Explore the top festive highlights in Parkchester! Our guide features all the must-see holiday events. For Parkchester aficionados and curious cats, our guide is your ticket to holiday discoveries.
This season, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dazzles with its elaborate light display, drawing visitors from near and far. In addition, the enchanting Rockefeller Center ice skating rink offers a classic winter experience where skaters glide under the twinkling lights. And the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Parkchester
- Rockefeller Center ice skating (New York)
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (New York)
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes) (New York)
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (New York)
- NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens (Bronx)
- Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
- Decorated Shop Windows (New York)
- Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum (Flushing)
- Santa's Village at American Christmas (Yonkers)
- Festive Christmas Cruise (New York)
See these and even more events listed below!
Parkchester Holiday Light Displays
Santa's Village at American Christmas
What to Expect:
Customized holiday decoration services for iconic brands and businesses.
Description:
American Christmas offers bespoke holiday decoration services, crafting unique and festive lighting designs for iconic brands and businesses.
Where: Yonkers | More Info: Santa's Village at American Christmas
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with hand-crafted lanterns and interactive features.
Description:
The Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 lights and 80 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience across 6 acres of historic farmland. Visitors can explore a luminescent display inspired by Chinese folklore and animals, along with interactive illuminated tunnels, swings, and see-saws. New features include the Bounce House and Sugar Paintings.
Where: Flushing | More Info: Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
What to Expect:
Illuminated forest with interactive light displays.
Description:
At Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, the Festival of Lights transforms the orchard into an illuminated forest with over half a million brilliant lights, featuring whimsical creatures, light-changing orbs, thematic installations, and interactive light displays.
Where: North Salem | More Info: Festival of Lights at Harvest Moon
Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed light displays and interactive experiences.
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo features immersive light displays, animal lantern trails, and interactive experiences celebrating wildlife and wild places. The event includes festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights 2024 - Bronx Zoo
Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show Experience
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with new character Ice Queen.
Description:
Westchester's Winter Wonderland is a 1.2-mile drive-thru holiday light extravaganza featuring thousands of lights, new character Ice Queen, a 125-foot pixel wall, and live characters like Santa and elves. The event benefits the Westchester Parks Foundation and offers a safe, memorable experience for families.
Where: Valhalla | More Info: Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Light Show Experience
Grand Holiday Illumination - Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
What to Expect:
100,000 lights in an Indo-Persian style garden setting.
Description:
The Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy features over 100,000 lights illuminating the Walled Garden, accompanied by holiday music reflecting various traditions. This event is a Yonkers tradition, open daily from December 8 to January 1, and is free to the public with no reservations required.
Where: Yonkers | More Info: Grand Holiday Illumination - Untermyer Gardens Conservancy
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Iconic, elaborately decorated Christmas tree in a prominent public space.
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star featuring 3 million crystals. It stands as a symbol of holiday joy and tradition in Midtown Manhattan.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Decorated Shop Windows
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday window displays with a toy workshop and three-dimensional camera.
Description:
Macy's Christmas windows in New York feature beautifully decorated displays with interactive elements like toy workshops and three-dimensional cameras. Each window showcases a unique scene with festive materials such as wrapping paper and champagne glasses, capturing moments of joy and friendship.
Where: New York | More Info: Decorated Shop Windows
Parkchester Holiday Markets and Shopping
Roc Holiday Village Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Cozy winter igloos and exclusive VIP winter igloos.
Description:
Roc Holiday Village is a holiday festival in downtown Rochester, NY, featuring visits with Santa, ice skating, a shopping village, food and drink vendors, and various activities for all ages.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Roc Holiday Village Winter Festival
Parkchester Holiday Shows and Entertainment
NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
G-scale model trains traverse plant-based NYC landmarks in a historic glasshouse.
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating intricate, plant-based replicas of New York City landmarks within the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The event includes both daytime and nighttime displays, with festive food and drink options available during Holiday Train Nights.
Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG GLOW- New York Botanical Gardens
Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Historic period setting with actor Michael Muldoon playing Charles Dickens.
Description:
A one-hour play recreating Charles Dickens' famous performance tour in 1867, bringing Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim to life in the beautifully decorated Lyndhurst Mansion.
Where: Tarrytown | More Info: Mr. Dickens Tells a Christmas Carol
Santa Needs Your Help
What to Expect:
Interactive event with Santa Claus preparation activities.
Description:
Santa Needs Your Help is an interactive event where guests assist Santa Claus in preparing for Christmas by playing games and singing songs. The event also includes a photo opportunity with Santa and a live-reading or short film based on the book "Santa Doesn't Need Your Help."
Where: Pelham | More Info: Santa Needs Your Help
Holiday Music Festival
What to Expect:
Family-friendly music festival with student ensembles and silent auction.
Description:
Hoff-Barthelson Music School's Holiday Music Festival is a family-friendly event showcasing the incredible talents of student ensembles, including choruses, Suzuki groups, jazz bands, and handbells. The event features a variety of musical performances and delicious foods, with a silent auction offering unique gifts and experiences.
Where: Scarsdale | More Info: Holiday Music Festival
Collective Brass Holiday Concert
What to Expect:
Handicap-accessible concert with a sing-along.
Description:
Collective Brass presents a joyous holiday concert featuring seasonal favorites, including selections from The Nutcracker and new arrangements of ancient carols, with a sing-along and the Hallelujah Chorus.
Where: Tarrytown | More Info: Collective Brass Holiday Concert
Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)
What to Expect:
High-kicking precision dance routines by the world-famous Rockettes.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features the iconic Rockettes in a 90-minute performance filled with precision dance routines, high kicks, and memorable acts like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Living Nativity" scene.
Where: New York | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s transcendent melodies, intricate sets, and exquisite choreography. The production introduces young Marie as she encounters the fearsome Mouse King and a blustery blizzard, leading to an enchanting Land of Sweets. The entire Company, including 90 dancers, 62 musicians, and over 125 children, come together to create a visually stunning and musically captivating performance.
Where: New York | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Parkchester Other Holiday Activities
Christmas by Candlelight 2023 - Old Sturbridge Village
What to Expect:
Historic Christmas festivities with live music and demonstrations.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Old Sturbridge Village with historic interpreters, classic Christmas projects, and festive decorations.
Where: Sturbridge | More Info: Christmas by Candlelight 2023 - Old Sturbridge Village
Holiday Classic Mansion Tours at Lyndhurst
What to Expect:
Historic mansion tour featuring elaborate holiday decorations and rarely-seen items.
Description:
Explore Lyndhurst Mansion, transformed into an extravagant holiday display with elaborate tableaus and expertly decorated Christmas trees. This one-hour tour visits the main two floors, offering a discussion of history, architecture, and art. The event is not recommended for young children, and families are encouraged to attend the Roam-on-your-Own Weekend.
Where: Tarrytown | More Info: Holiday Classic Mansion Tours at Lyndhurst
Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
What to Expect:
Interactive period room exploration with costumed interpreters.
Description:
Explore the first floor of the centuries-old Keeler Tavern Museum at your own pace. Costumed interpreters will answer questions and share stories about the site's former residents. Fun activities, including a partridge scavenger hunt and take-home craft, will engage younger visitors as they make their way through period rooms reflecting historic traditions and ways of living from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
Where: Ridgefield | More Info: Holiday Stroll Open House - Keeler Tavern Museum
Worldwide Lights Celebration at Stepping Stones
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits and activities for children.
Description:
Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers a variety of interactive activities, including the Discovery Station, where visitors can explore edible gardens, colored shadows, and homemade thermometers. The museum also features story read-aloud sessions, fitness activities, and puppet shows, making it an engaging place for children to learn and have fun.
