With so many events, here is what not to miss to keep you in the holiday mode.
(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, November 28
Ceremony, 7-9 pm
The unlit tree is here and the tree lighting represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.
Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Nov 9, 2018 – Jan 1, 2019
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)
With up to 4 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.
The New York Philharmonic
Take a trip to the New York North Pole this year at Macy’s’ iconic Santaland. Perfect for the whole family, the 13,000-square-foot holiday display and indoor wonderland is located inside the Herald Square Macy’s at 151 West 34th Street. Inside, you’ll be met with caroling snowmen, prancing reindeer, a whimsical array of decor, and of course, Santa himself. Santaland opened on Friday, November 24, 2018, and runs through Christmas Eve. Tickets can be purchased here.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 13–30, 2018
Enjoy the hilarious tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to NYC to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the crown jewel of New York City’s Museum Mile any time of year, but it takes on a dusting of Christmas magic all its own around the holidays.
During the Christmas season, visitors to the storied museum can stop by the Medieval Sculpture Hall to take in the Met’s magnificent tree—a 20-foot blue spruce—and spend long minutes marveling at the gorgeous 18th-century Neopolitan nativity scene displayed at its foot. For a little extra sparkle, catch a tree-lighting, daily at 4:30 p.m., with encores at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekends.
Wollman Rink at Central Park
With shorter lines than The Rink at the Rockefeller Center and a killer view of the city skyline, the Wollman Rink at Central Park is the perfect place to go for a twirl with tourists and natives alike. Opened in 1949, the rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, and skate rentals—so all you need to do is pack your mittens.
You might recognize this rink from Home Alone 2, where crooks Marv and Harry attempt to ice skate and plot crime respectively. Instead of getting up to no good yourself, you can stroll through the park afterwards and stop for a holiday weekend brunch at the famed Tavern on the Green restaurant, or head to the Central Park Zoo to watch the penguins race for fish.
Also check out ice skating rink in front of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. For beginners they have very cute penguins you can hold on to while you skate, and there is an outdoor cafe where you can get hot chocolate after you come off of the ice. It’s hours are: Monday – Thursday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. The hotel’s address is 848 Washington Street at 13th street.
Christmas With The New York Pops
This concert will have you in the holiday mood, no matter if you are a Scrooge. Christmas With The New York Pops brings out the classics at Carnegie Hall on December 21st and 22nd.
Rolf’s
The Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show showcases more than 150 landmark replicas like Grand Central Terminal and The Statue of Liberty made of plant materials such as bark and leaves.
New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is a Christmas tradition in NYC. More than 20 miniature model trains wind through 150 iconic New York City landmarks, creating an outstanding replica of the five boroughs. The display is open November 22, 2017, through January 15, 2018.
New York City Ballet/Facebook
Another family favorite in New York City? Undoubtedly, “The Nutcracker” performed by The New York City Ballet.
Not only will you find plenty of beautiful seasonal goodies at the Bank Of America Winter Village at Bryant Park shops, but you’ll discover rows of artisanal shops selling jewelry, decor, local food, clothing and one-of-a-kind gifts. Funds from every purchase help support the park’s maintenance. In between your shopping sprees, skate in the village rink, check out the giant Christmas tree or sip on hot cider and extravagant treats (like chocolate-covered waffles) at the Bryant Park food kiosks.
Also check out
- Union Square Holiday Market November 16-December 24, 2017 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Located in Union Square (14th to 17th Street between Broadway and Park Ave South), this outdoor market has over 150 vendors. It includes an array of gifts, from jewelry to leather goods.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market November 28-December 24, 2017. This market is similar to the Union Square Market. (It is run by the same people.) This location is at the southwest entrance to Central Park, so it could be done in conjunction with a trip to Wollman Rink! This market is slightly smaller than its downtown counterpart, with about 100 stalls.
- Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market This is a temporary pop-up bazaar located inside Chelsea Market (15th Street at 10th Avenue). It is the creation of a Brooklyn-based husband and wife team, who carefully select over 30 local artists and craftsman to display their work. For some funky, well-crafted and truly unique gifts, check out this market! They also now have locations in SoHo and Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- Grand Central Holiday Fair November 13-December 24, 2017. This market is located in Vanderbilt Hall (inside Grand Central Terminal) and offers over 70 vendors, with things that you can’t find anywhere else in New York! (Past items have included hand-painted table linens and mosaic mirrors). Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-8pm; Sat 10:00am-7:00pm; Sun 11:00am–6:00pm; Closed Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve open 10:00am-6:00pm.
Macy’s window display Photo by Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Perhaps the most magical part about famously holiday-spirited Fifth Avenue is its brilliant window displays, with the most iconic being Bergdorf Goodman, Sax’s 5th Ave and Macy’s
“Bergdorf Goodman windows are such an important part of Christmas culture in New York,” says Kaler. “But watching the big reveal is mostly a thing that locals do, and because of that, it’s not a mob scene like a lot of the other holiday events.”
Insider Christmas events? Always a good thing. The windows will be revealed in November, but you’ll be able to see them throughout the holidays.
THE RIDE: Holiday Edition
THE RIDE takes a seasonal twist for a limited time to celebrate the wonder and magic of the holiday season in New York City! Now in its 7th critically acclaimed season! THE RIDE: HOLIDAY EDITION celebrates New York City during its most festive time of year and has become a key ingredient to its winter magic. It is, undoubtedly, one of the holidays most sought after family events. This limited engagement will sell out. “Oh, what fun it is to RIDE!”
New York City Holiday Lights Tours
New York City during Holiday season is a don’t miss! Get in the festive spirit by taking a Holiday Lights Tour. Choose from Bus Tours, Holiday Dining Cruises and Movie & TV Site Holiday tours.
There is no shortage of Santas and this will help you take the perfect photo.
Expect a long but jovial wait. You can reserve a time slot for photos beginning on Friday, November 25.
- Where: Macy’s West 34th St. bet. Broadway and Seventh Ave. on 8th Floor.
- When: Friday, Nov. 27-Thursday, Dec. 24th. See website for times.
- Cost: Free to visit but photos with Santa cost about $20 and up.
See Santa at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem along with a free choir performance.
- Where: Apollo Theater in Harlem at 253 W. 125th Street
- When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 pm – 6 pm
- Cost: Free!
At the Bloomie’s Santaland lines are usually shorter than Macy’s and if you are a Sex and The City fan, a trip to Bloomingdale’s is essential!
- Where: Bloomingdales at 1000 Third Avenue at 59th St. 6th Floor
- When: Nov. 27- Dec. 23, 10am-6pm.
- Cost: Photo packages start at $22.
The wait to meet Santa Claus is about 10 minutes, but there is a lot to do here at Brookfield Place, from holiday-themed activities, from ornament making and coloring sheets to creative toys.
- Where: Brookfield Place in Battery Park City at 220 Vesey Street at West Street
- When: Friday, Dec. 2-Thursday, Dec. 24 (See website for times)
- Cost: Premium photo packages range from $27 to $49 with options for digital downloads.
- Tip: Since you’re there, why not go ice-skating at the new rink! See our ice skating post.
The Santa Experience at The Plaza
- Where: The Plaza Hotel, concourse level. Enter at 58th Street between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
- When: Friday, Nov. 27-Thursday, Dec. 24
- Cost: Photo packages start at $29.
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