The holidays are right around the corner, and just in time for the temperatures to start dropping and winter steadily creep up on us, the Seaport has turned into the ultimate winter oasis!
The 40 ft x 92 ft Ice Rink at the Seaport will return this year at a new location on Seaport Square, between Piers 16 and 17, offering New Yorkers the chance to ice skate for free below the NYC skyline.
They’ll also host their annual holiday tree and menorah lighting ceremonies, welcome a new pop-up shopping experience, and offer holiday food and beverage specials to ring in the season.
“The holidays are always a joyous time at the Seaport,” says Saul Scherl, President of the New York Region, The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We are excited to welcome the community back to the ice rink to enjoy skating along the iconic Lower Manhattan waterfront, plus the Seaport’s many festive events, culinary offerings and retail experiences—including a special feel-good opportunity to shop and give back to those in need this holiday season.”
Here are all the exciting winter happenings taking over Seaport this winter:
Ice Skating Rink
The Seaport’s Ice Rink will return Tuesday, November 22, offering free admission skating with skates available to rent. Aurora, an expansive overhead light art installation, will span the distance of the rink and feature unique light displays emulating the Northern Lights and making skating at the rink a vibrant experience unlike any other. The Ice Rink at the Seaport will be open daily, and you can book your rentals here.
Find some of our other favorite ice rinks here.
When: Daily, starting Tuesday, November 22, 5p.m. – 10p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting
On Tuesday, November 29, the Seaport will host its annual holiday tree lighting celebration. The illumination of the 30-foot neighborhood tree will take place on Fulton Street at the entrance to the Seaport’s historic cobblestones and kick off the festive season. Musical performances and a special guest appearance from Santa will lead up to the lighting.
When: Tuesday, November 29, 5p.m.
Menorah Lighting
To mark the start of Hanukkah, the Jewish Learning Center will host its annual menorah lighting at the Seaport on Sunday, December 18 on the Heineken Riverdeck. The celebration will start at the Ice Rink and include traditional Hanukkah treats, musical entertainment from local artists, and end with the ceremonial lighting of the 15-foot nautical menorah.
When: Sunday, December 18
Holiday Giving
The Seaport will host various philanthropic events throughout the season, beginning with a pop-up from Choose Love, an organization that brings aid to those in need, that will run from Tuesday, November 29 through Christmas Eve at 204 Front Street. Visitors will be able to “shop” for those in need, buying necessities to be donated to refugees across the world living under difficult conditions.
When: Various events held throughout the holiday season
If you find yourself at The Seaport when a particular event isn’t going on, why not spend a day eating and getting a head start on your holiday shopping?
Many small businesses take over Front Street at the Hester Street Fair Holiday Market, and restaurants in the area are the perfect places to fuel up on seasonal specials such as an absolutely delicious Gingerbread Negroni at Dante’s Negroni Bar or the December Cone-of-the-Month at Mister Dips.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s recently opened marketplace also brings six full service new restaurants, six quick service counters, four bars, and retail and private dining offerings to the historic Tin Building, offering visitors a winter wonderland full of culinary experiences and festive treats.