Where: Norwalk | More Info: Worldwide Lights Celebration at Stepping Stones
Get Ready for Hanukkah: Make Your Own Candles and Menorah
What to Expect:
Hands-on Hanukkah crafts for families.
Description:
Celebrate Hanukkah with fun crafts like making your own candles and menorahs, accompanied by latkes and donuts.
Where: Scarsdale | More Info: Get Ready for Hanukkah: Make Your Own Candles and Menorah
Festive Christmas Cruise
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and festive decorations on a classic yacht.
Description:
Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise aboard a classic yacht, adorned with full holiday decor. Enjoy sweeping views of the NYC skyline, listen to live holiday songs, and savor one complimentary drink along with festive cookies and treats. This traditional New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise offers a cozy and memorable experience.
Where: New York | More Info: Festive Christmas Cruise
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, with 60-minute sessions available for general admission tickets starting at $21. The rink also features special events and Après Skate Chalets presented by Balsam Hill.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center ice skating
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Van Nest (1 miles)
- The Bronx (1 miles)
- Unionport (1 miles)
- East Tremont (2 miles)
- Hunts Point (2 miles)
- Throgs Neck (2 miles)
- Fordham (2 miles)
- Tremont (2 miles)
- Morrisania (3 miles)
- Melrose (3 miles)
- University Heights (3 miles)
- Morris Heights (3 miles)
- Kings Bridge (4 miles)
- College Point (4 miles)
- Whitestone (4 miles)
- Mott Haven (4 miles)
- Washington Heights (4 miles)
- Wakefield (4 miles)
- Harlem (5 miles)
- Mount Vernon (5 miles)
- East Harlem (5 miles)
- East Elmhurst (5 miles)
- Morningside Heights (6 miles)
- Fort Lee (6 miles)
- Astoria (6 miles)
- Jackson Heights (6 miles)
- Corona (6 miles)
- Bayside (7 miles)
- Yonkers (7 miles)
- Manhattan (7 miles)
- Cliffside Park (7 miles)
- Woodside (7 miles)
- Englewood (7 miles)
- Elmhurst (7 miles)
- Palisades Park (7 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (8 miles)
- Rego Park (8 miles)
- Sunnyside (8 miles)
- Long Island City (8 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (8 miles)
- North Bergen (8 miles)
- Maspeth (8 miles)
- Forest Hills (9 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (9 miles)
- Middle Village (9 miles)
- West New York (9 miles)
- Teaneck (9 miles)
- Briarwood (9 miles)
- Greenpoint (9 miles)
- Bergenfield (9 miles)
- Union City (9 miles)
- Glendale (10 miles)
- Gramercy Park (10 miles)
- Richmond Hill (10 miles)
- Hillside (10 miles)
- Ridgewood (10 miles)
- Williamsburg (10 miles)
- Queens Village (10 miles)
- Hollis (10 miles)
- East Village (10 miles)
- Hackensack (10 miles)
- Woodhaven (10 miles)
- Bushwick (10 miles)
- Jamaica (11 miles)
- Queens (11 miles)
- Chinatown (11 miles)
- Hoboken (11 miles)
- Ozone Park (11 miles)
- Cypress Hills (11 miles)
- New York City (12 miles)
- Harrison (12 miles)
- Cambria Heights (12 miles)
- South Ozone Park (12 miles)
- Financial District (12 miles)
- East New York (12 miles)
- Glen Cove (12 miles)
- Lodi (12 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (12 miles)
- Elmont (12 miles)
- Howard Beach (13 miles)
- Brownsville (13 miles)
