December is officially knocking on NYC’s door, and you know what that means: the city is about to get a whole lot more magical! ✨
Between twinkling holiday lights, festive markets, world-famous seasonal traditions, and plenty of ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, December is one of the most exciting months to be in New York City.
Whether you’re looking to admire dazzling holiday displays, sip something cozy at a winter pop-up, catch a spectacular seasonal show, or simply soak up the magic of NYC dressed up for the holidays, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.
Here are the best things to do in NYC this December so you can start filling up your calendar!
If your idea of holiday magic involves a little Victorian drama and a well-crafted cocktail, add this immersive seasonal outing to your December lineup.
A Christmas Cocktail Carol is bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved ghost story to The Arches in Crown Heights for a special two-day run on December 4–5.
Over the course of 90 minutes, you’ll journey through the eerie worlds of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, with four handcrafted cocktails inspired by Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation included in your ticket.
Expect theatrical storytelling, festive spirits, and a delightfully spooky twist on a holiday classic—just the thing for a unique night out with friends or a spirited date night.
Once the temperatures drop, artisan holiday markets begin to pop up all over NYC, celebrating local makers and makers from across the globe.
Whether you’re in search of handcrafted jewelry for a loved one, festive food hall treats, or retro ornaments and immersive holiday installations to enjoy yourself, there’s no shortage of holiday destinations and shopping villages to explore around the city.
Here’s a list of the best holiday markets in NYC this season to get a head start on your shopping.
Ring in the New Year in the heart of Times Square
There’s no place quite like NYC to ring in the new year!
As December 31 approaches, the city comes alive with excitement, celebrations, and plenty of opportunities to bid farewell to 2026 in style. Whether you’re planning a big night out or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, there’s no shortage of New Year’s Eve magic across the five boroughs.
Lace up your skates and hit the ice rink
One of New York City’s most magical winter traditions is gliding around an ice rink, and many have already made their seasonal comebacks! Here are a few definitely worth checking out:
The 76-foot, 11-ton Norway spruce rolled into Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 7, though it’s still not lit up for the season. That all changes in December, though.
The world-famous tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026.
The annual event is one of the biggest Christmas traditions in NYC. It’s the magical moment when the switch is flipped on 50,000 twinkling lights, the 900-pound Swarovski star sparkles to life with 3 million crystals, and the holiday season officially kicks off in New York City.
Explore one of NYC’s exciting immersive exhibits
Ever wanted to climb Mount Everest–without actually climbing Mount Everest–or be surrounded by art that comes to life through larger-than-life visuals?! Well, NYC’s exciting immersive exhibitions make that all possible!
Here are some you can immerse yourself in this December:
- Everest: The First Ascent – Relive the historic first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 in a groundbreaking VR experience that brings the expedition to life
- ARTE MUSEUM: An Immersive Media Art Exhibition – Lose yourself in captivating digital artworks inspired by the eternal beauty of nature
- Mercer Labs: A Museum of Art and Technology – Step inside three-dimensional light structures powered by over 500,000 suspended LEDs
Trade the usual night out for a live music experience surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles.
Candlelight Concerts bring an exciting range of musical tributes to venues all over NYC this December, from pop favorites to classic rock, all performed in intimate settings that make the experience feel a little more special.
Here are just a few of the concerts to bookmark this December:
- 12/3: Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
- 12/4: Candlelight: Sezen Aksu
- 12/10: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
- 12/11: Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
- 12/12: Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson
- 12/13: Candlelight Jazz: Tribute to Frank Sinatra
- 12/17: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
- 12/18: Candlelight: Christmas Classics
- 12/20: Candlelight Babies: Classical Sounds to Stimulate Little Minds
As the holiday season approaches, the Metropolitan Opera is bringing back a beloved New York tradition: Mozart’s The Magic Flute .
Returning to the stage December 11, 2026, through January 2, 2027, the production, directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, transforms the classic masterpiece into a magical winter adventure.
Running just under 90 minutes, the production is packed with vibrant sets, colorful costumes, and whimsical puppetry, making for the perfect introduction to opera for audiences of all ages.
Escape the NYC holiday madness for more low key winter villages
Of course New York City is home to a slew of magical winter villages on its own, but we all know how crowded they can get. If you’re willing to head out of the city for a bit, there’s tons of magical winter and Christmas villages to explore, too, minus the massive crowds.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, Pennsylvania
- Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- The German Christmas Market in Augusta, New Jersey (three days only: Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6)
The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is bringing a new adventure to Westchester with spellbinding surprises, magical creatures, and interactive moments to discover along the illuminated trail.
Just 40 miles from NYC, you’ll step into the Wizarding World and meet Hippogriffs, unicorns, Nifflers, and other magical creatures along the way.
Want to put your magic to the test? You can even try your hand at spell-casting as you try to conjure a Patronus!
Prepare to step back into the enchantment, follow the illuminated forest path, and see what awaits you among the trees.
One of New York City’s most magical winter traditions is chugging back into Grand Central Terminal with festive art, gifts for transit fans of all ages, and an enchanting display of model trains.
A beloved staple of NYC’s holiday festivities since 2002, this year’s free exhibition brings classic Lionel trains—including Metro-North, vintage subway sets, and the whimsical Polar Express—making their journey from a miniature Grand Central Terminal all the way to the snowy North Pole.
Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, it’s a must-see enchanting display for visitors of all ages.
Sing along to your favorite pop hits with a Broadway twist
Broadway Sings brings musical-theater performers and TV vocalists to The Cutting Room for high-energy tribute nights that give pop classics a full theatrical twist.
Here are some shows you can check out this December:
If there’s one thing New Yorkers take seriously, it’s their restaurant reservations. And 14 New York City restaurants just landed on OpenTable’s list of the best restaurants in the country for 2026.
The annual ranking spotlights standout dining destinations across the U.S. based on over 11 million real diner reviews and dining experiences, and from sizzling steakhouses to must-visit pizzerias, foodies now have plenty of names to add to their must-try lists.
Here’s OpenTables list of the best NYC restaurants for 2026.
Luminiscence is welcoming guests to the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral where they can witness a show where live music, history, and video mapping come together to present the cathedral in a whole new light.
Watch the Cathedral’s stone walls transform into vibrant works of art through light and motion as you discover the people, moments, and milestones that shaped the cathedral’s enduring legacy.
P.S. there’s even a Luminiscence Christmas Edition, running November 18, 2026 through January 2, 2027!