NYC Christmas Events: The Complete Guide

Updated December 2021

There is just something magical about Christmas in New York City.

With the Rockefeller Center skating rink, decorated windows along 5th Ave, and Christmas trees throughout the city, there are endless opportunities to feel festive in NYC!

This will be my fourth Christmas in the city and I am so excited to experience everything the season has to offer. To make sure I don’t miss anything, I’ve created a list filled with the best NYC Christmas events and I want to share it with you!

If you are ready for some cheer, grab a cup of cocoa, and let’s get going! Christmas time is here!

*Vaccine Update for 2021: Everyone in NYC is required to show proof of vaccination for at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for indoor dining and indoor entertainment. You can show your physical vaccine card or download the COVID Safe App or CLEAR Health Pass to store your card digitally.*

*Mask Update for 2021: Everyone in NYC should wear a mask indoors*

Holiday Shows

Live theater is synonymous with NYC and during the Christmas season, you can find a variety of holiday-themed performances around the city. My top picks for the 2021 season include:

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes– It really doesn’t get more classic than the Radio City Rockettes. The Rockettes first performed at Radio City in 1932 and their show is still delighting guests to this day. This year’s show features Santa, modern music, and (of course) plenty of kicks.
The New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker– For a stunning rendition of the traditional Nutcracker, head to the Lincoln Center. This show features an on-stage blizzard and a large Christmas tree that grows before the audience’s eyes.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker– If you don’t love ballet, consider checking out this modern take on the Nutcracker. This contemporary version uses the original score but adds reimagined hip-hop choreography. The touring show will stop in Brooklyn on December 19, 2021.
A Christmas Carol: This performance of the classic tale is held at The Merchant House, a restored 19th-century mansion. This candlelight setting provides the perfect atmosphere for the spooky, yet festive, show.
A Christmas Carol at The Players Theater: That’s right, NYC has a second Christmas Carol rendition this year! This production is put on at the historic Players Theater, an Off Broadway stage in Greenwich Village.
‘Twas the Night Before…by Cirque du Soleil: This is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show. Get ready for daring acrobatics set to classic Christmas tunes.

Christmas Eats + Drinks

What’s better than holiday-themed treats? Nothing!

Here are the best places to grab holiday-themed food and sweets throughout the city (I will add more as they are announced!):

Eats

Baked by Melissa– This popular cupcakery always offers a selection of mini holiday-themed cupcakes. This year’s seasonal flavors include Snowball, Caramel Hot Cocoa, and Chocolate Babka.
SERRA by Birreria– Eataly Flatiron’s rooftop restaurant is usually transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the holiday season. The menu is inspired by traditional Alpine favorites, including a selection of dishes featuring raclette (that melty-cheese you’ve seen all over Instagram)
Ray’s Pizza– Sure, this might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but Ray’s Pizza does have a Christmas connection. Fans of the Will Ferrel movie Elf might remember when Santa tells Buddy, “There are, like, thirty Ray’s Pizzas. They all claim to be the original. But the real ones on 11th.” Unfortunately, the “original” on 11th no longer exists, but there are plenty of Ray’s Pizzas around the city.
Rolf’s Restaurant– This traditional German restaurant is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during the season. The dining room is filled with an impressive display of holiday decorations. It is a little pricey, but if you feel like splurging-book a table and enjoy some classic German eats.
DO– NYC’s edible cookie dough cafe offers a few festive flavors each year, like Breakfast for Elves, Gingerbread, Cookies & Milk and Holiday Mix. Check out their flagship shop or their newest location in the Time Out Market.
Milk Bar– This delicious dessert shop has some great holiday-themed treat this year! You can get a slice of the Peppermint Bark Layer Cake at their new Flagship store!
Dominique Ansel Bakery– You can’t skip the cronut when you’re in NYC. If you want to try the festive version of this crossiant-doughnut hybrid, make sure to stop by for the December 2021 flavor: Gingersnap Cookie & Sour Cream.

Drinks

Winter Village at Bryant Park: This won’t be the last time I mention Bryant Park in this post. The Winter Village is so fun and festive! And in addition to ice skating and shopping, it offers some great eats. Surrounding the ice skating rink, you can find a selection of NYC’s best food stalls. If you are chilly, venture into The Lodge. This indoor pop-up features more food stalls and bars.
Stumptown– Looking for a seasonal coffee treat? Visit one of the NYC Stumptown locations for a delicious Peppermint Mocha (complete with a mini candy cane), Eggnog Latte or Hot Apple Cider.
Oscar Wilde– This NoMad bar goes ALL OUT for the holidays. If you want to sip a craft cocktail in a bar decked out with garlands and lights, this is the place to go.
Miracle– For a pop-up Christmas bar experience, make a reservation at Miracle. This concept was born in the East Village and now there are Miracle pop-ups all over the world. Two NYC bars transform into festive haunts complete with holiday cocktail menus (I recommend the SanTaRex cocktail).

