On the Heels of the US International Borders Reopening, NYC & Company Invites Worldwide Visitors and Locals to Enjoy Holiday Events and Iconic Traditions Across the Five Boroughs
New York City — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, invites locals and visitors to enjoy holiday traditions and cultural experiences across the five boroughs, many of which are in person for the first time in two years. With the return of spectators at annual events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, festive shopping at NYC’s iconic department stores, ice-skating rinks, light festivities, cultural performances, winter exhibitions including the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and more, there are endless opportunities for an unforgettable experience this holiday season in New York City. NYC & Company releases holiday activity across the five boroughs as foreign travel returns, following the arrival of the first international flights to NYC in more than 600 days last Monday.
“A visit to New York City during the holidays is unparalleled, and we’re thrilled to once again welcome travellers from around the world,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “New experiences, annual events and iconic traditions across the five boroughs, coupled with the timely reopening of US international borders, emphasize that ‘It’s Time for New York City’ this holiday season.”
NYC & Company launched a new holiday television spot for the US market that is now airing in a:30 format across 40+ national cable networks—available in Spanish on 10 of those networks—and in:15 formats across digital and social platforms. The third iteration of the “It’s Time for New York City” television and the digital spot was created in partnership with Queens-based design company, Spaeth Design. Focusing on holiday moments that can only be experienced in New York City, the:15 and:30 spots highlight special holiday locations and experiences including Macy’s Herald Square, Rockefeller Center’s The Rink and Christmas Tree, Bloomingdales, Grand Army Plaza’s Largest Menorah, Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, Lincoln Center, Apollo Theater, Bryant Park Holiday Market, Chatwal Hotel, NYC Winter Lantern Festival, Vini e Fritti, Times Square, and the iconic Radio City Rockettes. The television spot also includes a special cover of “New York, New York” by Brooklyn based singer, Lindsay Lucas, continuing with the iconic soundtrack theme of each television spot.
See below a list of holiday activity across the five boroughs by the following categories: annual big events; cheerful performances; winter exhibitions and cultural events; flagship shopping offers; shop local businesses and pop-ups; light festivals and displays; ice skating rinks; hotel offers; outdoor igloos and cabins; holidays on the water.
ANNUAL BIG EVENTS:
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 25 | Midtown Manhattan
The classic NYC celebration featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, fantasy floats, clowns, performance groups, Broadway’s best musicals, celebrity appearances and more is back in-person for its 95th year. New balloons will include Grogu; Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist; SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary; Smokey Bear; and Sonic the Hedgehog. New floats include Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ Colossal Wave of Wonder, 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues & You!, and Snoopy’s Doghouse. The Parade will begin at 9 am, at its traditional starting line at 77th Street and Central Park West.
NYC & Company has compiled a list of the hotel offers to watch the parade from the comfort of a hotel.
- Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn
November 28–December 5 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza will light the largest Hanukkah Menorah each of the eight nights, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1 | Midtown Manhattan
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and be on view through early to mid-January.
- New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31 | Times Square, Manhattan
The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but its descent on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. The event, watched by millions of viewers in NYC and around the globe, will welcome vaccinated spectators back in-person this December. Guests can also stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1 on to submit (in person and online) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops.
CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES:
- The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Through January 5 | Midtown Manhattan
The beloved holiday tradition returns to Radio City Music Hall this year after being passed last year, dazzling audiences of all ages with incredible costumes, festive songs, synchronized high kicks, and new acts.
- Live Broadway Performances at Hudson Yards
November 15-December 13 | Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Enjoy a weekly series of free, live performances from Broadway’s biggest hit shows at Hudson Yards every Monday. Cast members will sing songs from productions including Aladdin, Dear Evan Hansen, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge!, Chicago and more.
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet
November 26–January 2 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center will return this year with exquisite costumes, magnificent sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score that transports audiences to a land of twirling snowflakes, leaping candy canes, waltzing flowers and more.
