Our Full Guide to the Holiday Season in NYC

There’s something so magical about the holiday season and getting to experience it in NYC is just on another level. We are so lucky to have such amazing things to do and see year round here but if you have yet to experience the holidays here, you must plan a trip! For locals looking for magical experiences this month or anyone in town seeking a full guide, this is everything we are looking forward to in the big apple this month.

The Rockettes are a classic NYC experience. This is a show people come far to see, so you always want to be sure to grab tickets for your preferred times in advance. The show has several performances, so it shouldn’t be too hard to grab a seat, as long as you plan ahead. If you’re looking for some extra razzle dazzle in your life, check out The Radio City Rockettes!

The Met Opera is ringing in the holiday season with the return of its beloved family-friendly production of The Magic Flute. Running from December 11th- January 3rd, this lively, English-language performance transforms Mozart’s classic into a colorful, under-two-hour adventure filled with humor, imagination, and whimsical creatures. Families can also enjoy the Met’s annual Holiday Open House on December 14th, featuring hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes demos, face painting, ornament-making, and special meet-and-greets with performers from the show.

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is now open for the season, welcoming visitors with NYC’s only free-admission ice skating rink, festive bites and drinks at The Lodge, and more than 180 Holiday Shops by Urbanspace. While the Holiday Shops run through January 4th, both The Rink and The Lodge will remain open through March 1st, giving New Yorkers plenty of time to enjoy the winter magic. Bryant Park has also announced that its annual Tree Lighting will take place on December 2nd at 5:30 PM — a free celebration featuring special guests and unforgettable ice skating performances.

The Holiday lights are back at the Bronx Zoo! It runs through January 4th, you can experience the wildlife amongst stunning holiday lights. Not only will there be holiday decor, but expect animal lanterns, arches, colored tunnels, tree lighting and more! This is the perfect event to bring your kids to see some animals and get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are on sale now!

We love the Museum of Ice Cream. Beyond jumping in their giant pool of sprinkles, it’s one of our top things to do for some family fun. They have tons of different interactive spaces full of bright color. It’s a great indoor activity to do with kids this winter.

Rockefeller Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the most iconic holiday happenings in NYC to ever exist in the holiday season. It is absolutely stunning and if there’s anything you need to do while visiting in this month, or even for those of you who live here, you must see the tree! The lighting is taking place on Wednesday, December 3rd and will stay there through New Year’s. It’s lit daily from 6am-midnight, but on Christmas Eve, it stays lit for a full 24 hours! How magical! You don’t need tickets to see it, it’s completely free and such a great sight to bring friends and family to!

New York City’s most magical holiday attraction is back for at the Seaport District’s Watermark on Pier 15. In partnership with Bucket Listers, this over the top winter wonderland will feature complimentary holiday cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres like spiked hot chocolate and toasted s’mores, plus a special meet and greet with Santa. Stroll through candy cane filled halls, snap photos in Santa’s Game Room with views of the Brooklyn skyline, and cozy up inside heated glass houses for the ultimate festive escape. Perfect to bring your friends to this season!

Looking for a family-friendly activity? My kids love going to the Big Apple Circus, so we try to make a whole fun day out of it. Tickets are on sale and I recommend grabbing them while you can as it runs through January 4th.

Ice Skate

Ice skating is a great family-friendly activity in the winters.  Be sure to check out our post on the best ice skating rinks to visit in NYC! I recommend trying each location out this season. You can get bites and sips at the Cafè there after you skate. Outdoor activities are usually around for a limited time in the winter months, but December is usually pretty occupied with plenty of happenings and our favorite things outdoors. Ice skating sticks around for the winter, as well! Even if you are a first time skater, there are lessons at most of these rinks and you can free skate during quieter hours to practice.

Brookfield Place’s Winter Garden becomes a holiday oasis this season, filled with festive décor, free programming, and family-friendly events under its iconic palm trees. Beginning November 22nd, you can enjoy everything from live performances and Santa visits to milk & cookies, ice skating, and complimentary gift wrapping. With a full lineup of special events running through December, it’s one of the city’s most joyful spots to celebrate all month long.

