Get a snapshot of the holidays in East Village! Our guide covers all the key festive events and activities. For East Village insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your passport to festive fun.
Popular Events: One highlight of the season is Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where you can explore a charming holiday market and enjoy ice skating surrounded by the city skyline. A dazzling display of lights and inflatables transforms Dyker Heights into a holiday wonderland, attracting visitors from far and wide. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring the stunning Rockettes in a festive performance. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around East Village
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
- Bryant Park’s Winter Village (New York City)
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York City)
- Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (New York City)
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York City)
- NYCBallet’s The Nutcracker (New York City)
- Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert (New York City)
- Central Park Holiday Lighting (New York City)
- Menorah Lighting at Central Park (New York City)
- Elf the Musical (New York City)
See these and even more events listed below!
East Village Holiday Light Displays
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Over-the-top home decorations by local residents.
Description:
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights features 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 light display on the Harlem Meer.
Description:
Central Park Holiday Lighting features a dazzling light display on the Harlem Meer, live ice-carving demonstrations, caroling, and hot cocoa. Meet Santa and friends while enjoying seasonal activities.
Where: New York City | More Info: Central Park Holiday Lighting
East Village Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
What to Expect:
NYC's largest free-admission ice skating rink with unique holiday shops.
Description:
Bryant Park's Winter Village offers free ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, and cozy igloos. Visitors can enjoy high-quality rental skates, free skating shows, and festive eats at The Lodge.
Where: New York City | More Info: Bryant Park’s Winter Village
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
What to Expect:
European-style market with diverse artisanal goods and food.
Description:
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a bustling outdoor market located at the southwest corner of Central Park, 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 City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Ice Skating at Bryant Park
What to Expect:
Free admission ice skating with various skate aid options.
Description:
Ice skating at Bryant Park offers a 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink with free admission for those bringing their own skates. The rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours on select weekends and holidays. The surrounding area features holiday shops, The Lodge for food and drinks, and other festive activities.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Bryant Park
East Village Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
High-energy dance performances with advanced technology.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show blends classic dance numbers with innovative technology, including digital projections and drone performances. It includes iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity," which have delighted audiences since 1933.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert
What to Expect:
Iconic holiday performances by a legendary artist.
Description:
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time concert is a spectacular celebration of holiday classics and timeless hits, featuring Mariah Carey's iconic voice and festive spirit.
Where: New York City | More Info: Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time concert
NYCBallet’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is a renowned ballet production by the New York City Ballet, featuring Tchaikovsky's iconic melodies and Balanchine's intricate choreography. The performance includes elaborate stage elements, intricate lighting, and grand visual effects such as a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from 12 to 41 feet. The ballet introduces the Stahlbaum children, Marie and Fritz, Herr Drosselmeier, and his Nephew, transitioning from reality into fantasy with the concluding Snowflake Waltz. Act II offers a complete transformation into the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy.
Where: New York City | More Info: NYCBallet’s The Nutcracker
Christmas Candlelight Concert
What to Expect:
Classical music performance under candlelight with guest soloists.
Description:
The Bach Society of Saint Louis presents a Christmas Candlelight Concert featuring the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra performing timeless classics like "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and Vivaldi's "Gloria," with guest soloists Josefien Stoppelenburg and Kate Tombaugh.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Candlelight Concert
Elf the Musical
What to Expect:
Hilarious tale of a young orphan's journey to discover his true identity.
Description:
Elf the Musical is a heartwarming stage adaptation of the family-favorite holiday film, following Buddy, a human raised as an Elf, on his journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his true identity and the spirit of Christmas. With catchy songs and lively choreography, it’s a feel-good experience that explores love and friendship.
Where: New York City | More Info: Elf the Musical
The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Ecological and synthetic ice rink with breathtaking city views.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland, where you can skate on Manhattan's only rooftop rink, explore Santa's famous sleigh, and enjoy seasonal treats and themed drinks.
Where: New York City | More Info: The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
East Village Other Holiday Activities
Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
What to Expect:
Pedestrianized Fifth Avenue with holiday window displays and live performances.
Description:
Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays feature iconic storefronts transformed into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces showcasing elaborate holiday window displays, performances, and food vendors.
Where: New York City | More Info: Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
Menorah Lighting at Central Park
What to Expect:
Largest menorah in the world, certified by Guinness World Records.
Description:
The annual Menorah Lighting at Central Park features a ceremonial lighting of the world's largest menorah, designed by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, inspired by the original menorah in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The event includes live music and Chassidic dancing, with additional activities such as free donuts and performances by singer Eli Marcus.
Where: New York City | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Central Park
Ice Skating at Central Park
What to Expect:
Iconic outdoor ice skating in Central Park.
