Join your neighbors in holiday celebrations in New City! Discover all the events with our guide. For New City regulars and holiday explorers, this guide is your companion for festive fun.
Popular events in the area include the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a stunning holiday centerpiece adorned with thousands of lights and ornaments. Another highlight is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where the enchanting Rockettes deliver a dazzling performance that evokes the spirit of the season. And the heartwarming Elf The Musical is something you definitely don't want to miss, bringing joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around New City
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York)
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (New York)
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (New York)
- Elf The Musical (New York)
- Bryant Park Christmas Market (New York)
- Christmas Horse Carriage Ride (New York)
- Festive Christmas Cruise (New York)
- A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin (Newark)
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (Bronx)
- Lights on the Lake (Finger Lakes)
See these and even more events listed below!
New City Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Iconic Christmas tree with thousands of lights and a massive crystal star.
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. It stands as a symbol of the holiday season in New York City, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Socially-distanced, open-air ride with photo opportunities at famous landmarks.
Description:
Embark on a festive horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City, taking in the stunning holiday light displays along Fifth Avenue, including iconic spots like Saks Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Where: New York | More Info: Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive wildlife-themed light displays and interactive experiences.
Description:
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns across seven trails, showcasing nearly 100 animal and plant species. Interactive experiences include glowing walls, illuminated trees, and seasonal treats. The event also includes family-friendly entertainment, such as a holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, and animal-themed light shows.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Lights on the Lake
What to Expect:
Two-mile drive-thru holiday display with over 600,000 lights.
Description:
Lights on the Lake is a two-mile drive-thru holiday display featuring hundreds of holiday displays and over 600,000 lights. The event includes sections like larger-than-life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, holiday traditions, and fairy tale magic. It is one of Central New York's favorite holiday traditions, with over 40,000 vehicles driving through each season.
Where: Finger Lakes | More Info: Lights on the Lake
New City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans in custom-designed kiosks.
Description:
The Bryant Park Christmas Market features an open-air European-inspired market with artisans from New York City and around the world. Located in custom-designed "jewel box" kiosks, the market offers local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts. The market is housed in the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Where: New York | More Info: Bryant Park Christmas Market
New City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Synchronized precision dancing by the Rockettes with elaborate special effects.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a classic holiday show featuring the world-famous Rockettes, with intricate choreography, beloved Christmas music, and spectacular special effects. The show includes nine show-stopping numbers and blends classic numbers with innovative technology, making it a cherished tradition for families and visitors alike.
Where: New York | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Elf The Musical
What to Expect:
Acclaimed new, record-breaking production starring Tony Award nominee Grey Henson.
Description:
Elf The Musical is a holiday classic about a boy raised by Santa's elves who travels to New York City to discover his true identity. Starring Tony Award nominee Grey Henson as Buddy the Elf and Oscar nominee Sean Astin as Santa, this production features music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin.
Where: New York | More Info: Elf The Musical
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 classic ballet featuring Tschaikovsky’s melodies, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets and costumes. The production includes a one-ton Christmas tree, dazzling costumes, and a blustery blizzard of ballerinas. It is a complex ballet that captivates audiences of all ages with its timeless story and technical achievements.
Where: New York | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
What to Expect:
Exclusive Q&A with Macaulay Culkin after a screening of Home Alone.
Description:
Join Macaulay Culkin for a special screening of Home Alone at NJPAC, followed by an exclusive interview and Q&A session. Relive iconic scenes and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved holiday classic.
Where: Newark | More Info: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz
What to Expect:
Intimate Q&A and immersive activities with Lindsey Stirling.
Description:
Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz is a captivating holiday concert featuring her unique violin-driven electronic music, reimagining Christmas classics with a modern twist. The event includes immersive activities, photo opportunities, and interactive games, making it a special pre-concert experience.
Where: New York | More Info: Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz
New City Other Holiday Activities
Festive Christmas Cruise
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and complimentary hot cocoa.
Description:
Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise in New York City aboard a classic, climate-controlled yacht. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, and festive holiday decor. The cruise features live holiday music, a complimentary drink (beer, wine, champagne, or hot cocoa), and delicious cookies and treats.
