During this time of 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 30 of the most festive things happening this season to enjoy a truly magical holiday.
1. Check out the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The 80-foot tall Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York is set to arrive on November 11, where it will be lit at the 91st Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 29. It will shine bright in its 50,000 multi-colored LED lights at the Rockefeller Plaza every day from 5 am – midnight (and all day long on Christmas Day).
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!
3. Be dazzled by the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The Dyker Heights will be lit up soon, starting the weekend after Thanksgiving and carrying through to NYE! The stunning lights and endless decorations have become increasingly more famous over the years and have been a tradition for more than 30 years, spanning three avenues and several streets.
4. 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!
🎅 Buy your tickets to Santa’s Secret Speakeasy here!
5. Enter a whimsical world of light at the Winter Lantern Festival
Prepare to be awed—a dazzling display of over 1,000 Chinese lanterns has returned to Queens! The Winter Lantern Festival is now illuminating Queens County Farm Museum throughout the holiday season, transforming the area into a festive oasis filled with majestic creatures, glowing tunnels, light swings and more. The family-friendly attraction even features delicious food trucks and a live performance.
🏮 Get tickets to the Winter Lantern Festival here!
6. Catch panoramic views at Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Step into a 7,500 square foot outdoor winter wonderland this holiday season at Watermark, which has turned into Santa’s paradise! The experience features all sorts of decorations, illuminated trees, games, and activities. You can sit in Santa’s sleigh, write a letter to Santa, visit Santa’s s’mores-making station, dine in an indoor heated igloo, and so much more! Learn more about the experience here.
🎅 Buy your tickets to Santa’s Winter Wonderland here!
7. Admire NYBG’s charming Holiday Train Show
The Annual Holiday Train Show is back at the New York Botanical Garden starting November 16! 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.
8. Go ice skating
Nothing says winter (and the holiday season) like a visit to the ice rink! The Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park is open daily from 10 am, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is open daily from 9 am, and the rink at Bryant Park is open from 8 am! Find more rinks to check out here.
9. Step inside The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic
Experience an immersive wonderland of theatrical confectionery just steps away from the Rockefeller Center tree! The Candy Cottage of Christmas Magic is home to loads of magic…and some sweet treats along the way too! Take photos in the cottage, go on a sweet scavanger hunt, plus a whole lot more! Learn more about The Candy Cottage of Christmas here!
🎄 Buy tickets to The Candy Cottage of Christmas here!
10. 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. Check out all of NYC’s holiday markets here!
11. Enjoy the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular
One of New York City’s greatest Christmas shows, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, is set to return starting November 17. The legendary Rockettes will get 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.
12. 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 them below and see the whole list here:
- Miracle on 9th Street: 649 E 9th St
- Frosty’s: 220 W 44th St
- Jingle Jangle: 30 Water St
13. Get your glow on at NYBG
Illuminate your holiday season at The New York Botanical Garden’s third annual GLOW experience! Everyone loves dazzling lights during the winter months, and for a third year the NYBG is putting together an outdoor, immersive experience that is sure to satisfy! They have created a “glowing world of color” that is centered around their famous landmark, the Haupt Conservatory.
14. 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! Here are some of the most mesmerizing displays this year:
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Bloomingdale’s
- Once you’re done on 5th Ave, be sure to head over to Herald Square to marvel at the gorgeous holiday window display at Macy’s too
15. Illuminate into the Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Walk through a trail of over 1 million lights at Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Opening November 17, the after-dark and illuminated trail will return, featuring iconic light art installations like the Winter Cathedral, Fire Garden, and more. Don’t forget about their new immersions like the “Supernova,” a 24-foot-high illuminated Moravian star, a Chandelier Walk, and more. Learn more here.
16. Enjoy an enchanting holiday performance at the Candlelight Concert Series
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is now back 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
17. Snap photos in front of Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas decor
One of NYC’s coolest hotels, the New York Lotte 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! See all of the activities happening here.
18. Watch NYCBallet’s Production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
From now through December 31, the 1954 production of The Nutcracker will return to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. George Balanchine’s rendition of the age-old tale will feature 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! Learn more here.
19. Be dazzled by the best holiday light displays all over NYC
Dazzling light displays are already starting to appear 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:
20. 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
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. Immerse yourself in the Oculus’ “Christmas House”
This brand new Christmas immersion inside the Oculus is a festive wonderland, complete with an entire walkthrough of everyone’s favorite Christmas sights, sounds, and smells! This multi-room experience is interactive and makes for a great activity of all ages! You can toss snowballs in the Snowball Fight Room or kick back and watch Elf in the Snow Lodge Movie Theater, plus so much more! Learn more about Christmas House NYC here!
24. Catch New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show
Returning for the first time since 2019, the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show is back and better than ever! The iconic display will feature model Lionel trains traveling along a 34′ long, two-level, gauge model train layout. Children and adults like can watch the trains make a series of stops…starting at a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal and making its way past New York landmarks and on to the North Pole! Learn more here.
25. Check out NYC’s first Hanukkah-themed bar
The Hanukkah-inspired pop-up Maccabee Bar has returned to NYC this holiday season! Taking over Ollie West Village, Maccabee Bar is a Hanukkah-inspired wonderland complete with drinks like the Hebrew Hammer and Latke Sour. Learn more about the pop-up bar here.
26. Stroll Fifth Avenue completely car-free
On select Sundays in December, Fifth Avenue is hosting the return of “Open Streets,” closing down vehicular traffic from 48th Street to 59th Street. It’s the largest-ever holiday season-specific Open Streets in NYC to date! People will have the opportunity to check out all their favorite holiday landmarks from the Saks Fifth Avenue windows, the Rockefeller Center tree, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and more. Find the exact dates and times here.