- José Feliciano at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
November 27 | The Bronx
Ring in the holidays with a live performance by Grammy Award-winning legendary singer, composer, and virtuoso guitarist José Feliciano, known for best-selling Christmas single “Feliz Navidad.”
- A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House Charles Dickens in New York, 1867
December 1–31 | Greenwich Village, Manhattan
An actor portraying Charles Dickens will tell this timeless Christmas tale in the elegant intact Greek revival double parlour of the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum.
- The Christmas Show at St. George’s Theatre
December 10–12 | St. George, Staten Island
The famous theatre presents its annual Christmas Show, a two-hour production filled with high energy and a rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy.
- The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at The Met Opera
December 10–January 5 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
The Met’s abridged, English-language version of Mozart’s magical fairy tale is a classic holiday treat for audiences of all ages, bringing the charming story and enchanting music to life.
- The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
December 11 | Flatbush, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar characters and scenes from the holiday classic to represent the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of Brooklyn.
- Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo at The Joyce Theatre
December 14–January 2 | Chelsea, Manhattan
The beloved all-male drag ballet troupe returns to The Joyce for an uproarious holiday season, taking the stage for three weeks of nonstop skilled pointe work and hilarious parodying of classical holiday-themed ballet inspired by Jerome Robbins’s In the Night.
- New York Philharmonic’s Handel’s Messiah at The Riverside Church
December 14–18 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Grammy Award-winning Baroque specialist Jeannette Sorrell conducts the Philharmonic on this holiday piece including dazzling vocal solos, instrumentals and coral writing, in the neo-Gothic glory of Riverside Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Big Band Holidays
December 15–19 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
With soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, the Big Band Holidays series at the Rose Theater is an uplifting tradition enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
- The New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall
December 24 | Midtown Manhattan
A favourite of Carnegie Hall audiences for more than 50 years, the New York String Orchestra returns for its annual Christmas Eve concert conducted by Jaime Laredo and will feature some of the nation’s most celebrated young musicians performing alongside guests artists.
- Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration at The Apollo Theater
December 26 | Harlem, Manhattan
The Apollo Theater will host its annual Kwanzaa Celebration featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theater in a power evening of music, percussion, and modern and African dance.
WINTER EXHIBITIONS AND CULTURAL EVENTS:
- Times Square Holiday Show Globes
Through December 26 | Times Square, Manhattan
Times Square welcomed back the holiday “Show Globes”—large snow globe displays inspired by the designs of hit Broadway shows including Wicked, Ain’t Too Proud, The Lion King and Dear Evan Hansen.
- Fifth Avenue Holiday Installation at the Pulitzer Fountain
November 17–January 7 | Midtown Manhattan
Fifth Avenue welcomes the holiday season with 32 handcrafted-in-Brooklyn animal sculptures across from the Plaza Hotel, 5,000 feet of lighting, an ice-skating rink and 24 handmade icebergs surrounding the Pulitzer Fountain, with orchestrated music from composer Paul Brill.
- Pinkmas at Museum of Ice Cream New York City
November 18–January 9 | Soho, Manhattan
Museum of Ice Cream’s annual holiday celebration, Pinkmas, will transform its 13 multisensory installations into a pink winter wonderland bursting with snowflakes, candy canes and pine trees. Guests are encouraged to bring a new toy—to be donated to Toys for Tots—in exchange for one scoop of ice cream at the museum café.
- Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
November 20–January 23 | Fordham, the Bronx
The City’s beloved holiday tradition returns for its 30th year with a miniature wonderland in the warmth of the Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at model trains as they zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks, all re-created from natural materials such as pine cones, acorns and seeds.
- Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at the Met
November 23–January 9 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
An NYC tradition, the Met’s Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche exhibition—an adorned tree with a nativity scene around its base—comes from a collection of 18th-century Neapolitan figures donated by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard in 1964.
- The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
November 24 through holiday season | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The delightfully decorated 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will have a Gems of the Museum theme, featuring 50 specially created gold-coloured models for the “golden anniversary.”
