The list of things to do in New York in December is long and varied. From perennial favorites like the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to the Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden, it's a magical time of year to be in NYC! Spend December 2024 perusing the holiday windows, catching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and shopping the many Christmas markets that the city has to offer.
The Big Event
Photograph: Anthony Quintano/Flickr.
(12/4) The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on Wednesday, December 4, and you can appreciate its majestic beauty throughout December and into January. The event will be hosted by Kelly Clarkson. The towering tree in Rockefeller Center is a global symbol of the holiday spirit. rockefellercenter.com
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(11/22-1/5/25) Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights. Millions of lights across seven lantern trails representing 100 animal and plant species will connect you to the real wildlife and wild places that WCS staff works to protect through our field programs around the world, and at our zoos and aquarium in New York.
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(11/22-1/5/25) Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden Experience the magic of Lightscape! The after-dark, illuminated trail returns to Brooklyn with brand new works of art and promises an even more immersive and magical experience for visitors of all ages. Explore the beauty of the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music.
(11/20-1/5/25) With four floors of holiday fun, Meet Me in PaleyLand, at The Paley Center for Media in midtown has entered full-on Christmas mode. You’ll find photos ops with Santa and holiday characters, from Bumble the Snow Monster to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; a classic model railroad display; and free hot chocolate. Plus, you’ll be able to watch plenty of screenings of holiday films. 25 W. 52nd St., paleycenter.org
Image: Colin Miller.
If you’re looking for a kind of all-inclusive holiday experience, head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Skate on the 17,000 square-foot rink, or watch an ice show (free admission for both!); grab a snack or a drink at the Lodge Bar + Food Hall; and stock up on gifts at the Holiday Shops, inspired by European open-air markets. There you’ll find artisan-made creations ranging from jewelry to vintage finds, glass ornaments to loose-leaf teas. To up the experience even more: Reserve a private igloo to enjoy your meal; or take on curling in the Curling Café & Bar. Shops open now through Jan. 5, 2025. Bryant Park, bryantpark.org
Indulge in the holiday spirit in the winter igloos nestled on the outdoor terrace Sessions at the Hard Rock Hotel. Enjoy delectable bites, seasonal drinks, and a curated playlist to amplify the festive vibes. Open daily from 4pm-late. Book on OpenTable, all reservations come with a complimentary bottle of Cava. 159 W. 48th St., 212-970-1200, hardrockhotels.com/new-york/sessions.aspx
You can soak in seasonal vibes at One World Observatory where the space has been transformed into the annual holiday special ONEderland. A cozy chalet atmosphere is filled with photo ops, joined by festive bites from house restaurant One Dine and a hot chocolate bar at ONE Sip Bars on Floor 100. 117 West St., 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com
(12/24-1/1/25) Annual Lighting of the World's Largest Hanukah Menorah. This whopping 32-foot-high, two-ton menorah is set up at Grand Army Plaza in midtown (Fifth Avenue and 59th Street), with lightings for the nights of Hanukah December 24 through Jan. 1, 2025.
(12/13, 12/14, 12/15, 12/17, 12/18, 12/20-21) Fever's Candlelight Holiday Concert Series immerses viewers in themed musical programs. On December 13th, St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, Christmas Piano with Alexis Ffrench. On Dec. 14, at the Church of the Heavenly Rest will host a program dedicated to The Nutcracker and More. On Dec. 15, The Nutcracker at Irondale. Dec. 17 at The Sheen Center, Holiday Classics Featuring Zoltan Maga. Dec. 18 at The Sheen Center, Holiday Jazz & Soul Classics Featuring Ella Fitzgerald. Dec. 19-20, at The Sheen Center, Holiday Carols on Strings. Dec. 20-21 at St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church, The Nutcracker and more.
(12/24) Christmas Eve Services at St. Patrick's Cathedral. 5:30pm and *midnight. (*Free, but tickets required.)
(12/21) Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration at the Apollo Theater, 2pm and 7:30pm. Featuring Abdel Salaam's Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. Since 2006, the Apollo has established an annual show to celebrate this holiday tradition on one day of the Kwanzaa holiday. The Apollo’s celebration is a joyful evening of dance and music honoring the principles of Kwanzaa—family, community, and culture.
(11/ 14-12/30) THE HOLIDAY RIDE returns to turn the streets of New York into a stage. You’ll cruise in comfort in a patented $1.5 million traveling theater. A special holiday RIDE edition, led by charismatic hosts, is filled with merry surprises and performances that capture the essence of NYC’s holiday charm. From the shimmering lights of the city to heartwarming acts on every corner, the holiday spirit comes alive in a way only New York can deliver.
Things to Do in New York in December: Exhibits
Greek. Wreath (details), 3rd–2nd century B.C.E. Gold. Brooklyn Museum.
