With Thanksgiving on the way and Christmas right around the corner, it's time to wrap up warm and enjoy the very best of the greatest city in the world during the holiday season! 

From iconic events like the Radio City Music Hall Spectacular and ice skating at the Rockefeller Center to Christmas light trails and Santa Con, discover all the dazzle of the holidays that the Big Apple has to offer with our round-up of the top holiday experiences in New York City below.

Activities

Take in the traditional Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
November 28
First taking place 100 years ago in 1924, the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the sight to see if you're in New York City for Thanksgiving. Watched across the country by over 50 million viewers and with 3.5 million more taking to the streets, the magnificent affair is great for all ages, with giant balloons, floats and live performances from Broadway musicals, make sure you find a great spot for the action!
See the route & more here

Ice Skate at the Rink at Rockefeller Center
Open now through March 31, 2025
A New York Christmas institution since 1936, there's nothing like taking to the ice under the Rockefeller Center and its magical Christmas tree. One of the city's most popular attractions, it's a popular movie and TV location, with appearances in Elf, Home Alone 2 and Gossip Girl to name a few. Make sure you book your slot online to avoid disappointment.
Book your spot today

Roller skating in a winter wonderland at Winter Whirl at the Oculus
Open now through January 5, 2024
Presented by Sonic The Hedgehog 3, Winter Whirl returns this year to offer a wet-weather skating alternative! Head onto the roller skating rink under the Oculus. With the Polar Pub, shopping, and entertainment on site, this is a one-stop shop for all your holiday fun!
Book your place today

Dress up as Santa for Charity at Santa Con
December 10
One for the grown-ups, join in the merriment for charity on this unique experience where all attendees are asked to dress as Santa! Beginning in San Francisco and now spread all over the world, this Christmas costume event first came to NYC in 1998 and shows no sign of slowing down. Primarily a chance to spread Christmas cheer, make sure you abide by the city's rules during this annual event, or beware a lump of coal in your stocking!
Discover more

See the famous Christmas lights of Dyker Heights on a walking tour
December 1 - 30

Known for its commitment to Christmas illumination, head to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood for an awe-inspiring light display. Take in the experience with a knowledgeable local guide, who'll let you know all the best, and of course, most Instagrammable spots.
Book here

Top shows

See the New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker
November 29 - January 4, 2025
The New York City Ballet's annual production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker is at the heart of New York City's year-end holiday season and is the Big Apple's best-loved Nutcracker! Whether it is a family tradition or a once-in-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever and warm your spirit.

From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most breathtaking costumes, sets and dancing on earth.
Book here

Witness the high-kicking extravaganza that is Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular
Now showing through January 5, 2025
Don't miss the brand-new finale this year, where 100 drones will be taking flight to create an enchanting holiday light show as you've never seen before. 'Christmas Lights' will follow once the North Star appears in the iconic Nativity scene, where the drones will then fly in various patterns and shapes creating a truly magical spectacle. Alongside this dazzling new performance, the Rockettes will also be donning new costumes and performing brand-new choreography! It's a true Christmas treat for you to enjoy.
Book here

See Buddy and co. direct from the North Pole in Elf The Musical
Now showing through January 4, 2024
Based on the iconic 2003 film of the same name, the production fast became a holiday tradition for many, jingling its way onto the stage in 2010, where it was a bigger hit than chestnuts on an open fire. Starring Sean Astin as Santa and Grey Hanson as Buddy the Elf, celebrate the season with laughter as Buddy's story unfolds on Broadway for the first time since 2013.
Book here

Christmas Concerts

All I want for Christmas is Broadway Sings Mariah Carey!
December 22 - 26
No one does Christmas like Mariah Carey! The tunes of the undisputed Festive Queen from her iconique 1994 album Merry Christmas (including holiday song to end all holiday songs, 'All I Want For Christmas Is You') are on show in this seasonal edition of Broadway Sings from our friends at fever! With some of Broadway's top performers lined up and a 14-piece orchestra to back them, this is the perfect way to usher in the season - whistle tone included!
Book here

Experience the New York Philharmonic's unmissable performance of Handel's Messiah
December 11 - 14
Conducted this year by Fabio Biondi, the acclaimed New York Philharmonic Orchestra performs George Frideric Handel's signature oratorio. As one of New York City's many yuletide traditions, the NY Phil's annual Messiah concert is a fantastic way to enjoy the season in the company of this world-class collective.
Book here

Enjoy Christmas Carols by Candlelight
December 19 - 20
What's more Christmassy than carols? If you're in the mood for a festive sing-a-long, our friends at fever have you covered with this wonderful yuletide concert, featuring all your favorite carols played by a talented string quartet in an evocative candlelit venue? So Come All Ye Faithful and enjoy a not-so-Silent Night of Joy To The World!
Book here