Celebrate the festive spirit of Ridgewood with our comprehensive guide. From Ridgewood regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the best holiday events.
Among the must-see attractions is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the iconic Rockettes and their mesmerizing performances that capture the essence of the season. For a unique shopping experience, the Bryant Park Winter Village transforms the area into a charming holiday market, brimming with artisan goods and seasonal treats. And the Union Square Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a vibrant array of local crafts and festive food options. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Ridgewood
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York City)
- Bryant Park Winter Village (New York City)
- Union Square Holiday Market (New York City)
- New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show (Bronx)
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market (New York City)
- NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens (Bronx)
- Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum (Flushing)
- LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival (East Meadow)
- Roc Holiday Village Winter Festival (Rochester)
- Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ridgewood Holiday Light Displays
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and interactive activities for all ages.
Description:
LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival offers an immersive light experience with over 40 stunning attractions and interactive elements, creating memorable moments for all ages. Dive into four captivating themes filled with excitement and surprises, featuring dazzling light displays, interactive activities, and unique souvenirs.
Where: East Meadow | More Info: LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival
Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with hand-crafted lanterns inspired by Chinese folklore.
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 expect a luminescent display inspired by Chinese folklore and animals, plus interactive features like illuminated tunnels and swings.
Where: Flushing | More Info: Winter Lantern Festival at Queens County Farm Museum
Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed LED displays and lanterns.
Description:
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo features millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across seven lantern trails, representing nearly 100 animal and plant species. The event includes interactive glowing walls, illuminated trees, and shimmering flowers, along with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and classic holiday music.
Where: Bronx | More Info: Holiday Lights - The Bronx Zoo
Ridgewood Holiday Markets and Shopping
Bryant Park Winter Village
What to Expect:
Free-admission ice skating and diverse holiday shopping options.
Description:
Bryant Park Winter Village offers free-admission ice skating, over 180 holiday shops, cozy igloos, and The Lodge for festive food and drinks. It's a premier holiday destination in New York City.
Where: New York City | More Info: Bryant Park Winter Village
Union Square Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Largest holiday market in NYC with over 150 vendors.
Description:
The Union Square Holiday Market offers a diverse array of local vendors, artisanal shops, and award-winning restaurants, making it a premier destination for holiday shopping and dining.
Where: New York City | More Info: Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Extensive selection of artisanal goods and seasonal treats.
Description:
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant shopping destination featuring over 100 artisans and designers selling unique gifts, special foods, handmade jewelry, art, and home goods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats, including bureks, tacos, fancy doughnuts, and bratwurst, while strolling through the market or after an ice skating session at Wollman Rink.
Where: New York City | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Roc Holiday Village Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive winter activities and shopping experience.
Description:
Roc Holiday Village is a vibrant winter festival in Rochester, NY, featuring visits with Santa, ice skating, a shopping village, food and drink options, tree lighting, Santa’s workshop, hand-crafted goods, pop-up restaurants, winter igloos, live music, and more.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Roc Holiday Village Winter Festival
Ridgewood Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Synchronized precision dance with advanced technology.
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 blends classic dance numbers with innovative technology, including digital projections and drone performances. It is a celebration of the holiday season with intricate choreography and festive music.
Where: New York City | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
What to Expect:
Miniature cityscape made entirely from plant parts.
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features over 30 years of tradition, showcasing nearly 200 replicas of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, with G-scale model trains navigating through the Haupt Conservatory and outdoor lawn display.
Where: Bronx | More Info: New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
What to Expect:
Miniature plant-based replicas of NYC landmarks with G-scale model trains.
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features G-scale model trains navigating through meticulously crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, creating a vibrant and detailed cityscape in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Visitors can explore the show during the day and enjoy special after-hours events with festive food and drink.
Where: Bronx | More Info: NYBG GLOW - New York Botanical Gardens
27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
What to Expect:
Victorian-era themed street performances and activities.
Description:
The 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival in Port Jefferson transforms the village into a Victorian-era setting, featuring parades, ice skating, magic shows, artisan demonstrations, and theatrical performances. Attendees can enjoy Dickensian-themed food and shopping while participating in various street activities and concerts.