Wollman Rink celebrates its 75th season with another year of magical ice skating in the heart of Central Park. Visitors can enjoy cozy dining options from The Café and Melba’s in the Park, along with free screenings of holiday favorites like Home Alone 2 and Elf at The Overlook. This winter also features the return of the elevated Igloo Village, offering heated, beautifully furnished private spaces perfect for warming up between laps or hosting a festive group outing.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt invites guests to experience holiday magic from 1,100 feet above Manhattan, blending breathtaking skyline views with immersive multi-sensory art installations. Visitors arriving during early winter sunsets will witness Air at Night, a mesmerizing sound and light show that turns the observatory into a glowing beacon above the city. With a Black Friday sale offering up to 40% off select December visits, it’s the perfect time to plan an unforgettable holiday outing.

Holidays in Flatiron NoMad

Flatiron NoMad sparkles with festive charm this season, transforming into a lively neighborhood filled with illuminated plazas, seasonal dining, and endless shopping. Visitors can enjoy traditions like the historic Madison Square Park Tree Lighting, explore world-class hotels, or check off holiday lists at local favorites including Fishs Eddy, Maison10 and The Qi. With its walkable streets, welcoming green spaces and nonstop holiday energy, the district shines as a must-visit winter destination.

Industry City

Industry City in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park becomes a holiday shopper’s paradise with 35 acres of festive décor, over 70 small businesses, and endless opportunities to find unique gifts. From pottery classes and culinary workshops to handcrafted goods from local makers, the campus offers memorable experiences far beyond traditional shopping. Japan Village also joins the celebration with festive markets, cosplay events, and beautifully curated crafts that capture the spirit of the season.

Carols & Cocoa at Manhattan West brings an afternoon of pure holiday cheer with live caroling, stunning ice sculptures, and warm seasonal treats. You can sip cocoa from Daily Provisions, snack on sweets from Eleni’s Cookies, and enjoy surprise giveaways throughout the event. Running from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, it’s a cozy, festive way to kick off the holiday season in the heart of Manhattan.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is always one of the best things to do in the city but this time of year is even more special. Lightscape is an illuminated trail that you can walk through! It takes my breath away and this is the perfect time to go see it. They have different colored lights and shapes of lights that they cast over different objects in nature and hang. This is a great place to bring your family and friends, not to mention it’s makes for a great photo opportunity! It’s running through January 4th.

Somewhere Nowhere is known for their nightclubs and rooftop pool, but did you know they have rooftop igloos this season? Enjoy some of the best cocktails in town with bites and incredible views. This is a prepaid experience but the views are worth it and it’s a good time with friends!

Visit These Holiday Restaurants

Have you read our blog post for the most festive restaurants to visit in NYC? We have all the prime spots to go to, just make sure you make a reservation because they are hot spots! We love going as a family these restaurants to enjoy the food and bringing friends to the spots with great drinks.

Holiday Markets

The holiday markets are one of my favorite things to do in December! There’s great food and adorable gift spots to shop from for the holidays. These are the best way to get artisanal gifts from and try out foods from vendors you’ve never been to before. It’s the perfect time to shop for Christmas trees and they usually have them at these! You can try all of the markets featuring the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle, Bryant Park and at Grand Central Terminal!

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are back and better than ever! This Brooklyn display is a must-see for us each year. The neighborhood goes all out and it’s so merry and bright! This is something we like to do on a weekend night with the kids! One thing to note is a lot of houses turn their lights off around 9PM so make sure to get there before then.

Fifth Ave Lights

My family and I look out for the Saks Fifth Avenue light show each year, which is beyond gorgeous. This is when they decorate the outside of the store with beautiful lights and light them up. This year, they are officially back which is so exciting! On top of the stunning lights that will be lit, they have all of the magical window displays on 5th Avenue, which are a bucket list item everyone should see at some point in their life.

Yes, you read that right! Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm in New Jersey has colorful Christmas trees! Choose from blue, purple, pink, red, white and green for a fun twist on a classic tree. We’re thinking of white or pink to do something fun this year.

If you haven’t heard about the Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show, let me just tell you, it’s something you need to experience! It runs through January 11th. They have model trains that are displayed in over 175 landmarks, like The Statue of Liberty! This is an excellent option if you have kids, they will absolutely love this activity to check out! Tickets are on sale now and range from $15-$35. Check it out!