Get thrilled, East Harlem! Our holiday guide is here to help you discover all the best festive fun. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, this guide ensures you experience the holiday charm in East Harlem.
Popular events during the season include the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a dazzling display that has become a holiday tradition for many. The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes features stunning performances and extraordinary choreography, making it a unique favorite among attendees. And the enchanting George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is something you definitely don't want to miss as it brings to life the beloved classic tale through exquisite dance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Harlem
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (New York City)
- Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (New York City)
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (New York City)
- Bryant Park Winter Village (New York City)
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York City)
- Grand Holiday Bazaar (New York City)
- Harlem Night Market (New York City)
- Dyker Heights Christmas lights (Brooklyn)
- Visit the Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland (New York City)
- Christmas Market in Bryant Park (New York City)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Harlem Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Iconic, elaborately lit Christmas tree in Midtown Manhattan.
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. The tree is a symbol of the holiday season, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Dyker Heights Christmas lights
What to Expect:
Elaborate home decorations with life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays.
Description:
Dyker Heights Christmas lights feature elaborate home decorations, including life-size Nutcrackers and animatronic displays, creating a spectacular holiday display in Brooklyn.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Central Park Holiday Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling lights and festive activities around the Discovery Center.
Description:
Central Park Holiday Lighting features a spectacular holiday light display at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, including caroling on the Plaza, meeting Santa, and a grand finale of illuminated Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer.
Where: New York City | More Info: Central Park Holiday Lighting
Holiday Tree Lighting 106th Street
What to Expect:
Symbolic beacon of community hope
Description:
The East Harlem Holiday Tree is a beacon of hope and community spirit, symbolizing the persistence of hope and determination in the diverse and culturally rich neighborhood. The tree is lit annually at Franklin Plaza, Third Avenue, and 106th Street, New York, NY 10029, and is a cherished holiday tradition.
Where: East Harlem | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting 106th Street
East Harlem Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Winter Village
What to Expect:
NYC's largest free-admission ice skating rink with unique holiday shops and activities.
Description:
Bryant Park Winter Village offers free-admission ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, cozy igloos, and festive activities like curling and bumper cars on ice. It's a premier destination for holiday shopping and entertainment in New York City.
Where: New York City | More Info: Bryant Park Winter Village
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
What to Expect:
European-style holiday market with over 100 vendors.
Description:
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a bustling holiday market located at the southwest corner of Central Park, offering a diverse array of unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods from over 100 artisans and designers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats like bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst while strolling through the market.
Where: New York City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Grand Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The Grand Holiday Bazaar is an indoor-outdoor market featuring over 150 hand-picked independent local artisans and dealers. Shop for unique handmade holiday decorations, giftable items, candles, skincare, fashion, vintage accessories, collectibles, handmade jewelry, furniture, and rare antique silverware and glassware. Enjoy delicious artisanal chocolates and foods while supporting local artisans and benefiting four local public schools.
Where: New York City | More Info: Grand Holiday Bazaar
Harlem Night Market
What to Expect:
Diverse culinary traditions meet in a communal gathering spot.
Description:
Harlem Night Market is a vibrant celebration of community, cuisine, and culture in the heart of Harlem, featuring over 50 diverse vendors showcasing a rich array of global cuisines.
Where: New York City | More Info: Harlem Night Market
Christmas Market in Bryant Park
What to Expect:
European-inspired holiday market with over 180 artisanal vendors.
Description:
The Bryant Park Winter Village features an open-air market curated by Urbanspace Markets, showcasing local and international artisans. Enjoy local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts in custom-designed kiosks. The market is located in Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Market in Bryant Park
East Harlem Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
What to Expect:
Precision dance troupe performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual holiday stage show featuring over 140 performers, including the legendary Rockettes. The show combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes, blending iconic moments with breathtaking technology.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a complex theatrical ballet featuring Tschaikovsky’s music, Balanchine’s choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. It introduces the Stahlbaum children, Marie, and Fritz, while transitioning from reality into fantasy with the concluding Snowflake Waltz. The ballet culminates in the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy, showcasing grand visual effects including a one-ton Christmas tree and crystal-shaped snowflakes.
