As the holiday season approaches, New York City transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, captivating locals and visitors with its festive charm. The city bursts into life with many beautiful displays, from the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the enchanting window displays along Fifth Avenue. Tree lighting ceremonies illuminate the spirit of the holidays, casting a warm glow that invites everyone into the celebration. Beyond the dazzling lights, New York offers seasonal treats and festive eats, perfect for satisfying any winter craving. The bustling holiday markets provide unique shopping experiences, ideal for finding that perfect gift. The city’s spectacular shows and performances, including the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, offer unforgettable entertainment. In New York City, the holiday season is truly a magical experience not to be missed.
Displays
Brookfield Place becomes a tropical wonderland this season with Holiday Under the Palms, offering festive cheer with holiday-themed cocktails, shopping, live shows, Santa photos, an ice rink, performances of The Nutcracker, Black Friday promotions, and complimentary gift wrapping. Highlights include Santa’s Sandcastle, live music, hot chocolate events, giveaways, a cocktail crawl, and a Hanukkah celebration.
Experience the Winter Whirl, sponsored by Sonic the Hedgehog 3, through January 5. With festive vibes, holiday music, and stunning architecture, the rink offers fun for all. Book in advance and enjoy refreshments at The Polar Pub, a cozy pop-up for snacks and drinks. Explore dining options at The Shops at The Oculus, featuring brands like Épicerie Boulud and Eataly.
The Shops at Columbus Circle offer a captivating holiday experience with attractions for all. See the “Holiday Under The Stars” display, featuring 300,000 lights and new stars. Explore a giant gingerbread village by a famous chef and enjoy Broadway performances amid festive décor. Families can join interactive jazz by WeBop. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, enjoy extraordinary shopping and dining deals from November 18-30.
Hudson Yards will illuminate the holiday season with the “Shine Bright at Hudson Yards” event, featuring over two million lights and festive activities. Starting November 25 and running through January 5, visitors can enjoy Santa photos, festive dining, and shopping. Highlights include an illuminated Vessel, a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece, and a Westchester Children’s Chorus performance. The Hanukkah Menorah Lighting and the Wells Fargo Customer Lounge, with beverages and giveaways, add to the celebrations.
Communities
Industry City in Brooklyn transforms into a festive hub for families during the holiday season, offering ice skating with themed sessions for kids featuring winter characters. Afterward, unwind at Frying Pan Brooklyn or the Après Ski VIP Lounge. The celebrations start with a tree-lighting event on November 25, including family activities, caroling, and crafts. Join the Hanukkah Ice Menorah Lighting on December 10. Shoppers can discover unique gifts at the Makers Guild’s Holiday Edition and savor the winter charm at the Brooklyn Night Market.
Manhattan West hosts the Island of Warmth by ATOMIC3 during the holiday season, a captivating urban bonfire experience. Visitors can enjoy music, dance performances, holiday photo ops, and an impressive display of winter lights amidst festive decorations. Weekly events include Dance Around the Campfire, Santa selfies with hot cocoa, Hanukkah celebrations with the Brooklyn Klezmer Trio, and community singalongs.
During December, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership offers festive events throughout Midtown. Highlights include the 112th annual tree lighting at Madison Square Park on December 4, with treats and live music. Discover local shopping with a curated gift guide and enjoy pop-up concerts by the Triad Brass band on December 16 and 18. Capture holiday moments with the Winter Plaza Frame and Adirondack chair installations. Don’t miss the free historical walking tour on December 1 and new lighting displays in the North and South Plazas.
Exhibits
INTER_ captivates visitors with its enchanting winter display, transforming the space into a magical wonderland. The area is adorned with flocked Christmas trees that create a dramatic and festive ambiance. Visitors can marvel at the Northern Lights-inspired installations while enjoying the serene beauty of falling snow and other seasonal highlights.
ARTECHOUSE NYC presents “Tingle Bells,” an immersive ASMR-inspired holiday experience, available until January 5. This tranquil retreat combines cutting-edge digital art with nostalgic festive warmth. Visitors can enjoy holiday-themed cocktails like the Champagne Sparkle and Winter Caramel Sleigh, accessible via the ARTECHOUSE app at NYC’s first XR Bar.
The Museum of Ice Cream’s Pinkmas celebration offers a joyful holiday adventure with immersive, festive decor and interactive activities. Guests enjoy unlimited ice cream treats like pink peppermint soft serve and hard scoops with seasonal toppings. Highlights include a life-sized snow globe for memorable photos. Embrace the Pinkmas spirit with friends and family, enjoying pink hot chocolate and festive gingerbread crafts to create new traditions.
Shows
The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center presents a beloved holiday tradition that captivates audiences with its enchanting choreography and timeless score. Performed by the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine’s iconic rendition of The Nutcracker transports viewers to a magical world filled with dazzling sets, graceful dancers, and a spellbinding journey through the Land of Sweets. The production’s exquisite costumes and Tchaikovsky’s cherished music create an unforgettable sensory experience that delights both young and old. Available for viewing at Lincoln Center’s virtual platform, this treasured performance offers an opportunity to experience the holiday spirit from the comfort of home.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is a cherished holiday tradition in New York City, showcasing unforgettable performances that blend choreography with festive cheer. This iconic show dazzles with stunning routines, breathtaking precision, and vibrant costumes, all set against a backdrop of spectacular holiday scenery. With classic numbers like “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “Living Nativity,” the performance offers a delightful experience that embodies the magic of the holiday season, drawing audiences of all ages into a world of wonder and joy.
Elf: The Musical returns to Broadway, delighting audiences with its fresh, record-breaking production. Starring Tony Award® nominee Grey Henson and Sean Astin as Santa, this modern holiday favorite tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy discovers his origins, he embarks on an entertaining adventure to New York City to find his biological father and discover where he truly belongs. As he navigates the bustling city, Buddy brings his infectious cheer and holiday spirit to everyone he encounters, offering a delightful and heartwarming theatrical experience for all ages.
The Merchant’s House Museum offers an annual production of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, A Christmas Carol, with a unique adaptation set in its historic venue. Visitors are transported into the heart of Victorian society as they witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s profound transformation, encountering iconic characters such as Tiny Tim and the three spirits. The museum’s intimate setting, decorated with period-appropriate Victorian adornments, enriches the authenticity of the experience, creating an immersive ambiance that invites new visitors and longtime admirers to relive this festive literary masterpiece each year.
Pop-Ups
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar brings the Queen of Christmas to New York City with a festive pop-up bar at Virgin Hotels New York. Filled to the brim with holiday-themed cocktails (all appropriately named for her holiday hits), fans can celebrate 30 years of the biggest Christmas hit of all time in a picture-perfect holiday wonderland.
Blitzen’s, located inside the Omni Berkshire Place, offers a delightful holiday experience for visitors of all ages. This seasonal venue is designed to captivate families and individuals alike, inviting them to enjoy festive decorations and a warm atmosphere. Blitzen’s provides a cozy and inclusive space for everyone to soak in the holiday spirit with a menu that caters to both young and adult tastes.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark Bar transforms a part of New York City into a magical holiday escape. This enchanting venue at Pier 15 features a stunning array of holiday decorations, including twinkling lights and festive displays, creating a picturesque backdrop. Visitors can indulge in various holiday treats, enjoy themed drinks, and immerse themselves in seasonal activities.
