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
1. 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 23
Courtesy, Jewish Children’s Museum
2. Bring the kids to the Hanukkah Family Festival at the Jewish Children’s Museum
Take the whole family to celebrate the festival of lights at the Jewish Children’s Museum. Join Hanukkah-themed workshops, decorate a doughnut and learn how olive oil is made.
Dates to be announced (Hanukkah is December 7–15)
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. Photo:Michael Hull
3. 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
4. Join 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 5
Performances
5. Join the fun with the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center
Head to the big top, or in this case Lincoln Center, for a night of acrobatics, aerial feats and juggling by the Big Apple Circus.
November 8–January 1
6. Soothe yourself with the Candlelight Series’ holiday performances
This popular concert program presents performances for the holidays like Holiday Soul and Jazz and the Holiday Special Featuring The Nutcracker, held at the Opera House, various churches and other venues across the City.
November 10–January 26
Radio City Rockettes. Courtesy, MSG
7. Get into the spirit by seeing the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Catch the iconic Radio City with the high-kicking Rockettes.
November 17–January 1
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo: Paul Kolnik
8. 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 24–December 31
9. Continue a tradition with a showing of A Christmas Carol, The Musical
This Off-Broadway family-friendly production returns for its 15th year, setting Charles Dickens’ famous story about one miserly man named Ebenezer Scrooge to music.
November 26–December 30
Solomon Dumas Khalia Campbell and Samantha Figgins in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo: Paul Kolnik
10. Get Inspired by Holidays at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dive into the beloved dance theater’s winter programming for its 65th season, which features world premieres and an updated take on Ailey classics.
November 29–December 31
Courtesy, New York Philarmonic
11. Celebrate the Holidays with the New York Philharmonic
Holidays at the NY Phil returns with classic programming like Handel’s Messiah, featuring the instantly recognizable “Hallelujah” chorus, as well as the festive Holiday Brass concert and a production of Marvel’s Black Panther in concert.
December 6–23
12. Don't miss The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre
Catch the 20th anniversary of the annual Christmas Show; watch as Grandma reads a storybook that transports you on a journey from the North Pole to Times Square, with holiday sounds peppered throughout.
December 8–10
Courtesy, The Met Opera
13. Welcome back The Magic Flute to the 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 8–30
14. 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, featuring artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, SZA and OneRepublic.
December 8
15. 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 9
Courtesy, The Apollo
16. 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 9
The Brooklyn Nutcracker. Photo: Kyle Froman
17. Find a twist on tradition with The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
It's in with the new at The Brooklyn Nutcracker by the Brooklyn Ballet, which offers a reimagined take on the classic with hip-hop, ballet and world dance.
December 16
Courtesy, Queens Farm
18. 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 right on the farm’s pasture (dress warmly!).
December 16
Jasmine La Beija. Photo: Diego Quintanar
19. Enjoy a holiday concert at the Guggenheim Museum
This annual event rings through the rotunda of the Guggenheim with musical acts Charles Turner & Uptown Swing as well as singer Jasmine Rice LaBeija.
December 17
20. Witness Mariah Carey belt her most famous holiday tunes
At Madison Square Garden, the legend behind “All I Want for Christmas” performs in all her seasonal glory as part of her Merry Christmas One and All! tour.
December 17
21. Have the Best Christmas of All with Norm Lewis at Carnegie Hall
Tony Award–winner Norm Lewis joins the New York Pops for this annual musical tradition full of holiday favorites.
December 22–23
Kwanzaa at the Apollo. Courtesy, Apollo Theater
22. Enjoy Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at the Apollo Theater
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 30
Exhibits
23. 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.
Dates to be announced
24. 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 through almost half a mile of track right inside the garden’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
November 17–January 15
Courtesy, AMNH
25. The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
A beloved tradition at the museum, this year’s Origami Holiday Tree is dedicated to elephants, with over 1,000 handmade folded paper models on this 13-foot-tall display.
November 21–TBA
A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript. Photo: Janny Chiu
26. A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript at The Morgan Library & Museum
In an annual tradition, the Morgan Library will turn to page 7 of Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of A Christmas Carol for this year’s exhibition of the work.
November 21–January 7
Courtesy, New York Historical Society
27. The Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at the New-York Historical Society
Seek inspiration from the past for your own holiday train display at this seasonal exhibit showcasing vintage toy trains from the 1850s to 1940s, as well as elaborate American and European train station models, all handcrafted and hand painted.
