(PIX11) — The holiday season is here in New York City, and with over 6 million people estimated to visit, according to NYC & Company, there will be plenty for everyone to do in the Big Apple.
Amaze Light Festival
A vibrant holiday market and light festival right in the middle of Citi Field. Enjoy the performers and displays while you eat delicious food, and adults can enjoy one of their specialty drinks.
When: Nov. 18 — Jan. 8, 2023
Where: Citi Field stadium, Queens
Cost: Ticket prices depend on the day and time you want to visit; tickets can be purchased here.
Brooklyn Borough Hall Market
The first Urbanspace Borough Hall Holiday Market will debut in Downtown Brooklyn. At this holiday market, Brooklyn-based companies will showcase the borough’s diversity.
When: Nov. 28 — Dec. 26; open daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall
Cost: This event is free
Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market
The yearly Holiday Market returns to Dumbo; shop from 50 vendors to get the perfect vintage or homemade gift.
When: Nov. 26 — Dec. 24; open Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Dumbo Archway
Cost: This event is free
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah
Every night of Hanukkah will be celebrated with live music, steaming latkes, and gifts for the kids at Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah.
When: The kickoff event is Nov. 28, and the lighting will be Dec. 18 — Dec. 25; the full schedule is here.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Cost: This event is free
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
The Winter Village is a great place to finish up some holiday shopping with over 100 shops from local vendors, or you can grab something warm to drink and enjoy it in one of the igloos located near the ice skating rink.
When: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m; until Jan. 2, 2023.
Where: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Cost: It is free to enter, and all the vendors can be seen here.
Celebrate Kwanzaa
It is the largest Kwanzaa family event in New York City. For 15 years, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been teaching the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
When: Dec. 26-Dec. 30
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Cost: Ticket prices are $13; you can purchase tickets here.
Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes
A total of 18 new Rockettes will take the stage in this year’s Christmas Spectacular. A holiday tradition in New York City, people come from all over to see the legendary dancers.
When: Nov. 18-Jan. 2, 2023
Where: Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan
Cost: Ticket prices will depend on the day and time; you can purchase tickets here.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
Every year The Met presents its traditional Christmas tree. It’s a vibrant Neapolitan Nativity scene from the eighteenth century that is hung over a 20-foot blue spruce that is beautifully illuminated and surrounded by a plethora of lifelike figures with silk-robed angels hovering above.
When: Nov. 22– Jan. 8, 2023
Where: The Met Fifth Avenue
Cost: Free with Museum admission
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Priding itself on being one of the most elegant holiday markets in the world, stop by Columbus Circle if you want to shop for jewelry, art, home goods and local food.
When: Nov. 29 — Dec. 24; Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m
Where: Columbus Circle, Manhattan
Cost: It is free to enter, and all the vendors can be seen here.
Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off
At the Museum of the City of New York’s exhibit Gingerbread NYC, the great borough bake-off, amateur and professional bakers are showcasing their unique and gorgeous creations.
When: Open Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Jan. 8.
Where: The Museum of the City of New York
Cost: Tickets range from Free-$20, you can purchase them here.
Grand Army Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting
The Diocese of Brooklyn will light its Christmas tree during a ceremony that kicks off the holiday season in Prospect Park. More information on the event can be found here.
When: Dec. 14, 4 p.m.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Cost: This event is free.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
It is the longest-running indoor holiday fair. With 36 local vendors, you can find unique items and support small businesses at the same time.
When: Nov. 14 — Dec. 24; Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Note: The fair is closed on Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve, it will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan
Cost: It is free to enter, and all the vendors can be seen here.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Following a first season that was completely sold out, Lightscape is back at BBG this year with both new and old favorites.
When: Nov. 16 — Jan. 8, 2023
Note: Lightscape is closed Nov. 21–22, 24, 28–29; Dec. 5–7, 12, and 25; and Jan. 3. A special Family Benefit Evening on Dec. 7.
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Cost: Tickets range from $18-$40; you can purchase tickets here.
Macy’s Herald Square Window Displays
This year’s theme is to “celebrate togetherness and festive nostalgia” with beloved reindeer Tiptoe “as she visits her woodland friends to spread holiday magic and cheer.” You can expect a different scenery with each display, crafted “with core materials such as gingerbread, yarn, flannel, paper, wood, and mirror,” Macy’s said.
When: Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2023
Where: Macy’s Herald Square
Cost: Macy’s Herald Square window display is free for public viewing.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade
It is the unofficial start to the holiday season. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a longstanding tradition that started in 1924. With a mix of floats and performances, you can see your favorite celebrities, from Paula Abdul to Santa Claus.
When: Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: The route starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West and ends at Macy’s in Harold Square. The entire route can be seen here.
Cost: Tickets are not for sale, however, there are plenty of spots along the route where you can watch the parade for free.
Mermaid Avenue Holiday Lights
Come out to see
caroling with carolers from the 60th Precinct Explorer Program, PSA #1 Explorers, Transit
District 34 Explorers, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Coney Island Sharks, and residents, as well as all the magical lights.
When: Dec. 9, 5:45 p.m.
Where: Mermaid Avenue, Coney Island
Cost: This is a free event.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
The grandest New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Brooklyn is held at Grand Army Plaza. It’s a dazzling way to ring in the new year.
