It’s time for our annual round-up of New York City holiday activities and entertainment. Each year we provide information on some of the best things to do in NYC during the Christmas season. And since this website is all about experiencing the best of NYC for less, we emphasize things to do that are free, inexpensive, or for which discounts are available.
We’ll keep this page updated as more information about the 2015 season becomes available.
Check additional online event resources such as TimeOut and the Official NYC Guide at nycgo.com to find more events.
Dates, hours of operation, and fees should be verified with the official websites.
For hotels, try TheRealPlaces.com. Their listings of hotels near NYC theaters and landmarks helps with finding a convenient place to stay.
Music, Entertainment, and Events
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Santa’s arrival at the end of this big Thanksgiving Day parade helps usher in the holiday season. Thousands and thousands of people line the parade route each year to see the bands, floats, and giant balloons go by. The 2015 parade date is November 26th. The parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, turns at Columbus Circle onto Central Park South, continues to 6th Avenuen, then continues south along 6th Avenue until it gets to the end at 34th Street (Macy’s Herald Square).
You can see the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons inflated outside the American Museum of Natural History on the night before the parade. It’s a great opportunity to see the balloons up close, but lots people show up to see the inflation, so be prepared for lines and crowds.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular – See the Rockettes in this show that has became a traditional part of the holiday season in New York City. Discount Ticket Information >>
Winter Solstice Celebration at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine – December 17 – 19, 2015. A non-denominational celebration. This event is a contemporary take on ancient solstice rituals, featuring the Paul Winter Consort, gospel singer Theresa Thomason, Brazilian guitarist/singer Renato Braz, and other special guests.
Elf, The Musical – “Elf, The Musical” will play at the Theater at Madison Square Garden December 9th – 27th, 2015. Goldstar discount tickets.. LivingSocial offer.
The Nutcracker – There are several productions of The Nutcracker to choose from. See our guide to productions and discounts.
Handel’s Messiah – Enjoy the New York Philharmonic’s performance of this classical masterpiece. Performances are December 15 – 19, 2015 at Lincoln Center.
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square – Annual street festival that stretches along Broadway from the Time Warner Center to 68th Street. There’s lots of free entertainment and performances, plus food tastings from neighborhood restaurants. November 30, 2015.
Caroling at Washington Square Park – Christmas Eve caroling under the Washington Square Arch is an annual tradition.
Holiday Lights, Trees, and Displays
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – This is the big one – and it really is a big tree. The tree, lights and decorations at Rockefeller Center are beautiful and a must-see for any holiday season visit to New York City. The tree lighting event will take place on December 2, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The tree stays lit until 11:30 each night until the lights go off at 8:00 p.m. on January 6th, 2016. Free.
The Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History – The holiday tree at the American Museum of Natural History is decorated with a collection of paper-folded origami ornaments. The theme for the ornaments changes each year. It’s a unique and beautiful display. Admission to the museum is free during the last hour of operation each day (4:45 – 5:45), so that’s a good time to visit if you just want to see the tree.
Metropolitan Museum Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche – This beautiful tree is decorated with cherubs and angels and a classic Nativity scene is arranged beneath. Lighting ceremonies are held each day, visit the museum website for details. The museum operates on a recommended admission policy, with a recommendation of $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, $12 for students, and free admission for children under 12.
Bryant Park Tree – There’s a big tree next to the skating rink at Bryant Park. The ice skating rink here is free (there’s a charge to rent skates if you don’t have your own). This park also features a very nice holiday market with little shops nestled in between the park’s trees. Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Free.
Park Avenue Memorial Trees – Fir trees along Park Avenue are lit each year in memory of those who have sacrificed their lives at war. This tradition began in 1946 when a group of Park Avenue families lit trees in honor of those lost in WWII. The Brick Church at the corner of Park Avenue and 91st Street holds a tree lighting ceremony and carol sing on the night of the first Sunday in December. The trees stretch along Park Avenue from 54th to 96th Streets. Tree lighting: December 6, 2015. Free.
The New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree – A tree has been decorated in front of the NYSE each year since 1923. The tree is located on Broad Street, between Wall Street and Exchange Place. Free.
Washington Square Park Christmas Tree – This tree has a spectacular location, right at the foot of the iconic Washington Square Arch. The park is located at the foot of Fifth Avenue in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. The park also has a popular holiday market. 2014 Tree Lighting is December 10th. Free.