Where: Port Jefferson | More Info: 27th Annual Charles Dickens Festival
Ridgewood Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in Clayton
What to Expect:
"Competitive holiday float parade with fireworks."
Description:
The 2024 Christmas Parade in Clayton features a holiday-themed parade with floats competing for the best display, followed by a Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony and a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Clayton | More Info: Christmas in Clayton
Lake Placid Holiday Festivities
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities with Santa and live music.
Description:
Lake Placid Holiday Festivities offer a family-friendly weekend with activities like skating parties, Santa photos, tree lighting ceremonies, and scavenger hunts. Enjoy holiday crafts, live music, and local dining specials amidst the picturesque Adirondack mountains.
Where: Lake Placid | More Info: Lake Placid Holiday Festivities
“It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities and cast member appearances.
Description:
Celebrate the real-life inspiration behind "It's a Wonderful Life" with family-oriented contests, a 5k run, and special presentations about the film, featuring regular appearances by cast members.
Where: Seneca Falls | More Info: “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival
Historic Holidays at Hallockville
What to Expect:
Holiday traditions in historic residences.
Description:
Step back in time and immerse yourself in old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions at Historic Holidays at Hallockville. Explore three historic residences, including the mid-eighteenth-century Hallock Homestead and the Cichanowicz Farmhouse, which will be decorated in Victorian and Polish Christmas styles. Enjoy the aromas of holiday treats baked in an antique wood stove and learn about the history of Christmas celebrations in the North Fork.
Where: Riverhead | More Info: Historic Holidays at Hallockville
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Bushwick (1 miles)
- Glendale (1 miles)
- Maspeth (2 miles)
- Middle Village (2 miles)
- Cypress Hills (2 miles)
- East New York (3 miles)
- Woodhaven (3 miles)
- Williamsburg (3 miles)
- Brownsville (3 miles)
- Greenpoint (3 miles)
- Elmhurst (3 miles)
- Forest Hills (3 miles)
- Woodside (3 miles)
- Sunnyside (3 miles)
- Rego Park (3 miles)
- East Flatbush (3 miles)
- Ozone Park (4 miles)
- Long Island City (4 miles)
- Queens (4 miles)
- Richmond Hill (4 miles)
- Canarsie (4 miles)
- Jackson Heights (4 miles)
- Corona (4 miles)
- Brooklyn (4 miles)
- Flatbush (4 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (5 miles)
- Howard Beach (5 miles)
- Park Slope (5 miles)
- East Elmhurst (5 miles)
- East Village (5 miles)
- Briarwood (5 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (5 miles)
- Chinatown (5 miles)
- Gramercy Park (5 miles)
- South Ozone Park (5 miles)
- Kensington (5 miles)
- Astoria (5 miles)
- Jamaica (5 miles)
- New York City (5 miles)
- Financial District (5 miles)
- Flatlands (6 miles)
- Hillside (6 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (6 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (6 miles)
- Manhattan (7 miles)
- Borough Park (7 miles)
- Sunset Park (7 miles)
- College Point (7 miles)
- East Harlem (7 miles)
- Hoboken (7 miles)
- Hollis (7 miles)
- Mott Haven (8 miles)
- Dyker Heights (8 miles)
- Harlem (8 miles)
- Gravesend (8 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (8 miles)
- Hunts Point (8 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (8 miles)
- Whitestone (8 miles)
- Morningside Heights (8 miles)
