Experience the joy of the season in Queens with our comprehensive guide. From Queens locals to international travelers, our guide is your key to seasonal celebrations.
Popular events abound during the holiday season, including the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, where the dazzling tree illuminates the night sky surrounded by festive spirit. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular features the world-famous Rockettes, captivating audiences with their precision dancing and vibrant performances. And the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights displays some of the most stunning residential holiday decorations that brighten the neighborhood like no other. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Queens
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York City)
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (New York City)
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)
- Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)
- Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)
- Rockefeller Center Ice Skating (New York City)
- Festive Christmas Cruise (New York City)
- Christmas Markets in Bryant Park (New York City)
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (New York City)
- Christmas Horse Carriage Ride (New York City)
See these and even more events listed below!
Queens Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with a Swarovski crystal star.
Description:
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event featuring a towering Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star. The tree is lit by the current Mayor of New York City and special guests, marking the official start of the holiday season in New York City.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Elaborate, theme-based home decorations.
Description:
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a renowned holiday attraction in Brooklyn, featuring over 100 elaborately decorated homes with unique themes and synchronized displays.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Socially-distanced, open-air ride with stringent sanitary measures.
Description:
Embark on a 50-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City's most beautifully illuminated holiday displays, including Fifth Avenue's iconic shops and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Rolf’s German Restaurant Christmas Decorations
What to Expect:
Over 200,000 hand-strung Christmas lights and ornaments.
Description:
Rolf’s German Restaurant is renowned for its extensive Christmas decorations, featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, thousands of ornaments, and icicles intricately strung throughout the restaurant. The ambiance is enhanced by hundreds of porcelain dolls, wreaths, artificial fir trees, garlands, and ribbons, creating a richly decorated environment.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rolf’s German Restaurant Christmas Decorations
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive illuminated tunnels, swings, and see-saws.
Description:
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum features over 1500 lights and 80 hand-crafted lanterns, creating an immersive experience with interactive displays inspired by Chinese folklore and animals.
Where: Queens | More Info: NYC Winter Lantern Festival
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
What to Expect:
Guided tour of elaborately decorated homes.
Description:
Explore the spectacular Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, with a guided bus tour and walking tour through the neighborhood's most celebrated homes.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Queens Holiday Markets and Shopping
Union Square Holiday Market
What to Expect:
City's largest Greenmarket with 150+ vendors.
Description:
The Union Square Holiday Market is a premier holiday destination in NYC, featuring the City's largest Greenmarket with 150+ vendors, dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers, and a fantastic lineup of events and performances.
Where: New York City | More Info: Union Square Holiday Market
Christmas Markets in Bryant Park
What to Expect:
Custom-designed, jewel box kiosks housing local and international artisans.
Description:
The Bryant Park Winter Village features an open-air European-inspired 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, open from October 27 to January 2, with hours from 11am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm on weekends.
Where: New York City | More Info: Christmas Markets in Bryant Park
CERAMICS HOLIDAY MARKET
What to Expect:
Interactive experience with local ceramic artists.
Description:
The CERAMICS HOLIDAY MARKET at BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center in Long Island City showcases over 30 ceramic artists from New York, offering unique handmade pottery at affordable prices. The event features a juried student show and an opening reception, with snacks and refreshments available. Each artist will be hosting their own table, allowing customers to interact with the makers and their creations.
Where: Queens | More Info: CERAMICS HOLIDAY MARKET
Queens Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
High-kicking precision dance routines by the Radio City Rockettes.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show includes a mix of festive dance, music, and comedy, with iconic scenes like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity." It boasts special effects, snow machines, and collaborations with renowned guest performers.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Festive Christmas Cruise
What to Expect:
Live holiday music and festive decorations.
Description:
Embark on a 1.5-hour holiday cruise aboard a classic yacht, enjoying breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, live holiday music, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies.
Where: New York City | More Info: Festive Christmas Cruise
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday classic featuring Tschaikovsky’s transcendent melodies, intricate choreography, and awe-inspiring special effects, including a one-ton Christmas tree and dazzling sets and costumes.
