The NYC Holiday Issue

A comprehensive guide to everything Christmas and holidays in NYC 2025....

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No city does the holidays better than NYC. While I’m personally not quite in the holiday mindset yet, I always forget how quickly dates book up, shows and tickets sell out. Below are my favorite December activities—meant to help plan and stay organized, not feel overwhelmed. I’ve found that planning ahead makes the season that much more joyful, so here’s my attempt at doing just that.

• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: I’ll admit—I rolled my eyes when we first got tickets for my son a few years ago. But I was happily proven wrong, and now it’s an annual tradition. The production is truly spectacular: the choreography is astonishing, the Christmas music is pure joy, and even my wiggly three-year-old is completely captivated. We’re doing the 10 a.m. show this year and then heading to Din Tai Fung for a big family lunch—highly recommend!

• The Nutcracker: A timeless iconic holiday tradition, running from November 28 through January 4. Hurry, hurry—don’t wait to get tickets! I had trouble getting decent seats for a group of the four of us. For those of you wanting their little ones to experience The Nutcracker magic, but not ready for the production at Lincoln Center, here’s what I’d recommend instead: My First Nutcracker, The Brooklyn Nutcracker by Brooklyn Ballet: a vibrant re-imagining of the classic — blending ballet, hip-hop & global dance, or Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place

• The Magic Flute at The Met Opera: Is there anything more classic than The Magic Flute during the holidays? While my kids aren’t quite ready for it, I can’t wait for a date night to experience the colorful sets, dazzling puppetry, and magical charm. Running December 11 – January 3.

• ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil: A dazzling holiday production at MSG, running December 4–28. This family-friendly 85-minute show (no intermission) blends breathtaking acrobatics, storytelling, and festive cheer. I haven’t been yet, but I’m excited to take the kids this year—they’ll love it!

  

• Park Avenue Armory Snowflake Lounge: Sunday, December 7, 4–6:30 p.m. Enjoy ornament-making, robot-building, cookie-decorating, face-painting, photos with Santa, and a tween dance party—all in support of the Armory’s arts and education programs.

• Madeline Tea Party at Bemelmans Bar: It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions with my daughter—and truly one of the sweetest NYC moments. Starting November 1, every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., enjoy a whimsical tea at Bemelmans Bar featuring storytelling, sing-alongs, and seasonal treats inspired by the beloved Madeline books. Tickets sell out fast!

• We go every year to the NYBG Train Show, running through January 11. It’s a festive wonderland featuring nearly 200 miniature NYC landmarks made from natural materials, with model trains zipping through them. Don’t miss the select Train Nights—complete with twinkling lights, live music, and roaming conductors after dark.

• Thinking about hitting the ice but not ready to brace the crowds at Rockefeller Center? Here are some other festive places to skate: Wollman Rink, Davis Center in Central Park, Winter Village at Bryant Park, Winter Whirl Roller Rink at Oculus (note: NOT ice skating, but roller skating), The Rink at Brookfield Place, and Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park (looks incredibly scenic). If you are going to skate at Rockefeller Center, don’t forget to book an Après Skate Chalet, they have sold out in years past.

• North Pole Express: It’s definitely touristy—but my kids loved it. If you have family in town, it’s a fun way to take in Midtown’s lights and holiday décor aboard a double-decker bus. Running through January 4, with departures at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., the experience includes a Santa visit, caroling, and hot chocolate. In past years, we’ve done a private group rental—it’s a blast with friends! (Just plan ahead for Midtown traffic—we nearly missed our bus last year!)

• Gingerbread Lane Village & Workshops at Columbus Circle: Running November 19–January 5, this sweet attraction features a four-tiered gingerbread village by chef Jon Lovitch on the mall’s second floor. I’m especially excited for the ticketed gingerbread house–making workshops ($35) offered on select dates.

• One of my favorite Upper East Side holiday traditions is the Brick Church Christmas Tree Lighting, taking place this year on Sunday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. New Yorkers gather to sing carols and watch the Park Avenue trees illuminate—filling the neighborhood with a magical, communal festive spirit. It’s truly a special evening.

• Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: A magical illuminated trail running November 21–January 4. Stroll through glowing trees, dazzling light sculptures, and enjoy festive music and treats. It’s an enchanting evening outing perfect for families. Tickets are timed-entry and must be reserved in advance.

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Visit mid-December through early January to see Brooklyn’s most over-the-top holiday displays along 11th–13th Avenues (83rd–86th Streets). Best enjoyed on foot, with giant inflatables, synchronized music, and dazzling décor. Go on weeknights for fewer crowds, bundle up, and take the D or R train. Free to stroll!

• 29th Annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park: Thursday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (109th Street). Enjoy carols, hot cocoa, and the lighting of a flotilla of trees on the water—plus a special visit from Santa!

• Visiting NYC hotels during the holidays is a must for festive décor. Notable mentions: The Lowell (forever the most chic), The Plaza Hotel (channel your inner Home Alone), Lotte New York Palace (go for the tree), and The Peninsula New York.

• Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo: November 21–January 4, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with millions of lights and lanterns along six trails. Lights turn on around 4:30 p.m. (animal exhibits close at 4 p.m.). Highlights include nearly 400 animal- and plant-themed lanterns, nightly ice-carving demos, a holiday train ride, and interactive zones.

