NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, invites locals and visitors to enjoy holiday traditions and cultural experiences across the five boroughs, many of which are in person for the first time in two years.
With the return of spectators at annual events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, festive shopping at NYC’s iconic department stores, ice-skating rinks, light festivities, cultural performances, winter exhibitions including the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and more, there are endless opportunities for an unforgettable experience this holiday season in New York City.
“A visit to New York City during the holidays is unparalleled, and we’re thrilled to once again welcome travellers from around the world,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “New experiences, annual events and iconic traditions across the five boroughs, coupled with the timely reopening of U.S. international borders, emphasise that ‘It’s Time for New York City’ this holiday season.”
See below a list of holiday activity across the five boroughs by the following categories: annual big events; cheerful performances; winter exhibitions and cultural events; flagship shopping offers; shop local businesses and pop-ups; light festivals and displays; ice skating rinks; hotel offers; outdoor igloos and cabins; holidays on the water.
ANNUAL BIG EVENTS:
25 November | Manhattan
The classic NYC celebration featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, fantasy floats, clowns, performance groups, Broadway’s best musicals, celebrity appearances and more is back in-person for its 95th year. New balloons will include Grogu; Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist; SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary; Smokey Bear; and Sonic the Hedgehog. New floats include Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ Colossal Wave of Wonder, 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues & You!, and Snoopy’s Doghouse. The Parade will begin at 9am, at its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West.
NYC & Company has compiled a list of hotel offers to watch the parade from the comfort of a hotel.
28 November – 5 December | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza will light the largest Hanukkah Menorah each of the eight nights, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
1 December | Midtown Manhattan
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and be on view through early to mid-January.
31 December – 1 January | Times Square, Manhattan
The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but its descent on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. The event, watched by millions of viewers in NYC and around the globe, will welcome vaccinated spectators back in-person this December; vaccination policy is outlined here. Guests can also stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from 1 December on to submit (in person and online) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops.
CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES:
Through 5 January | Midtown Manhattan
The beloved holiday tradition returns to Radio City Music Hall this year after being paused last year, dazzling audiences of all ages with incredible costumes, festive songs, synchronized high kicks, and new acts.
15 November – 13 December | Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Enjoy a weekly series of free, live performances from Broadway’s biggest hit shows at Hudson Yards every Monday. Cast members will sing songs from productions including Aladdin, Dear Evan Hansen, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge!, Chicago and more.
26 November – 2 January | Upper West Side, Manhattan
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center will return this year with exquisite costumes, magnificent sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score that transports audiences to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers and more.
27 November | The Bronx
Ring in the holidays with a live performance by Grammy Award-winning legendary singer, composer, and virtuoso guitarist José Feliciano, known for best-selling Christmas single “Feliz Navidad.”
1- 31 December | Greenwich Village, Manhattan
An actor portraying Charles Dickens will tell this timeless Christmas tale in the elegant intact Greek revival double parlor of the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.
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The Christmas Show at St. George Theatre
10 – 12 December | St. George, Staten Island
The famous theatre presents its annual Christmas Show, a two-hour production filled with high energy and a rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy.
10 December – 5 January | Upper East Side, Manhattan
The Met’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages, bringing the charming story and enchanting music to life.
11 December | Flatbush, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar characters and scenes from the holiday classic to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of Brooklyn.
14 December – 2 January | Chelsea, Manhattan
The beloved all-male drag ballet troupe returns to The Joyce for an uproarious holiday season, taking the stage for three weeks of nonstop skilled pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical holiday-themed ballet inspired by Jerome Robbins’ In the Night.
14 – 18 December | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Grammy Award-winning Baroque specialist Jeannette Sorrell conducts the Philharmonic on this holiday piece including dazzling vocal solos, instrumentals and coral writing, in the neo-Gothic glory of Riverside Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
15 – 19 December | Upper West Side, Manhattan
With soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, the Big Band Holidays series at the Rose Theater is an uplifting tradition enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
24 December | Midtown Manhattan
A favourite of Carnegie Hall audiences for more than 50 years, the New York String Orchestra returns for its annual Christmas Eve concert conducted by Jaime Laredo and will feature some of the nation’s most celebrated young musicians performing alongside guest artists.