Where: New York | More Info: Festive Christmas Cruise
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Spring Valley (4 miles)
- Ossining (7 miles)
- Mahwah (9 miles)
- Peekskill (10 miles)
- Greenburgh (11 miles)
- Ridgewood (13 miles)
- White Plains (14 miles)
- Paramus (15 miles)
- Bergenfield (15 miles)
- Yonkers (16 miles)
- Fair Lawn (16 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (16 miles)
- Teaneck (17 miles)
- Englewood (18 miles)
- Mount Vernon (18 miles)
- Elmwood Park (18 miles)
- Hackensack (18 miles)
- Paterson (19 miles)
- Wakefield (19 miles)
- Lodi (19 miles)
- Harrison (19 miles)
- Kings Bridge (19 miles)
- Garfield (19 miles)
- Port Chester (20 miles)
- West Milford (20 miles)
- University Heights (20 miles)
- Fordham (20 miles)
- Fort Lee (21 miles)
- Palisades Park (21 miles)
- Washington Heights (21 miles)
- Morris Heights (21 miles)
- Tremont (21 miles)
- Passaic (21 miles)
- Wayne (21 miles)
- East Tremont (22 miles)
- The Bronx (22 miles)
- Van Nest (22 miles)
- Clifton (22 miles)
- Parkchester (22 miles)
- Morrisania (22 miles)
- Cliffside Park (23 miles)
- Melrose (23 miles)
- North Stamford (23 miles)
- Unionport (23 miles)
- Morningside Heights (23 miles)
- Harlem (24 miles)
- Mott Haven (24 miles)
- North Bergen (24 miles)
- Hunts Point (24 miles)
- Throgs Neck (24 miles)
- Nutley (24 miles)
- Stamford (24 miles)
- East Harlem (25 miles)
- Newburgh (25 miles)
- West New York (25 miles)
- Montclair (25 miles)
- Manhattan (25 miles)
- Union City (25 miles)
- Bloomfield (26 miles)
- Belleville (26 miles)
- Whitestone (26 miles)
- College Point (26 miles)
- Astoria (26 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (26 miles)
- Glen Cove (27 miles)
- West Orange (27 miles)
- Kearny (27 miles)
- East Elmhurst (27 miles)
- Darien (27 miles)
- Jackson Heights (28 miles)
- Long Island City (28 miles)
- Hoboken (28 miles)
- Woodside (28 miles)
- Sunnyside (28 miles)
- Gramercy Park (28 miles)
- Bayside (28 miles)
- Corona (28 miles)
- East Orange (29 miles)
- East Village (29 miles)
- Orange (29 miles)
- Elmhurst (29 miles)
- Jersey City (29 miles)
- Greenpoint (29 miles)
- Maspeth (30 miles)
- Livingston (30 miles)
- Chinatown (30 miles)
- New York City (30 miles)
- Rego Park (30 miles)
- Williamsburg (30 miles)
- Newark (30 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (30 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (30 miles)
- Middle Village (30 miles)
- Parsippany (30 miles)
- Financial District (30 miles)
- Middletown (31 miles)
- Forest Hills (31 miles)
- East Norwalk (31 miles)
- Ridgewood (31 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (31 miles)
- Glendale (31 miles)
- Irvington (31 miles)
- Bushwick (32 miles)
- Briarwood (32 miles)
- Queens Village (32 miles)
- Richmond Hill (32 miles)
- Hollis (32 miles)
- Hillside (32 miles)
- Maplewood (32 miles)
- Woodhaven (32 miles)
- Danbury (33 miles)
- Westport (33 miles)
- Cypress Hills (33 miles)
- Jamaica (33 miles)
- Park Slope (33 miles)
- Queens (33 miles)
- Hillside (33 miles)
- Ozone Park (33 miles)
- Millburn (34 miles)
- East New York (34 miles)
- Bayonne (34 miles)
- Brownsville (34 miles)
- Cambria Heights (34 miles)
- Elmont (34 miles)
- South Ozone Park (34 miles)
- Union (34 miles)
- East Flatbush (34 miles)
- Flatbush (34 miles)
- Brooklyn (34 miles)
- Garden City (34 miles)
- Franklin Square (35 miles)
- Kensington (35 miles)
- Sunset Park (35 miles)
- Howard Beach (35 miles)
- Canarsie (35 miles)
- Laurelton (35 miles)
- Elizabeth (35 miles)
- Borough Park (35 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (36 miles)
- Hicksville (36 miles)
- Summit (36 miles)
- Rosedale (36 miles)
- Hempstead (36 miles)
- Huntington Station (36 miles)
- Dyker Heights (36 miles)
- Valley Stream (36 miles)
- Flatlands (36 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (37 miles)
- Roselle (37 miles)
- Randolph (37 miles)
- Uniondale (37 miles)
- Plainview (37 miles)
- East Meadow (37 miles)
- Cranford (37 miles)
- Bath Beach (38 miles)
- Bensonhurst (38 miles)
- Fairfield (38 miles)
- Gravesend (38 miles)
- Poughkeepsie (38 miles)
- Rockville Centre (38 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (39 miles)
- Westfield (39 miles)
- Linden (39 miles)
- Baldwin (39 miles)
- New Springville (39 miles)
- Coney Island (39 miles)
- East Northport (39 miles)
- Brighton Beach (39 miles)
- Far Rockaway (39 miles)
- Oceanside (40 miles)
- Scotch Plains (40 miles)
- Freeport (40 miles)
- Rahway (40 miles)
- Merrick (41 miles)
- Staten Island (41 miles)
- Carteret (41 miles)
- Dix Hills (41 miles)
- Trumbull (42 miles)
- Bridgeport (42 miles)
- Plainfield (42 miles)
- Great Kills (42 miles)
- Commack (42 miles)
- Massapequa (42 miles)
- Basking Ridge (42 miles)
- Long Beach (42 miles)
- North Plainfield (42 miles)
- Woodrow (43 miles)
- Deer Park (44 miles)
- West Babylon (44 miles)
- Copiague (45 miles)
- Stratford (45 miles)