The holiday season has arrived and NYC is decked out with decor on every street. From Radio City Music Hall performances to Christmas markets, walking around Central Park sipping hot chocolate, Santa Claus here for photos, we have tons to do and see this Christmas time. We are in the holiday spirit and while still doing our favorite things during this festive month. This time of year is so special and it feels like we need a little more magic in this world and to spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re visiting town on an NYC Christmas trip or are a local looking for an annual tradition to take part in, here is everything to do this month in the winter wonderland that is the big apple this Christmas season.
The Rockettes are a classic NYC experience. This is a show people come far to see, so you always want to be sure to grab tickets for your preferred times in advance. The show has several performances, so it shouldn’t be too hard to grab a seat, as long as you plan ahead. If you’re looking for some extra razzle dazzle in your life, check out The Radio City Rockettes!
The Holiday lights are back at the Bronx Zoo! It runs through January 5th, you can experience the wildlife amongst stunning holiday lights. Not only will there be holiday decor, but expect animal lanterns, arches, colored tunnels, tree lighting and more! This is the perfect event to bring your kids to see some animals and get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are on sale now!
Get ready to feel the heat this holiday season with Island of Warmth by ATOMIC3! It opens December 4th at Manhattan West! This larger-than-life interactive art installation will set the stage for an urban bonfire, amazing music and dance performances, Insta-worthy holiday photo ops and a stunning winter light show the whole family will love. On select Wednesdays, enjoy live, community-driven performances that bring fresh energy to the installation, with each event offering a fun and unique vibe. The best part is that it’s free and open to the public for everyone to enjoy!
We love the Museum of Ice Cream. Beyond jumping in their giant pool of sprinkles, it’s one of our top things to do for some family fun. They have tons of different interactive spaces full of bright color. It’s a great indoor activity to do with kids this winter.
Rockefeller Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the most iconic holiday happenings in NYC to ever exist in the holiday season. It is absolutely stunning and if there’s anything you need to do while visiting in this month, or even for those of you who live here, you must see the tree! The lighting is taking place on Wednesday, December 4th and will stay there through New Year’s. It’s lit daily from 6am-midnight, but on Christmas Eve, it stays lit for a full 24 hours! How magical! You don’t need tickets to see it, it’s completely free and such a great sight to bring friends and family to!
This immersive art installation that blends fantasy, technology, and performance, created by a collective of international artists. It draws inspiration from circuses, carnivals, and the surreal, it features whimsical sculptures, interactive installations, and live performances that engage all the senses. The exhibit has a dreamlike atmosphere and vibrant visuals, Luna Luna invites visitors to explore a world of imagination and wonder, transcending traditional boundaries of art and entertainment.
Looking for a family-friendly activity? My kids love going to the Big Apple Circus, so we try to make a whole fun day out of it. Tickets are on sale and I recommend grabbing them while you can as it runs through January 5th.
Ice Skate
Ice skating is a great family-friendly activity in the winters. Be sure to read our post on the best ice skating rinks to visit in NYC! They’re all different and I recommend trying each location out this season. You can get bites and sips at the Cafè there after you skate. Outdoor activities are usually around for a limited time in the winter months, but December is usually pretty occupied with plenty of happenings and our favorite things outdoors. Ice skating sticks around for the next season, as well! Even if you are a first time skater, there are teachers at most of these rinks and you can free skate during quieter hours to practice.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is always one of the best things to do in the city but this time of year is even more special. Lightscape is an illuminated trail that you can walk through! It takes my breath away and this is the perfect time to go see it. They have different colored lights and shapes of lights that they cast over different objects in nature and hang. This is a great place to bring your family and friends, not to mention it’s makes for a great photo opportunity!
Somewhere Nowhere is known for their nightclubs and rooftop pool, but did you know they have rooftop igloos this season? Enjoy some of the best cocktails in town with bites and incredible views. This is a prepaid experience but the views are worth it and it’s a good time with friends!
Visit These Holiday Restaurants
Have you read our blog post full of the most decked out and festive restaurants to visit in NYC this month? We have all the prime spots to go to, just make sure you make a reservation because they are hot spots! We love going as a family these restaurants to enjoy the food and bringing friends to the spots with great drinks.
Holiday Markets
The holiday markets are one of my favorite things to do in December! There’s tons of food and adorable gift spots to shop from for the holidays. These are the best way to get artisanal gifts from and try out foods from vendors you’ve never been to before. It’s the perfect time to shop for Christmas trees and they usually have them at these! You can try all of the markets featuring the Union Square Holiday Market, there’s one at Columbus Circle, Bryant Park and at Grand Central Terminal!
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are back and better than ever! This Brooklyn display is a must-see for us each year. The neighborhood goes all out and it’s so merry and bright! This is something we like to do on a weekend night with the kids! One thing to note is a lot of houses turn their lights off around 9PM so make sure to get there before then.
Fifth Ave Lights
My family and I look out for the Saks Fifth Avenue light show each year, which is beyond gorgeous. This is when they decorate the outside of the store with beautiful lights and light them up. This year, they will not be doing a light show, but the lights will be lit and of course the stunning window displays on 5th Avenue are a bucket list item everyone should see at some point in their life.
Yes, you read that right! Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm in New Jersey has colorful Christmas trees! Choose from blue, purple, pink, red, white and green for a fun twist on a classic tree. We’re thinking of white or pink to do something fun this year.