26 December | Harlem, Manhattan
The Apollo Theater will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater in a powerful evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance.
WINTER EXHIBITIONS AND CULTURAL EVENTS:
Through 26 December | Times Square, Manhattan
Times Square welcomed back the holiday “Show Globes”—large snow globe displays inspired by the designs of hit Broadway shows including Wicked, Ain’t Too Proud, The Lion King and Dear Evan Hansen.
17 November – 7 January | Midtown Manhattan
Fifth Avenue welcomes the holiday season with 32 handcrafted-in-Brooklyn animal sculptures across from the Plaza Hotel, 5,000 feet of lighting, an ice-skating rink and 24 handmade icebergs surrounding the Pulitzer Fountain, with orchestrated music from composer Paul Brill.
18 November – 9 January 9 | Soho, Manhattan
Museum of Ice Cream’s annual holiday celebration, Pinkmas, will transform its 13 multisensory installations into a pink winter wonderland bursting with snowflakes, candy canes and pink trees. Guests are encouraged to bring a new toy—to be donated to Toys for Tots—in exchange for one scoop of ice cream at the museum café.
20 November – 23 January 23 | Fordham, the Bronx
The City’s beloved holiday tradition returns for its 30th year with a miniature wonderland in the warmth of the Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at model trains as they zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks, all re-created from natural materials such as pine cones, acorns and seeds.
23 November – 9 January | Upper East Side, Manhattan
A NYC tradition, the Met’s Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche exhibition—an adorned tree with a nativity scene around its base—comes from a collection of 18th-century Neapolitan figures donated by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard in 1964.
24 November through holiday season | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The delightfully decorated 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will have a Gems of the Museum theme, featuring 50 specially created gold-coloured models for the “golden anniversary.”
Throughout the holiday season | Seaport District NYC, Manhattan
It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the historic cobblestone streets of the Seaport District and Pier 17 turn into the ultimate destination for holiday celebrations. Festivities include the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on 28 November, the Holiday Tree Lighting on 2 December and decorations throughout the streets.
4 – 5 December | Riverdale, the Bronx
Create natural wreaths using a grapevine base and fresh greens harvested by Wave Hill gardeners, as floral designer Hanako Shimamoto shares simple techniques for designing one-of-a-kind decorations.
5 December | Upper East Side, Brooklyn
Embark on a playful hunt to explore striking Hanukkah menorahs; draw discoveries in a sketchbook, experiment with whimsical shapes, touch replicas of artifacts and chat with Jewish Museum educators in celebration of the holiday with timed tickets from 10:30am and 2pm.
6 December | Brooklyn
One of NYC’s most unique holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event that celebrates the most delicious and most creative potato pancakes.
11- 12, 18 – 19 December | Richmond Town, Staten Island
This season, experience the tastes and scents of centuries past at Historic Richmond Town, where visitors step back in time while exploring this unique NYC tradition, illuminated by candles and oil lamps.
FLAGSHIP SHOPPING OFFERS:
In partnership with NYC & Company, the following flagship department stores will offer special “It’s Time for Shopping” gifts with $100+ purchases, to celebrate the return of in-person shopping, beginning on Black Friday, 26 November, through Boxing Day, 26 December.
Light Show Unveiling 23 November, Offer Available 26 November – 26 December | Midtown Manhattan
Saks Fifth Avenue’s classic Holiday Window and Light Show will be unveiled on 23 November. The flagship will be home to a holiday market this year inspired by European open-air markers, offering special gifts, holiday décor, food, and more. Open daily, the market comes to life each Saturday, with an array of activities including street-side activities, artisans, interactive happenings, and more. Shoppers can redeem a travel pouch by providing proof of a $100+ purchase from the Holiday Market at the International Lounge on the lower level and mentioning “NYCGO.”
18 November, Offer Available 26 November – 26 December | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Bloomingdales invites shoppers to “Give Happy” this season with special offerings including holiday windows that will be unveiled on 18 November; a Ralph Lauren immersive ski chalet experience featuring exclusive products; a “Happy Together Again” pop-up offering a Nespresso bar with complimentary beverages to fuel holiday shopping; and Santaland. Shoppers can redeem a limited-edition gift by providing proof of a $100+ purchase at the Visitors Center on 1 Level Balcony and mentioning “NYCGO.” A complimentary hotel delivery is also available for purchases of $250+.