- Seaport District NYC Celebrations
Throughout the holiday season | Seaport District NYC, Manhattan
It’s the most wonderful time of the year as the historic cobblestone streets of the Seaport District and Pier 17 turn into the ultimate destination for holiday celebrations. Festivities include the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on November 28, the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 2 and decorations throughout the streets.
- Holiday Wreath Workshop at Wave Hill
December 4–5 | Riverdale, the Bronx
Create natural wreaths using a grapevine base and fresh greens harvested by Wave Hill gardeners, as floral designer Hanako Shimamoto shares simple techniques for designing one-of-a-kind decorations.
- Hanukkah Hunt Gallery at The Jewish Museum
December 5 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Embark on a playful hunt to explore striking Hanukkah menorahs; draw discoveries in a sketchbook, experiment with whimsical shapes, touch replicas of artifacts and chat with Jewish Museum educators in celebration of the holiday with timed tickets from 10:30 am and 2 pm.
- 11th Annual Latke Festival at the Brooklyn Museum
December 6 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
One of NYC’s most unique holiday tasting events, the Latke Festival is a charity event that celebrates the most delicious and most creative potato pancakes.
- Historic Richmond Town Candlelight Tours
December 11-12, 18-19 | , Staten Island
This season, experience the tastes and scents of centuries past at Historic Richmond Town, where visitors step back in time while exploring this unique NYC tradition, illuminated by candles and oil lamps.
FLAGSHIP SHOPPING OFFERS:
In partnership with NYC & Company, the following flagship department stores will offer special “It’s Time for Shopping” gifts with $100+ purchases, to celebrate the return of in-person shopping, beginning on Black Friday, November 26, through Boxing Day, December 26.
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Light Show Unveiling November 23, Offer Available November 26-December 26 | Midtown Manhattan
Saks Fifth Avenue’s classic Holiday Window and Light Show will be unveiled on November 23. The flagship will be home to a holiday market this year inspired by European open-air markets, offering special gifts, holiday décor, food, and more. Open daily, the market comes to life each Saturday, with an array of activities including street-side activations, artisans, interactive happenings, and more. Shoppers can redeem a travel pouch by providing proof of a $100+ purchase from the Holiday Market at the International Lounge on the lower level and mentioning “NYCGO.”
- Bloomingdales
November 18, Offer Available November 26-December 26 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Bloomingdales invites shoppers to “Give Happy” this season with special offerings including holiday windows that will be unveiled on November 18; a Ralph Lauren immersive ski chalet experience featuring exclusive products; a “Happy Together Again” pop-up offering a Nespresso bar with complimentary beverages to fuel holiday shopping; and Santaland. Shoppers can redeem a limited-edition gift by providing proof of a $100+ purchase at the Visitors Center on 1 Level Balcony and mentioning “NYCGO.” Complimentary hotel delivery is also available for purchases of $250+.
- Macy’s Herald Square
Offer Available November 26-December 26 | Midtown Manhattan
Visit the flagship store to explore a curated assortment of the best in fashion, fragrance, toys through a new partnership with Toys R Us, and more; enjoy a meet and greet with Santa; and marvel at the iconic Broadway windows—this year’s theme will feature the story of Tiptoe, a bright-eyed reindeer pursuing the ultimate dream, joining Santa’s sleigh team and delivering magic around the world on Christmas Eve. Shoppers can redeem a gift by providing proof of a $100+ purchase to the Macy’s Visitor Center on the mezzanine level and mentioning “NYCGO.”
- Nordstrom NYC
Offer Available November 26-December 26 | Midtown Manhattan
Nordstrom invites shoppers to “Make Merry” with three festive pop-up shops, including the Holiday Gift Shop, Pop-In@Nordstrom, and new Concepts@Nordstrom, Concept 015: Make It Bazaar. Visitors will enjoy free gift wrapping, Santa snacks, in-store pick-up, the “Santa Snow Show,” lighting, holiday décor and more. Shoppers can redeem a bag of beauty items by providing proof of any $100+ beauty purchase at the Beauty Concierge in the Beauty Hall, as well as a 15% discount on beauty and wellness services at Beauty Haven when mentioning “NYCGO.”
