Experience the holiday joy in Whitestone! Our guide has all the exciting festive happenings. From Whitestone locals to international travelers, our guide is your key to seasonal celebrations.
One highlight of the season is the dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, an iconic symbol of the holidays, featuring thousands of twinkling lights that create a magical atmosphere. If you're keen on a unique experience, the Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights offers stunning displays, showcasing extravagant home decorations that have become a beloved tradition. And don't forget, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular features the legendary Rockettes, bringing a festive flair with their impressive performances. For more details on these and other fun events and activities, see below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Whitestone
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (New York)
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular (New York)
- Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)
- Rockefeller Center Ice Skating (New York)
- Festive Christmas Cruise (New York)
- Bryant Park Christmas Market (New York)
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (New York)
- Christmas Horse Carriage Ride (New York)
- Saks 5th Ave Light Show (New York)
- New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show (Bronx)
See these and even more events listed below!
Whitestone Holiday Light Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
What to Expect:
Spectacularly lit and decorated Christmas tree in the heart of Manhattan.
Description:
The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a towering Norway spruce decorated with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski crystal star. The tree is 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 Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light displays in a Brooklyn neighborhood.
Description:
Explore the vibrant and elaborately decorated homes of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, on a guided tour that showcases the neighborhood's renowned holiday light displays.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
What to Expect:
Socially-distanced, open-air carriage ride through NYC's best holiday light displays.
Description:
Embark on a festive horse-drawn carriage ride through New York City, taking in the breathtaking holiday light displays along Fifth Avenue, including iconic spots like Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Pass by the illuminated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and enjoy a socially-distanced, open-air experience.
Where: New York | More Info: Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Saks 5th Ave Light Show
What to Expect:
First-time collaboration with luxury fashion house Dior for an exclusive holiday light show.
Description:
Saks Fifth Avenue's annual holiday light show features Dior's Carousel of Dreams, a spectacular display of over 600,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music, running daily every 10 minutes from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Where: New York | More Info: Saks 5th Ave Light Show
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 holiday displays with interactive elements like a toy workshop and three-dimensional camera, showcasing festive animations and intricate details.
Where: New York | More Info: Decorated Shop Windows
Washington Square Park Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live music and caroling under the historic arch.
Description:
Join us at Washington Square Park for the annual holiday tree lighting, featuring a 45-foot Christmas tree lit between 4 pm and 1 am. Enjoy live music by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and Linseigh Green, and participate in traditional caroling on Christmas Eve at 5 pm.
Where: New York | More Info: Washington Square Park Tree Lighting
West Harlem Piers Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Holiday tree lighting with live music and decoration making.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at West Harlem Piers with a tree lighting, live music, and decoration making, featuring hot chocolate while supplies last.
Where: New York | More Info: West Harlem Piers Tree Lighting
Central Park Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with a flotilla of sparkling Christmas trees.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Central Park's 27th Annual Holiday Lighting. Meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the Plaza, and enjoy hot cocoa while participating in various seasonal activities. The event concludes with the lighting of a flotilla of sparkling Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer.
Where: New York | More Info: Central Park Tree Lighting
Whitestone 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, accessible between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Where: New York | More Info: Bryant Park Christmas Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
What to Expect:
European-style holiday market with diverse vendors and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a vibrant holiday event 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 while strolling through the market.
Where: New York | More Info: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Whitestone Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What to Expect:
Precision dance troupe performance with festive music and comedy.
Description:
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual holiday performance featuring the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The show combines festive dance, music, and comedy with iconic numbers like "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Living Nativity." It includes stunning dance vignettes, a living rendition of The Nativity, and the Rockettes' version of The Nutcracker.
Where: New York | More Info: Radio City Christmas Spectacular
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 treasured holiday favorite featuring Tschaikovsky’s transcendent melodies, intricate choreography, and awe-inspiring set pieces. The ballet transports audiences to a world where young Marie encounters the fearsome Mouse King and a blustery blizzard before arriving in the delectable Land of Sweets. The production includes dazzling sets, costumes, and grand visual effects, delighting audiences of all ages.
Where: New York | More Info: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show
What to Expect:
G-scale model trains traverse plant-based replicas of iconic NYC landmarks.
