During the holidays, New York gets even livelier than it already is! People enjoy the lights lined up along the streets, holiday deals at New York’s finest shopping establishments, and decorations around every corner.
But what makes the city truly unique are all the things to do during the holiday in New York. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in NYC, here are a number of events and things to do during the winter season.
World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorahs
Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan) and Grand Army Plaza Memorial Arch (Brooklyn)
December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017
The Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods host competitors who aim to create the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Those closer to Manhattan can see the 32 foot high, 4,000 pound steel icon across from The Plaza Hotel. If you’re in Brooklyn, the neighborhood menorah can be seen at the top of Prospect Park. Brooklyn makes a big event out of the competition, with a concert prior to the first night’s lighting, and potato pancakes!
Book Parking for Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan)
Book Parking for Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn)
Santa and the City
Museum of the City of New York (Manhattan)
December 6, 2016 – January 8, 2017
If you enjoy a day out at a museum, you’ll really enjoy the Santa and the City exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. In this exhibition, guests will be treated to historical images of jolly old St. Nick from the Museum’s collection. It’s the perfect seasonal way to appreciate art!
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
David H. Koch Theater (Manhattan)
November 29 – December 31, 2016
Make your holiday season both fancy and festivNutce with a ticket to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. An impressive 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and 2 casts of 50 young students come together to make this production possible.
Kwanzaa Celebrations
Apollo Theater (Manhattan)
December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017
This celebration of African-American heritage takes place every year, from 12/26 – 1/1, and ends with a feast and gift-giving. Of course, if you’re looking for New York City’s largest Kwanzaa celebration, check out the American Museum of Natural History to start. Look forward to African dance, traditional crafts, spoken word, and live musical performances.
23 Days of Flatiron Cheer
Flatiron Building (Flatiron)
December 1, 2016 – December 23, 2016
23 Days of Flatiron Cheer is the perfect holiday celebration for someone who can’t get enough of the Christmas season. In the fifth year of this annual event around the Flatiron building, you’ll find many interactive installations, performances from local groups, and giveaways from local businesses.
A Christmas Carol
Queens Theater (Queens)
December 9, 2016 – December 22, 2016 (Except December 12, 13, 19)
You’re probably familiar with A Christmas Carol, but have you ever seen it as a live action theatrical performance? Come to Queens Theater for your opportunity to witness this holiday classic come to life. Yes, it’s a musical interpretation, but you’ll be pleased to know that the story remains unchanged!
Winter Solstice Celebration & Holiday Marketplace
Queens Botanical Garden (Queens)
December 18, 2016
If you’re brave enough to come out for a few hours during the winter cold, you’ll benefit from music, food, nature, and shopping at Queens Botanical Garden, which will be hosting a holiday marketplace on December 18th. Attendees will be celebrating Winter Solstice, and the event is open to all ages (with special activities for kids).
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Center (Manhattan)
November 30, 2016 – January 7, 2017
Is it even Christmas in New York City without the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree? It really is a sight to be seen, with an ice rink situated below it for the most incredible viewing experience.
Book Rockefeller Center Parking
Times Square Ball Drop
Times Square (Manhattan)
December 31, 2016
If you’re in New York City during New Year’s Eve, you can’t miss the Times Square Ball Drop! This is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year, and is televised so the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss it. Besides the famous ball drop, there’s also a number of live performances to look forward to.
Hopefully by now you have a full list of things to do during the holiday in New York. If there’s anything you’d add to this list, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