November 24–February 4
Courtesy, Historic Richmond Town
28. Spend Christmas in Historic Richmond Town
Experience a 19th-century Christmas at Staten Island’s preserved village, where you can walk around to see shops like the general store or watch an artisan at work. Holiday programming includes horse-drawn carriages and candlelit tours.
Dates to be announced
29. 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
Link to event TBA
30. Inspire your sweet tooth at Gingerbread Lane
Visit the world’s largest gingerbread village at Gingerbread Lane in Essex Market.
Dates to be announced.
Lightings and Light Displays
Courtesy, Brookfield Place
31. Immerse yourself in Brookfield Place’s holiday programming
Situated right on the water is Brookfield Place and its famous winter garden, which brings the City its annual Luminaries light installation featuring choreographed shows along with winter favorites like waterfront ice-skating and holiday performances.
Dates to be announced
32. Hop on the ferry to Governors Island Winter Village
Head from Lower Manhattan or waterfront Brooklyn to Governors Island, where historic Colonels Row houses serve as the backdrop to the island’s Winter Village, complete with sledding, skating, lawn games, fire pits and seasonal bites.
Dates to be announced
33. 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 13
Photo: Will Steacy
34. 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.
November 29—January 13
Christmas tree, The Seaport. Photo: Matthew Penrod
35. Watch the Seaport transform for the holidays
See the Seaport’s Rooftop at Pier 17 become Santa’s headquarters at the North Pole, with ice-skating, seasonal treats and a photo op in Santa’s own comfy chair.
November 22–January 7
Courtesy, Queens County Farm Museum
36. Walk through Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm Museum
Visit the Queens County Farm for a lantern festival with handcrafted pieces that tell the stories of various Chinese myths and legends.
November 17–January 7
Courtesy, Brooklyn Botanical Garden
37. 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 top.
November 17–January 1
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. Photo: Julie Larsen
38. Watch as the Bronx Zoo transforms with holiday lights
The zoo's holiday light display features glowing animal lanterns and light shows.
November 17–January 7
Glow. Courtesy, NYBG
39. Marvel at the New York Botanical Garden’s Glow
Have an evening of live entertainment, hot cocoa and festive holiday light displays at NYBG Glow, an installation that spans the historic buildings and landscapes of the New York Botanical Garden.
November 17–January 13
Astra Lumina. Photo: Moment Factory
40. Go on a journey with the Astra Lumina walk at Queens Botanical Garden
The stars fall down to earth in this mile-long celestial light display within the Queens Botanical Garden.
November 24–December 31
Grand Army Plaza. Photo: Billy Hickey
41. 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 7–15
Activities
42. Sample Arthur Avenue’s holiday treats
Visit Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for some authentic and old-school Italian holiday cookies and pastries from shops like Artuso’s or Egidio’s.
Ongoing, though some items seasonal
43. 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 7th annual I AM CARIBBEING holiday market in Brooklyn for handmade crafts and products like coffee, jewelry, baked goods, seasonings, books, candles and more, all made by artisans in the local Caribbean and Latinx community.
Dates vary, though generally early November through December 24
44. 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, The Plaza - A Fairmont Managed Hotel
45.
Sit down for Holiday Tea at The Plaza Hotel
If you’re looking to re-create that movie magic of the holidays in New York City, The Plaza Hotel should be on your list, featuring holiday activities like a festive afternoon tea in The Palm Court.
Afternoon Tea Menu available November 1 to December 31.
46. Take a Holiday Cruise on New York Harbor
A tour around the harbor on a themed cruise (Holiday Jazz, 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 15
47. 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 an ice rink, rides, a winter market and, of course, Santa.
Through January 7
Courtesy, On Location Tours
48. 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 like Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park’s Winter Village to celebrate films like Elf, Eloise at Christmastime or Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
November 25–January 2
Courtesy, Wave Hill
49. 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 Artisan Market on December 1 and 2.
December 1–3
Wollman Rink. Photo: Billy Hickey
50. Hit the ice…
Explore the many rinks across the City, including ones in Cenral Park, Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center. Find all your options in handy guide to skating around the City.
Dates vary (most run from November to mid-March)
51. …And the Beach!
Dive into 2024 with the Coney Island Polar Plunge—or just watch from a safe distance.
January 1
