Thrilled about holiday festivities in East Elmhurst? Discover all the festive events with our ultimate guide! For East Elmhurst residents and guests, this guide showcases the top holiday events.
One iconic attraction is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a towering symbol of the season that draws visitors from near and far. Featuring dazzling lights and a festive atmosphere, it’s a centerpiece for holiday cheer. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular captivates audiences with its dazzling performances and the famous Rockettes, showcasing intricate choreography and festive music. And the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming rink surrounded by urban holiday décor. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Elmhurst
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (New York)
- Rockefeller Center Ice Skating (New York)
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York)
- Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)
- Grand Central Holiday Market (New York)
- LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival (East Meadow)
- Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York)
- Harlem Night Market - Holiday Edition (New York)
- Astoria Market (Astoria)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Elmhurst Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Iconic Norway spruce decorated with thousands of lights and a stunning crystal star.
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an iconic symbol of the holiday season, adorned with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star featuring 3 million crystals and 70 glass spikes. The tree stands tall in Midtown Manhattan, offering a breathtaking sight amidst the bustling city.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light displays in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
Description:
Explore the renowned Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its extravagant Christmas light displays. This guided tour includes a bus ride from Manhattan to Dyker Heights, where you'll embark on a walking tour to witness the most spectacularly decorated homes. Each house features unique themes and elaborate decorations, making this a standout holiday experience.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival features over 40 stunning light attractions and interactive elements, creating an immersive experience for all ages. Four captivating themes offer endless excitement, with dazzling light displays, food trucks, and holiday gift shops.
Where: East Meadow | More Info: LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed LED displays and interactive experiences.
Description:
Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive glowing walls, 12-foot trees, and illuminated flowers create immersive experiences. The event includes family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights at The Bronx Zoo
East Elmhurst Holiday Markets and Shopping
Grand Central Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local artisan merchants.
Description:
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a six-week celebration of holiday cheer, featuring 36 vendors with giftable items like homemade bath products, knitwear, jewelry, art prints, and homeware. Located in the stunning Beaux-Arts Vanderbilt Hall, this event offers a curated shopping experience with plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping and all-around fun.
Where: New York | More Info: Grand Central Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
What to Expect:
European flair with diverse artisanal offerings.
Description:
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday event featuring over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats like bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst.
Where: New York | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Harlem Night Market - Holiday Edition
What to Expect:
Diverse culinary traditions and live entertainment.
Description:
The Harlem Night Market - Holiday Edition is a vibrant celebration of community, cuisine, and culture in the heart of Harlem. Over 50 diverse vendors offer a wide range of local flavors, while live music and entertainment add to the festive atmosphere. This iconic marketplace supports local businesses and showcases the rich talents of the Uptown community.
Where: New York | More Info: Harlem Night Market - Holiday Edition
Hester Street Fair Holiday Pop-Up Market
What to Expect:
Tightly curated market with local artisans and live DJs.
Description:
The Hester Street Fair Holiday Pop-Up Market at 18 Fulton Street in NYC offers a curated selection of artisanal fashion, art, jewelry, crafts, and local vintage goods. Enjoy live DJs and a vibrant atmosphere that champions small businesses.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Hester Street Fair Holiday Pop-Up Market
Astoria Market
What to Expect:
Fresh local produce and live music.
Description:
Astoria Sunday Market is a vibrant gathering featuring fresh local produce, prepared foods, beautiful art and crafts, and live music. It takes place every Sunday from May 12th to October 13th, from 10am to 3pm.
Where: Astoria | More Info: Astoria Market
Holiday Gift Shop Weekend
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and seasonal decor reflecting Long Island's charm.
Description:
Explore Willy Nilly Trading Company's extensive selection of personal and home accessories, featuring both popular and hard-to-find items. Discover unique gifts and seasonal decor that reflect Long Island's special magic.
Where: Bay Shore | More Info: Holiday Gift Shop Weekend
Christkindl Markt
What to Expect:
Traditional German holiday market with imported goods and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Christkindl Markt at Plattduetsche Park features vendors, crafts, classic German food and drinks, and activities for all ages, including visits with Santa and kids' crafts.
Where: Franklin Square | More Info: Christkindl Markt
East Elmhurst Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
High-kicking precision dance routines with special effects.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday performance featuring the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show blends festive dance, music, and comedy with intricate choreography and special effects, including confetti, pyrotechnics, and digital projections. It is a beloved tradition that has brought holiday joy to millions since 1933.
Where: New York | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed performances and activities.
Description:
The 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson transforms the village into a Victorian-era setting with roaming characters, festive performances, and holiday activities. Enjoy concerts, theater productions, and a Festival of Trees, all while immersing yourself in the world of Charles Dickens.
