Ready the Ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats — we’re approaching the most wonderful time of the year.
If you want to channel you inner Mariah Carey this winter, we’ve rounded up the best holiday things to do in NYC, from light displays to markets, shows to kids’ events, and everything in between. And of course, 2025 will introduce us to some new holiday happenings as well.
We’ve mapped out some of our favorites, but be sure to stay tuned — plenty more are still ahead!
Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree…
It’s not Christmas in NYC without the iconic greenery in Rockefeller Center.
This year’s stunning selection will arrive at 30 Rock on November 8th, followed by a morning of family-friendly crafts and entertainment. But you’ll have to wait a few weeks before the 50,000 LED lights set this beauty aglow.
Stay tuned for more updates on the spruce from Upstate, New York!
…But don’t forget about other Christmas tree lightings
While the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tends to steal the show, the Norway Spruce isn’t the only stunning greenery in NYC — trust us.
There are plenty of lightings to check out throughout the season, so we suggest bundling up and filling up a thermos with hot cocoa before heading out.
Check out this guide to our favorite spots.
Hop aboard Holiday Train Lights at NYBG
All aboard!
The New York Botanical Garden is continuing its tradition of transforming the Haupt Conservatory into a bustling replica of NYC, complete with locomotives zipping about.
During Holiday Train Nights, guests can sip cocktails and mocktails as the trains zip around the beloved grounds.
🗓️ Beginning November 22nd
Watch the Rockettes ring in a milestone
It’s triple digits for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the Rockettes are ready to high kick their way into the extraordinary centennial territory.
Expect new numbers in the show, festive surprises, and of course, the iconic “Parade of Wooden Soldiers.”
🗓️ From November 6th
Get tickets to a Candlelight show
Renowned worldwide, Candlelight concerts set gorgeous city attractions aglow while string performers take on music from today’s most popular artists — Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, and beyond.
During the holiday season, musicians switch things up and go the festive route with offerings like “Christmas Carols on Strings” and a “Nutcracker” special, to name a few.
🎟️ Have a look at the calendar and book a show!
Hop aboard a vintage holiday train ride
Ready to hop aboard and take a step back in time?
New York Transit Museum will roll out subway cars from the 1930s for its annual vintage train rides — all you need is your $2.90 fare. A few things to know about this year’s offerings:
- The rides will run every Sunday in December from 10am to 5pm,
- The train will depart from 2 Av–Houston St on the uptown F line and 96 St–2 Av on the Q line.
- For stops between 2 Av–Houston St and Lexington Av–63 St, board on the F line platform.
- For stops between Lexington Av–63 St and 96 St–2 Av, board on the Q line platform.
Save us a seat, won’t you?
Stop by the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
After its abrupt cancellation in 2024, the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show will make a triumphant return this season on November 24th. After your pitstop to see the tree, head across the street to admire Saks’ display.
According to a press release, “The lights will dance to a curated medley of uplifting music, creating a luminous celebration of light and sound.” Six windows will be decked out as well, and this year, they will be NYC-centric: snowy Central Park, a fashionable, Saks’ take on the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and so forth.
We’re very much ready for this spectacular display’s return.
🗓️ From November 24th
Wander through Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park…
NYC’s ultimate winter wonderland is right in the heart of Midtown.
Every year, Bryant Park transitions into a seasonal sensation with ice skating, curling, a lodge well-stocked with delectable treats, and vendor stands of local artisans — all assembled with the gorgeous New York Public Library
Whether you’re getting gifting or looking to enjoy a winter night out, this is the spot.
🗓️ Opens Friday, October 24th
…or one of NYC’s other holiday markets
Urbanspace sets up shop in NYC’s most iconic locales every year, bringing creative artisans, sweet treats, and plenty of holiday cheer along for the ride.
In 2025, markets are getting upgrades including photo booths — selfies are mandatory, of course — interactive directories, and festive new decor, particularly at Union Square.
Bookmark these start dates in your calendar:
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: October 24th
- Macy’s Holiday Square: November 8th
- Union Square Holiday Market: November 13th
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market: December 2nd
Visit our Urbanspace 2025 guide for more information.
See what’s happening at Field + Supply’s debut NYC market
Considered a “modern interpretations of traditional arts and crafts fairs,” this gorgeous gathering along the Kingston, New York, waterfront features over 275 vendors and draws in thousands. Of course we’re ready to welcome it with open arms and wallets.
“Our Holiday MRKT is both a celebration of our 10-year journey and an opportunity to introduce our community of incredible makers to an even broader audience and just in time for the season of gifting,” Field + Supply founder Brad Ford said.
Although the list of vendors is still TBD, 250 will be available and cover a variety of areas: decor, jewelry, wellness, and beyond.
Tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, October 22nd via the Field + Supply website.
🗓️ Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th
📍 Starrett Lehigh Building: 601 W 26th St, NY
Watch Grand Bazaar reach a milestone
Grand Bazaar, a.k.a the city’s longest-running market with all the irresistible stocking stuffers, is celebrating turning 40 years old with a Christmastime treat: a pop-up inside Grand Central Terminal.
Over 50 vendors will be on hand with vintage delight —clothes, decor, and beyond — that will surely please the most stylish person in your friend group.
- 📍Grand Central Terminal, Biltmore Room (89 East 42nd St., New York, NY)
- 🗓️ December 16 – December 18, 2025
- ⏰ 8am – 7pm
Head to Dyker Heights
For a festive spectacle that would make Clark Griswold drool, look no further than Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
The neighborhood goes all out with its Christmas spirit, which includes tons of lights, music, and seasonal displays. Truth be told, with so many lights, we’re surprised some homeowners are able to find their way to the door.
Typically, the displays kick off once Thanksgiving comes to a close. Will you stop by this year?
Hang out with Santa at his workshop
The aptly named Magical Wonderland is an unforgettable experience that gives you a behind-the-scenes hang and photo-op with Santa.
Ride the magical train from Long Island straight to the North Pole. Find your name on the naughty or nice list, learn how to use the Elves control station, help Santa ready his sleigh for the big day and build a toy side by side Santa and all of it is captured through photos!
Bring in the holidays with festive cheer while it’s here! Magical Wonderland is located on Long Island in Nassau County.
📍 2200 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh, NY
Take the kiddos to Passport To Santa
As it turns out, the North Pole is not entirely far away — in fact, it’s hiding in Columbus Circle.
This year, Passport to Santa, will set up shop on the Upper West Side with an immersive, festive experience featuring lights, cheerful elves, and plenty of photo ops.
The waitlist for the experience just opened, and you can join here to get your tickets before they officially go on sale October 28th!
Go ice skating
Time to lace up those skates, NYC.
The best ice rinks in town are gearing up for their grand return — and, unsurprisingly, the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center is already up and running.
We recommend a visit to the new Domino Park rink, which is returning for a second year along the Brooklyn waterfront. And, the Davis Center in Central Park will transform into an ice rink — something that’s definitely lacking uptown.