New York City sparkles during the holidays, with festive markets, iconic light displays and celebrations throughout the five boroughs.
Whether you're ice skating at Rockefeller Center, shopping for unique gifts or enjoying cultural festivities, here’s your guide to reveling in the holiday spirit.
Holiday Markets
New York City's holiday markets are popular seasonal attractions featuring vendors selling gifts, crafts and festive treats. They open for a limited time at key locations like Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Oct. 26, 2024 – March 2, 2025
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More information can be found at bryantpark.org.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair
Nov. 11, 2024 – Dec. 24, 2024
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information is available at grandcentralterminal.com.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Dec. 3, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2024
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day
More information is available at centralpark.com.
Macy’s Holiday Square
Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
More information is available at urbanspacemarkets.com.
Ice Skating Rinks
Whether you're skating at the famous Rockefeller Center rink or at Bryant Park, there's a spot for every skater to enjoy the season.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The Rink at Rockefeller Center officially opened for the 2024-2025 season on Oct. 12. Tickets are available for purchase through March 2025. The rink is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight, and tickets are required for entry.
More information is available at rockefellercenter.com.
Bryant Park Rink
Located inside the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, the 17,000-square-foot rink offers free admission to those who bring their own skates, as well as a variety of pricing options that vary depending on the day and time of day for those looking to rent skates on site.
The rink is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through March 2025, with hours extended to midnight through Jan. 5. New skate reservation dates will be released throughout the season. Select weekend and holiday hours may change.
More information is available at bryantpark.com.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
The open-air rinks at LeFrak Center are located in Prospect Park with ice skating and ice hockey lessons for all ages. Tickets are required and hours vary for certain activities.
More information is available at lakesidebrooklyn.com.
Industry City Ice Rink
Located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, this seasonal outdoor rink is open from November to March 2025. It offers skate rentals and a backdrop of the Brooklyn waterfront. Tickets are required, including for special events, such as theme nights.
For more details, visit the Industry City Ice Rink website.
World Ice Arena
The World Ice Arena is an indoor rink located at the Aquatic Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park that is open year-round. Tickets are required for skating, and lessons are available on select dates.
More information available at worldice.com.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
The Staten Island Skating Pavilion is an indoor rink open year-round, with public skating sessions available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are required, and rental skates are available.
More information is available at thepavilion.org.
City Christmas Trees & Villages
Manhattan:
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 4, 2024. This annual event will feature a live broadcast as part of the "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" special on NBC. The ceremony runs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight through mid-January 2025.
Viewing hours are 5 a.m. to midnight daily, with special hours on Christmas and New Year's Eve.
How to View:
Dec. 4, 2024 – mid-January 2025
Hours:
Sunday – Saturday: 5 a.m. to midnight
Christmas Day: 24 hours
New Year’s Eve: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More information is available at rockefellercenter.com/holidays.
Bryant Park Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual tree lighting will take place on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The event will include a festive performance by Tony Award-winning performer Lea Salonga, performances by numerous ice skaters, and the illumination of the 45-foot tree, which will remain on display through the season.
More information is available at bryantpark.org.
Central Park Holiday Tree Lighting
The 28th annual tree lighting will take place on Dec. 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. The lighting gives attendees the opportunity to meet Santa and friends, sing carols on the plaza and participate in seasonal activities. The event concludes with the lighting of a "flotilla of trees" on the Harlem Meer.
More information is available at centralparknyc.org.
Lincoln Square Tree Lighting
The event will take place on Nov. 30 between 5 and 6 p.m. in Giddings Plaza. The tree is lit following a performance by Kinderchor. Organizers recommend grabbing a German glühwein or hot cider from DANK Haus German Cultural Center.
For more details, check lincolnsquare.org.
Queens:
Astoria Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
The 12th annual festival takes place at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8, at Astoria Park’s Great Lawn. It features an appearance by The Sugarplums.
Find more information at centralastoria.org
Woodhaven Holiday Tree Lighting
The Woodhaven Business Improvement District will host its tree lighting on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue, near Forest Park. The group plans to celebrate with caroling, a visit from Santa Claus and more.
More information at woodhavenbid.org.
Queens Borough Hall Tree Lighting
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. will host the annual tree lighting and toy giveaway at Borough Hall on Dec. 10. at 6 p.m.
Brooklyn:
Park Slope Holiday Tree Lighting
The Park Slope holiday tree lighting features music, photos with Santa and festive treats. The tree will be lit at 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street in Park Slope.
For more information, check the Park Slope Business District website.
