The 2024 New York City holiday season events guide
NEW YORK (PIX11) – The lights are up for the most wonderful time of the year in New York City.
With more than 60 million people expected to descend on the Big Apple for the holidays, PIX11’s events guide has something for everyone — even if there's a Grinch in your group.
Click the links below to jump to each section
- Staple Holiday Events
- Light Displays
- Train Shows
- Holiday Markets
- Ice Skating
- Holiday-Themed Experiences
Staple Holiday Events
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony
The lighting of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree marks the start of the holiday season in New York City for many. After the lighting ceremony on Dec. 4, the tree will be lit daily through mid-January from 5 a.m. to midnight. On Christmas Eve, the tree will be lit for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, it will be lit from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- When: Dec. 4 - January 2025
- Where: 30 Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
- Cost: Free
Macy’s Holiday Windows
Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square unveiled its world-famous holiday window displays under the theme "Give Love," along with Santaland, bringing the magic of the season to life. The display highlights the many ways we celebrate togetherness with friends and family during the holiday season.
- When: Nov. 21 - January 2025
- Where: Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Manhattan
- Cost: Free
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
It's that high-kicking time of year when the annual New York City Christmas Spectacular returns to Radio City Music Hall. The iconic Rockettes take to the stage to bring the holiday spirit to visitors from around the world.
- When: Nov. 21 - Jan. 5, 2025
- Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave., Manhattan
- Cost: $61 - $222; for more information and tickets, click here
Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration
This annual tradition returns to one of the world’s most famous cultural destinations: The Apollo Theater. Watch as the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre uplifts the seven principles of Kwanzaa through dance, music, and spoken word. This family-friendly event features music from across the African diaspora.
- When: Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Where: The Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Manhattan
- Cost: $35 - $55; for more information and tickets, click here
Menorah Lightings
Two of the world’s largest menorahs will be lit in Brooklyn and Manhattan to mark the start of Hanukkah. At 4,000 pounds, the Manhattan menorah is recognized as the world’s largest, while the Brooklyn menorah lighting has been a tradition for over 30 years. The lighting will be celebrated with a kickoff concert and a gift giveaway for children.
Hanukkah will be celebrated between Dec. 25 and Jan. 2, 2025.
- When: TBD; check back later for updated details on these events
- Cost: Free
Three Kings Day Celebration
For the 47th year, larger-than-life puppets and festive music will take over East Harlem for the annual Three Kings Day parade and community celebration. The theme is "The Arts Open Paths," which celebrates the power of Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art to connect cultures and uplift communities.
- When: Jan. 6, 2025, at 11 a.m.
- Where: TBD
- Cost: Free
Light Displays
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Take a magical stroll among lantern trails, sit in LED swings, and watch dazzling animal-themed light shows at the Bronx Zoo this holiday season. Attendees can also enjoy attractions like musical performances, ice carving, s’mores roasting, and a holiday train.
- When: Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd., the Bronx
- Cost: $26 - $57; for more information and tickets, click here
Brooklyn Botanical Garden Lightscape
Embark on a nighttime adventure along an illuminated trail through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Visitors can explore the garden under the moonlight and enjoy the lights, seasonal treats, and festive music.
- When: Nov. 22 to Jan. 5, 2025
- Where: 150 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn
- Cost: $12 - $45; for more information and tickets, click here
Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Each year, this Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a holiday wonderland with over-the-top light displays. Visitors can explore the area on foot or a bus tour. Vendors also sit at various street corners to offer hot chocolate, ciders, and other snacks.
- When: November - early January
- Where: 83rd Street - 86th Street between 11th to 13th Avenues, Brooklyn
- Cost: Free by foot
Tianyu Lights Festival
Citi Field will be filled with massive lights as North America’s largest Chinese lantern festival comes to New York City. The Tianyu Lights Festival, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, celebrates light, color, and community.
- When: Nov. 29 to Jan. 19, 2025
- Where: Citi Field, 41 Seaver Wy, Flushing, Queens
- Cost: $29.39 - $40.59; for more information and tickets, click here
Train Shows
Grand Central Holiday Train Show
If you’re at Grand Central, don’t forget to stop by its free holiday train show hosted by the New York Transit Museum. New York City landmarks are put on display in miniature form as well as the Transit Museum’s collection of model trains like the Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets.
- When: Nov. 14, 2024 – Feb. 2025
- Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store at Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan
- Cost: Free
Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden
Back for the 33rd year, the Holiday Train Show at NYBG offers a glimpse at more than 200 New York City landmarks in miniature form. New this year, the Hearst Tower will join the replica skyline. The train show will also extend its daily hours to offer evening viewings.
- When: Nov. 16 – Jan. 20, 2025 from 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd., the Bronx
- Cost: $25 - $35; for more information and tickets, click here
MTA's Holiday Nostalgia Rides
This holiday tradition lets New Yorkers and visitors feel like they’ve traveled to the 1930s with a ride onboard the R1–9 train cars. Each train features rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements.
- When: Every Sunday in December
- Where: From Houston Street to 96th Street, Manhattan
- Cost: $2.90 subway fare
Holiday Markets
Whether you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift or simply enjoying the holiday spirit, many holiday markets and pop-up vendors await your visit! Local businesses and novelty artisans will set up shop at places like Bryant Park, Union Square, and DUMBO throughout November and December, offering gifts big and small and bites of delicious holiday food.
Ice Skating
Ready to hit the ice? Lace up your skates and head to one of New York City's picturesque ice skating rinks! Feel like the star of your own movie by visiting the iconic Wollman Rink in Central Park or take in unique views at the Roebling Rink under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Holiday Themed Experiences
Frost Fest at Coney Island's Luna Park
Frost Fest will return for its second year at Coney Island’s iconic Luna Park. Select rides will open for Frost Fest, including the Cyclone rollercoaster, Tea Party spinning cups, and the Rainbowheel Ferris Wheel. Frost Fest will also offer holiday lights, photos with Santa, and festive food and shopping experiences.
- When: Select weekends from Nov. 23 to Jan. 1, 2025
- Where: 1000 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
- Cost: $24.99 - $54.99; for more information and tickets, click here
New York Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Bus Tour
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in New York City, and now you can see many of the city’s iconic holiday sites all at once. This two-and-a-half-hour tour lets you relive scenes from movies like “Elf,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “Home Alone 2.”
- When: November - Jan 2., 2025
- Where: Various locations
- Cost: $58; for more information and tickets, click here
Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Enjoy waterfront views surrounded by Christmas trees and indulge in holiday treats inside heated glass houses along the East River. Santa's Winter Wonderland includes games and activities for families and a s'mores station to warm up!
- When: Nov. 8 to Dec. 31
- Where: Pier 15, 78 South St., Manhattan
- Cost: $75 - $255; for more information and tickets, click here
Starbucks Reserve Winter Wonderland
For something to warm you up, the Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building will offer eggnog-flavored beverages, holiday-themed cocktails, and food this holiday season. The Starbucks Reserve Winter Wonderland will also exclusively serve the Empire State Cocoa Cocktail, a dark chocolate drink with steamed milk infused with Hennessy VS Cognac.
- When: TBD
- Where: Starbucks Reserve at the Empire State Building, 20 W. 34th St., Manhattan
- Cost: Varies; for more information, click here.
Winter Wonder at the Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden welcomes families to celebrate the best of the winter season with live music, a menorah and tree lighting, holiday crafts, and an outdoor market. As you explore, you can also enjoy holiday-themed drinks at the Hot Chocolate Bar.
- When: Dec. 7
- Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, Queens
- Cost: $4 - $6; for more information and tickets, click here