NYC's Holiday Season: A Guide to Festive Events, Performances, Lights, & More

New York City's Holiday Season: A Celebration Across All Five Boroughs

Get ready for a magical holiday season in New York City! With an estimated 7.5 million travelers expected to visit between Thanksgiving and New Year's, the city is buzzing with festive events, performances, winter exhibitions, and dazzling light displays. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something for everyone.

Annual Celebrations

The holiday season kicks off in NYC with Diwali, a vibrant Festival of Lights celebrated citywide in October and November. The highlight is Diwali Times Square, the largest South Asian festival in North America, featuring music, dance, and food.

Other iconic events:

• Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: The 98th annual parade will feature giant helium balloons, floats, and celebrity appearances.
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: This cherished tradition returns on December 4 with festive performances.
• Lighting of the Largest Menorahs in Brooklyn: Celebrate Hanukkah at Grand Army Plaza and Midtown Manhattan, with nightly menorah lightings, live music, and treats.
• New Year's Eve Times Square Ball Drop: Millions around the world will watch the iconic ball descend in Times Square as the clock strikes midnight.

Cheerful Performances

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with a variety of performances:

• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: This beloved tradition returns to Radio City Music Hall with stunning costumes, music, and choreography.
• George Balanchine's The Nutcracker: A holiday classic at New York City Ballet, featuring dazzling sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center: Experience world premieres and beloved classics from this renowned dance company.
• Holiday Festivities at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine: Enjoy crafts, concerts, and a contemporary take on the Nativity story.
• Amateur Night at The Apollo: Holiday Special: Catch talented alumni from the “Stars of Tomorrow” segment, vying for a chance to become an Apollo legend.

Winter Exhibitions & Cultural Events

Discover unique exhibits and experiences across the city:

• The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History: Marvel at more than 1,000 hand-crafted origami models.
• Winter Wonder Weekend at the Queens Botanical Garden: Celebrate with performances, lightings, crafts, and a visit from Santa.
• Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden: Enjoy model trains and trolleys winding through a festive display of NYC landmarks.
• Season's Greetings from PaleyLand at The Paley Center: Experience an immersive holiday experience with photo ops, hot chocolate, and holiday train displays.
• Kick Off to Kwanzaa Celebration at Queens Library Langston Hughes: Celebrate with music, dance, food, and community spirit.

Holiday Lights & Sights

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays:

• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Enjoy immersive light displays, custom-designed lanterns, and animated shows.
• 34th Street Holiday Window Displays: Admire the iconic window displays at Macy's Herald Square, along with festive decorations at the Empire State Building and Penn Station.
• Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle: Marvel at 300,000 twinkling lights and choreographed light shows across the dramatic Great Room.
• Shine Bright at Hudson Yards: Enjoy 115 miles of string lights, decorated trees, and illuminated hot air balloon set pieces.
• Fifth Avenue 200th Anniversary: Celebrate the avenue's rich history with in-store activations, merchandise, and special events.
• Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Experience an enchanting after-dark journey through light-drenched landscapes with new installations by international light artists.

Festive Hotel Offerings

Celebrate the holiday season in style with special hotel offerings:

• NYC Hotel Week: Enjoy 25% off hotel stays at over 100 hotels throughout January and February.
• Letters to Santa at Lotte New York Palace: Enjoy festive Palace Holiday Suites and write a personalized letter to Santa.
• Holiday Afternoon Tea and New Year's Eve with Wythe Hotel: Indulge in a luxurious holiday tea or ring in the New Year with an open bar, canapés, and a champagne bar.
• Winter Suite Savings Offer from Loews Regency New York: Enjoy festive decor, complimentary champagne and hot cocoa, and special seasonal menus.
• Holiday Cheer and the Suitest Season of All offering at The Plaza Hotel: Experience luxurious suites adorned with holiday decorations and a chef-inspired welcome amenity.
• Festive Floral Display and Holiday Decor at Park Hyatt New York: Admire a stunning festive floral display and enjoy holiday dining experiences.

Ice Skating & Outdoor Activities

Enjoy the thrill of ice skating in Central Park and other iconic locations:

• The Rink at Manhattan West: Skate amid skyscrapers in Manhattan West's public plaza.
• Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park: Experience the allure of skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, with stunning Manhattan skyline views.
• The Rink at Bryant Park: Enjoy the City's largest free-admission ice-skating rink, a vibrant holiday market, and the cozy rinkside bar and food hall.
• Wollman Rink: Embrace the classic NYC experience of skating in Central Park with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
• The Rink at Rockefeller Center: Skate under the iconic Christmas tree, enjoy a unique holiday gift shop, and meet Santa on the ice in December.

Holiday-Themed Cruises

Take a festive cruise on the Hudson or East River:

• Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises: Enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline while indulging in hot cocoa, sweet treats, and live entertainment.
• City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises: Experience the charm of NYC from the water with festive dining cruises, inclusive of live entertainment and breathtaking city views.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Ring in the New Year with a bang:

• NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park: Start 2025 with a head start in this four-mile race, kicking off with a fireworks display at midnight.
• Coney Island Polar Plunge: Brave the cold and take the plunge into the icy waters of Coney Island for a unique New Year's Day experience.
• The Ultimate New Year's Eve Experience atop Times Square at The Knickerbocker: Celebrate with luxurious packages, gourmet buffet, premium open bar, live entertainment, and a Dom Pérignon champagne toast.

Don't miss out on all the holiday magic New York City has to offer!