- Bensonhurst (8 miles)
- Bayside (8 miles)
- Union City (8 miles)
- West New York (8 miles)
- Bath Beach (8 miles)
- Laurelton (9 miles)
- Melrose (9 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (9 miles)
- Cambria Heights (9 miles)
- Queens Village (9 miles)
- Brighton Beach (9 miles)
- Morrisania (9 miles)
- North Bergen (9 miles)
- Jersey City (9 miles)
- Unionport (9 miles)
- Rosedale (9 miles)
- Cliffside Park (9 miles)
- Throgs Neck (10 miles)
- Coney Island (10 miles)
- Parkchester (10 miles)
- East Tremont (10 miles)
- Elmont (10 miles)
- Far Rockaway (10 miles)
- Tremont (10 miles)
- Morris Heights (10 miles)
- Washington Heights (10 miles)
- Van Nest (10 miles)
- The Bronx (11 miles)
- Valley Stream (11 miles)
- Fort Lee (11 miles)
- Fordham (11 miles)
- University Heights (11 miles)
- Bayonne (11 miles)
- Palisades Park (11 miles)
- Franklin Square (12 miles)
- Kings Bridge (12 miles)
- Kearny (13 miles)
- Englewood (14 miles)
- Wakefield (14 miles)
- Rockville Centre (14 miles)
- Newark (14 miles)
- Garden City (14 miles)
- Belleville (14 miles)
- Oceanside (15 miles)
- Hackensack (15 miles)
- Teaneck (15 miles)
- Hempstead (15 miles)
- Long Beach (15 miles)
- Mount Vernon (15 miles)
- New Springville (15 miles)
- Staten Island (16 miles)
- Lodi (16 miles)
- Nutley (16 miles)
- Baldwin (16 miles)
- Passaic (16 miles)
- Yonkers (16 miles)
- Elizabeth (16 miles)
- East Orange (16 miles)
- Great Kills (16 miles)
- Uniondale (16 miles)
- Bloomfield (16 miles)
- Bergenfield (16 miles)
- Garfield (17 miles)
- Hillside (17 miles)
- Freeport (17 miles)
- Clifton (17 miles)
- Irvington (17 miles)
- Orange (18 miles)
- Elmwood Park (18 miles)
- Montclair (18 miles)
- Glen Cove (18 miles)
- East Meadow (18 miles)
- Linden (19 miles)
- Union (19 miles)
- West Orange (19 miles)
- Merrick (19 miles)
- Woodrow (19 miles)
- Roselle (19 miles)
- Carteret (19 miles)
- Paramus (19 miles)
- Maplewood (19 miles)
- Fair Lawn (20 miles)
- Paterson (20 miles)
- Hicksville (20 miles)
- Rahway (21 miles)
- Cranford (21 miles)
- Millburn (21 miles)
- Harrison (21 miles)
- Ridgewood (22 miles)
- Livingston (22 miles)
- Massapequa (23 miles)
- Perth Amboy (23 miles)
- Greenburgh (23 miles)
- Westfield (23 miles)
- Plainview (24 miles)
- Middletown (24 miles)
- Summit (24 miles)
- White Plains (24 miles)
- Port Chester (24 miles)
- Wayne (25 miles)
- Scotch Plains (26 miles)
- Copiague (27 miles)
- Plainfield (27 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (28 miles)
- Long Branch (28 miles)
- North Plainfield (28 miles)
- South Plainfield (28 miles)
- Lindenhurst (28 miles)
- Huntington Station (28 miles)
- West Babylon (29 miles)
- Sayreville (29 miles)
- Parsippany (29 miles)
- Piscataway (29 miles)
- Edison (29 miles)
- Spring Valley (29 miles)
- Mahwah (30 miles)
- Deer Park (30 miles)
- Dix Hills (31 miles)
- South Old Bridge (31 miles)
- Stamford (31 miles)
- Old Bridge (31 miles)
- New City (31 miles)
- West Islip (31 miles)
- Marlboro (32 miles)
- Ossining (32 miles)
- New Brunswick (32 miles)
- East Brunswick (33 miles)
- East Northport (33 miles)
- Commack (34 miles)
- Somerset (34 miles)
- Basking Ridge (34 miles)
- Bay Shore (35 miles)
- Darien (35 miles)
- Brentwood (35 miles)
- North Stamford (36 miles)
- Randolph (37 miles)
- Central Islip (37 miles)
- Hauppauge (38 miles)
- West Milford (38 miles)
- Smithtown (38 miles)
- East Norwalk (39 miles)
- Bridgewater (40 miles)
- Peekskill (41 miles)
- Hillsborough (41 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (42 miles)
- Westport (42 miles)
- Centereach (44 miles)
- Holbrook (44 miles)
- Lakewood (45 miles)