The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Christmas in New York City: Lights, Ice, and Holiday Magic

1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating

No holiday trip to New York is complete without seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. With more than 50,000 lights and a sparkling Swarovski star, it stands as the centerpiece of the city’s winter celebrations. The ice rink below adds to the charm, with families skating and music echoing through the plaza.

Dates: Tree lighting on December 3, 2025; lights through early January
Location: Rockefeller Plaza
Good for: Families, first-time visitors
Cost: Free viewing

2. Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes

For nearly a century, the Rockettes have been the heart of New York’s holiday entertainment. Their show blends precision dancing, stunning sets, and classic Christmas storytelling. Watching the performance inside the iconic Radio City Music Hall feels timeless and unforgettable.

Dates: November 7, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Location: Radio City Music Hall
Good for: Families, tradition lovers
Cost: Ticketed

3. Bryant Park Winter Village & Holiday Shops

Bryant Park transforms into a cozy winter village filled with more than 170 artisanal pop-up shops, warm snacks, and hot chocolate stands. The free-admission ice rink is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Whether you're buying unique gifts or strolling under twinkling lights, this is one of the city’s most inviting holiday destinations.

Dates: October 24, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Location: Bryant Park
Good for: Shopping, skating, families
Cost: Free admission (skate rental fees apply)

4. Union Square Holiday Market

A European-style market offering more than 150 local artisans selling handmade gifts, accessories, and delicious holiday snacks.

Why go: Ideal for unique, handcrafted gifts.
Dates: November 13 – December 24, 2025
Location: Union Square Park
Kid-friendly: Yes
Free: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)

5. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Located by the entrance to Central Park, this holiday market is a perfect mix of scenic beauty and festive shopping. With more than 140 vendors offering artisanal gifts, gourmet foods, and seasonal crafts, it’s ideal for picking out thoughtful presents.

Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2025
Location: Columbus Circle
Good for: Outdoor shopping, couples, gift browsing
Cost: Free

6. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)

If dazzling holiday lights are your favorite part of the season, Dyker Heights will amaze you. This Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for its extravagant displays, complete with towering inflatables, bright lights, and festive music. Strolling through the decorated streets feels like walking through a holiday movie set.

Dates: Thanksgiving weekend to early January
Location: 11th to 13th Ave, Brooklyn
Good for: Families, holiday photos
Cost: Free

7. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show & GLOW

At the New York Botanical Garden, model trains travel through miniature versions of New York landmarks, each crafted from natural materials. After sunset, the garden transforms with GLOW, an illuminated outdoor experience that adds a magical touch to the winter evenings.

Dates: Mid-November 2025 to mid-January 2026
Location: Bronx
Good for: Kids, families, nature lovers
Cost: Ticketed

8. LuminoCity Festival

The LuminoCity Festival features large-scale LED installations, glowing tunnels, and themed sculptures that create an imaginative world of color. It’s a great spot for evening adventures and makes for breathtaking photos.

Dates: November 7, 2025 to January 1, 2026
Location: Randall’s Island Park
Good for: Kids, photography enthusiasts, evening outings
Cost: Ticketed

9. Grand Central Holiday Fair

Set inside the elegant Vanderbilt Hall, the Grand Central Holiday Fair offers a warm indoor shopping experience. The curated stalls feature local artisans selling jewelry, crafts, and home décor, making it a calm and beautiful place to shop during the busy holiday rush.

Dates: November 10 to December 24, 2025
Location: Grand Central Terminal
Good for: Indoor shopping, commuters, gift hunting
Cost: Free

Final Thoughts

New York shines brightest during the holiday season. Whether it’s the charm of Bryant Park, the iconic glow of Rockefeller Center, or the magic of Dyker Heights, each event adds its own warmth and character to winter in the city. Whether you're planning a full holiday itinerary or simply exploring a few highlights, these nine events offer some of the very best ways to experience New York during the most festive time of the year.