11/16-7/6/25 SOLID GOLD, is a new exhibit marking Brooklyn Museum's 200th anniversary, featuring more than 500 works. The fashion world’s embrace of gold will be seen in standout designs by Anna Sui, Christian Dior, Demna, Gianfranco Ferré, Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, Halston, Mary McFadden, The Blonds, Walter Van Beirendonck, and Yves Saint Laurent. Gold-ground paintings and sculptures, coins, and other treasures will sparkle alongside jewelry by Alexander Calder, Belperron, Cartier, Charles Loloma, Jacob & Co, and Verdura—as well as grillz by Gabby Elan. The exhibition will also confront darker histories, inviting frank discussions about the human and environmental costs of extracting gold ore from the earth.
Now-4/20/25 Pets and the City at The New-York Historical explores the history and impact pets have had on New Yorkers for the past two centuries. Through a broad spectrum of works of art, objects, documents, memorabilia, and clips from film and television, the exhibition surveys the evolution of pets—from their presence among the Lenape and Haudenosaunee and the hunting culture of settlers through their incorporation into the urban family and onto the pampered pets of today, which enjoy their own public rights.
11/22-4/13/25 Franz Kafka at The Morgan Library & Museum will present for the first time in the United States, the Bodleian Library’s extraordinary holdings of literary manuscripts, correspondence, diaries, and photographs related to Kafka, including the original manuscript of his novella The Metamorphosis.
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The Secret World of Elephants, a new exhibition now open at the American Museum of Natural History, reveals new science about both modern and ancient elephants—including the titans of the Ice Age, mammoths, and mastodons—and highlights their extraordinary minds and senses, why they're essential to the health of their ecosystems, and inspiring efforts to overcome threats to their survival. The Secret World of Elephants features fossils, casts, and life-size models—including a wooly mammoth, an African elephant, and an extinct dwarf elephant with a dwarf elephant calf—as well as videos and interactive exhibits that will introduce visitors to these massive mammals’ incredible abilities and the environmental challenges they face. amnh.org |
(Permanent) The Jim Henson Exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image celebrates the life and legacy of the famed Muppet creator, exploring both his prolific career and the enduring effect his work has on pop culture to this day. Visitors can expect to learn more about the creation of such beloved works as The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labryinth, as well as to discover the cutting-edge experimental works Henson made throughout his career.
(Permanent) The Museum of the City of New York presents NY at Its Core. Ten years in the making, New York at Its Core presents the compelling story of New York’s rise from a striving Dutch village to today’s “Capital of the World.” The exhibition captures the human energy that drove New York to become a city like no other and a subject of fascination the world over. Entertaining, inspiring, important, and at times bemusing, New York City “big personalities,” including Alexander Hamilton, Walt Whitman, Boss Tweed, Emma Goldman, JP Morgan, Fiorello La Guardia, Jane Jacobs, Jay-Z, and dozens more, parade through the exhibition.
Things to Do in New York in December: Kids
(11/16-1/20/25) The Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden. Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track.
(Now-3/2/25) Cozy Igloos are back at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park! Open daily from 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM, visitors can pre-book 90-minute reservations online here. Perfect for intimate gatherings, these clear, heated domes decorated with seasonal decor accommodate up to 8 guests in the center of the action at Winter Village, just steps from the rink and the tree. Menu offerings range from sharable items including charcuterie plates, giant pretzels, and loaded crispy fries to a selection of artisanal sausages with house-made toppings. Enjoy festive drinks such as mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate or apple cider, or choose from a curated list of beer and wine.
Things to Do in New York in December: Food, Music & Nightlife
11/14-1/11/25 Great Jones Distilling Co.’s Whiskey Wonderland returns to Noho. Guests at the first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition will be welcomed by an abundance of holiday cheer as they step into Great Jones Distilling Co.’s transformed speakeasy – a hidden, underground gem open to the public via reservation for a limited time. The cozy winter chalet overhaul is complete with twinkling lights, a crackling fireplace, ornament-clad trees, and a curated menu of New York-made whiskeys, cocktails, and bites. Guests can enjoy snacks such as Autumn Spiced Corn Dogs, Toastie Buttered Pretzels, and White Chocolate Fondue by Executive Chef Daniel Wright while toasting to Head Mixologist Collin Frazier’s lineup of whiskey cocktails including:
• Comet, Cupid, & Caramel (Great Jones Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon, Salted Caramel, Nocino, Black Walnut Bitters, Rosemary)
• Krampusnacht Nip (Great Jones Rye, Earl Grey, Molasses, Lemon, Winter Spice)
• Sleighbell Sour (Great Jones Straight Bourbon, Cranberry, Honey, Cinnamon, Lemon, Egg White)
Whiskey Wonderland is open to the public every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
(12/7, 12/13, 12/14, 12/28; 1/4, 1/11, 1/18/25) Holiday Train Nights are back at New York Botanical Garden. On these nights exclusively for adults 21 and over, the wintry landscape of NYBG sets the scene for festive outdoor adventures, with an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show® as the centerpiece. Sip a cocktail as you journey through a series of station stops, including pop-up acts featuring some of NYC’s favorite street performers.
(12/18) Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna at Carnegie Hall.
(12/9-1/5/25) Chris Botti's 20th Annual Holiday Residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club.