Tree Lightings

The Rockefeller Center Tree may be the most recognizable, but don’t miss the other gorgeous Christmas trees scattered throughout the city. And when there is a Christmas tree, there is almost always a tree lighting ceremony. Check out my top picks below:

Lincoln Square: The beloved Winter’s Eve event won’t be returning for 2021, but you can still see a tree at Dante Park. There will also be small seasonal pop-ups around the area thorughout December.
Tavern on the Green: This iconic restaurant in Central Park has its own tree lighting festival on November 30, 2021 starting at 5pm. Throughout the season you can stop by to take in the stunning site.
Rockefeller Center: This classic tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 1, 2021. This is a televised event and it will be packed (so arrive early for a spot).
Central Park: On December 2, 2021, head to the Discovery Center for a festive ceremony complete with hot cocoa, Christmas carols, and a Santa photo-op.
Madison Square Park: Visit the park on December 9, 2021 from 4 – 5:30 pm to enjoy the festive tree lighting event!
Bryant Park: The Winter Village tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 6, 2021 from 6-7pm. After the ceremony, enjoy ice skating or a selection of local treats from the UrbanSpace popup. Advanced reservations required for this free event.
Carl Schurz Park– There’s no formal event for 2021 but you can view the tree at the 86th Street entrance.
Washington Square: This tree lighting takes place on December 8, 2021 from 6-7 pm. In addition to the tree lighting, you can look forward to holiday carols, candy, and an appearance by Santa!

Holiday Markets

Need to start Christmas shopping? Stop by one of these holiday markets for handmade and local gifts. While you are there, don’t miss the food carts. My picks are:

Winter Village at Bryant Park– This popup market includes a skating rink, local shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink. Honestly, it is my favorite holiday market in the city. You could spend hours strolling through the food and craft stalls or relaxing in the indoor rink-side Lodge. Some parts of this market remain open from October 29, 2021-January 2, 2022.
Union Square Holiday Market– This holiday market also features local shops and eateries. This is located in the heart of Union Square and offers a quite shop to lounge and eat your treats. It runs from November 18, 2021-December 24, 2021.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market– This holiday market is located at the southwest entrance of Central Park and features a variety of food and craft vendors. It is open from November 29, 2021-December 24, 2021.
Grand Central Holiday Fair– This indoor holiday market takes place inside the historic Grand Central Station. This is the perfect option for those chilly December days. *This market will return for the holiday season 2022*.

Exhibits

NYC Christmas Events- The Adventuring Millennial

Many of the city’s museums also get in on the holiday cheer! Check out some of these festive exhibits during the Christmas season:

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden– This popular exhibit is back for its 30th year. Each year, a model train glides past beautiful recreations of New York’s iconic sites. This runs from November 20, 2021-January 23, 2022, and tickets are expected to sell out.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at the Met- Each year, a Christmas tree is installed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This impressive display also features a Christmas village made from 18th-century statues. It’s on view from November 23, 2021-January 9, 2022.
The Origami Holiday Tree at the Natural History Museum- This is such a fun one! You can visit the museum and see an impressive holiday display compelte with more than 1,000 origami figures from November 24, 2021-January 9, 2022.

Holiday Window Displays

NYC is known for its impressive Christmas window displays. This tradition dates back to the 1800s when Macy’s first decorated their windows for the holidays. Now, visitors travel from all over the world to see these festive displays.

Below are some of the most popular window displays in the city. Spend some time strolling along 5th Ave and you will be treated to many of these and other Christmas displays.

Macy’s (151 W 34th St)- It’s hard to beat the windows at Macy’s. Take some time to appreciate each window (most include moving parts) before heading inside for even more festive decorations.
Saks 5th Avenue (611 5th Ave)- This incredible display covers the front of Saks with lights that form a winter castle.
Cartier (653 5th Ave)- This store is wrapped up like a present complete with a glittery bow!
Bloomingdale’s (Lexington and 59th)
Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Ave)

Events

Check out these festive holiday events happening throughout the city.

Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides– Each holiday season, the New York Transit Museum gives visitors the chance to ride on a vintage NYC subway train. The trains are often decorated for the season and some riders even wear vintage clothes for the experience. *The trains will not be running for the 2021 season but hopefully will return in 2022.*
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo– This popular event at the Bronx Zoo features festive light displays, carolers, seasonal food, ice carvings, and more.

Dyker Heights Light Display

The Dyker Heights neighborhood has the best lights around.

Homeowners spend thousands of dollars to deck their houses out with over-the-top displays. Most of the displays run from Thanksgiving-New Year but wait until mid-December for the best experience.

You can visit the neighborhood yourself or take a guided tour. The displays run from 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights.

Skating Rinks

What is more iconic than ice skating on the Rockefeller rink? Honestly not much. But you might want to know about the other ice rinks found around the city.

Rockefeller Center– Of course, this is the most iconic rink in the city. What is more festive than skating underneath the massive Rockefeller Christmas tree? But popularity comes with a price, this rink books up quickly and can run you $50 (depending on the date you visit).
Bryant Park– The Bryant Park Winter Village rink is also incredibly festive. This rink is free if you own skates or you can rent a pair for $18-$33 (depending on the date you visit). For the first time this year, you can reserve your spot online.
Central Park– The Wollman Rink is located very near the Central Park Zoo. Visitors can take skating lessons or play ice hockey here.

Feeling festive? I hope you enjoyed this Complete Guide to NYC Christmas Events. If you know of any events I didn’t include, please share them in the comments below!

If you are looking for more, check out these posts:

Christmas Time in NYC: The Essential Self-Guided Walking Tour

How to Attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

How I Survived New Years Eve in Times Square