Winter is coming soon to New York City, and that mean it’s nearly the most festive time of the year! The city shines particularly bright with lights illuminating every corner you turn. From the epic lights of Dyker Heights and Saks Fifth Avenue, to all the restaurants and rooftops that have transformed for the holidays—here are some of the most festive things happening this season to enjoy a truly magical holiday.
1. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
One of the world’s most famous illuminated Christmas trees stands tall in the heart of Rockefeller Center, and it’s most certainly an item to check off your NYC holiday bucket list. The massive Christmas tree is now shining bright, and features around 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, as it sits in the Rockefeller Plaza every day during holiday season.
The tree also overlooks The Rink at Rockefeller Center, a renowned ice rink which is now open for the season!
2. Go shopping at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Bryant Park is the place to be for the holiday season in NYC! This holiday market is home to over 180 vendors selling food and gifts, as well as an iconic (free) ice rink, an iceless curling experience, cute chalets, a cafe, and so much more! It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours wandering and taking in the holiday sights and sounds!
The Bryant Park Winer Village is officially open for the holiday season now!
3. Visit Santa, Go Shopping & Brighten Up Your Holiday At Brookfield Place
Brookfield Place is a shopping oasis in Lower Manhattan where you can find a variety of retail stores. This holiday is home to an abundance of festivities. The shopping complex is located at 230 Vesey Street, right along the Hudson River.
Santa will be in attendance for all of your selfies on select days through Dec. 24th! Enjoy tropical photo ops at Santa’s Sandcastle, too! Don’t miss out on skating while taking in views of the Hudson. Throughout December, there are tons of offers, giveaways, and freebies! Go to Brookfield Place for the shopping, and stay for various incredible holiday activities, go here for all the details!
4. Admire NYBG’s charming Holiday Train Show
The Annual Holiday Train Show is back at the New York Botanical Garden! Watch model trains travel through NYC landmarks—like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, and others—as adorable miniatures made out of natural materials like birch bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Learn more about NYBG’s Holiday Train Show here.
5. Shop for magical holiday gifts at the Harry Potter New York flagship
From a magical wand shop to Honeydukes-inspired sweets, you’ll find no shortage of holiday shopping magic at Harry Potter New York. Head to the massive store at 935 Broadway for Hogwarts robes, rare toys, and more wizarding collectibles that are sure to wow the Harry Potter fans in your life. And once you’ve found that perfect gift, treat yourself to a foaming cup of Butterbeer from the magnificent Butterbeer Bar or Fly a Broomstick! The green screen experience lets visitors take to the skies over Hogwarts, soar alongside the Knight Bus, and seek the Golden Snitch during a Hogwarts Quidditch match.
6. Go ice skating
Nothing says winter (and the holiday season) like a visit to the ice rink! The Wollman Ice Rink is a Central Park staple, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is right near the famous tree, and the rink at Bryant Park is inside a holiday market! Find more rinks to check out here.
7. Enjoy the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular
One of New York City’s greatest Christmas shows, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, is currently showing at the iconic venue Radio City Music Hall. The legendary Rockettes are kickin’ once again this season, bringing their unforgettable and spirited performance to NYC all throughout the holidays! Learn more about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes here.
8. Visit some holiday markets
What would the holiday season in NYC be without our enchanting holiday markets? We of course mentioned Bryant Park’s Winter Village earlier, but there are plenty of others like the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and more that happen annually. Check out all of NYC’s holiday markets here!
9. Check out the holiday window displays
Don’t worry if you can’t afford anything at those luxurious shops up and down Fifth Avenue (we can’t either). What we can afford though is some nice window shopping! Each year, Fifth Avenue’s shops put on mesmerizing displays, typically with a theme! Here are some of the main players this year:
10. Enjoy a holiday performance at the Candlelight Concert Series
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is set to return with holiday-themed concerts! Enjoy some smooth, jazzy renditions of holiday favorites, and feel the music usher in all the good feelings that arrive with the most special time of the year. Join our musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds! Check them out here:
- Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
- Candlelight: Holiday Carols on Strings
- Candlelight: Holiday Soul and Jazz Classics
11. Lace up for the Winter Whirl Roller Rink at The Oculus
From now through January 5th, The Shops at the Oculus are hosting the Winter Whirl, a roller rink on the Oculus floor! Learn more about securing your spot and other seasonal offerings online.