- Laurelton (13 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (13 miles)
- Franklin Square (13 miles)
- East Flatbush (13 miles)
- Paramus (13 miles)
- Park Slope (13 miles)
- Greenburgh (13 miles)
- Garfield (14 miles)
- Canarsie (14 miles)
- Jersey City (14 miles)
- Brooklyn (14 miles)
- Rosedale (14 miles)
- Flatbush (14 miles)
- Passaic (14 miles)
- Garden City (14 miles)
- Elmwood Park (14 miles)
- White Plains (14 miles)
- Valley Stream (14 miles)
- Kensington (15 miles)
- Port Chester (15 miles)
- Belleville (15 miles)
- Flatlands (16 miles)
- Sunset Park (16 miles)
- Hempstead (16 miles)
- Kearny (16 miles)
- Nutley (16 miles)
- Fair Lawn (16 miles)
- Borough Park (16 miles)
- Clifton (16 miles)
- Ridgewood (17 miles)
- Rockville Centre (17 miles)
- Dyker Heights (17 miles)
- Uniondale (17 miles)
- Far Rockaway (17 miles)
- Paterson (17 miles)
- Bloomfield (17 miles)
- Gravesend (18 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (18 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (18 miles)
- Bayonne (18 miles)
- Newark (18 miles)
- Bensonhurst (18 miles)
- Bath Beach (18 miles)
- East Meadow (18 miles)
- Oceanside (18 miles)
- Hicksville (18 miles)
- Baldwin (18 miles)
- Montclair (18 miles)
- East Orange (19 miles)
- Brighton Beach (19 miles)
- Freeport (19 miles)
- Coney Island (19 miles)
- West Orange (20 miles)
- Orange (20 miles)
- Merrick (20 miles)
- Long Beach (20 miles)
- Irvington (21 miles)
- Plainview (21 miles)
- Spring Valley (21 miles)
- Hillside (22 miles)
- Elizabeth (22 miles)
- New City (22 miles)
- Ossining (22 miles)
- Stamford (22 miles)
- Wayne (23 miles)
- Mahwah (23 miles)
- Maplewood (23 miles)
- Massapequa (23 miles)
- New Springville (23 miles)
- Union (23 miles)
- Huntington Station (23 miles)
- Livingston (24 miles)
- Staten Island (24 miles)
- Millburn (25 miles)
- Roselle (25 miles)
- Great Kills (25 miles)
- Linden (25 miles)
- Cranford (26 miles)
- Darien (26 miles)
- Carteret (26 miles)
- Copiague (26 miles)
- North Stamford (26 miles)
- Woodrow (27 miles)
- Rahway (27 miles)
- Dix Hills (28 miles)
- Lindenhurst (28 miles)
- Summit (28 miles)
- West Babylon (28 miles)
- East Northport (28 miles)
- Deer Park (28 miles)
- Westfield (28 miles)
- Parsippany (30 miles)
- Commack (30 miles)
- East Norwalk (30 miles)
- West Islip (30 miles)
- Scotch Plains (30 miles)
- Perth Amboy (31 miles)
- Peekskill (31 miles)
- Plainfield (32 miles)
- Brentwood (32 miles)
- North Plainfield (33 miles)
- Bay Shore (33 miles)
- West Milford (33 miles)
- Westport (34 miles)
- Middletown (34 miles)
- South Plainfield (34 miles)
- Hauppauge (34 miles)
- Smithtown (35 miles)
- Central Islip (35 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (36 miles)
- Edison (36 miles)
- Piscataway (37 miles)
- Sayreville (37 miles)
- Basking Ridge (37 miles)
- Fairfield (37 miles)
- Long Branch (38 miles)
- Randolph (38 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (38 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (38 miles)
- New Brunswick (39 miles)
- South Old Bridge (39 miles)
- Old Bridge (39 miles)
- Centereach (40 miles)
- Somerset (40 miles)
- East Brunswick (41 miles)
- Holbrook (41 miles)
- Marlboro (41 miles)
- Bridgeport (42 miles)
- Danbury (44 miles)
- Trumbull (44 miles)
- Bridgewater (44 miles)
- Stratford (45 miles)
- Coram (45 miles)