Holidays in NYC
Savor every second of NYC’s holiday spectacle. See the Rockefeller Christmas tree, catch the Rockettes show, sip a cocktail at a themed bar—you’re in the right place for a festive time.
GET IN THE SPIRIT
A Look into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC
Begun in 1924, this holiday tradition has become a local—and national—institution that could be held nowhere else.
Complete Guide to the Rock Center Tree
Become an instant expert on the Midtown holiday icon.
NYC’s Global Holiday Desserts
Here’s where to find spiced cakes, culturally unique cookies and the prettiest Sicilian marzipan this side of the Atlantic.
Best Places to Ice-Skate in NYC
Here’s where to ice-skate indoors and outdoors throughout NYC.
The Comprehensive Guide to Shopping in New York City
From malls to boutiques, here’s the only NYC shopping guide you’ll need.
Fall 2025 Broadway Guide
Check out West End favorites, star turns and much-awaited revivals—included two involving Abba—on Broadway this season.
Things to Do in Times Square
Eat, drink, shop, sightsee and find surprises in Manhattan’s best-known entertainment district.
Holidays in NYC: A Photo Guide
NYC’s streets, store windows and social calendar are extra-vibrant during the holidays.
NYC’S MOST FAMOUS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Ice-skating and holiday spirit abound, underneath skyscrapers and a giant Christmas tree.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
The legendary family-friendly holiday show returns, featuring the Rockettes.
Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Model trains navigate painstakingly crafted NYC miniatures representing more than 190 landmarks.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
New York City Ballet mounts its annual holiday performance of Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable melodies.
Rock Center Tree Lighting
Don’t miss the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge
Members of this club and anyone else brave enough to participate venture into the frigid waters at Coney Island.
ATTEND THESE NYC EVENTS & TOURS
The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Enjoy this free-admission skating rink nestled within an open-air holiday market.
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
Enjoy a light show, holiday music and train rides.
Underground Donut Tours
With four unique tours, visitors can explore the City's most iconic and eclectic neighborhoods one donut at a time.
Origami Holiday Tree
Holiday decor gets a historical makeover with the American Museum of Natural History's annual Origami Holiday Tree.
Lightscape
Thrill to colorful displays, treats and holiday music at this seasonal spectacle.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker
This version of the holiday classic combimes ballet, hip-hop and dance reflecting Brooklyn’s cultural diversity.
The Magic Flute
Returning to the Met Opera: this family-friendly show that’s full of holiday spirit.
The Christmas Show
Staten Island performers present this holiday production at the historic St. George Theatre.
Amateur Night at the Apollo: Holiday Special
Enjoy this holiday-themed Amateur Night at the Apollo featuring a pre-party and show alumni.
Big Band Holidays
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra play a series of holiday concerts with acclaimed vocalists.
Lighting Hanukkah Menorahs
Brooklyn and Manhattan light their Hanukkah menorahs with accompanying festivities.
Midnight Run
Start the year right with this New Year’s Eve Central Park run, plus dancing and other festivities.
SHOP AT NYC FLAGSHIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Macy's
This retailer is the force behind the annual flower show, 4th of July fireworks and the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Bloomingdale's 59th Street
Bloomingdale’s flagship opened in the late 1800s, and it’s still the place to shop for luxury, on-trend clothing, accessories, housewares and beauty products.
Bergdorf Goodman
The Fifth Avenue luxury department store—an only-in-NYC institution—carries menswear, women’s clothing and lots of accessories and home goods.
Hudson Yards
This westside destination has over 100 shops; numerous restaurants; The Shed arts center; acres of public open space; a hotel; and Edge observation deck.
Tiffany & Co.
The Fifth Avenue flagship attracts visitors from around the world who come in to view (and sometimes buy) the iconic brand's luxury jewelry, sterling silver, chin, crystal and accessories.
Shops at the Oculus
Enjoy upscale retail, dining and events in Lower Manhattan.
SHOP AT NYC BOOKSTORES
Asian-Owned Bookstores in NYC
These shops are safe spaces for NYC’s Asian community and all literature lovers.
Black-Owned Bookstores in NYC
Explore these four Black-owned bookstores with selections that showcase the cultural diversity of New York City.
Books Are Magic
Cobble Hill’s charming indie bookshop is a cornerstone of the City’s literary scene.
McNally Jackson
This beloved neighborhood independent bookshop offers two full floors of selections.
Greenlight Bookstore
Locals come for the rare finds and handsome coffee-table tomes.