12. Sing-a-long at Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert
Get ready for a festive treat as Mariah Carey’s Christmas concert returns to NYC this December! The “Queen of Christmas” will perform her iconic hits, including “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” at three locations: Newark, NJ on December 13, UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY on December 15, and Madison Square Garden on December 17. Tickets are on sale now, with special options for Verizon customers and VIP packages available.
13. Illuminate into the Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Walk through a trail of over 1 million lights at Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The after-dark and illuminated trail features 18 installations by international light artists and design collectives like the Winter Cathedral, Fire Garden, and more. It’s a magical way to experience the Garden’s landscapes, trees, water features, and architectural details under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music. Learn more here.
14. Drink at a holiday pop-up bar in NYC
Sip on festive cocktail and take in over-the-top holiday decor when these pop-up bars take over NYC! There only here for a limited time, so be ready to take advantage of their holiday spirit! Check out some of our favorites below and see the whole list here:
- Miracle on 9th Street: 649 E 9th St
- Frosty’s: 220 W 44th St
- Blitzen’s Bar: 21 E 52nd St
15. Be dazzled by the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a collection of extravagant and dazzling home holiday light displays in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn each year. Typically, between the weekend after Thanksgiving and NYE, visitors can stroll through the area (or take a paid walking tour) to check out the incredible tradition that’s been happening for more than 30 years, spanning three avenues and several streets.
16. Watch NYCBallet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The 1954 production of The Nutcracker has returned to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. George Balanchine’s rendition of the age-old tale features over 150 dancers and musicians, 125 children from the School of Ballet, and gorgeous production assets like a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet, an onstage snowstorm, and hundreds of elaborate costumes! It’s all to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NYCB! Purchase your tickets here.
17. Stop by Bubble Planet to enjoy its festive decor
Enjoy the whimsical Bubble Planet: The Immersive Experience and feel like a kid as you traverse through 10 mesmerizing bubble-themed rooms that ignite your imagination and bring out your inner child. From classic soap bubbles to colored balloons and even smoke bubbles — all in a fantastic, whimsical setting — this experience doesn’t miss a beat. Plus, it’s the perfect activity during your kiddo’s winter break. Use the code WINTER15BP for 15% off until Dec 31st.
18. Hop aboard a vintage holiday train ride
Grab a bit of nostalgia this holiday season thanks to the New York Transit Museum and their vintage holiday train rides! Each holiday season, they roll out vintage cars from the 1930s, featuring rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements! You’ll really be feeling like a main character. Learn more about the vintage holiday rides here.
19. Snap photos in front of Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas decor
One of NYC’s best Christmas hotels, the Lotte New York Palace is one of the most stunning during holiday season, and makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie! Between the magnificent courtyard Christmas tree, a lively outdoor bar, speciality holiday cocktails, and letters to Santa, there’s so many ways to get in a festive mood! Bookmark this spot for the holiday season and learn more here.
20. Be dazzled by the best holiday light displays all over NYC
Dazzling light displays are all across the boroughs, lighting up some of NYC’s most famous buildings, landmarks, and gardens! Check out some of the best holiday light locations here and some selects below:
21. Get into the holiday spirit at spots that go ALL-OUT with decor
There’s no time of year quite like this in New York City…And one of the best ways to get in a festive mood is completely immersing yourself in all of the gorgeous decor around town! From restaurants, to lighting displays, to hotels, these NYC locales are the perfect places to get in the holiday spirit.
- Rolf’s, , Gramercy
- Loreley Beer Garden,, Lower East Side
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, Times Square or Union Square
22. Go on a quick getaway to magical Christmas towns near NYC
Though NYC is quite magical over the holidays, it’s also nice to visit some spots outside of the city to see how they celebrate! ‘Tis the season for wreathed street lamps and garlands lighting up small town streets. Find out all the adorable Christmas towns you can visit nearby, right here.