SHOP LOCAL BUSINESSES AND POP-UPS:
- Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market
Sundays, through December 19 | Dumbo, Brooklyn
Visit one of the borough’s most popular locations, Dumbo, to do some local holiday shopping featuring vintage and antique items, crafts and gourmet food stands.
- Tiffany & Co. West Village Pop-Up
Through January 8 | West Village, Manhattan
The iconic jewellery store pop-up is located in the heart of the West Village, offering shoppers a series of holiday-themed activities such as hand-painting Tiffany gift boxes and holiday cards, calligraphy, poetry readings, and more.
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Through January 2 | Bryant Park, Manhattan
This year, the European-style Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opened earlier than ever to commence the festive season, with must-buy gifts, sweets, drinks and winter activities.
- Union Square Holiday Market
November 18–December 24 | Union Square, Manhattan
Urbanspace’s longest-running holiday market will return this year with over 150 vendors and a partnership with NYC’s unofficial talent scout, Nick “New York Nico” Heller, to curate a special booth of rotating budding entrepreneurs for one week.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
November 29–December 24 | Columbus Circle, Manhattan
Internationally known as one of the most elegant places for holiday shopping, visitors can lose themselves in aisles of art, jewellery, home goods and delicious eats from local artisans and designers, all while roaming through NYC’s iconic Central Park.
- FAD Holiday Market
December 4–5, 11–12, 18–19 | Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
FAD Market is bringing the holiday spirit back to Brooklyn’s BoCoCa (Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens) area with two-holiday market locations, The Invisible Dog Art Center on Bergen Street in Boerum Hill and St. Paul’s Church on Court Street in Cobble Hill.
- Shop at Grand Central Terminal
Saturdays, December 4–24 | Midtown Manhattan
Grand Central will offer complimentary gift wrapping of holiday gifts purchased at any shop inside the terminal. Each shopper will be offered up to five gifts wrapped free of charge in a choice of Grand Central–themed wrapping paper, which includes the terminal’s iconic constellation ceiling. Wrapped gifts will be placed in a complimentary, exclusive and reusable Grand Central Terminal tote bag.
LIGHT FESTIVALS AND DISPLAYS:
- Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Throughout the holiday season | Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Hudson Yards will be illuminated in an awe-inspiring light display of over two million twinkling lights with other decor including 725 evergreen trees, 16-foot-tall hot-air balloons arranged throughout the Public Square and Gardens, and a 32-foot-tall hot-air balloon centrepiece suspended in The Great Room of The Shops.
- NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Escape
Through January 9 | North Shore, Staten Island
The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is back at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden for its third year. Enjoy over eight acres of luminescence—an immersive world of light—in addition to a live DJ, projection mapping, food vendors and more.
- Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
November 19–January 9 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Explore the Garden after dark at the illuminated Lightscape which will celebrate the beauty of nature with an enchanting one-mile trail through BBG’s 52-acre landscape. Enjoy the Winter Cathedral tunnel, Fire Garden and Sea of Light, as well as new site-specific light works by local artists, accompanied by a curated soundtrack.
- Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
November 19–January 9 | Fordham, the Bronx
The Bronx Zoo will come to life with holiday cheer each evening as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with festive entertainment, seasonal treats and classic holiday music.
- NYBG GLOW
25 select nights; November 24–January 22 | Bronx Park, the Bronx
Discover the beauty of New York Botanical Garden through GLOW, which will illuminate the garden’s landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience.
- NYC Winter Lantern Festival: Illuminate the Farm
November 25–January 9 | Queens County Farm Museum, Queens
For this first time, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival will transform Queens County Farm into an immersive and radiant oasis with festive lights and handmade lanterns in the shape of flowers, tractors, farm animals and more.
- Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
December 1–31 | Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Head to Brooklyn to experience the extravagant Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, also known as “Dyker Lights.” This guided bus tour, departing from Manhattan, offers visitors a special experience to view the uniquely decorated homes, learn about the history and stories of the neighborhood tradition, and more.