Where: New York City | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Holiday Jazz, Cocoa and Carols Cruise
What to Expect:
Live jazz band and complimentary hot cocoa.
Description:
Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise through New York City's iconic landmarks, featuring a live jazz band, festive decorations, and complimentary hot cocoa, beer, wine, or champagne. Enjoy stunning views of the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty while singing along to holiday classics.
Where: New York City | More Info: Holiday Jazz, Cocoa and Carols Cruise
East Harlem Other Holiday Activities
Visit the Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ecological synthetic ice rink with panoramic city views.
Description:
Visit Disney's The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 17, where you can skate on Manhattan's only rooftop rink, explore Santa's sleigh, and enjoy seasonal treats and drinks in a North Pole-inspired setting.
Where: New York City | More Info: Visit the Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
What to Expect:
Iconic ice skating experience with the Christmas Tree backdrop.
Description:
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas Tree, with various ticket options and special events.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Ice Skating at Bryant Park
What to Expect:
Free admission ice skating with various skate aids for beginners.
Description:
Ice skating at Bryant Park offers a free-admission rink with high-quality rental skates, skate aids for beginners, and a variety of events including Bumper Cars on Ice and Curling Café. The rink is open daily through March 3, 2024, with extended hours on select weekends and holidays.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Bryant Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Harlem (1 miles)
- Mott Haven (1 miles)
- Manhattan (1 miles)
- Morningside Heights (1 miles)
- Astoria (2 miles)
- Melrose (3 miles)
- Cliffside Park (3 miles)
- Morrisania (3 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (3 miles)
- Hunts Point (3 miles)
- Long Island City (3 miles)
- North Bergen (4 miles)
- West New York (4 miles)
- Sunnyside (4 miles)
- Washington Heights (4 miles)
- Woodside (4 miles)
- Morris Heights (4 miles)
- Jackson Heights (4 miles)
- Fort Lee (4 miles)
- Tremont (4 miles)
- Union City (4 miles)
- East Tremont (4 miles)
- Gramercy Park (5 miles)
- East Elmhurst (5 miles)
- Palisades Park (5 miles)
- University Heights (5 miles)
- Greenpoint (5 miles)
- Fordham (5 miles)
- College Point (5 miles)
- East Village (5 miles)
- Maspeth (5 miles)
- Elmhurst (5 miles)
- Parkchester (5 miles)
- Unionport (5 miles)
- Corona (5 miles)
- The Bronx (6 miles)
- Van Nest (6 miles)
- Williamsburg (6 miles)
- Hoboken (6 miles)
- Chinatown (6 miles)
- Kings Bridge (6 miles)
- Middle Village (6 miles)
- New York City (6 miles)
- Whitestone (6 miles)
- Rego Park (7 miles)
- Throgs Neck (7 miles)
- Ridgewood (7 miles)
- Financial District (7 miles)
- Englewood (7 miles)
- Bushwick (7 miles)
- Glendale (7 miles)
- Forest Hills (7 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (7 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (8 miles)
- Teaneck (8 miles)
- Hackensack (8 miles)
- Jersey City (8 miles)
- Woodhaven (9 miles)
- Wakefield (9 miles)
- Cypress Hills (9 miles)
- Richmond Hill (9 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (9 miles)
- Bayside (9 miles)
- Briarwood (9 miles)
- Park Slope (9 miles)
- Brownsville (9 miles)
- East New York (9 miles)
