As one of the most iconic holiday destinations, New York City will once again host many festive experiences and events throughout all five boroughs. A trip to New York City during the holiday season is magical whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition. Read more about what’s going on in the Big Apple during this festive period below.
There are a range of cruise lines that sail to and from New York during the festive period which is a great way for you to celebrate Christmas in a magical place prior to your cruise or after your cruise.
From mid-November to January, New York City expects roughly 6.5 million people from around the world to visit the city. The five boroughs witness a transformation that includes iconic experiences along Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center as well as new holiday markets, pop-up events and performances that create memories of a lifetime.
Following are festive events, performances and activities across the five boroughs to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:
ANNUAL BIG EVENTS
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The holiday season will begin with the annual tree lighting in the heart of New York City in Midtown Manhattan at Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, November 30 following Thanksgiving. Rockefeller Center and its iconic Christmas Tree are the epicentre of holiday celebrations in New York. Since 1997, the lighting has been broadcast live, to hundreds of millions, on NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast. The tree lighting ceremony is aired at the end of every broadcast, following live entertainment and the tree is lit by the current Mayor of New York City.
The lighting of the largest Menorah in Brooklyn
From December 18-25th Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza will light the largest menorah on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
On December 31st, Times Square is the place to be for New Year’s Eve with entertainment and food galore – Guests can stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1st onwards to submit (in person and online here) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops.
Cheerful Performances
Dream Big: Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center for 45th anniversary
From November 9th to January 1st the Big Apple Circus is back for its 45th anniversary season and invites visitors to experience the excitement of its dazzling newest extravaganza: DREAM BIG! For eight weeks only, Big Top at Lincoln Center will be home to astonishing wonders and daring acrobatics, setting imaginations soaring to the most astounding, awe-inspiring heights. Located in Upper West Side Manhatten.
Christmas Carol a One Man Show on Broadway
From November 21st to January 1st, in this astonishing Broadway adaptation, Tony Award–winning actor Jefferson Mays tackles more than 50 roles in this season’s limited run of A Christmas Carol at the Nederlander Theatre.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet
From November 25th to December 31st George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center returns for its annual performance featuring exquisite costumes, magnificent sets and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. On November 27, TDF Autism Friendly Performances will present the first-ever Autism-Friendly Performance of New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.
Winter Exhibitions & Cultural Events
Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse at ARTECHOUSE
From November 19th to January 8th ARTECHOUSE will hold an immersive and enchanting holiday art experience. SPECTACULAR FACTORY: The Holiday Multiverse will have visitors float among giant swinging jingle bells, crash the party of a thousand nutcrackers, join a thrilling train ride through wreaths, take a spin in the candy cane carousel and more.
Fifth Avenue Presents: The fifth Season & Brand-New Open Streets
Starting on December 4th throughout the holiday season, new for this season, Fifth Avenue will launch Open Streets, closing Fifth Avenue to all vehicular traffic, filling the sidewalks to a variety of food vendors and musical performers from local choirs and instrumental ensembles.
Lightings
Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards
Featuring over 2 million twinkling lights, Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, will see the new neighbourhood adorned with 115-miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees dressed, and a 32-foot hot air balloon centrepiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops and Restaurants.
NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Illuminate the Fram at Queens Country Farm Museum
Until January 8th 2023, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival will transform Queens County Farm into an immersive and radiant oasis with festive lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, farm animals and more.
Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Head to Brooklyn from December 1st to December 31st, experience the extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, also known as “Dyker Lights.” This guided bus tour offers visitors a special experience to view the uniquely decorated homes, learn about the history of the neighbourhood tradition.
Ice Skating Rinks & Outdoor Activities
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The world-famous ice-skating rink will return for the holiday season for visitors to skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience. In collaboration with Coach, Rockefeller Centre will unveil this year’s activations, including a bespoke holiday gift shop, custom hospitality cart serving special treats, and live onsite patch customization for a curated line of Coach products. Santa will join visitors on the ice in December.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
This year, Wollman Rink is partnering with Culture Pass, as well as the expansion of the Wollman Rink Access Program, to help provide access to New Yorkers who have historically not been able to afford to visit the rink.
Coney Island Polar Plunge
Watch hundreds of daring souls plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, where the temperature of the water hovers right above 4°C and the air temperature can be well below freezing. The event is free, but in lieu of admission, participants are encouraged to donate to community organisations.
Shop Local
Union Square Holiday Market – Upper East Side Manhatten
Urbanspace’s longest running holiday market will return this year with over 160 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftsmen, artists and entrepreneurs.
Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market
One of the borough’s most popular attractions, shoppers will support local vendors and cross off holiday shopping with vintage and antique items, crafts and gourmet food stands.
Comments 1