
Now in its 21st year, the annual show follows a grandmother as she reads a storybook that transports viewers on a journey from the North Pole to Times Square, with holiday sounds peppered throughout.
December 13–15
Soothe yourself with the Candlelight Series’ seasonal performances
This popular concert program presents performances including holiday jazz and soul and the holiday special featuring The Nutcracker, held at various churches and other venues across the City.
December 13–21
Root for your favorites at the Amateur Night Holiday Special at The Apollo
Watch up-and-comers pay homage to Apollo Theater legends in this holiday installment of the theater’s longtime series.
December 14
Courtesy, The Apollo
Experience The Apollo’s Winter Wonderland
Take a picture with Santa under the famous Apollo Theater marquee during the Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland; festivities include a toy and book drive and live performances.
December 14
The Brooklyn Nutcracker. Photo: Kyle Froman
Try two takes of The Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
Enjoy a classic spin on The Nutcracker by the Grand Kyiv Ballet or watch a twist on tradition with The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a family-friendly mashup that remixes Tchaikovsky with modern music and moves.
December 14 & 23
Courtesy, Queens Farm
Bundle up for O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm
Cozy up to a holiday favorite with this reading of The Gift of the Magi presented outdoors on the farm’s pasture (dress warmly!).
December 14
Jasmine La Beija. Photo: Diego Quintanar
Enjoy a holiday concert at the Guggenheim
This annual event rings through the rotunda of the Guggenheim with music by Charles Turner & Uptown Swing and singer Jasmine Rice LaBeija.
December 15
Witness Mariah Carey belt her most famous holiday tunes
At Barclays Center, the powerhouse behind “All I Want for Christmas Is You” performs in all her seasonal glory as part of her Christmas Time tour.
December 17
Have a Merry and Bright time with Jessica Vosk at Carnegie Hall
Broadway star Jessica Vosk joins the New York Pops for this annual musical tradition full of holiday favorites.
December 20 & 21
Kwanzaa at the Apollo. Courtesy, Apollo Theater
Enjoy Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at The Apollo
The Apollo Theater’s family-friendly Kwanzaa festivities return with performances by the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, in celebration of the guiding tenets of Kwanzaa.
December 21
Exhibits
Check out toys and trains at the New York Historical
Seek inspiration from the past for your own holiday train display at the Holiday Express from the 1850s to 1940s, as well as elaborate American and European train station models, all handcrafted and hand painted.
November 15–February 4
Head to the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Discover your favorite NYC landmarks—made from natural materials like bark, twigs and leaves—while watching model trains zip along almost half a mile of track inside the garden’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
November 16–January 20
Courtesy, American Museum of Natural History
Admire the Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
A beloved tradition at the museum, this year’s Origami Holiday Tree is called “Jumping for Joy” and is dedicated to everything from rabbits to frogs to porpoises, with over 1,000 handmade folded paper models on this 13-foot-tall display.
November 25–January 2
View the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at The Met Fifth Avenue
Marvel at The Met’s 20-foot blue spruce Christmas tree and 18th-century nativity scene in the Medieval Sculpture Hall.
November 26–January 6
Courtesy, Historic Richmond Town
Spend Christmas in Historic Richmond Town
Experience a 19th-century Christmas at Staten Island’s preserved village, where you can explore shops like the general store or watch an artisan at work. Holiday programming includes horse-drawn carriages and candlelit tours.
December 7 & 8
Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Photo: Winston Williams
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Learn the seven principles of Kwanzaa through art, workshops, dance and musical performances at the City’s largest annual celebration of this cultural holiday, produced by the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation.
December 26–December 30
Lightings and Light Displays
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. Photo: Julie Larsen
Watch as the Bronx Zoo transforms with holiday lights
The zoo’s holiday light display features glowing animal lanterns and light shows.
November 22–January 5
Courtesy, Brookfield Place
Immerse yourself in Brookfield Place’s holiday programming
Situated right on the water is Brookfield Place and its Winter Garden, home to numerous holiday events including the annual Luminaries light installation featuring choreographed shows as well as ice-skating and holiday performances.
November 22–January 3
Courtesy, Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Head to Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Walk through the mile-long pathway at Lightscape, which has 1 million glittering lights, art installations and even an illuminated tunnel with a cathedral-style ceiling.
November 22–January 5
Christmas tree, The Seaport. Photo: Matthew Penrod
Watch the Seaport transform for the holidays
Head to this Lower Manhattan neighborhoodfor an array of holiday-themed events that will delight all ages. The ice rink returns, inviting revelers to skate against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, while the famed Dead Rabbit will be bringing cocktails rinkside in a pop-up experience. For opportunities to meet Santa, a holiday pop-up market and a luminous art installation round out the season at the Seaport.