Description:
The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show features model trains navigating intricately crafted miniatures of New York City landmarks made from plant parts, creating a vibrant cityscape in the Haupt Conservatory. The event includes colorful lighting, holiday classics, and festive food and drink options.
Where: Bronx | More Info: New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show
South Street Seaport Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live music and holiday activities in a historic waterfront setting.
Description:
The South Street Seaport Tree Lighting features live music, holiday shopping, and festive activities like gingerbread cookie decorating and crafting maritime-inspired decorations. Enjoy hot toddies and mulled wine at the Garden Bar while celebrating the holiday season with neighbors.
Where: New York | More Info: South Street Seaport Tree Lighting
Whitestone 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 aboard a classic yacht, adorned with full holiday decor, and enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline. Listen to live holiday music while sipping on complimentary hot cocoa, beer, wine, or champagne. This cozy cruise offers a memorable sightseeing experience with iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty.
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 and extended times for premium packages.
Where: New York | More Info: Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
What to Expect:
Iconic winter skating experience with city skyline views.
Description:
Ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a quintessential New York winter experience, with breathtaking views of the city skyline. The rink provides a welcoming environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels, featuring skate rentals, lessons, and special events.
Where: New York | More Info: Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- College Point (2 miles)
- Throgs Neck (2 miles)
- Unionport (3 miles)
- Bayside (3 miles)
- East Elmhurst (3 miles)
- Hunts Point (4 miles)
- Parkchester (4 miles)
- Corona (4 miles)
- Fresh Meadows (4 miles)
- Van Nest (4 miles)
- Jackson Heights (4 miles)
- Kew Gardens Hills (4 miles)
- The Bronx (5 miles)
- Rego Park (5 miles)
- Elmhurst (5 miles)
- East Tremont (5 miles)
- Morrisania (5 miles)
- Melrose (5 miles)
- Mott Haven (6 miles)
- Forest Hills (6 miles)
- Woodside (6 miles)
- Briarwood (6 miles)
- Tremont (6 miles)
- Astoria (6 miles)
- Fordham (6 miles)
- Queens Village (6 miles)
- Hillside (6 miles)
- Hollis (6 miles)
- Middle Village (6 miles)
- East Harlem (6 miles)
- Morris Heights (7 miles)
- University Heights (7 miles)
- Richmond Hill (7 miles)
- Harlem (7 miles)
- Maspeth (7 miles)
- Jamaica (7 miles)
- Sunnyside (7 miles)
- Washington Heights (7 miles)
- Wakefield (7 miles)
- Glendale (7 miles)
- Kings Bridge (7 miles)
- Woodhaven (8 miles)
- Morningside Heights (8 miles)
- Long Island City (8 miles)
- Manhattan (8 miles)
- Queens (8 miles)
- Ridgewood (8 miles)
- Cambria Heights (8 miles)
- Mount Vernon (8 miles)
- Ozone Park (8 miles)
- Greenpoint (8 miles)
- Elmont (9 miles)
- South Ozone Park (9 miles)
- Bushwick (9 miles)
- Fort Lee (9 miles)
- Cypress Hills (9 miles)
- Williamsburg (9 miles)
- Cliffside Park (9 miles)
- Hell's Kitchen (9 miles)
- Laurelton (9 miles)
- East New York (9 miles)
- Howard Beach (9 miles)
- Springfield Gardens (10 miles)
- Franklin Square (10 miles)
- Gramercy Park (10 miles)
- East Village (10 miles)