When: Dec. 31, 11:59 p.m.
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Cost: This is a free event, but you can RSVP here.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
A tradition for over 30 years, watch as model trains weave through over 190 replica landmarks of New York. You can also see NYBG Glow — a light display that will surely get you in the holiday spirit.
When: Nov. 19-Jan. 16, 2023
Where: New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx
Cost: Tickets range from $4-$30. Can you can get them here.
NYRR Midnight Run
Get your running shoes on and get ready to start the new year off on the right foot (or left), as the 4-mile run starts at midnight while fireworks go off around the city.
When: Dec. 31, 11:59 p.m.
Where: Central Park, Manhattan
Cost: The fee to enter the run ranges from $55-$70; you can register here.
The Original Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
Dubbed the most extravagant Christmas lights display in the country, the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn might as well be called Dyker Lights. For the 15th year, you can take a bus tour of the most over-the-top decorations that would make Clark Griswold proud.
When: Every night in December (except for the 24 and 25) at 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m.
Where: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Cost: Tickets range from $45-$65 and can be purchased here.
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike
Burn off those Thanksgiving calories with a refreshing hike through Prospect Park. More information on this event can be found here.
When: Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Cost: This event is free.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The world’s most famous ice skating rink has returned to Rockefeller Center for its 86th holiday season.
When: The rink is open now, and time slots depend on the tickets you purchase online.
Where: Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Cost: Tickets start at $21 per person, with discounts available for those in groups of 10 or more. Beginning in January, New York City residents can access unlimited skate sessions starting at $65. You can visit The Rink’s website for more information and tickets.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
A tradition that started in 1931, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree may be the most iconic Christmas tree, this side of the North Pole.
When: The annual tree lighting will take place on Nov. 30. After Nov. 30, the tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m.-12 a.m. On Christmas Day, the tree is lit for 24 hours; on New Year’s Eve, it is lit from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Cost: The tree is free to visit.
Santaland in Macy’s Harold Square
As Buddy the elf yells, “Santa’s coming!” You can head down to Macy’s Harold Square to meet and get a picture with Santa Claus. Meeting Santa requires a reservation, but Macy’s also offers a virtual Santa meeting here.
When: Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Where: On the 8th floor of Macy’s Harold Square.
Cost: Reservations are free, but picture packages start at $40. You can start registering on Nov. 20 here.
Shimmering Solstice to Old Westbury Gardens
Shimmering Solstice is billed as an unforgettable experience. Take a walk down the paths of Old Westbury Garden for a whimsical display the whole family can enjoy. With the lights and a historic Gold Coast mansion in the background, you will think you’re spending the holidays with Mr. Gatsby.
When: Nov. 25 — Jan. 1, 2023
Where: Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury, N.Y.
Cost: Tickets range from $20-$80 and can be purchased here.
Suffolk Winter Lantern Festival
This festival is great for people of all ages, with lanterns and displays of everything from flowers and mushrooms to farm animals and dinosaurs.
When: Nov. 4 — Jan. 8, 2023
Where: Smithtown Historical Society, Smithtown, N.Y.
Cost: Tickets range from $12-$22, and you can book your reservation here.
Union Square Holiday Market
A perfect spot to do some holiday shopping, even at the last minute. It has been named one of the top holiday markets in the entire country and welcomes over 160 merchants offering one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and business owners.
When: Nov. 17 — 4 p.m. Dec. 24, open rain or shine. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Where: Union Square, Manhattan
Cost: Free to enter, and all the vendors are listed on the website.
Times Square Ball Drop
The most famous party of the year happens in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Check back with PIX11 as the date gets closer for more details on this year’s event.
When: Dec. 31
Where: Times Square, Manhattan
Cost: It’s a free event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Lantern Festival’s Drive-Thru Adventure
For only the second year in a row, this immersive drive-thru adventure will have you in awe with light displays and bright tunnels while you gaze at Chinese lanterns inspired by space.
When: Nov. 3 — Jan. 8, 2023
Where: Nassau County Museum of Art on Long Island
Cost: It’s $50 per car with a $5 service fee, and you can book your reservation here.
Winter Lantern Festival’s Illuminate the Farm
You can see a display of lights and illuminated handmade Chinese lanterns, along with a lantern show modeled after theme parks and Chinese tales and legends. There are also a number of lit tunnels, illuminated rideable swings, and various other lights, making them ideal for lighting up your Instagram feed.
When: Nov. 11 — Jan. 8, 2023
Where: Queens County Farm Museum
Cost: Tickets range from $18-$27, and you can book your reservation here.
Winter Lantern Festival’s Journey to the East
Explore a world based on Chinese myths and tales, which includes a massive handcrafted lantern display of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Additionally, there will be food booths.
When: Oct. 11 — Jan. 8, 2023
Where: SIUH Community Park, Staten Island
Cost: Tickets range from $18-$29, and you can book your reservation here.
Wreath Interpretations exhibition at the Arsenal Gallery
For the 40th year in a row, the Arsenal Gallery inside Central Park will display handmade wreaths. A wide range of materials, from caution tape to Mardi Gras beads, have been used to make the wreaths on display. You can get more information on the event here.
When: Dec. 1 — Dec. 30
Where: The Arsenal Gallery, 64th Street and Fifth Avenue inside Central Park
Cost: This is a free event.