• Shine Bright at Hudson Yards: November 25–early January, experience over 2 million LED lights, 725 trees, and a 32‑foot centerpiece. Best viewed at sunset for photos—visit weeknights to avoid crowds and dress warmly. Santa appears on Level 3 (free) Monday–Friday, 5–8 p.m.; no reservations needed.

• Lights on the Cobbles (Meatpacking): Wander through 100+ evergreens and trees transformed into a sparkling holiday forest between Ninth Avenue and Gansevoort Plaza. Don’t miss oversized snowpeople, glowing planters, and illuminated pathways.

• The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 3 from 7-10 p.m.

• Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show: Catch the dazzling free light show projected onto Saks’ flagship façade, running nightly every ~10 minutes from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Insider tip: For the best view with fewer crowds, watch from the corner of 50th Street and Fifth Avenue.

• The Brick Church Fair: My favorite annual holiday market runs November 11–13. Browse dozens of vendors offering apparel, gifts, décor, treats, and more—perfect for early holiday shopping. Entry is free, all ages are welcome, and Santa will appear Thursday, November 13, from 3–5 p.m.—always a hit with the kids!

• Holiday on Madison: A chic seasonal pop-up runs December 1–20 at 831 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side, featuring 60+ artisanal designers offering exclusive home décor, fashion, and gift collections.

• House of Holiday: NYC’s largest Christmas store, located in Queens, spans 35,000 sq ft across two floors. Discover hundreds of live and artificial trees, themed décor walls, ornaments, lights, nutcrackers, and outdoor holiday accessories. Open daily through January—a true one-stop holiday shopping destination.

• Church of Sweden Julmarknad: A lesser-known but utterly charming Midtown holiday gem, featuring Swedish artisan crafts, traditional sweets, and pastries—all set within a historic church. Open Wednesday–Sunday from noon, it’s a cozy, festive escape from the city’s usual hustle and bustle.

• Union Square Holiday Market: This seasonal market features up to 185 vendors offering handmade gifts, gourmet treats, and unique crafts. Running mid-November through December, it’s the perfect spot for holiday shopping with local flair.

• Winter Village at Bryant Park: Explore over 170 artisan-run kiosks along the terraces and allées, featuring local crafts, global gifts, and gourmet treats. After shopping, enjoy the free-admission ice rink, a cozy food hall, and the curling café for a full festive experience.

• The Shops at Columbus Circle: November 18–January 5, enjoy 300,000 twinkling lights and color-changing stars, browse luxury retailers, catch free “Broadway Under the Stars” performances, and explore the adjacent outdoor holiday market at the southwest corner of Central Park.

• The Grand Central Holiday Fair: November 10–December 24 in the historic Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal. Explore curated handmade gifts and crafts from artisans in an elegant indoor setting—Grand Central is always charming, but especially magical during the holidays!

• Columbus Circle’s Passport to Santa: Step into a magical North Pole adventure—explore whimsical stops, earn passport stamps, build toys, race gingerbread towers, and culminate the experience with a meet-and-greet with Santa himself.

• Selfies with Santa at Brookfield Place: November 28–December 24, visit Santa in the Winter Garden of Brookfield Place. Free selfies—don’t forget to bring your phone!

• Macy’s Santaland: Located on the 8th floor in Herald Square, open Friday, November 28–December 24. Free reservations are required, with time slots released five days in advance.

• Hudson Yards: Level 3 of The Shops & Restaurants, Monday–Friday, 5–8 p.m., November 28–December 23. Bring your camera for a free photo opportunity.

• Bloomingdale’s: Visit Santa on the 6th Floor from late November through December 23. No reservation needed—just bring your camera for a festive photo.

• Rockefeller Center: (The Santa Photo Pass) December 5–25, enjoy a photo-op with Santa on the iconic Beam at Top of the Rock, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Available as an add-on to general, all-in, or express pass tickets—be sure to book early, as slots sell out quickly.

• Bergdorf Goodman: Saturdays & Sundays from 9-10:30 a.m. at the BG Restaurant. Reservations are required.

  

Alison Kenworthy is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer and the founder of Homeworthy, a media network that highlights extraordinary people and their homes. She formerly worked at ABC’s Good Morning America, where she covered entertainment stories from the red carpets of the Golden Globes and Met Gala. Here, she shares her favorite holiday picks in NYC with us…

• “My favorite gift shop is More & More on the Upper West Side. This small shop has the most incredible collection of thousands of ornaments that hang from the ceiling. They have great hostess gifts, vintage jewelry, party poppers, cocktail napkins and something for everyone on your list!”

• “I can’t help it--I love going to The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall with my family. Watching their little eyes light up with wonderment is so much fun and immediately puts you in the holiday spirit. Afterwards, you can go for snacks (or an ice cream sundae) at Monkey Bar. See if you can sit in one of their booths near the bar as it’s impossible to get a reservation these days!”

• “No holiday season would be complete without going to see the iconic Bergdorf Goodman window display. Then scurry up to the 7th floor to browse their fabulous ornament collection.”

• “E.A.T. Gifts have the best stocking stuffers and always puts me in a good mood. After E.A.T. walk two blocks north to William Greenberg to stock up on the yummiest iced sugar cookies in the shapes of snowmen, angels, wreaths, candy canes, stars, bells, Christmas trees and more.”

• “We have never been, but My First Nutcracker looks like the perfect length performance (and it’s interactive!) for our small children.”