Where: Port Jefferson | More Info: 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
Elf in Concert
What to Expect:
Live symphony performance accompanying the film ELF.
Description:
The Elf in Concert event combines the beloved holiday film ELF with a live symphony orchestra, featuring John Debney's score performed to the full movie on a giant screen.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Elf in Concert
Worship Live Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Powerful gospel performances by renowned artists.
Description:
Join Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, James Fortune, Todd Dulaney, and VaShawn Mitchell for an evening of soul-stirring gospel music and holiday joy at Kings Theatre. This event promises powerful performances and an uplifting atmosphere that will fill your heart and inspire your soul.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Worship Live Holiday Tour
Holiday Princess Tea Party
What to Expect:
Formal white-glove tea service with princesses.
Description:
The Holiday Princess Tea Party at the Long Island Aquarium features a formal white-glove tea service in the elegant Sea Star Ballroom, complete with finger sandwiches and sweets. Guests will dance and sing with their favorite princesses, creating unforgettable memories.
Where: Riverhead | More Info: Holiday Princess Tea Party
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with a full symphonic orchestra.
Description:
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet, directed by Artistic Director Joan MacNaughton, features international ballet stars and gifted young dancers from the metropolitan area. The South Shore Symphony performs live, bringing Tchaikovsky's extraordinary music to life in the beautiful Madison Theatre at Molloy University.
Where: Rockville Centre | More Info: Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Ukrainian folk dancing and a special appearance by "Wrinkle" the duck.
Description:
The Nutcracker ballet, presented by the Diamond Performance Company, features talented student dancers alongside professional dancers in a spellbinding rendition. The production combines the artistry of seasoned professionals with the boundless energy of national championship-winning young dancers. Highlights include performances by Jose Rojas from Connecticut Ballet, Julia Patillis from the Joffrey Ballet, and Brigid Le Minez from American Liberty Ballet. The event also features the debut of "Wrinkle" the duck and an exclusive opportunity to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Patchogue | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Christmas on Ice
What to Expect:
Immersive professional ice skating with modern effects.
Description:
Christmas on Ice at Patchogue Theatre features breathtaking modern effects and professional ice skating champions performing to favorite holiday classics in a dazzling Christmas setting.
Where: Patchogue | More Info: Christmas on Ice
Diamond Performance Company Presents: The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with Ukrainian folk dancing and a debut by "Wrinkle" the duck.
Description:
The Diamond Performance Company presents a spellbinding rendition of 'The Nutcracker' featuring talented student dancers alongside professional dancers, including Jose Rojas from Connecticut Ballet and Julia Patillis from the Joffrey Ballet. This production combines the artistry of seasoned professionals with the boundless energy of national championship-winning young dancers.
Where: Patchogue | More Info: Diamond Performance Company Presents: The Nutcracker
Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Eglevsky Ballet presents a classic holiday performance of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Maurice Brandon Curry, featuring a live orchestra under the direction of David Bernard. The professional company and students from the academy bring this timeless tale to life with a growing Christmas tree, magical snow forest, and waltzing flowers.
Where: Brookville | More Info: Eglevsky Ballet in The Nutcracker
Live Brass Band
What to Expect:
Live holiday music performance by a brass band.
Description:
The Live Brass Band at Hicks Nurseries performs holiday classics, creating a lively atmosphere that gets everyone singing along.
Where: Westbury | More Info: Live Brass Band
Christmas Choir
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa and seasonal treats in a historic mansion setting.
Description:
Explore decorated period rooms and gardens at Old Westbury Gardens, meet Santa, and enjoy cookies and cider.
Where: Westbury | More Info: Christmas Choir
Winter Wonder at the Garden
What to Expect:
Live musical performances and holiday crafts.
Description:
Celebrate the best of December with live musical performances, a menorah and tree lighting, holiday crafts, and selfies with Santa. Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Hot Chocolate Bar and explore the outdoor Holiday Market. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win FOUR TICKETS to Astra Lumina.
Where: Flushing | More Info: Winter Wonder at the Garden
The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday movie screening with Santa meet-and-greet.
Description:
Join the Patchogue Theatre for a screening of Warner Bros.' The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks. Following the film, the stage transforms into a Christmas scene where children can meet Santa Claus while grown-ups take photographs. The event concludes with the Village of Patchogue's 61st Annual Christmas Parade starting at 6pm.
Where: Patchogue | More Info: The Polar Express & A Visit With Santa
36th Annual Nutcracker Ballet Production
What to Expect:
Child-friendly, narrated ballet performance with professional dancers.
Description:
The Long Island Ballet Theatre presents a child-friendly, slightly abridged, and narrated version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, perfect for children as young as 3 years old. This classical ballet masterpiece is performed by professional dancers and students from across the tri-state region.