- Lodi (10 miles)
- Queens (10 miles)
- Bergenfield (10 miles)
- Ozone Park (10 miles)
- Yonkers (10 miles)
- East Flatbush (10 miles)
- Mount Vernon (10 miles)
- Flatbush (10 miles)
- Brooklyn (10 miles)
- Jamaica (10 miles)
- Hillside (10 miles)
- Kensington (10 miles)
- Passaic (11 miles)
- Canarsie (11 miles)
- Garfield (11 miles)
- Hollis (11 miles)
- South Ozone Park (11 miles)
- Kearny (11 miles)
- Belleville (11 miles)
- Sunset Park (11 miles)
- Howard Beach (11 miles)
- Borough Park (11 miles)
- Queens Village (12 miles)
- Nutley (12 miles)
- Elmwood Park (12 miles)
- Flatlands (12 miles)
- Clifton (12 miles)
- Paramus (12 miles)
- Dyker Heights (12 miles)
- Bayonne (13 miles)
- Newark (13 miles)
- Cambria Heights (13 miles)
- Bloomfield (13 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (13 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (13 miles)
- Laurelton (13 miles)
- Bath Beach (14 miles)
- Bensonhurst (14 miles)
- Elmont (14 miles)
- Gravesend (14 miles)
- East Orange (14 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (14 miles)
- Montclair (14 miles)
- Fair Lawn (14 miles)
- Rosedale (14 miles)
- Paterson (15 miles)
- Brighton Beach (15 miles)
- Franklin Square (15 miles)
- Valley Stream (15 miles)
- Coney Island (15 miles)
- Orange (15 miles)
- West Orange (16 miles)
- Ridgewood (16 miles)
- Irvington (16 miles)
- Far Rockaway (16 miles)
- Hillside (16 miles)
- Elizabeth (17 miles)
- Garden City (17 miles)
- Glen Cove (17 miles)
- Harrison (17 miles)
- Greenburgh (17 miles)
- Maplewood (18 miles)
- Hempstead (18 miles)
- Union (18 miles)
- New Springville (18 miles)
- Rockville Centre (18 miles)
- White Plains (19 miles)
- Staten Island (19 miles)
- Oceanside (19 miles)
- Roselle (19 miles)
- Uniondale (19 miles)
- Livingston (19 miles)
- Millburn (20 miles)
- Wayne (20 miles)
- Linden (20 miles)
- Baldwin (20 miles)
- Great Kills (20 miles)
- Port Chester (20 miles)
- Long Beach (21 miles)
- East Meadow (21 miles)
- Cranford (21 miles)
- Freeport (21 miles)
- Carteret (21 miles)
- Rahway (22 miles)
- Hicksville (22 miles)
- Woodrow (22 miles)
- Merrick (22 miles)
- Spring Valley (23 miles)
- Summit (23 miles)
- Mahwah (23 miles)
- Westfield (23 miles)
- New City (25 miles)
- Plainview (25 miles)
- Scotch Plains (25 miles)
- Parsippany (26 miles)
- Massapequa (26 miles)
- Ossining (26 miles)
- Perth Amboy (26 miles)
- Plainfield (27 miles)
- Stamford (28 miles)
- North Plainfield (28 miles)
- Huntington Station (28 miles)
- South Plainfield (29 miles)
- Middletown (29 miles)
- Copiague (29 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (31 miles)
- Lindenhurst (31 miles)
- Edison (31 miles)
- West Babylon (31 miles)
- Piscataway (31 miles)
- Darien (32 miles)
- North Stamford (32 miles)
- Dix Hills (32 miles)
- Sayreville (32 miles)
- West Milford (32 miles)
- Deer Park (32 miles)
- Basking Ridge (32 miles)
- East Northport (33 miles)
- Randolph (34 miles)
- West Islip (34 miles)
- Long Branch (34 miles)
- Commack (34 miles)
- New Brunswick (34 miles)
- Peekskill (34 miles)
- South Old Bridge (34 miles)
- Old Bridge (34 miles)
- Somerset (35 miles)
- East Brunswick (35 miles)
- East Norwalk (36 miles)
- Brentwood (36 miles)
- Marlboro (37 miles)
- Bay Shore (37 miles)
- Central Islip (39 miles)
- Hauppauge (39 miles)
- Westport (39 miles)
- Smithtown (39 miles)
- Bridgewater (39 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (40 miles)
- Hillsborough (42 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (43 miles)
- Fairfield (43 miles)
- Centereach (44 miles)