Lincoln Center Tree – There’s always a nice holiday tree in the plaza in front of Lincoln Center. It’s a pretty setting with the fountain and Lincoln Center’s lighted architecture in the background. While you’re in the neighborhood, pay a visit to the Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, located on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd Streets. This public space is open until 10:00 nightly, has free wifi, restrooms, a cafe, free music on Thursdays, and is the box office for discount tickets to same-week performances at Lincoln Center venues. Free.
Holiday Under the Stars at The Time Warner Center – Twelve large stars suspended from the ceiling of the Time Warner Center atrium shift colors in a display choreographed to holiday music. The Time Warner Center is located across from Columbus Circle, where you’ll find an outdoor holiday market. November 13, 2014 – January 3, 2015. Free.
South Street Seaport Tree and Ice Rink. 2015 tree lighting date hasn’t been announced yet.
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens – Think train shows aren’t your thing? You might want to re-think that. This train show is special. Trains run around a landscape of real plants and detailed replicas of New York City’s landmarks, created completely out of natural plant material. It all takes place in the nice warm conservatory building of the New York Botanical Gardens. November 21, 2015 – January 18, 2016.
Store Window Holiday Displays – Elaborate holiday window displays are a long-standing tradition in New York City. Macy’s, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Tiffany, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s are some of the best. If you’re traveling with children, see Mommy Poppins’ “NYC Holiday Windows Walk 2013: Seeing Department Store Christmas Displays with Kids” for good information and photos. And don’t just look in the windows at Macy’s, the interior of the store has great decorations, including the famous Santaland.
Hotels with Great Holiday Decorations
If you’re looking for a festive place to stay over the holidays, check out NewYork.com’s article about 8 NYC Hotels with Fabulous Holiday Displays.
Ice Skating
The Rink at Rockefeller Center – This is the most famous, and most crowded of the city’s skating rinks. If it’s always been your dream to skate at Rockefeller Center, you show go for it. And if you’re not much of a skater, the rink and surrounding decorations are still something worth seeing. October 10, 2015 – April 2016.
Wollman Rink in Central Park – This is probably the second most famous ice rink in the city. It’s a large rink located near the southern entrance to Central Park, where the city’s skyline provides a picturesque background. Try to go during the week when the rink is less crowded and the fees are lower. 2015 dates have not been announced yet, but the rink usually opens in late October and stays open through early April.
Bryant Park Ice Skating – Skating at Bryant Park is free. The 170′ x 100′ rink here is smaller than the one a Central Park, but larger than the rink at Rockefeller Center. The park also has a nice holiday market. Bryant Park is located right behind the Main Branch of the New York Public Library, so you can stop by there to see the tree in Astor Hall and the wreaths decorating the lion statues at the entrance. October 30, 2015 – March 6, 2016.
South Street Seaport Ice Rink – There’s an open-air skating rink at the corner of Fulton and Front Streets. The 2015 dates have not been announced yet.
Holiday Markets
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – The glass-enclosed structures that house the shops at the Bryant Park holiday market allow shoppers an opportunity to get out of the cold. There are over a hundred little boutique-type shops set up along the park’s pathways. The glass shops nestled in among the park’s trees makes a very pretty setting. There’s also a skating rink and large Christmas tree here. October 30, 2015 – January 3, 2016.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market – This outdoor market has a great location, right at the southern end of Central Park. Combine shopping here with a trip to nearby Wollman Rink in Central Park or the lights display in the Time Warner Center. Open daily, December 1 – 24, 2015.
Union Square Holiday Market – Vendors of gift and food items sell their wares from temporary outdoor stalls topped with red & white striped awnings. The scene at this popular market is reminiscent of European Christmas markets. Open daily, November 19 – December 24, 2015 in Union Square Park, Greenwich Village.
Grand Central Holiday Fair – Grand Central’s indoor holiday market is a good way to escape from the cold. There are 76 vendors selling a variety of goods. Open daily from November 16 – December 24, 2015. If you’re there in the evening, be sure to check out the light show on the windows in main concourse.
********
Subscribe to the NYC Cheap Travel Newsletter and stay up-to-date on the latest NYC deals and money-saving travel information.
Weekly NYC Hotel Deals – The best current hotel deals, many with rates under $200/night.
Broadway Shows Discount List – Multiple discount offers for current shows, all in one place.