Where: Huntington | More Info: 36th Annual Nutcracker Ballet Production
East Elmhurst Other Holiday Activities
Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Iconic ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Description:
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas Tree. The rink is surrounded by grand skyscrapers and festive ambiance, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Skating sessions typically last 60 minutes, and additional time can be purchased for consecutive sessions.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
Historic Holidays at Hallockville
What to Expect:
Historic holiday traditions in preserved 18th-century farmhouses.
Description:
Step back in time and immerse yourself in old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions at Historic Holidays at Hallockville. Explore three historic residences on a 28-acre preserved farm, where costumed docents share stories of past holiday celebrations. The Hallock Homestead is decorated for a Victorian Christmas, while the Cichanowicz Farmhouse recreates a 1930s Polish Christmas Eve celebration. Enjoy the aromas of holiday treats baked in an antique wood stove and learn about the evolution of Christmas celebrations in the North Fork.
Where: Riverhead | More Info: Historic Holidays at Hallockville
Christmas at Westbury House
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa, cookies, and cider in a historic mansion.
Description:
Take a self-guided walk through Westbury House, exploring its beautifully decorated period rooms. The gardens are also open, and you can meet Santa, enjoy cookies and cider, making this a delightful holiday celebration for the entire family.
Where: Old Westbury | More Info: Christmas at Westbury House
Holiday Wreath Making
What to Expect:
Personalized wreath creation with professional horticulturist and floral artist guidance.
Description:
Create your own personalized holiday wreath using a grapevine base, fresh greens, and seasonal greenery. This hands-on workshop is perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters, offering step-by-step instruction and a variety of unique materials.
Where: West Hempstead | More Info: Holiday Wreath Making
Winter on Wellwood
What to Expect:
Holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
Winter on Wellwood is a festive event in Lindenhurst, featuring a holiday parade, free carousel rides, and a Christmas Kindl Market. The event culminates with Santa's arrival and the tree lighting ceremony by the Lindenhurst Historical Society.
Where: Lindenhurst | More Info: Winter on Wellwood
Polar Plunge
What to Expect:
Fundraising event with incentives for participants and teams.
Description:
The 2024 Brookhaven Polar Plunge is an annual event where participants take a chilly plunge into the ocean to raise funds for Special Olympics New York. The event promotes inclusivity and supports athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in Olympic-style sports.
Where: Brookhaven | More Info: Polar Plunge
Children’s Animated Christmas Story & Walk-Thru
What to Expect:
Interactive animated Christmas story with Santa and his friends.
Description:
Explore an animated Christmas story featuring Santa, his elves, and friends as they prepare for the big day. This festive walkthrough is fun for the young and young at heart, and visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items for Long Island Cares.
Where: Hicksville | More Info: Children’s Animated Christmas Story & Walk-Thru
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Corona (1 miles)
- Jackson Heights (1 miles)
- Elmhurst (2 miles)
- College Point (2 miles)
- Woodside (2 miles)
- Rego Park (2 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (3 miles)
- Middle Village (3 miles)
- Forest Hills (3 miles)
- Whitestone (3 miles)
- Astoria (3 miles)
- Maspeth (4 miles)
- Hunts Point (4 miles)
- Sunnyside (4 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (4 miles)
- Glendale (4 miles)
- Briarwood (4 miles)
- Mott Haven (4 miles)
- Long Island City (5 miles)
- Richmond Hill (5 miles)
- Unionport (5 miles)
- Bayside (5 miles)
- East Harlem (5 miles)
- Ridgewood (5 miles)
- Throgs Neck (5 miles)
- Melrose (5 miles)
- Woodhaven (5 miles)
- Morrisania (5 miles)
- Greenpoint (5 miles)
- Harlem (5 miles)
- Parkchester (5 miles)
- Bushwick (5 miles)
- Manhattan (6 miles)
- Hillside (6 miles)
- Williamsburg (6 miles)