Offer Available 26 November – 26 December | Midtown Manhattan
Visit the flagship store to explore a curated assortment of the best in fashion, fragrance, toys through a new partnership with Toys R Us, and more; enjoy a meet and greet with Santa; and marvel at the iconic Broadway windows—this year’s theme will feature the story of Tiptoe, a bright-eyed reindeer pursuing the ultimate dream, joining Santa’s sleigh team and delivering magic around the world on Christmas Eve. Shoppers can redeem a gift by providing proof of a $100+ purchase to the Macy’s Visitor Center on the mezzanine level and mentioning “NYCGO.”
Offer Available 26 November – 26 December | Midtown Manhattan
Nordstrom invites shoppers to “Make Merry” with three festive pop-up shops, including the Holiday Gift Shop, Pop-In@Nordstrom, and new Concepts@Nordstrom, Concept 015: Make It Bazaar. Visitors will enjoy free gift wrapping, Santa snacks, in-store pick-up, the “Santa Snow Show,” lighting, holiday décor and more. Shoppers can redeem a bag of beauty items by providing proof of any $100+ beauty purchase at the Beauty Concierge in the Beauty Hall, as well as a 15% discount on beauty and wellness services at Beauty Haven when mentioning “NYCGO.”
SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES AND POP-UPS:
Sundays, through 19 December | Dumbo, Brooklyn
Visit one of the borough’s most popular locations, Dumbo, to do some local holiday shopping featuring vintage and antique items, crafts and gourmet food stands.
Through 8 January | West Village, Manhattan
The iconic jewellery store pop-up is located in the heart of the West Village, offering shoppers a series of holiday-themed activities such as hand-painting Tiffany gift boxes and holiday cards, calligraphy, poetry readings, and more.
Through 2 January | Bryant Park, Manhattan
This year, the European-style Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened earlier than ever to commence the festive season, with must-buy gifts, sweets, drinks and winter activities.
18 November – 24 December | Union Square, Manhattan
Urbanspace’s longest running holiday market will return this year with over 150 vendors and a partnership with NYC’s unofficial talent scout, Nick “New York Nico” Heller, to curate a special booth of rotating budding entrepreneurs for one week.
29 November – 24 December | Columbus Circle, Manhattan
Internationally known as one of the most elegant places for holiday shopping, visitors can lose themselves in aisles of art, jewellery, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers, all while roaming through NYC’s iconic Central Park.
4–5, 11–12, 18–19 December | Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
FAD Market is bringing the holiday spirit back to Brooklyn’s BoCoCa (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens) area with two holiday market locations, The Invisible Dog Art Center on Bergen Street in Boerum Hill and St. Paul’s Church on Court Street in Cobble Hill.
Saturdays, 4–24, December | Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central will offer complimentary gift wrapping of holiday gifts purchased at any shop inside the terminal. Each shopper will be offered up to five gifts wrapped free of charge in a choice of Grand Central–themed wrapping paper, which includes the terminal’s iconic constellation ceiling. Wrapped gifts will be placed in a complimentary, exclusive and reusable Grand Central Terminal tote bag.
LIGHT FESTIVALS AND DISPLAYS:
Throughout the holiday season | Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Hudson Yards will be illuminated in an awe-inspiring light display of over two million twinkling lights with other decor including 725 evergreen trees, 16-foot-tall hot-air balloons arranged throughout the Public Square and Gardens, and a 32-foot-tall hot-air balloon centerpiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops.
Through 9 January | North Shore, Staten Island
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is back at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden for its third year. Enjoy over eight acres of luminescence—an immersive world of light—in addition to a live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors and more.
19 November – 9 January | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Explore the Garden after dark at the illuminated Lightscape which will celebrate the beauty of nature with an enchanting one-mile trail through BBG’s 52-acre landscape. Enjoy the Winter Cathedral tunnel, Fire Garden and Sea of Light, as well as new site-specific light works by local artists, accompanied by a curated soundtrack.
19 November – 9 January | Fordham, the Bronx
The Bronx Zoo will come to life with holiday cheer each evening as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with festive entertainment, seasonal treats and classic holiday music.
