NEW YORK (PIX11) – The lights are up for the most wonderful time of the year in New York City.
With more than 60 million people expected to descend on the Big Apple for the holidays, PIX11’s events guide has something for everyone — even if there's a Grinch in your group.
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The lighting of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree marks the start of the holiday season in New York City for many. After the lighting ceremony on Dec. 4, the tree will be lit daily through mid-January from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Eve, the tree will be lit for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square unveiled its world-famous holiday window displays under the theme "Give Love," along with Santaland, bringing the magic of the season to life. The display highlights the many ways we celebrate togetherness with friends and family during the holiday season.
It's that high-kicking time of year when the annual New York City Christmas Spectacular returns to Radio City Music Hall. The iconic Rockettes take to the stage to bring the holiday spirit to visitors from around the world.
This annual tradition returns to one of the world’s most famous cultural destinations: The Apollo Theater. Watch as the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre uplifts the seven principles of Kwanzaa through dance, music, and spoken word. This family-friendly event features music from across the African diaspora.
Two of the world’s largest menorahs will be lit in Brooklyn and Manhattan to mark the start of Hanukkah. At 4,000 pounds, the Manhattan menorah is recognized as the world’s largest, while the Brooklyn menorah lighting has been a tradition for over 30 years. The lighting will be celebrated with a kickoff concert and a gift giveaway for children.
Hanukkah will be celebrated between Dec. 25 and Jan. 2, 2025.
For the 47th year, larger-than-life puppets and festive music will take over East Harlem for the annual Three Kings Day parade and community celebration. The theme is "The Arts Open Paths," which celebrates the power of Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art to connect cultures and uplift communities.
Take a magical stroll among lantern trails, sit in LED swings, and watch dazzling animal-themed light shows at the Bronx Zoo this holiday season. Attendees can also enjoy attractions like musical performances, ice carving, s’mores roasting, and a holiday train.
Embark on a nighttime adventure along an illuminated trail through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Visitors can explore the garden under the moonlight and enjoy the lights, seasonal treats, and festive music.
Each year, this Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a holiday wonderland with over-the-top light displays. Visitors can explore the area on foot or a bus tour. Vendors also sit at various street corners to offer hot chocolate, ciders, and other snacks.
Citi Field will be filled with massive lights as North America’s largest Chinese lantern festival comes to New York City. The Tianyu Lights Festival, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, celebrates light, color, and community.
If you’re at Grand Central, don’t forget to stop by its free holiday train show hosted by the New York Transit Museum. New York City landmarks are put on display in miniature form as well as the Transit Museum’s collection of model trains like the Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets.
Back for the 33rd year, the Holiday Train Show at NYBG offers a glimpse at more than 200 New York City landmarks in miniature form. New this year, the Hearst Tower will join the replica skyline. The train show will also extend its daily hours to offer evening viewings.
This holiday tradition lets New Yorkers and visitors feel like they’ve traveled to the 1930s with a ride onboard the R1–9 train cars. Each train features rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements.
Whether you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, many holiday markets and pop-up vendors await your visit! Local businesses and novelty artisans will set up shop at places like Bryant Park, Union Square, and DUMBO throughout November and December, offering gifts big and small and bites of delicious holiday food.
Ready to hit the ice? Lace up your skates and head to one of New York City's picturesque ice skating rinks! Feel like the star of your own movie by visiting the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park or take in unique views at the Roebling Rink under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Frost Fest will return for its second year at Coney Island’s iconic Luna Park. Select rides will open for Frost Fest, including the Cyclone rollercoaster, Tea Party spinning cups, and the Rainbowheel Ferris Wheel. Frost Fest will also offer holiday lights, photos with Santa, and festive food and shopping experiences.
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York City, and now you can see many of the city’s iconic holiday sites all at once. This two-and-a-half-hour tour lets you relive scenes from movies like “Elf,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “Home Alone 2.”
Enjoy waterfront views surrounded by Christmas trees and indulge in holiday treats inside heated glass houses along the East River. Santa's Winter Wonderland includes games and activities for families and a s'mores station to warm up!
For something to warm you up, the Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building will offer eggnog-flavored beverages, holiday-themed cocktails, and food this holiday season. The Starbucks Reserve Winter Wonderland will also exclusively serve the Empire State Cocoa Cocktail, a dark chocolate drink with steamed milk infused with Hennessy VS Cognac.
The Queens Botanical Garden welcomes families to celebrate the best of the winter season with live music, a menorah and tree lighting, holiday crafts, and an outdoor market. As you explore, you can also enjoy holiday-themed drinks at the Hot Chocolate Bar.