- Palisades Park (10 miles)
- Rosedale (10 miles)
- North Bergen (10 miles)
- West New York (10 miles)
- Yonkers (10 miles)
- Englewood (11 miles)
- Brownsville (11 miles)
- Valley Stream (11 miles)
- Garden City (11 miles)
- Glen Cove (11 miles)
- Chinatown (11 miles)
- Union City (11 miles)
- New York City (11 miles)
- Canarsie (11 miles)
- East Flatbush (11 miles)
- Brooklyn Heights (11 miles)
- Financial District (12 miles)
- Hoboken (12 miles)
- Hempstead (12 miles)
- Brooklyn (12 miles)
- Park Slope (12 miles)
- Flatbush (12 miles)
- Teaneck (13 miles)
- Kensington (13 miles)
- Bergenfield (13 miles)
- Rockville Centre (13 miles)
- Harrison (13 miles)
- Hackensack (13 miles)
- Flatlands (13 miles)
- Uniondale (13 miles)
- Far Rockaway (13 miles)
- Oceanside (14 miles)
- Jersey City (14 miles)
- Sunset Park (14 miles)
- Borough Park (15 miles)
- Baldwin (15 miles)
- East Meadow (15 miles)
- Lodi (15 miles)
- Hicksville (15 miles)
- Sheepshead Bay (16 miles)
- Freeport (16 miles)
- Dyker Heights (16 miles)
- Gravesend (16 miles)
- Bensonhurst (16 miles)
- Bath Beach (16 miles)
- Port Chester (16 miles)
- Greenburgh (17 miles)
- Garfield (17 miles)
- Long Beach (17 miles)
- Fort Hamilton (17 miles)
- Merrick (17 miles)
- Brighton Beach (17 miles)
- Passaic (17 miles)
- White Plains (17 miles)
- Paramus (17 miles)
- Kearny (17 miles)
- Belleville (17 miles)
- Elmwood Park (17 miles)
- Coney Island (18 miles)
- Bayonne (18 miles)
- Nutley (18 miles)
- Plainview (18 miles)
- Clifton (19 miles)
- Newark (19 miles)
- Bloomfield (19 miles)
- Fair Lawn (19 miles)
- Massapequa (20 miles)
- Ridgewood (20 miles)
- East Orange (20 miles)
- Paterson (20 miles)
- Montclair (21 miles)
- Huntington Station (22 miles)
- Orange (22 miles)
- West Orange (22 miles)
- Irvington (22 miles)
- Elizabeth (22 miles)
- Hillside (22 miles)
- New Springville (23 miles)
- Stamford (23 miles)
- Staten Island (23 miles)
- Copiague (23 miles)
- Great Kills (24 miles)
- Maplewood (24 miles)
- Union (24 miles)
- Lindenhurst (24 miles)
- West Babylon (25 miles)
- Spring Valley (25 miles)
- Roselle (25 miles)
- Dix Hills (25 miles)
- Linden (25 miles)
- Ossining (26 miles)
- Wayne (26 miles)
- Deer Park (26 miles)
- Millburn (26 miles)
- Livingston (26 miles)
- New City (26 miles)
- Carteret (26 miles)
- Woodrow (26 miles)
- East Northport (26 miles)
- Mahwah (26 miles)
- Darien (27 miles)
- Cranford (27 miles)
- Rahway (27 miles)
- West Islip (27 miles)
- Commack (28 miles)
- North Stamford (28 miles)
- Summit (29 miles)
- Westfield (29 miles)
- Brentwood (30 miles)
- Bay Shore (30 miles)
- East Norwalk (31 miles)
- Perth Amboy (31 miles)
- Scotch Plains (31 miles)
- Middletown (32 miles)
- Parsippany (32 miles)
- Central Islip (32 miles)
- Hauppauge (32 miles)
- Smithtown (33 miles)
- Plainfield (33 miles)
- North Plainfield (34 miles)
- Westport (34 miles)
- South Plainfield (34 miles)
- Peekskill (35 miles)
- Long Branch (35 miles)
- Sayreville Junction (35 miles)
- Lake Ronkonkoma (36 miles)
- Edison (36 miles)
- Piscataway (37 miles)
- Sayreville (37 miles)
- West Milford (37 miles)
- Fairfield (38 miles)
- Centereach (38 miles)
- Holbrook (39 miles)
- Basking Ridge (39 miles)
- South Old Bridge (39 miles)
- Old Bridge (39 miles)
- New Brunswick (39 miles)
- Marlboro (40 miles)
- Randolph (40 miles)
- East Brunswick (40 miles)
- Somerset (41 miles)
- Kiryas Joel (42 miles)
- Bridgeport (42 miles)
- Medford (43 miles)
- Coram (43 miles)
- East Patchogue (43 miles)
- Trumbull (45 miles)
- Stratford (45 miles)