23. Grab a view at a winter rooftop bar
It’s never too late to enjoy a rooftop drink, no matter how cold it might get! Between retractable roofs to fireplaces and heated seating, there’s plenty of spots to ascend to! Plus, many even take on winter wonderland transformations! Here’s a few of our favorite winter rooftops:
- 230 Fifth Rooftop, Flatiron
- Magic Hour Rooftop, Midtown
- Winter Wonderland at Somewhere Nowhere, Chelsea
Full list here.
24. Take in other gorgeous trees around the city
Sure, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree gets all the glory—but there are so many other stunningly decorated trees all over the city! From the park to the Palace (hotel, that is), these stops are perfect to add to your route as you explore all the holiday fun in NYC:
- The Lotte New York Palace
- The Peninsula Hotel
- Brookfield Place
25. Watch one of NYC’s menorahs illuminate for Hannukah
Hanukkah this year starts on December 25th and goest through the New Year, and NYC always celebrates with some iconic menorah lightings! Stay tuned for which ones will be illuminating this year, but you can expect the main players…including the world’s largest menorah on Fifth Avenue and the [trackLink link_url=”https://secretnyc.co/largest-menorah-in-brooklyn/”]massive lighting at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn[/trackLink]!
26. Stop and take a photo with Santa Claus
Santa Claus is coming to town…and that means it’s time to get in your last-minute Christmas wishes! Perfect as a holiday activity with your kids, the jolly man himself will be stopping by plenty of places around NYC to meet and take pictures with! Stay tuned for this year’s list of best places in NYC to meet Santa!
27. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND New York
Just outside NYC at LEGOLAND in Goshen, NY, you can check out the resort’s third annual Holiday Bricktacular….a winter wonderland transformation of the LEGO theme park! Running on select days during November and December, the event will feature a LEGO-built Christmas tree, festive décor, brand-new shows, never-before-seen characters Snowman, Reindeer Girl and Gingerbread Man, plus a whole lot more! Learn more about the Holiday Bricktacular here!
28. Let your tastebuds run rampant at Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it is like to eat in the dark? Go on a sensory culinary experience like none-other this holiday season with this mysterious dining journey! In one of these two experiences, you’ll be blindfolded…all while taste testing out some of delectable dishes curated by NYC chefs. It’s an unparalleled food encounter that will bring you on a journey of discovery!
🍽️ Buy your tickets to Dining in the Dark here!
29. See The Met Opera’s The Magic Flute
The Metropolitan Opera’s annual holiday adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns for 17 performances this holiday season, running from December 12th – January 4th. The age old story of a prince’s quest to rescue the daughter of the Queen of the Night gets once again brought to life in the best way possible through incredible puppets, comedy, dancing, and acting. This year’s presentation features a wide range of incredible performers. including the Met debuts of tenor Duke Kim and soprano Aigul Khismatullina. Learn more about the enchanting music fairytale and how to buy tickets here.
30. Grab a cocktail at Santa’s Secret Speakeasy
Explore a winter wonderland with eight immersive installations in search of Santa’s best-kept secret: a vintage-style speakeasy (shh, don’t tell Mrs. Claus). Along the way, you’ll find everything from gingerbread girls and rugged lumberjacks to living snow globes. Then, once you stumble into Santa’s speakeasy, you’ll enjoy Christmas cocktails, a live band, and an eye-popping variety show of unique acts, all with a holiday twist! It opens for the season on November 29!
🎅 Buy your tickets to Santa’s Secret Speakeasy here!
31. See ‘Elf’ on Broadway
Buddy the Elf is hitting the stage this Christmas season. Join the iconic human elf on his theatrical journey to NYC to uncover his roots beyond the North Pole, similar to the cult classic holiday film. For tickets and more information, visit ElfonBroadway.com.
32. Check out Christmas events for kids in NYC
From the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Light Show, which features stunning lantern trails of the animal kingdom, to Pictures with Santa across the city, New York is home to plenty of family-friendly Christmas cheer. Have a look at our guide to the best seasonal happenings for your whole gang.