If you haven’t heard about the Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, let me just tell you, it’s something you need to experience! It runs through January 20th. They have model trains that are displayed in over 175 landmarks, like The Statue of Liberty! This is an excellent option if you have kids, they will absolutely love this activity to check out! Tickets are on sale now and range from $15-$35. Check it out!
The Mariah Carey Holiday Bar is a festive pop-up experience that brings the singer’s iconic holiday spirit to life with themed cocktails, lavish decorations, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Hosted by Bucketlisters, this limited run is decked out with glittering lights, snowy accents, and plenty of Mariah’s holiday music, it’s a seasonal wonderland for fans and revelers alike. Located in the heart of the city, the bar offers a joyful, over-the-top holiday experience for anyone looking to celebrate with a little extra glamour. You can check out their availability on their event page here.
The Holiday Nostalgia Train is a magical experience that transports passengers back in time aboard vintage subway cars from the 1930s to 1970s, decked out in festive decorations. Running along the 2 and 3 lines during the holiday season, the train offers a unique way to experience New York’s holiday spirit while admiring the beautifully restored interiors, complete with retro ads and traditional holiday decor. It’s not just a ride, but an immersive journey filled with classic holiday tunes and the nostalgic charm of old-school transit. The train is a beloved annual tradition for locals and tourists alike, providing a festive, Instagram-worthy moment in the heart of the city.
Another great even put on by Bucketlisters, the Holly Jolly Bar pop-up is a festive, holiday-themed bar that offers a cozy escape from the winter chill with its cheerful décor and merry cocktails. Located in the heart of the city, it transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and vintage holiday decorations. Guests can enjoy seasonal drinks, such as spiked hot cocoa and gingerbread martinis, while immersing themselves in the lively, joyful atmosphere of this temporary holiday retreat. Check out their event page for availability this season.
Holiday cruises around the city offer a unique and breathtaking way to experience the city’s festive charm from the water. These seasonal boat tours provide stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the dazzling lights of the skyline, all while enjoying a cozy, festive atmosphere onboard. Many cruises include holiday-themed cocktails, music, and even visits from Santa, making it a memorable experience for friends, families, or couples. Whether during the day or evening, the holiday cruises give passengers a magical perspective of New York City’s winter beauty.
The neighborhood will sparkle with over two million lights, including 725 evergreen trees, towering hot air balloon displays, and an illuminated Vessel, creating a magical holiday experience. In addition to the stunning light show, you can enjoy free photo opportunities with Santa, festive shopping, and dining throughout the season. From now until January 5th, Hudson Yards is a must-visit destination for families looking to embrace the spirit of the season in New York City.
New Yorkers understand how cool these are! Rockefeller Chalets are back and they have some fantastic views of the ice rink and holiday market itself. Enjoy drinks and food in your own private chalet with friends this holiday season. Let me just tell you, these bookings fly so you need to get on a reservation while it’s still early! They open today!
This holiday season, The Shops at Columbus Circle celebrates its 20th anniversary with an exciting new “Holiday Under The Stars” installation, featuring 300,000 twinkling lights and 44 sparkling stars lighting up the center. You can also explore a larger-than-life gingerbread village, crafted by Plaza Hotel chef Jon Lovitch, and enjoy interactive jazz performances by Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop program. Broadway fans can look forward to intimate performances from iconic shows like Moulin Rouge! and The Lion King under the dazzling stars, along with Q&As and surprise events. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or enjoying the festive activities, there’s something for everyone at this holiday hotspot here in the city!
Celebrate NYE
There are truly so many things to do for NYE here! You can go watch the ball drop live, go on a cruise around the city, dine at restaurants or bars you’ve always wanted to go to (be sure to get reservations everywhere) or watch fireworks from your roof. This site has a bunch of ticketed parties to check out if you have groups of people and want to be close to the action but I always recommend staying in your neighborhood for an easier trip home!
The Watermark always has such cool pop ups happening over there! Located on Pier 15, they are opening a winter wonderland running November 8th-December 31st. There will be glasshouse dining and a full North Pole setup for photos. Tickets are available now and this is the perfect activity with friends to welcome the holiday season!
My girls and I love the ballet! We go and see The Nutcracker every year and not only is it such special time together and a fun tradition, but the show never gets old! It’s so beautiful to watch and the performers work so hard. They deserve a great audience! Tickets are on sale and these are one’s you will want to snag ASAP. The show runs about 2 hours and it closes January 4th.
My girls and I love the Brooklyn Ballet! They are performing The Nutcracker on December 12th-15th at 2PM and 7PM but tickets will sell out! Be sure to grab them this month to enjoy. They extended tickets this year, which is very exciting!
We’re officially ready to get into the holiday spirit! Christmas in America presents Holiday Lane at Mount Vernon. You can fully immerse yourself into the magic of the holiday season through this immersive experience. The best part is that all net proceeds are being donated to three amazing causes. It’s the season of giving and this is a fantastic way to help out. A few fun things to see at Holiday Lane are Santa himself, 9 themed areas and a Christmas store that is perfect to fulfill those gifts on your list!
LuminoCity is an unforgettable, immersive experience! Using light and imagination, a story is told. It’s timed and festive and seriously the perfect holiday experience to bring your family to this month! It’s located in Manhasset, NY and tickets start at $27. What’s better than an immersive light show with creations of art?! It runs through January 7th, so there’s plenty of time left to check it out!
Located in Times Square, this is an annual tradition that is so kind. You can submit your wish for the year either digitally or in person and they actually release these on NYE as confetti in high hopes for the new year. If you submit digitally, they ask that you do so before the 26th, so they can print them out to show them off!
For more NYC guides, visit here!
