Best Holiday Activities in New York City with GoTravelDaily
Who does holiday cheer better than New York? The famous poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ was supposedly inspired by the festive atmosphere in one of the city’s downtown markets in 1822, and, according to Miracle on 34th Street, yes, there is a Santa Claus – and he presides at Macy’s.
However, it’s not all yuletide cheer: Across the five boroughs, there are Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations too, and let’s not forget, New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. From outdoor skating rinks to sprawling gift markets to the brightest lights in the city, here are some of the best things to do in New York during the holiday season.
Kick off the festivities on the right foot
The holidays seem to start earlier each year, but for many people, the season doesn’t officially begin until Santa Claus makes his appearance at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s extravaganza features more than a dozen character balloons, including new faces (Baby Yoda!) and old favorites alike, as well as Broadway performances, floats, inflatables, and marching bands galore.
The parade may be the main event; however, you can also head to the Upper West Side (Columbus Avenue and 72nd Street) the night before to see the giant balloons being inflated. Once a more word-of-mouth situation, it’s become a full-blown affair in recent years, with people turning out in droves to watch their favorite characters come to life.
Given the pandemic, however, the 2021 celebration was a bit more restrained: Capacity was limited, masks were required, and those 12 and up were asked to show proof of vaccination along with a photo ID matching their CDC card. Negative tests weren’t permitted as a substitute, though kids ineligible for the shot could enter with a vaccinated adult.
Window-shop on Fifth Avenue
The window displays in the shops lining Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue are a near-legendary holiday attraction, and this year’s efforts promise to be as impressive as ever. Start at 49th Street with Saks Fifth Avenue and cross over to Bergdorf Goodman at 58th, then hit the other side of the street on your way back down.
The Tiffany & Co. flagship at 57th usually shows off something special, and near Rockefeller Center, the Godiva store – which has been known to flaunt hundreds of pounds of the signature product in its displays – is sure to give chocoholics a thrill. Don’t forget the outliers: Further south, Lord & Taylor (5th Avenue at 38th Street) and Macy’s (34th Street and Broadway) are both worth a visit.
The sidewalks can get crowded, so mornings are your best bet if you want to check out the scenes without having to jostle for position.
See the lights in southwest Brooklyn
New Yorkers and tourists alike travel deep into Brooklyn to gawk at the spectacularly excessive lights on the homes in Dyker Heights, a residential neighborhood that takes its Christmas decorations seriously. You can either join a guided tour or wander the streets on your own – walking the blocks between 7th and 13th avenues and 76th and 86th streets should put you in the middle of the action.
It’s a trek via public transit, but if you drive, traffic can be a nightmare, so you’ll have to pick your poison. For best results, visit when a high concentration of people is likely to have their decorations up – say, mid-December to early January – and get there before 9pm when most of the lights go out for the evening.
Attend a massive outdoor Hanukkah party
The Jewish festival of lights begins early, and there’s no better way to welcome in the holiday’s eight days than with a big ol’ party.
Kicking off November 28 with live music and the lighting of what’s billed as the world’s largest menorah, a 32-foot-high, 4000-pound steel behemoth, the festivities take place daily through December 5 at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, with lightings at 6pm on weeknights, 3:30pm on Friday, 7pm on Saturday, and 5:30pm on Sunday.
Join in the Kwanzaa festivities
This seven-day celebration of African-American culture is observed annually from December 26 to January 1, offering various options to explore the holiday’s principles of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Chief among them is the celebration held at Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater since 2006.
Titled Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration, this year’s event will be virtual, hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd and featuring performances by Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, a local troupe that mixes contemporary modern, West African, house, and hip-hop dance styles.
Visit the world’s most famous Christmas tree
Rockefeller Center is the capital of NYC Christmas, and its massive tree has been a mainstay since 1931. This year’s Norway spruce is 79ft tall and 46ft wide, weighing in at 12 tons – and that’s before you factor in the 50,000-plus LED lights and the 900-pound Swarovski star capping it all off. Yes, the plaza is almost always packed; nevertheless, it’s worth the effort to snap a few pictures, particularly after dark when the lights bounce off the bare shoulders of the golden Prometheus statue.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 1, and the tree remains lit daily from 6:00am to midnight through New Year’s Eve, except on Christmas Day, when it shines for 24 hours.
Catch a classic holiday show, or one with a twist
The Winter Solstice celebration at St John the Divine is a beloved concert series while Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular (ongoing through January 2) features dazzling performances, including dozens of dancing Santas and the amazing line of Rockettes’ legs a-kicking.
At Lincoln Center, New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker is returning, running from November 26 to January 2. For those seeking something unconventional, consider the Hip Hop Nutcracker, merging the classic Tschaikovsky score with modern dance.
Proof of full vaccination is required for indoor activities, along with photo ID. Mask mandates may vary by venue, so it’s wise to check the specifics before heading out.
Get your shopping done outdoors
By November, many of New York’s parks and public spaces have transformed into holiday marketplaces. Through December 24, over 160 vendors set up shop in Union Square, while more than 170 feature at Bryant Park’s Winter Village (open through January 2).
Additionally, the Columbus Circle holiday market runs from November 29 to December 24, and the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair is now open through Christmas Eve.
This article highlights the festive charm of New York City during the holiday season, showcasing a variety of experiences and activities to enjoy with family and friends.
