Top 10 Christmas & Holiday Events in New York for 2025

There’s something remarkable about celebrating Christmas in New York. From the bright lights of Manhattan to the cozy markets tucked into city parks, New York’s holiday season blends world-famous traditions with local charm. 

We’ve done the searching, scrolling, and sorting so you don’t have to, bringing you the very best and most festive events in NYC. All you have to do is sit back and pick a date for your holiday adventures. Here are ten can’t-miss events that make New York worth visiting in December.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's  popular or worth knowing about. 

1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating

Experience New York’s most iconic Christmas tree, decked with over 50,000 lights and crowned by a Swarovski star, towering above the world-famous ice skating rink. The nightly spectacle draws visitors from around the world and captures the city’s festive spirit like nothing else.

• Dates: Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 3, 2025. Lights remain through early January.
  
• Address: Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th & 50th St, New York, NY 10020
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Viewing is free
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Website: rockefellercenter.com

2. Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes

A holiday tradition for over 90 years, this live show features the legendary Rockettes, stunning choreography, a gorgeous Nativity, and Santa’s grand entrance. It’s an unforgettable experience for families.

• Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  
• Address: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No
  
• Website: rockettes.com

3. Bryant Park Winter Village & Holiday Shops

Browse more than 170 vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and holiday treats, then lace up your skates for a spin on the free-admission rink surrounded by twinkling lights. Make it a family tradition or an elegant date night, shopping for unique gifts for each other.

• Dates: October 24, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (Holiday Shops until January 5)
  
• Address: Bryant Park, 41 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Holiday Shops and ice skating rink admission is free (skate rental fee applies)
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: bryantpark.org

4. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade & Holiday Windows

Kick off the holiday season with giant balloons, floats, marching bands, and top performances. Then visit Macy’s Herald Square to see the famous holiday window displays and Santaland.

• Dates: Parade: November 27, 2025; Windows unveiled November 13, 2025
  
• Address: Parade: From Central Park West to Herald Square; Windows: Macy’s Herald
• Square, 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Website: macys.com/parade

5. Union Square Holiday Market

This European-style Christmas market features more than 150 local artisans, offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious seasonal snacks. Find the perfect gifts while soaking up the energy of the crowds and tasting new foods. 

• Dates: November 13 - December 24
  
• Address: Union Square Park, E 17th St & Union Square W, New York, NY 10003
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: https://www.urbanspacemarkets.com/union-square-holiday-market-1

6. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Located at the edge of Central Park, this festive market features over 140 vendors selling artisanal gifts, gourmet treats, and holiday décor. Immerse yourself in Christmas cheer while getting ideas for personalized Christmas gifts. 

• Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: 59th St & Central Park West, New York, NY 10019
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: https://www.urbanspacemarkets.com/columbus-circle-holiday-market-1

7. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Wander the streets of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see homes transformed into over-the-top holiday displays with thousands of lights, giant inflatables, and festive music. You are sure to hear oohs and aahs from everyone in the group, young and old. 

• Dates: Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day, with peak displays mid-December evenings
  
• Address: Dyker Heights, 11th–13th Ave between 83rd–86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: dykerheightschristmaslights.com

8. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show & GLOW

See miniature NYC landmarks crafted from natural materials as model trains travel through a winter wonderland. At night, the GLOW experience lights up the gardens.

• Dates: Train Show: Mid-November 2025 – mid-January 2026; GLOW: Select evenings November 15, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  
• Address: NY Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: No
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: nybg.org

9. LuminoCity Festival

Visit an immersive light festival on Randall’s Island featuring millions of LED displays, themed installations, and interactive art for all ages. This festival is a perfect stop for getting out of the cold and into a whirlwind of lights and excitement. 

• Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 1, 2026
  
• Address: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Central Rd, New York, NY 10035
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: No
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: luminocityfestival.com

10. Grand Central Holiday Fair

Shop for artisan gifts in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall, where dozens of high-end vendors set up in a festive, climate-controlled setting. Take your time as you admire local artists’ creations and pick just the right gifts for your family and friends. 

• Dates: November 10 – December 24, 2025
  
• Address: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com/event/2025-holiday-fair/

Make Memories You’ll Talk About for Decades

These ten events showcase the very best of New York’s holiday season, from iconic sights to hidden gems. When you’re ready to go skating under the city lights, strolling through artisan markets, or marveling at elaborate light displays, New York offers countless ways to make the season bright.

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