33. Visit “Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off”
For a unique perspective on NYC in gingerbread form, look no further! The Museum of the City of New York hosts an epic bakeoff between boroughs (hence the name) and asks creative types in the kitchen to concoct holiday gingerbread houses that mimic some of NYC’s most iconic attractions: Macy’s Herald Square, the Cyclone at Luna Park in Coney Island, and beyond.
34. Visit the Northern Lights
No need to hop on a flight to get access to the Northern Lights! “WINTER WONDER: The Northern Lights Express” At Rockefeller Center is an immersive experience at HERO — 13,000 square feet, to be exact — of magical seasonal goodness that culminates in a look at Aurora Borealis. Along the way, expect ice caves, where crystalline caverns and arctic animals are waiting, refuel with sweets at the Hot Cocoa Chalet, and venture into a life-sized gingerbread house to craft seasonal ornaments, for just a few examples of holiday fun.
35. Set your wish aglow at this interactive art exhibit
Design studio Hou de Sousa has created a large star downtown (140 Broadway) titled “Star Light Star Bright” and invites all those passing by to lend a hand. Think of a wish you’d like to see come true for 2025 and tie a ribbon to one of its 75,000 links. Eventually the layers of colorful ribbons will expand, and it will give off a fluorescent chia pet vibe. If you want to get in on seasonal fun (including snacks and live music), stop by the exhibit on Wednesdays in December at lunchtime for a celebratory afternoon from noon to 2pm.
36. View this new outdoor art installation in Meatpacking
The Meatpacking District has transformed into a winter wonderland with its annual holiday display, Lights on the Cobbles. Featuring over 100 evergreens and trees up to 25 feet tall, this lush installation creates a whimsical forest complete with sparkling lights and charming snowpeople. Visitors can wander through pathways lined with Eastern White Pines, Norway Spruces, and Red Maples, among others, all sustainably sourced. Don’t miss the reflective pathways and glowing dandelion planters that make for perfect photo opportunities. Adding to the magic, The Standard, High Line offers a festive Winter Maze experience with stilt walkers and interactive lighting.
Where: Gansevoort Plaza in Meatpacking District
When: Now through January 15th, 2025
37. Go last-minute shopping at New York’s largest Christmas store
Step into the holiday spirit at House of Holiday, the largest Christmas store in New York, located in Ozone Park, Queens. Spanning 35,000 square feet across two floors, this magical destination offers everything from ornaments and lights to live and artificial Christmas trees. It’s the perfect place to Christmas shop!
Don’t miss their impressive Christmas village setups featuring the 2024 Lemax Collection as well. Whether you’re looking for unique decor themes or just want to bask in festive cheer, this is the place to be.
Where: 90-02 Atlantic Ave, Ozone Park, Queens
When: Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm
38. Scope out this Swedish Christmas market
Escape the crowds and discover Midtown East’s hidden gem, the [trackLink link_url=”https://secretnyc.co/church-of-sweden-christmas-market-nyc/”]Julmarknad/Christmas market at the Church of Sweden[/trackLink]. Nestled in a 103-year-old church, this cozy market offers artisan Swedish crafts, traditional treats, and an array of delightful sweets. Don’t miss the Swedish meatballs and pastries served in the café area, or the charming winter gnomes and unique gifts downstairs.
Where: 5 E 48th St
When: Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 pm – 6 pm
39. Plan a visit to this very festively decorated house in Bay Ridge
Experience the magic of the holidays at Bay Ridge’s Holiday House, located at 635 79th Street in Brooklyn. This dazzling display, featuring at least 50,000 lights and hundreds of decorations, has been a family tradition since 1989. Created by Roy Jensen and now run by his daughters, the house is a year-round spectacle with decorations for every holiday. The family starts planning as early as August to bring this breathtaking vision to life.
Where: 635 79th Street, Brooklyn
40. Stop by Gingerbread Lane
The largest edible gingerbread village (yes, certified by Guinness World Records) is currently at The Shops at Columbus Circle through January 5th, 2025! Visitors can check out Gingerbread Lane for free on the second floor, and for even more added fun ($35) sign up for gingerbread-making classes with Chef Lovitch.
The class includes admission, gingerbread house supplies, expert-led instruction, and lots of holiday cheer! Learn more about the event and see dates here.