🎄 Things to Do in Christmas in New York 2025: A Season of Lights, Celebration & Wonder
- Let's Live A Life
- Nov 21
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York. The city glows with bright lights, decorated storefronts, carols drifting through the air, and the unmistakable energy that only NYC can create. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, from iconic traditions to hidden gems, Christmas in New York 2025 is shaping up to be spectacular.
Let’s dive into everything the Big Apple has prepared for this festive season!
1. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (Lighting: Dec 3, 2025)
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
Nothing says “New York at Christmas” like the Rockefeller Center tree. The 2025 tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 3, 2025, kicking off the holiday season in classic NYC fashion.
The massive tree stands tall above the famous skating rink, surrounded by angels, twinkling lights, and iconic New York architecture. It’s the perfect spot for photos, date nights, and soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Why you should go:
One of the world’s most iconic Christmas sights
Free to visit
Magical at night
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds.
2. Bryant Park Winter Village (Oct 25, 2025 – Mar 2, 2026)
Website: https://wintervillage.org
Bryant Park transforms into a European-style winter village with more than 150 holiday shops, a massive ice rink, and seasonal food stalls. Open from late October through early March, it’s one of the city’s most festive holiday destinations.
Here you can skate for free (bring your own skates), shop from local artisans, sip hot chocolate, enjoy holiday treats, and wander through the illuminated park.
Why you should go:
Free skating
Great for shopping small and local
Beautiful nighttime atmosphere
Tip: Book a cozy igloo or rink-side cabin for a magical evening with friends or family.
3. Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026)
This iconic show starring the Rockettes has dazzled New York for decades. The 2025 Christmas Spectacular runs from November 7, 2025 to January 4, 2026, featuring classic dances, stunning visuals, and festive storylines.
It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a holiday experience you can only get in New York.
Why you should go:
A true NYC Christmas tradition
Mesmerizing choreography
Perfect for all ages
Tip: Tickets sell quickly — book early if you want good seats!
4. The Rink at Rockefeller Center (Nov 2025 – March 2026)
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
Skating in the heart of Rockefeller Center, surrounded by lights, the tree, and the golden Prometheus statue, is one of the most unforgettable holiday experiences in New York.
Why you should go:
Classic NYC winter activity
Beautiful day or night
Great for couples
Tip: Early morning sessions are less crowded and often cheaper.
5. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Dec 2025)
The Dyker Heights Lights are legendary. Every December, this Brooklyn neighborhood becomes a glowing world of over-the-top Christmas displays, inflatable characters, music, and thousands of sparkling lights.
Most homes turn on their displays from mid-December through New Year’s, and the area is free to walk through.
Why you should go:
One of NYC’s biggest holiday attractions
Family-friendly
Amazing for photos
Tip: Go on weeknights for a less-crowded experience.
6. Holiday Markets Across the City
New York is home to several magical Christmas markets that are perfect for shopping, eating, and wandering.
a. Union Square Holiday Market (Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2025)
Featuring over 150 vendors with handmade gifts, art, jewelry, candles, food, and more.
b. Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Nov 27 – Dec 29, 2025)
Located near Central Park South — perfect for a winter stroll afterward.
c. Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov 17 – Dec 24, 2025)
Indoor and warm, ideal for cold days.
Why you should go:
Perfect for holiday shopping
Festive atmosphere
Local artisans & unique gifts
7. Central Park Winter Experiences (Dec 2025)
Central Park becomes a winter playground during the holidays. You can:
Skate at Wollman Rink
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
Go sledding (if it snows!)
Enjoy peaceful snowy walks
The park is beautiful year-round, but it becomes absolutely enchanting in December.
Why you should go:
Free to explore
Great for outdoor photos
Fun for families and couples
8. The Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays (Nov – Jan)
Fifth Avenue lights up with world-famous holiday window displays. Stores like:
Saks Fifth Avenue
Bergdorf Goodman
Bloomingdale’s
Cartier
…pull out all the stops with magical themes, animations, and dazzling decorations.
Why you should go:
Completely free
One of NYC’s most iconic holiday experiences
Perfect for nighttime walks
Tip: Don’t miss Saks’ nightly light show — it’s incredible.
9. NYC Ballet – The Nutcracker (Nov 28 – Jan 4)
Website: https://www.nycballet.com
The New York City Ballet performs one of the most beautiful versions of The Nutcracker anywhere in the world.
Why you should go:
Stunning choreography
Classic holiday tradition
Great for kids and adults alike
10. Empire State Building Holiday Lights (All December)
Website: https://www.esbnyc.com
The Empire State Building is a holiday icon, and in December it becomes a beacon of Christmas cheer across the entire city. Each night, the building lights up in vivid red, green, gold, and white themed animations that can be seen from miles away.Sometimes the building even syncs its lights with holiday music in special televised events, making it a magical moment whether you're on the street below or watching from afar.