- Queens (6 miles)
- Jamaica (6 miles)
- Ozone Park (6 miles)
- East Tremont (6 miles)
- Cypress Hills (6 miles)
- Van Nest (6 miles)
- Hollis (6 miles)
- Morningside Heights (6 miles)
- The Bronx (6 miles)
- Tremont (6 miles)
- Gramercy Park (7 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (7 miles)
- East New York (7 miles)
- South Ozone Park (7 miles)
- Morris Heights (7 miles)
- East Village (7 miles)
- Queens Village (7 miles)
- Fordham (7 miles)
- Washington Heights (7 miles)
- University Heights (7 miles)
- Howard Beach (7 miles)
- Brownsville (8 miles)
- Chinatown (8 miles)
- Cliffside Park (8 miles)
- West New York (8 miles)
- New York City (8 miles)
- Cambria Heights (8 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (8 miles)
- East Flatbush (8 miles)
- North Bergen (8 miles)
- Fort Lee (8 miles)
- Canarsie (8 miles)
- Financial District (8 miles)
- Kings Bridge (8 miles)
- Union City (8 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (9 miles)
- Hoboken (9 miles)
- Laurelton (9 miles)
- Brooklyn (9 miles)
- Park Slope (9 miles)
- Elmont (9 miles)
- Flatbush (9 miles)
- Palisades Park (9 miles)
- Wakefield (9 miles)
- Rosedale (10 miles)
- Kensington (10 miles)
- Flatlands (10 miles)
- Mount Vernon (11 miles)
- Franklin Square (11 miles)
- Valley Stream (11 miles)
- Englewood (11 miles)
- Sunset Park (11 miles)
- Borough Park (11 miles)
- Jersey City (11 miles)
- Yonkers (12 miles)
- Far Rockaway (12 miles)
- Dyker Heights (12 miles)
- Teaneck (12 miles)
- Garden City (12 miles)
- Gravesend (12 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (12 miles)
- Hackensack (13 miles)
- Bensonhurst (13 miles)
- Bath Beach (13 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (13 miles)
- Bergenfield (13 miles)
- Hempstead (13 miles)
- Brighton Beach (14 miles)
- Rockville Centre (14 miles)
- Glen Cove (14 miles)
- Lodi (14 miles)
- Coney Island (14 miles)
- Oceanside (15 miles)
- Bayonne (15 miles)
- Kearny (15 miles)
- Uniondale (15 miles)
- Belleville (15 miles)
- Baldwin (15 miles)
- Passaic (15 miles)
- Garfield (15 miles)
- Nutley (16 miles)
- Long Beach (16 miles)
- Newark (16 miles)
- East Meadow (16 miles)
- Freeport (16 miles)
- Harrison (16 miles)
- Elmwood Park (17 miles)
- Paramus (17 miles)
- Clifton (17 miles)
- Bloomfield (17 miles)
- Merrick (18 miles)
- East Orange (18 miles)
- Hicksville (18 miles)
- Montclair (19 miles)
- Fair Lawn (19 miles)
- Greenburgh (19 miles)
- Orange (19 miles)
- Paterson (19 miles)
- Elizabeth (19 miles)
- New Springville (19 miles)
- Irvington (19 miles)
- Hillside (20 miles)
- White Plains (20 miles)
- Port Chester (20 miles)
- West Orange (20 miles)
- Staten Island (20 miles)
- Ridgewood (20 miles)
- Great Kills (21 miles)
- Plainview (21 miles)
- Massapequa (21 miles)
- Union (21 miles)
- Maplewood (21 miles)
- Roselle (22 miles)
- Linden (22 miles)
- Carteret (23 miles)
- Woodrow (23 miles)
- Millburn (23 miles)
- Livingston (24 miles)
- Cranford (24 miles)
- Rahway (24 miles)
- Wayne (24 miles)
- Huntington Station (25 miles)
- Copiague (25 miles)
- Spring Valley (26 miles)
- Westfield (26 miles)
- Lindenhurst (26 miles)
- Summit (26 miles)
- Stamford (26 miles)
- Mahwah (27 miles)
- West Babylon (27 miles)
- Perth Amboy (27 miles)
- New City (27 miles)
- Ossining (28 miles)
- Dix Hills (28 miles)
- Deer Park (28 miles)
- Scotch Plains (28 miles)
- Middletown (29 miles)
- East Northport (29 miles)
- West Islip (30 miles)
- Plainfield (30 miles)
- Parsippany (30 miles)
- Darien (30 miles)
- Commack (30 miles)
- North Plainfield (31 miles)
- North Stamford (31 miles)
- South Plainfield (31 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (32 miles)
- Long Branch (32 miles)
- Brentwood (32 miles)
- Bay Shore (33 miles)
- Edison (33 miles)
- Piscataway (33 miles)
- Sayreville (33 miles)
- East Norwalk (34 miles)
- Central Islip (35 miles)
- Hauppauge (35 miles)
- Smithtown (35 miles)
- South Old Bridge (35 miles)
- Old Bridge (36 miles)
- Basking Ridge (36 miles)
- New Brunswick (36 miles)
- West Milford (37 miles)
- Peekskill (37 miles)
- Marlboro (37 miles)
- East Brunswick (37 miles)
- Westport (37 miles)
- Somerset (37 miles)
- Randolph (38 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (39 miles)
- Centereach (41 miles)
- Fairfield (41 miles)
- Holbrook (41 miles)
- Bridgewater (42 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (43 miles)
- Hillsborough (44 miles)