ICE SKATING RINKS:
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Throughout the holiday season | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
The world-famous ice-skating rink is now open for the holiday season, for visitors to ice skate under the iconic Christmas tree, a quintessential NYC experience. Santa will join visitors on the ice from December 4-24.
- The Rink at Bryant Park
Through March 6 | Bryant Park, Manhattan
Enjoy the City’s free 17,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Visitors can also enjoy the Holiday Shops, free shows, events, activities, and eats and drinks at The Lodge.
- Wollman Rink NYC
Throughout the holiday season | Central Park, Manhattan
The Wollman Rink just celebrated its grand reopening and will remain open through the season to enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background.
HOTEL OFFERS:
- Home for the Holidays at the Loews Regency New York Hotel
Through December 30 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Enjoy accommodations on Manhattan’s famed Upper East Side, steps from the City’s coveted holiday attractions, with this offer including a food and beverage credit that can be used at The Regency Bar & Grill, gift card to neighboring Bloomingdale’s and a festive welcome amenity.
- Holidays at The Plaza
November 25–January 9 | Midtown Manhattan
Enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court at The Plaza, an iconic destination for holiday festivities, as well as Santa Clause visits, the Home Alone 2 experience and one-of-a-kind gifts at the Eloise Pop-Up.
- A Very Vintage Christmas at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
December 1-31 | Midtown Manhattan
The Langham is bringing the classic NYC Christmas to life with a minimum two-night stay in a Junior Suite decked with a decorated Christmas tree (with option to ship personal ornaments and stockings beforehand) and custom Christmas treats. Guests will also receive four tickets to the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and transportation in a vintage taxi, a horse and carriage ride around Central Park, and more. The hotel will donate 10% of the proceeds to the Food Bank of New York City. - Create Custom Fragrances at Conrad New York Midtown
December 2, 9, 16, 23 | Midtown Manhattan
Create a custom scent to gift to loved ones this season in the Conrad New York Midtown’s cozy library room, with an Olfactory NYC pop-up offering a selection of six core fragrances and dozens of accords to design a custom scent. Guests staying at the property will receive 20% off.
- Intercontinental New York Barclay Holiday Choirs
December 13, 14, 15, 16 | Midtown East
The hotel is hosting live choral music in the lobby this season, beginning on Monday, December 13 with PS 150 Queens, followed by Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus on December 14, Canticum Novum Singers on December 15, and Village Light Opera on December 16.
OUTDOOR IGLOOS AND CABINS:
- City Winery at Rockefeller Center
Throughout the holiday season | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Enjoy a glass of locally crafted wine and a bite to eat in a warm, private winter dome at City Winery, or in the Outdoor Wine Garden, offering views of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, open seven days a week. Reservations can be made through Resy.
- The Greens Rooftop at Pier 17
Throughout the holiday season | Seaport District NYC, Manhattan
Back by popular demand, The Rooftop at Pier 17 will debut the newest rendition of The Greens winter cabins, open seven days a week. With a refreshed design and new menu concept, The Greens is comprised of individual dining cabins, each decked with classic decor and amenities including floor-to-ceiling views of NYC, heating and more.
- Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth
Through April 15 | Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Experience a winter oasis at one of the 17 igloos offered at 230 Fifth—with close-up views of the Empire State Building—each accommodating up to 10 guests; advanced bookings are recommended.
HOLIDAYS ON THE WATER:
- Classic Harbor Line Holiday Themed Cruises
Throughout holiday season | Manhattan
Enjoy four-course holiday brunch cruises, a cocoa and carols cruise, and more holiday themes, while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers with views of the NYC skyline and Lady Liberty.
- City Cruises Holiday Themed Cruises
Throughout holiday season | Manhattan
Enjoy a NYC Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s dining cruise, among others, featuring festive décor, meals, and stunning views of the City while sailing across the East and Hudson Rivers from the glass-enclosed deck.