Description:
Ice skating at Central Park's Wollman Rink offers a quintessential New York winter experience, with breathtaking views of the city skyline and a welcoming environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Where: New York City | More Info: Ice Skating at Central Park
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Gramercy Park (1 miles)
- Chinatown (1 miles)
- New York City (1 miles)
- Financial District (2 miles)
- Greenpoint (2 miles)
- Williamsburg (2 miles)
- Long Island City (2 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (2 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (2 miles)
- Hoboken (3 miles)
- Sunnyside (3 miles)
- Manhattan (4 miles)
- Maspeth (4 miles)
- Union City (4 miles)
- Park Slope (4 miles)
- Astoria (4 miles)
- West New York (4 miles)
- Bushwick (4 miles)
- Woodside (4 miles)
- Jersey City (5 miles)
- Ridgewood (5 miles)
- East Harlem (5 miles)
- North Bergen (5 miles)
- Flatbush (6 miles)
- Glendale (6 miles)
- Middle Village (6 miles)
- Jackson Heights (6 miles)
- Morningside Heights (6 miles)
- Elmhurst (6 miles)
- Kensington (6 miles)
- Brooklyn (6 miles)
- Harlem (6 miles)
- Brownsville (6 miles)
- Sunset Park (6 miles)
- East Flatbush (6 miles)
- Cypress Hills (6 miles)
- Cliffside Park (6 miles)
- Mott Haven (6 miles)
- Borough Park (7 miles)
- East Elmhurst (7 miles)
- Corona (7 miles)
- East New York (7 miles)
- Rego Park (7 miles)
- Forest Hills (7 miles)
- Woodhaven (7 miles)
- Canarsie (7 miles)
- Dyker Heights (8 miles)
- Melrose (8 miles)
- Bayonne (8 miles)
- Hunts Point (8 miles)
- Flatlands (8 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (8 miles)
- Morrisania (8 miles)
- Palisades Park (8 miles)
- Ozone Park (8 miles)
- Richmond Hill (8 miles)
- College Point (8 miles)
- Fort Lee (8 miles)
- Queens (9 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (9 miles)
- Bath Beach (9 miles)
- Kearny (9 miles)
- Washington Heights (9 miles)
- Bensonhurst (9 miles)
- Morris Heights (9 miles)
- Briarwood (9 miles)
- Gravesend (9 miles)
- Howard Beach (9 miles)
- Tremont (9 miles)
- East Tremont (9 miles)
- Belleville (10 miles)
- Newark (10 miles)
- South Ozone Park (10 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (10 miles)
- Jamaica (10 miles)
- Unionport (10 miles)
- University Heights (10 miles)
- Whitestone (10 miles)
- Parkchester (10 miles)
- Fordham (10 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (10 miles)
- The Bronx (10 miles)
- Coney Island (10 miles)
- Van Nest (10 miles)
- Brighton Beach (11 miles)
- Hillside (11 miles)
- Throgs Neck (11 miles)
- Nutley (11 miles)
- Kings Bridge (11 miles)
- Hackensack (11 miles)
- Englewood (11 miles)
- Bayside (11 miles)
- Passaic (11 miles)
- Hollis (12 miles)
- Bloomfield (12 miles)
- East Orange (12 miles)
- Lodi (12 miles)
- Teaneck (12 miles)
- Garfield (12 miles)
- Elizabeth (13 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (13 miles)
- Clifton (13 miles)
- Hillside (13 miles)
- Queens Village (13 miles)
- Irvington (13 miles)
- New Springville (13 miles)
- Orange (13 miles)
- Cambria Heights (13 miles)
- Laurelton (13 miles)
- Montclair (13 miles)
- Wakefield (14 miles)
- Bergenfield (14 miles)
- Elmwood Park (14 miles)
- Rosedale (14 miles)
- West Orange (14 miles)
- Staten Island (14 miles)
- Elmont (15 miles)
- Union (15 miles)
- Yonkers (15 miles)
- Great Kills (15 miles)
- Far Rockaway (15 miles)
- Mount Vernon (15 miles)
- Maplewood (15 miles)
- Roselle (15 miles)
- Valley Stream (15 miles)
- Linden (15 miles)
- Paramus (16 miles)
- Paterson (16 miles)
- Franklin Square (16 miles)
- Carteret (16 miles)
- Fair Lawn (16 miles)
- Millburn (17 miles)
- Woodrow (17 miles)
- Cranford (17 miles)
- Rahway (17 miles)
- Livingston (18 miles)
- Garden City (18 miles)
- Ridgewood (19 miles)
- Rockville Centre (19 miles)
- Oceanside (19 miles)
- Hempstead (19 miles)
- Westfield (19 miles)
- Summit (20 miles)
- Long Beach (20 miles)
- Wayne (20 miles)
- Baldwin (20 miles)
- Glen Cove (21 miles)
- Uniondale (21 miles)
- Perth Amboy (21 miles)
- Scotch Plains (22 miles)
- Freeport (22 miles)
- Harrison (22 miles)
- Greenburgh (22 miles)
- East Meadow (22 miles)
- Plainfield (23 miles)
- Merrick (23 miles)
- North Plainfield (24 miles)
- White Plains (24 miles)
- Middletown (24 miles)
- Hicksville (24 miles)
- South Plainfield (25 miles)
- Parsippany (25 miles)
- Port Chester (25 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (26 miles)
- Mahwah (26 miles)
- Edison (27 miles)
- Spring Valley (27 miles)
- Piscataway (27 miles)
- Sayreville (27 miles)
- Massapequa (27 miles)
- Plainview (27 miles)
- New City (29 miles)
- Long Branch (29 miles)
- South Old Bridge (29 miles)
- Old Bridge (29 miles)
- Basking Ridge (29 miles)
- New Brunswick (30 miles)
- East Brunswick (31 miles)
- Ossining (31 miles)
- Somerset (31 miles)
- Copiague (31 miles)
- Huntington Station (31 miles)
- Marlboro (32 miles)
- Randolph (32 miles)
- Lindenhurst (32 miles)
- Stamford (32 miles)
- West Babylon (33 miles)
- West Milford (34 miles)
- Dix Hills (34 miles)
- Deer Park (35 miles)
- West Islip (36 miles)
- Bridgewater (36 miles)
- East Northport (36 miles)
- Darien (36 miles)
- North Stamford (37 miles)
- Commack (37 miles)
- Hillsborough (38 miles)
- Bay Shore (39 miles)
- Peekskill (39 miles)
- Brentwood (39 miles)
- East Norwalk (40 miles)
- Central Islip (41 miles)
- Hauppauge (42 miles)
- Smithtown (42 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (43 miles)
- Westport (43 miles)
- Princeton (44 miles)