Visitors can head up to the 86th- or 102nd-floor observatories for breathtaking skyline views and a quiet break from the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a holiday activity that feels both classic and romantic, this one is perfect.
Why you should go:
Iconic NYC Christmas photos
Amazing skyline views
Different themes throughout December
11. Staten Island Winter Lantern Festival (Select dates Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)
The Winter Lantern Festival is one of New York’s most impressive light experiences. Located on Staten Island, this event features dozens of massive glowing lantern sculptures shaped like animals, flowers, fantastical creatures, and winter scenes. Walk through tunnels of lights, glowing archways, and interactive displays that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
This event is family-friendly, but adults love it just as much — it’s a calm, visually stunning escape from the busy holiday streets of Manhattan. Food stalls and warming stations are usually available, making it a cozy nighttime adventure.
Why you should go:
Immersive, colorful photo opportunities
Unique lantern art and themed displays
Great for families, couples, and groups
12. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)
Website: https://bronxzoo.com
The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights festival is one of NYC’s most beloved seasonal traditions. As soon as the sun sets, the zoo glows with enormous illuminated animal lanterns, light tunnels, sculptures, and themed displays spread throughout the grounds.
Visitors can stroll through designated walking paths filled with glowing wildlife members, enjoy holiday treats like roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate, watch live entertainment, and even participate in seasonal activities or photo ops.
This is a perfect holiday adventure for families, especially children who love animals and lights. With its spacious layout, it also offers a relaxing break from crowded city areas.
Why you should go:
Stunning glowing animals and light shows
Lots of room to walk, explore, and take photos
Live performances and festive snacks
13. NYC Holiday Cruises (Dec 2025)
Seeing New York lit up for Christmas from the water is one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the city. Several cruise companies offer seasonal nighttime tours around Manhattan, complete with festive music, narrated history, and breathtaking views of the skyline.
Some cruises offer:
Hot chocolate
Cozy heated cabins
Holiday snacks and drinks
Outdoor decks for photos
Christmas-themed decorations
You’ll glide past the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan, and the sparkling towers of Midtown — all while escaping the noise and crowds of the streets. It’s a romantic and relaxing option for visitors looking for something special.
Why you should go:
Incredible panoramic skyline views
Warm, cozy, and festive atmosphere
Perfect for date nights or group outings
14. New York Botanical Garden – Holiday Train Show (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)
Website: https://www.nybg.org
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is unlike anything else in the city. Inside a lush indoor garden, miniature trains weave through a detailed small-scale world of NYC landmarks — all handmade using natural materials like bark, leaves, seeds, and twigs.
Think miniature versions of the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, the Statue of Liberty, and dozens more, each crafted with incredible precision. Kids love the trains, adults admire the craftsmanship, and everyone enjoys the cozy holiday magic.
The Botanical Garden grounds often host additional holiday events such as GLOW, an outdoor nighttime light display, making this a full evening experience.
Why you should go:
One-of-a-kind miniature NYC world
Indoors and perfect for cold days
Magical for all ages
15. Day Trip: Christmas in Sleepy Hollow & the Hudson Valley (Dec 2025)
Just north of New York City, the Hudson Valley becomes a charming Christmas destination each December. Towns like Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Cold Spring, and Beacon host festive events filled with colonial charm, glowing lights, and holiday markets.
In Sleepy Hollow and nearby Tarrytown, you might find candlelight tours, decorated mansions like Lyndhurst, holiday craft fairs, and cozy shops perfect for winter shopping. Cold Spring offers small-town Christmas markets, warm cafés, and river views, while Beacon features art galleries, boutiques, and seasonal lights.
These towns provide the perfect escape from NYC’s busy holiday crowds. Whether you're looking for peaceful river views, charming shopping streets, or a quiet winter stroll, the Hudson Valley has something special.
Why you should go:
Beautiful small-town holiday atmosphere
Great day trip from Manhattan
Markets, lights, history, and scenic views
Planning Tips for Christmas in NYC 2025
✔️ Dress warmly — December can be windy and cold
✔️ Book tickets early for shows and skating
✔️ Use the subway to avoid traffic
✔️ Visit major attractions early to beat the crowds
✔️ Bring comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot!)
Conclusion: Celebrate Christmas in New York 2025
From iconic NYC traditions to cozy holiday corners waiting to be discovered, Christmas in New York 2025 offers something magical for everyone. Whether you’re skating beneath the Rockefeller tree, wandering through Bryant Park, exploring a glowing market, or simply enjoying a festive walk down Fifth Avenue, the city brings the holiday spirit to life in the most unforgettable ways.
So gather your loved ones, grab a warm treat, and let New York show you why it’s one of the world’s most enchanting Christmas destinations.
The end:🎄 Christmas in New York 2025: A Season of Lights, Celebration & Wonder