Where: New York City | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Governors Victorian Holiday Ball
What to Expect:
19th-century dance lessons and period music.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with historic cocktail making, 19th-century dance lessons, and live period music at the Governor's Victorian Holiday Ball.
Where: Queens | More Info: Governors Victorian Holiday Ball
The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Manhattan's only rooftop synthetic ice skating rink.
Description:
Step into the North Pole at The Rooftop at Pier 17, where a dedicated team of elves has transformed the venue into Santa's headquarters. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline while skating on Manhattan's only rooftop synthetic ice rink. Explore Santa's famous sleigh, cozy up by the fireplace, and capture memorable photos. Savor seasonal treats and themed drinks at Judy's Hot Cocoa-inspired café.
Where: New York City | More Info: The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland
Queens Other Holiday Activities
Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Skating sessions with a 100-foot tall Christmas tree backdrop.
Description:
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center offers a quintessential winter experience under the iconic Christmas tree, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and festive lights.
Where: New York City | More Info: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
Hands-on History Día de Muertos
What to Expect:
Hands-on creation of traditional Día de Muertos altars.
Description:
Celebrate Día de Muertos at King Manor Museum with artist Sebastian Ramirez-Halfpap, creating Altar de Muertos and learning about traditions.
Where: Queens | More Info: Hands-on History Día de Muertos
High Holidays in Jackson Heights
What to Expect:
Egalitarian services with a Holiday Read Aloud for children.
Description:
Celebrate Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur at the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights, an egalitarian Conservative synagogue with over 100 years of history. Services include a Holiday Read Aloud for children and families, and Yizkor will be said on Yom Kippur. All are welcome, and donations are encouraged to support the community.
Where: Queens | More Info: High Holidays in Jackson Heights
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Ozone Park (0 miles)
- South Ozone Park (1 miles)
- Woodhaven (1 miles)
- Richmond Hill (1 miles)
- Howard Beach (2 miles)
- Jamaica (2 miles)
- Briarwood (2 miles)
- Forest Hills (3 miles)
- East New York (3 miles)
- Cypress Hills (3 miles)
- Glendale (3 miles)
- Hillside (3 miles)
- Rego Park (3 miles)
- Middle Village (3 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (3 miles)
- Ridgewood (4 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (4 miles)
- Hollis (4 miles)
- Canarsie (4 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (4 miles)
- Elmhurst (4 miles)
- Bushwick (4 miles)
- Brownsville (5 miles)
- Corona (5 miles)
- Laurelton (5 miles)
- Maspeth (5 miles)
- Cambria Heights (5 miles)
- East Flatbush (5 miles)
- Rosedale (5 miles)
- Woodside (6 miles)
- East Elmhurst (6 miles)
- Jackson Heights (6 miles)
- Queens Village (6 miles)
- Brooklyn (6 miles)
- Williamsburg (7 miles)
- Sunnyside (7 miles)
- Elmont (7 miles)
- Flatlands (7 miles)
- Greenpoint (7 miles)
- Flatbush (7 miles)
- Bayside (7 miles)
- Far Rockaway (7 miles)
- Valley Stream (7 miles)
- Long Island City (7 miles)
- College Point (7 miles)
- Kensington (7 miles)
- Whitestone (8 miles)
- Park Slope (8 miles)
- Astoria (8 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (8 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (8 miles)
- East Village (9 miles)
- Franklin Square (9 miles)
- Chinatown (9 miles)
- Gramercy Park (9 miles)
- Gravesend (9 miles)
