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.
Below the pay-wall— the activities continue, where to see gorgeous lights and decoration, festive shopping, where to see santa and more…..