25 select nights; 24 November – 22 January | Bronx Park, the Bronx
Discover the beauty of New York Botanical Garden through GLOW, which will illuminate the garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colourful experience.
25 November – 9 January | Queens County Farm Museum, Queens
For this first time, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival will transform Queens County Farm into an immersive and radiant oasis with festive lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, farm animals and more.
1 – 31 December | Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Head to Brooklyn to experience the extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, also known as “Dyker Lights.” This guided bus tour, departing from Manhattan, offers visitors a special experience to view the uniquely decorated homes, learn about the history and stories of the neighbourhood tradition, and more.
ICE SKATING RINKS:
Throughout the holiday season | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
The world-famous ice-skating rink is now open for the holiday season, for visitors to ice skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience. Santa will join visitors on the ice from 4-24 December.
Through 6 March | Bryant Park, Manhattan
Enjoy the City’s free 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Visitors can also enjoy the Holiday Shops, free shows, events, activities, and eats and drinks at The Lodge.
Throughout the holiday season | Central Park, Manhattan
The Wollman Rink just celebrated its grand reopening and will remain open through the season to enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background.
HOTEL OFFERS:
Through 30 December | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Enjoy accommodations on Manhattan’s famed Upper East Side, steps from the City’s coveted holiday attractions, with this offer including a food and beverage credit that can be used at The Regency Bar & Grill, gift card to neighbouring Bloomingdale’s and a festive welcome amenity.
25 November – 9 January | Midtown Manhattan
Enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court at The Plaza, an iconic destination for holiday festivities, as well as Santa Claus visits, the Home Alone 2 experience and one-of-a-kind gifts at the Eloise Pop-Up.
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A Very Vintage Christmas at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
1 – 31 December | Midtown Manhattan
The Langham is bringing the classic NYC Christmas to life with a minimum two-night stay in a Junior Suite decked with a decorated Christmas tree (with option to ship personal ornaments and stockings beforehand) and custom Christmas treats. Guests will also receive four tickets to the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and transportation in a vintage taxi, a horse and carriage ride around Central Park, and more. The hotel will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Food Bank of New York City.
2, 9, 16, 23 December | Midtown Manhattan
Create a custom scent to gift to loved ones this season in the Conrad New York Midtown’s cosy library room, with an Olfactory NYC pop-up offering a selection of six core fragrances and dozens of accords to design a custom scent. Guests staying at the property will receive 20% off.
13, 14, 15, 16 December | Midtown East
The hotel is hosting live choral music in the lobby this season, beginning on Monday, 13 December with PS 150 Queens, followed by Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus on 14 December, Canticum Novum Singers on 15 December, and Village Light Opera on 16 December.
OUTDOOR IGLOOS AND CABINS:
Throughout the holiday season | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Enjoy a glass of locally crafted wine and a bite to eat in a warm, private winter dome at City Winery, or in the Outdoor Wine Garden, offering views of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, open seven days a week. Reservations can be made through Resy.
Throughout the holiday season | Seaport District NYC, Manhattan
Back by popular demand, The Rooftop at Pier 17 will debut the newest rendition of The Greens winter cabins, open seven days a week. With a refreshed design and new menu concept, The Greens is comprised of individual dining cabins, each decked with classic decor and amenities including floor-to-ceiling views of NYC, heating and more.
Through 15 April | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Experience a winter oasis at one of the 17 igloos offered at 230 Fifth—with close-up views of the Empire State Building—each accommodating up to 10 guests; advanced bookings are recommended.
HOLIDAYS ON THE WATER:
Throughout holiday season | Manhattan
Enjoy four-course holiday brunch cruises, a cocoa and carols cruise, and more holiday themes, while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers with views of the NYC skyline and Lady Liberty.
Throughout holiday season | Manhattan
Enjoy a NYC Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s dining cruise, among others, featuring festive décor, meals, and stunning views of the City while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers from the glass-enclosed deck.
New York City’s Key to NYC programme requires people ages 12 and older to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 for most indoor activities, including at restaurants, event spaces, venues, museums, attractions and more. Individuals must have received at least one dose of an FDA- or WHO-authorised vaccine to patronise these establishments. More information can be found in the City’s FAQ.
For additional holiday celebrations and itineraries, visit nycgo.com/holidays.