- Borough Park (9 miles)
- New York City (9 miles)
- Financial District (9 miles)
- Hunts Point (9 miles)
- Sunset Park (10 miles)
- East Harlem (10 miles)
- Brighton Beach (10 miles)
- Manhattan (10 miles)
- Throgs Neck (10 miles)
- Mott Haven (10 miles)
- Bensonhurst (10 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (10 miles)
- Dyker Heights (10 miles)
- Unionport (10 miles)
- Bath Beach (10 miles)
- Rockville Centre (10 miles)
- Harlem (10 miles)
- Melrose (11 miles)
- Oceanside (11 miles)
- Morrisania (11 miles)
- Coney Island (11 miles)
- Parkchester (11 miles)
- Garden City (11 miles)
- Morningside Heights (11 miles)
- Hoboken (11 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (11 miles)
- Long Beach (11 miles)
- Hempstead (12 miles)
- Van Nest (12 miles)
- East Tremont (12 miles)
- The Bronx (12 miles)
- West New York (12 miles)
- Union City (12 miles)
- Baldwin (12 miles)
- Tremont (12 miles)
- Morris Heights (12 miles)
- Cliffside Park (12 miles)
- North Bergen (13 miles)
- Fordham (13 miles)
- Washington Heights (13 miles)
- Uniondale (13 miles)
- University Heights (13 miles)
- Jersey City (13 miles)
- Freeport (13 miles)
- Fort Lee (14 miles)
- Kings Bridge (14 miles)
- Palisades Park (14 miles)
- Bayonne (15 miles)
- East Meadow (15 miles)
- Wakefield (15 miles)
- Merrick (15 miles)
- Mount Vernon (16 miles)
- Englewood (16 miles)
- Glen Cove (16 miles)
- Kearny (17 miles)
- Hicksville (17 miles)
- Yonkers (18 miles)
- Teaneck (18 miles)
- Hackensack (18 miles)
- Staten Island (18 miles)
- Newark (18 miles)
- Belleville (18 miles)
- New Springville (18 miles)
- Great Kills (19 miles)
- Lodi (19 miles)
- Bergenfield (19 miles)
- Massapequa (19 miles)
- Passaic (19 miles)
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- Elizabeth (20 miles)
- Garfield (20 miles)
- East Orange (20 miles)
- Bloomfield (20 miles)
- Plainview (20 miles)
- Hillside (21 miles)
- Harrison (21 miles)
- Clifton (21 miles)
- Irvington (21 miles)
- Woodrow (21 miles)
- Elmwood Park (21 miles)
- Orange (22 miles)
- Carteret (22 miles)
- Linden (22 miles)
- Montclair (22 miles)
- Paramus (22 miles)
- Roselle (22 miles)
- Union (22 miles)
- West Orange (23 miles)
- Copiague (23 miles)
- Maplewood (23 miles)
- Fair Lawn (24 miles)
- Rahway (24 miles)
- Port Chester (24 miles)
- Paterson (24 miles)
- Lindenhurst (24 miles)
- Greenburgh (24 miles)
- Cranford (24 miles)
- White Plains (25 miles)
- Millburn (25 miles)
- Middletown (25 miles)
- Huntington Station (25 miles)
- Ridgewood (25 miles)
- West Babylon (25 miles)
- Perth Amboy (26 miles)
- Livingston (26 miles)
- Westfield (27 miles)
- Deer Park (27 miles)
- Long Branch (27 miles)
- Dix Hills (28 miles)
- Summit (28 miles)
- West Islip (28 miles)
- Wayne (29 miles)
- Scotch Plains (29 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (30 miles)
- East Northport (30 miles)
- Stamford (30 miles)
- Plainfield (30 miles)
- Commack (31 miles)
- South Plainfield (31 miles)
- Bay Shore (31 miles)
- North Plainfield (31 miles)
- Sayreville (32 miles)
- Brentwood (32 miles)
- Spring Valley (32 miles)
- Piscataway (32 miles)
- Edison (32 miles)
- Mahwah (32 miles)
- South Old Bridge (33 miles)
- Parsippany (33 miles)
- New City (33 miles)
- Marlboro (33 miles)
- Ossining (33 miles)
- Old Bridge (33 miles)
- Darien (33 miles)
- Central Islip (34 miles)
- Hauppauge (35 miles)
- New Brunswick (35 miles)
- North Stamford (35 miles)
- East Brunswick (35 miles)
- Smithtown (35 miles)
- Somerset (36 miles)
- East Norwalk (37 miles)
- Basking Ridge (37 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (38 miles)
- Westport (40 miles)
- Centereach (40 miles)
- Randolph (41 miles)
- Holbrook (41 miles)
- West Milford (42 miles)
- Peekskill (42 miles)
- Bridgewater (43 miles)
- Fairfield (44 miles)
- Hillsborough (44 miles)
- East Patchogue (44 miles)
- Medford (45 miles)