27. Visit GingerBread Lane at Essex Market
Walk through the world’s largest edible gingerbread village at Essex Market from now through January 7 at Essex Market! Consisting of over 700 gingerbread houses (using 1,000 lbs of gingerbread) and 4,000 lbs of candy, this year’s edition is set to be one of the most marvelous yet! The best part though? You can even have the chance to go home with a slice of the village! Learn more about GingerBread Lane here.
Where: 88 Essex St
28. 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
29. Sip on mulled wine in City Winery’s Rockefeller Center igloos
If you’ve been to Chicago you’re likely familiar with the City Winery igloos along the serene Riverwalk. Now a tradition in NYC as well, City Winery has brought them back to Rockefeller Plaza for the season! The Winter Domes at Rockefeller Plaza are a great way to warm up this winter if you’re looking to be at the heart of all the holiday buzz. They’re open now for reservations!
30. Illuminate the night at Astra Lumina
Embark on an enchanted night walk amongst the stars when Astra Lumina comes to NYC this holiday season! This one-of-a-kind experience will allow you to discover mythical realms of brilliant lights and sound, and astral pathways of cosmic visions as you journey through this captivating nighttime experience. It’s set to open up on November 24 and you can learn more about Astra Lumina here!
💫 Buy your tickets to Astra Lumina here!
31. 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!
32. Admire 150 firs lining Fifth Avenue
While you’re strolling Fifth Avenue car free, take in the brand new 150 fir trees that are lining the famous avenue! As a part of their newest holiday initiative, “The Gift of Fifth,” over 14 blocks of NYC are now beautifully decked out with trees that are perfect for a quick photo opp! Learn more about the initiative here!
33. Watch one of NYC’s menorahs illuminate for Hannukah
Hanukkah is approaching during the first week of December, and NYC is celebrating with some iconic menorah lightings! Check out either the world’s largest menorah on Fifth Avenue for a world class celebration, or a massive lighting of one at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn!
34. Dine at Schrafft’s pop-up restaurant from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Pretend you’re in the iconic 1960’s film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” when a pop-up version of the Schrafft’s restaurant hits Midtown this December. For 3 select days of the month, you can live out your inner Audrey Hepburn and enjoy a limited-time menu of food inspired by the movie! Learn more about the pop-up here.
35. 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! Here’s the best places in NYC to meet Santa this year!
36. Go on a holiday a cruise with Circle Line Cruises
Set sail on NYC waters this holiday season with Circle Line Cruises and their festive Holiday Harbor Lights ride! From now through January, you can onboard and enjoy decked out holiday décor, seasonal cocktails inspired by the Christmas Spectacular, a Toy for Tots drive, plus more! Learn more about the cruise and book your spot here.
37. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND New York
Just outside NYC at LEGOLAND in Goshen, NY, you can check out the resort’s second annual Holiday Bricktacular….a winter wonderland transformation of the brick park! Running on select days through December 31, the event features the first-ever 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!
38. LuminoCity Festival
This light show taking place in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY (Long Island) is happening through January 7, where you can check out all sorts of illuminated sculptures and even a new experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland! Learn more about LuminoCity Festival here.
39. Enjoy some Hanukkah specials around NYC
Hanukkah is in full swing right now, and NYC restauratns and bakeries are offering tons of delicious deals and treats you should grab during the holiday! From a $95 caviar latke to a menorah-shaped challah, we can get enough of all the tasty food! Check out all of NYC’s Hanukkah specials here!
40. Write your wish for 2024 on official Times Square NYE confetti
As the clock strikes midnight on January 1, roughly 3,000 pounds of confetti will descend on Times Square to ring in the new year. That said, your wish for 2024 can be written on one of those pieces of confetti coating the streets of NYC. The NYE Wishing Wall in Times Square Plaza will be located between 46th and 47th Streets on Broadway, and is where to go if you’d like to jot down your submission. You can write on one (or several) pieces of confetti between 11 am and 8 pm any day before December 29.
41. Ring in Christmas Eve at 230 Fifth Rooftop
Get into the festive spirit on Christmas Eve at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, where they’re throwing their annual Christmas Eve party just hours before Santa comes to town! This lavish soirée will feature music, amazing drinks, and of course their igloos too!
🎉 Buy your tickets to Christmas Eve Annual Party @ 230 Fifth Rooftop here!
42. Gingerbread City at Seaport
More than 50 gingerbread architects have put together The Gingerbread City®, a magical metropolis made from gingerbread, candy, and frosting at Seaport! From now through January 7, 2024, you can admire an entire village of ginger buildings, moving trains, and twirling parts that will wow visitors of all ages. Plus, the exhibit is also out to tackle the theme of climate change too! Learn more about Gingerbread City and grab your tickets here.
43. Master your mixology at a holiday cocktail class
Looking for some hands-on fun this holiday season? Join this NYC mixology class, where a professional will walk you through the basics and teach you how to make a Peppermint Stick Martini, Smoking Cinnamon Old Fashioned, and Cranberry Ginger Gin Fizz by hand!
🍸 Buy your tickets to Mixology 101: Holiday Cocktails here
44. Have dinner at an immersive holiday soirée
Tuck away into this secret New York speakeasy and experience “Dinner at Drosselmeyer’s,” an immersive holiday soirée of music, cirque, magic and food and drinks. Inspired by the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and everyone’s favorite mysterious holiday guest, you can enjoy an evening of festive cocktails and dazzling performances to put you in the jolly mood!
🍽️ Buy your tickets to Dinner at Drosselmeyer’s here!
45. Hop aboard a vintage holiday train ride
Grab a bit of nostalgaia this holiday season thanks to the New York Transit Museum and their vintage holiday train rides! On December 16th, 23rd, and 30th, they will 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. See the route and learn more info about the rides here.
Also published on Medium.