Holiday Tree Lighting in Bay Ridge
The Holiday Tree Lighting in Bay Ridge includes music, refreshments and an appearance by Santa Claus. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at John Paul Jones Park at 101st Street and Fourth Avenue.
More information is available on social media.
Bronx:
Hawkins Park Tree Lighting
The tree is illuminated at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 in Hawkins Park on City Island. The festive event features caroling and refreshments.
Visit the City Island’s Chamber of Commerce website for more details.
Bronx Community Board 7 Tree Lighting
This annual event lights up the neighborhood on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. on the Mosholu Parkway Lawn at the intersection of Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue. This year features hot chocolate, holiday activities and special entertainment.
More information is available on social media.
Staten Island:
Empire Outlets Holiday Tree Lighting
The annual tree lighting takes place on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in St. George on Staten Island. It includes live musical performances, a meet and greet with Santa and the Grinch, and refreshments for purchase.
More information is available at empireoutlets.nyc.
Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town's annual tree lighting will be held on Dec. 6 between 4 and 5 p.m. It will include live music, festive refreshments and an appearance by Santa Claus.
Additionally, at different points in December, Historic Richmond Town transforms into a winter wonderland, and offers holiday-themed candlelight tours. More information is available at historicrichmondtown.org.
Hanukkah in New York City
The World’s Largest Menorah Lightings
Both Grand Army Plaza in Midtown and Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn compete for the title of the “World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah,” but Manhattan’s continues to hold the official title from the Guinness Book of World Records.
The 32-foot-tall steel menorahs illuminate each night of the eight-day holiday.
Hanukkah this year takes place from sundown on Dec. 25 to sundown on Jan. 2.
Hanukkah Celebration at Brookfield Place
Enjoy lunchtime and early evening events on Dec. 17. The celebration includes an art-making activity and live klezmer band performances.
More information is available at bfplny.com.
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., enjoy a day filled with Hanukkah-themed art activities at the Jewish Museum.
Tickets are $15 for adults; museum members and children 18 and under get in for free. More information is available at thejewishmuseum.org.
Downtown Manhattan Havdalah & Chanukah Celebration
Celebrate Hanukkah with singing, food and candle lighting at Hebrew Union College on Dec. 14 from 5:15 to 8 p.m. The event features sessions tailored for kids of different ages.
More information is available at newyork.pjlibrary.org.
Hanukkah Lights, TV Nights and Kosher Bites
Experience a unique Hanukkah celebration at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on Dec. 19, with kosher Chinese food, dreidel tournaments and Hanukkah-themed bingo. Also stick around to watch iconic Hanukkah TV episodes, including “Even Stevens,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “A Rugrats Chanukah.”
Entry is free, with $18 food tickets for members and $36 for non-members.
More information is available at mjhnyc.org.
Kwanzaa in New York City
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration
The annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Apollo Theater is returning once again this December with the goal of bringing families together to celebrate and reflect.
The evening features dance, music, spoken word and more at the Apollo Theater on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
More information is available at apollotheater.org.
Marine Park Alliance Presents: Festival of Lights - Kwanzaa
Participate in a Kwanzaa celebration with the Marine Park Alliance and Dr. Simanique Moody of Brooklyn College as they come together to honor African community values, music and dance on Dec. 14 from 4 to 5 p.m.
More information is available at nycgovparks.org.
Kofago Dance Ensemble at Queensborough Performing Arts Center
On Dec. 14, enjoy the seventh Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, focused on the theme of "Obumu," or "Unity." The event features youth and adult showcases, including vibrant African diasporic dance performances.
More information is available at kwanzaacelebration.org.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum Kwanzaa Celebration
Taking place from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30, this event offers a variety of activities, including performances, workshops and art projects.
Tickets are $15 for those ages 1 and over. More information is available at brooklynkids.org.
Holiday Light Shows
As the holiday season unfolds, New York City transforms into a dazzling wonderland of festive light displays. Explore stunning illuminations from Queens to the Bronx for a magical journey through enchanting lights.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Where:
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx
Hours:
Daily: Select nights, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are required and will need to be reserved in advance.
More information is available at bronxzoo.com.
Tianyu Winter Lights Festival
Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025
Where:
Citi Field Lot E & F
41 Seaver Wy, Queens
Hours:
Daily: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; last entry at 9 p.m.
More information is available at tianyuculture.us.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Nov. 22. 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
Where:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
Hours:
Daily: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; last entry time most nights is 8:15 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time.
More information is available at bbg.org.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Nov. 16, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025
Where:
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx
Hours:
Daily: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More information is available at nybg.org.