31 New York Happenings to Enjoy in December
There’s simply no better place than NYC to get in the spirit of the season and as 2024 comes to a close, New York City is bustling with activities. From bar transformations, dazzling light displays, and all the icy fun and shopping in between—here are some festive things to do in NYC this December.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
In Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, you can expect amazing over-the-top decorated houses, full of Christmas lights, reindeer, and snowflakes in addition to Santa, of course.
The Best Hot Chocolate In NYC
NYC has no shortage of trendy spots to try, but when it comes to this chocolatey drink there’s a handful of places you absolutely have to taste.
The Most Beautiful Holiday Windows In New York
It’s that time of the year and the Holiday Windows in New York attracts many visitors from all over the world. Right after Thanksgiving, the city is decorated with wreaths, holiday signs, and bright lights.
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
The Christmas tree in New York at Rockefeller Center is arguably the most famous Christmas tree in the city, and its lighting is celebrated at the free Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York. After the ceremonial opening, the Christmas season in New York officially begins!
NYC Restaurants That Go ALL-OUT With Festive Holiday Decor
From Christmas-themed pop-up bars, to lighting displays, to hotels, these NYC locales are just some of the places that typically deck their halls season after season with incredible decor.
Château Le Woof
Finally, a great place for you and your dog to wag, eat, drink, and shop! This is a safe space where you can work, hang out with friends, have brunch— all while socializing your dog in a fun and climate controlled environment.
The World’s Largest Menorah
Manhattan’s 36-ft menorah will be lit outside the east entrance of Central Park. The tradition dates back to the mid-70s when Rabbi Shmuel Butman erected the first historical menorah that still stands on Fifth Avenue today.
FAO Schwarz
From stuffed animals and board games to dolls and STEM products, FAO's selection is nothing short of generous. All interests will find something that strikes their fancy, but perhaps what's so lovable about the store is the extra step it takes to make the experience interactive.
‘Elf’ On Broadway
Santa’s biggest supporter, Buddy the Elf will venture to the Marquis Theater for a wintertime run. The performance is mirrored after the 2003 film.
Chris Botti
Since the release of his 2004 critically acclaimed CD When I Fall In Love, Chris Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumental artist.
Hélène Grimaud
One of the most brilliantly distinctive interpreters of our time performs masterpieces by Beethoven, Brahms, and J. S. Bach.
The Magic Flute At The MET
A beloved New York holiday tradition, Mozart’s enchanting musical fairy tale returns to the Met.
Salsa Groove
Get ready for the next installment of Salsa Groove, a dinner & drinks happy hour with salsa music, free dance lessons, and salsa dance performances.
New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show
Within Grand Central Terminal, find the New York Transit Museum's 20th annual Holiday Train Show, an ode to all kinds of locomotives.
‘Twas the Night Before...By Cirque du Soleil
'Twas the Night Before... is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall.
Oh, Mary!
The show is a comedic spoof of the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln. The show is set in the days leading up to Lincoln's assassination, which occurred while he and Mary were watching Our American Cousin at Ford's Theatre.
The Secret World Of Elephants
The exhibit showcases impressive recreations of our modern-day elephants, a wooly mammoth and even dwarf elephants the size of a dog, surrounded by interactive displays about their incredible minds and bodies, their interactions with humans and the environment and what needs to be done to ensure their survival.
Solid Gold
Behold the majesty of gold in a shimmering exhibition dedicated to the element that has inspired countless works of art, fashion, film, music, and design.
Lektrik: A Festival Of Lights
The illuminated trail brings your favorite stories to life with over 100 stunning light sculptures crafted by 150 skilled artisans.
Clinton Hall
Clinton Hall takes its inspiration from the historic Castle Clinton located in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Originally a fort to defend New York City from the British, Castle Clinton was also the site of America’s original Beer Garden in 1824.
Vintage Holiday Train Rides
Grab a bit of nostalgia this holiday season thanks to the New York Transit Museum and their vintage holiday train rides!
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition
Embark on a vivid journey through 850 years of Notre-Dame’s remarkable history, brought to life through cutting-edge augmented reality.
Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch Or Dinner Harbor Cruise
Cruise on the European-style, glass-enclosed Bateaux New York yacht this Christmas Eve for a gourmet brunch or dinner with live music and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of New York City’s Skyline.
Disney’s The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of the North Pole without leaving the city! A dedicated team of elves has been working tirelessly to transform The Rooftop at Pier 17, into Santa’s enchanting headquarters, inspired by Disney’s The Santa Clause.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® is one of the most complex theatrical, staged ballets in the Company's active repertory. The popularity of the ballet is immense and it provides an unforgettable spark to everyone's holiday season.
Kindred The Family Soul
Kindred The Family Soul is simply Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler; artists, songwriters, lovers, family. Both got their start as teenagers. Fatin producing his first released material with Bell Biv Devoe at 17 and Aja receiving her first recording contract from Delicious Vinyl at 14.
The 8 Nights of Hanukkah with Yo La Tengo
As is a longstanding tradition for indie rockers, Yo La Tengo, the ensemble will return to the stage this holiday season for an eight-night stand celebrating Hanukkah.
The Paradox Museum
The Paradox Museum is filled with illusion-based exhibits designed to challenge your perception and offer limitless laughs. Visitors can walk on the ceiling, enter a mesmerizing kaleidoscope, and encounter countless other jaw-dropping installations.
Marriott Marquis Times Square New Years Eve Party
Celebrate a New Year and a new golden era for New York at the Marriott Marquis' iconic NYC extravaganza!
Michael Hill Trio
A native New Yorker, Michael Hill is regarded as one of modern blues’ “most talented song writers & guitarists” (Living Blues) Whether with his band, the T Blues Band, or performing solo, Hill’s unique NY-style keeps the blues alive & stomping.
