New York City is a multicultural hub with dozens of museums, hundreds of parks and millions of people. The number of potential things to see and do can feel overwhelming, but NY1 has you covered with some of the highlights taking place this weekend across the five boroughs.

The 125th Christmas Bird Count

  • Dec. 15 at various times
  • Various locations across the city
  • Free and open to the public
  • Location and registration information here

Organizers say the Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the nation's longest-running community-science bird project. Anyone interested in birdwatching is invited to join at a variety of locations across the five boroughs to see how many different species they can spot.

The data collected by participants will be used by researchers and biologists to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.

SantaCon NYC

  • Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Bars across Midtown, Manhattan
  • Route and othe rinformation here

The city's annual holiday bar crawl is back. Thousands will dress up in Santa apparel and make their way to various drinking establishments in Midtown.

The event raises money for charity, but some New Yorkers have complained in the past about the rowdiness of participants. The event's website lists several guidelines for participants to abide by, and the MTA says they will deploy an increased police presence around Penn Station and Grand Central to enforce a 32-hour alcohol ban on LIRR and Metro-North commuter rails from 4:00 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday.

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Holiday Extravaganza

  • Dec. 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
  • RSVP required here
  • Pay-what-you-wish for entry, suggested donation is $20

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music hosts their first Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday.

The conservatory says it will be a multicultural and inclusive winter celebration, including the conservatory's Klezmer Hanukkah ensemble, David Bertrand’s calypso holiday band and holiday crafts from around the world.

Hanukkah Bazaar

  • Dec. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • 29 W 23rd Street, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

Tablet Magazine puts on this event featuring more than 60 vendors selling gifts and goodies, including jewelry, art, fashion and more.

For other holiday markets in the city, check here.

Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

  • Nov. 22-Jan. 5
  • Bronx Zoo
  • Ticket information here

The Bronx Zoo's seasonal tradition continues this year for its 125th anniversary. Millions of holiday lights line the park as visitors are invited to check out the hundreds of wildlife lanterns representing dozens of plant and animal species.

Organizers say the event also includes a light tunnel, a holiday train, illuminated performers and a roast-your-own-s'mores station.

holiday lights
(Credit: Bronx Zoo)

Frost Fest at Luna Park

  • Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1
  • Also on select weekdays and holidays
  • Luna Park, Brooklyn
  • Ticket information here

Coney Island's Luna Park is transformed for the holidays. The park's website says guests can enjoy up to 20 rides "in a new festive atmosphere."

A holiday market with hot cocoa and Santa's Wonderland are part of the experience as well.

Grand Holiday Bazaar

  • Sundays through Dec. 22
  • 100 W 77th Street, Manhattan
  • Free and open to the public

A year-round staple of the Upper West Side, the Grand Bazaar sports a holiday theme from Thanksgiving week to Christmas.

Seasonal vendors bring end-of-year themed treats to the indoor-outdoor market, which will feature over 300 rotating merchants selling everything from vintage decor to handmade jewelry and artisanal foods.

NYBG Holiday Train Show

  • Open through Jan. 20
  • New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx
  • Ticket information here

The New York Botanical Garden's annual Holiday Train Show returns for its 33rd year. Visitors have the opportunity to see nearly 200 replicas of New York City landmarks — all created from plant parts.

Toy trains wrap around the recreations, including the city's iconic skyscrapers, Yankee Stadium and the New York Public Library. The garden runs both day and night availabilities, with seasonal food and drink offerings as well.

New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show

  • Open through February 2025
  • New York Transit Museum Gallery, Grand Central Terminal
  • Free and open to the public

Another train show for the holiday season, the New York Transit Museum's offering is smaller than what's on display at the New York Botanical Garden, but no tickets are required.

Celebrating its 20th year, the exhibit features model trains running through a 34-foot-long display — departing from a miniature Grand Central and passing by other iconic New York City landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building. The Transit Museum's collection of model trains includes Metro-North, Polar Express and vintage subway train sets.

Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off

  • Up through Jan. 12
  • Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

The Museum of the City of New York hosts gingerbread creations from bakers across the boroughs for its third annual bake-off.

The theme this year was “Iconic New York,” inviting artists to create pieces that represented distinct sights in their communities. Visitors can see the finalists on display, all made of entirely edible materials, then cast their vote for “People’s Choice.” 

Bryant Park Winter Village

  • Open through March 2, 2025
  • Bryant Park, Manhattan
  • Free and open to the public

Bryant Park's Winter Village is open for the season.

The annual holiday staple in the city features a variety of local shops, a rink for ice skating, and an indoor lodge with food and drink options.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

  • Open through March 2025
  • Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
  • Ticket information here

Ice skating is open for the season at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. The center's website calls it one of the city's "quintessential winter activities."