November 22–January 7
Courtesy, Hudson Yards
Marvel at the lights of “Shine Bright” at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards welcomes the winter with Shine Bright a holiday display illuminated by 2 million white lights and a hot air balloon suspended from the ceiling. Check their website for other upcoming holiday events.
November 25–January 5
Photo: Will Steacy
Head to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Whether it’s your first stop or the grand finale of your holiday visit to the City, the tree at Rockefeller Center is a must visit.
December 4–mid-January
Go on a journey with Lektrik: A Festival of Lights at Queens Botanical Garden
This lantern festival comes to life with 40 luminescent scenes depicting a winter wonderland. Created by over 150 artisans, this display within the Queens Botanical Garden also features acrobats, artisans, small bites and cocktails.
December 20–22
Grand Army Plaza Menorah. Photo: Julienne Schaer
Gather for the lighting of the largest menorah(s)
You've got eight nights (and days) of Hanukkah for a Grand Army Plaza menorah lighting in Brooklyn or Manhattan.
December 25–January 1
Activities
Sample Arthur Avenue’s holiday treats
Visit Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for some authentic, old-school Italian holiday cookies and pastries from shops like Artuso and Egidio.
Ongoing, though some items seasonal
Bryant Park Holiday Market. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Browse the City’s holiday markets
By November, the City’s holiday markets are in full swing. For fun decor, stocking stuffers, warm ciders and a classic holiday market experience, there’s the Union Square Holiday Market, the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park’s Winter Village and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. For a more eclectic shopping experience, hit Chelsea Flea, Brooklyn Flea, the Grand Holiday Bazaar or the I Am Caribbeing holiday market for handmade crafts and products like coffee, jewelry, baked goods, seasonings, books and candles, all made by artisans in the local Caribbean and Latino community.
Dates vary, though generally early November through December 24 (some continue into the new year)
Explore Coney Island as a winter wonderland
Luna Park opens for the very first time during the winter months to host Frost Fest, a holiday destination featuring rides, a winter market and, of course, Santa.
Select days November 2—January 1
Marvel at the window displays on Fifth Avenue
Have yourself a merry little NYC day walking from Rockefeller Center to The Plaza Hotel, right across from Central Park. Take Fifth Avenue to see the holiday window displays at beloved stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s and Cartier.
Dates vary, usually mid-November to end of the year
Courtesy, Classic Harbor Line
Take a holiday cruise on New York Harbor
A tour around the harbor on a themed cruise (with options including Holiday Jazz and Cocoa and Carols) shows you the city sights while you sit or stand aboard a beautiful wood-paneled 1920s-inspired yacht—decorated for the season.
Starting November 16
Courtesy, The Plaza - A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Sip holiday tea at The Plaza Hotel
If you’re looking to create picture-perfect holiday scenes, The Plaza Hotel should be on your list, featuring activities like a festive afternoon tea in The Palm Court.
Afternoon Tea Menu available November 20–January 12
Macy's. Photo: Joe Buglewicz
Don’t miss Macy’s Santaland at 34th Street Herald Square
NYC’s festive magic comes alive at Herald Square with Santaland, an indoor Christmas Village where you can meet and chat with Santa and, of course, snap a commemorative photo. Be sure to make a reservation to visit Santaland, but the iconic holiday window display is free and opens November 21.
Reservations open November 24; Santa is in town November 29–December 24
Courtesy, On Location Tours
Witness the silver screen come to life at the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites tour
Take in the sights from beloved holiday movies set in New York City on this themed tour Head to locations including Rockefeller Center and Central Park to celebrate classic films such as Elf, Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
November 29–January 2
Courtesy, Wave Hill
Take the Holiday Wreath Workshop at Wave Hill
Welcome the holidays to your door with a wreath you made yourself at Wave Hill. Learn techniques and designs from the pros during this crafty weekend or simply buy one at the Winter Haven Artisan Market.
December 6–8
Wollman Rink. Photo: Billy Hickey
Hit the ice…
Explore the many rinks across the City, including those in Central Park, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center. Find all your options in our handy guide to skating around the City.
Dates vary (most run from November to mid-March)
Coney Island Polar Plunge. Photo: Dan Turkewitz
…and the beach!
Dive into 2025 with the Coney Island Polar Plunge—or just watch from a safe distance.
January 1