Photo by Katy Perry's Instagram
(12/13) Z100's Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden will feature performances with Katy Perry, Tate McRae, The Kid Laroi, Twenty One Pilots, Meghan Trainor, Benson Boone, and others.
(12/13-12/14) New York Gay Men's Chorus presents Spirits Bright at Skirball Center, featuring uplifting selections by Whitney Houston, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Kylie Minogue, and Cher.
(12/17) Mariah Carey's Christmas Time tour stops at Barclays Center.
(12/18-12/19) Andrea Bocelli returns to Madison Square Garden.
(12/26) WWE Live Holiday Tour at Madison Square Garden.
(12/27) Acclaimed pianist Katya Grineva returns to Carnegie Hall for her highly anticipated “A Classical Holiday” concert for one night only, 8p.m. Celebrating her 22nd Stern Auditorium appearance, Katya has performed at the venue more than any other female artist.
(12/28-12/31) Phish returns for its annual NYE residency at Madison Square Garden.
Do It for the Gram: 24 Instagrammable Exhibits in NYC
Things to Do in New York in December: Sightseeing/Markets
Colin Miller.
(Now-3/25) Bryant Park's Winter Village returns. Ice skating, shopping, hot chocolate and other tasty treats. Shops* open through Jan. 5, 2025.
(11/11-12/24) The Grand Central Holiday Fair returns to Grand Central Terminal with 40+ artisans in Vanderbilt Hall selling art and home goods; holiday-themed items; bath and body products; toys; and clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. The Holiday Fair is open Monday through Friday, 10am-8pm, until 7pm Saturdays, and 11am-6pm Sundays. Closed Thanksgiving and open 10am-6pm on Christmas Eve.
Union Square Market. Photo: flickr/Shinya Suzuki.
(11/16-12/24) Union Square’s Holiday Market. usqholiday.nyc
Throughout December, *City Cruises offers a series of Christmas Eve/Day Signature Brunch/Dinner 2.5 hr cruises, as well as New Year's Eve/Day cruises, departing from Chelsea Piers. cityexperiences.com
Throughout month of December, check out A Slice of Brooklyn's Christmas Lights of Dyker Heights Tour, which goes through Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, a neighborhood full of eye-popping displays. Offered every day except Christmas Day. Stock up on holiday treats and gifts on A Slice of Brooklyn's Chocolate Tour as well, offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Things to Do in New York in December: Shows
(11/8-1/5/25) Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® returns to dazzle for another holiday season! The 90-minute show features more than 140 performers and an original musical score and combines singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes.
Photo credit: © Paul Kolnik
(11/29-1/4/25 ) Tchaikovsky's beloved melodies transport viewers to a world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at nycballet.com.
Things to Do in New York in December: Ongoing
The iconic Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink, now in its 88th year, is the most famous patch of ice in the world. Take advantage of a package deal, like Après Skate (appetizers and drinks) or a Starlight Skate on the night’s last session.
Things to Do in New York in December: New Year's Eve
Image: Anthony Quintano/Flickr.
(12/31) There is no minute of the year quite as exciting as 11:59pm on December 31st in Times Square. The Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration and Ball Drop is easily the most famous NYE celebration in the world. A million people join together to celebrate this event, and over a billion people will watch it on television. If you’re planning to go, dress warmly, bring something to eat, and be sure to get there early (before 5pm). Times Square is the most famous destination, although the sheer number of participants can make it a bit of a headache (you need to get there hours early and there's no alcohol allowed). There are many, many alternatives.
(12/31) Ring in the New Year with City Cruise's New Year's Eve Cruise.
(12/31) NYRR Midnight Run 2024. Kick off the New Year at the Midnight Run! Join the fun and celebrate with music and dancing (starting at 10pm) as 2024 comes to a close. With a countdown to midnight beginning at 11:59 p.m., the four-mile run will begin on the stroke of midnight, as will a spectacular fireworks display to light up the night and the start of 2025. nyrr.org
(12/31) St. John the Divine's New Year's Eve Concert for Peace. Founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984, the annual New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace is a signature Cathedral event, gathering old friends and new for more than a quarter of a century. The music, the candles, and the spirit of peace send audiences out into the chill January night with renewed hope for the world we share. This year’s concert will feature a special performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony by the Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composition’s premiere. General admission free, tickets required. 7pm-8:30pm
Make sure to check out our favorite 10 Seasonal Pop Up Holiday Bars in NYC.
Image: Anthony Quintano/Flickr.
New York Weather in December
Winter solstice in New York takes place on December 21st, 2023, but the last three weeks of autumn leading up to the season change tend to be pretty brisk. Days have gotten short, with the 21st roughly coinciding with the longest night of the year. Lows average around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with average highs around 43. You can expect some outlier days, warmer or colder, with extremes of weather (wind, snow, sleet, freezing rain) becoming more likely as the month goes on. You will want to pack your heaviest jacket, as well as gloves, hats, scarves, and maybe a (stylish) pair of boots, too. A white Christmas? The chance for an inch of snowfall on December 25th is exactly 10%.
