NYC Holiday Guide 2024: Festive Fun in the Five Boroughs

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays! From dazzling light displays to bustling holiday markets, there's something for everyone.

Holiday Markets

Experience the magic of NYC's holiday markets, offering unique gifts, crafts, and festive treats. Here are a few highlights:

• Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: Opens October 26, 2024 – March 2, 2025. bryantpark.org
• The Grand Central Holiday Fair: November 11 – December 24, 2024. grandcentralterminal.com
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market: December 3 – 31, 2024. centralpark.com
• Macy’s Holiday Square: November 1, 2024 – January 3, 2025. urbanspacemarkets.com

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and enjoy the winter fun at some of NYC's iconic rinks:

• The Rink at Rockefeller Center: Open daily from October 12, 2024 – March 2025. rockefellercenter.com
• Bryant Park Winter Village Rink: Free admission with your own skates! Open daily through March 2025. bryantpark.com
• Other locations: LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Industry City Ice Rink, World Ice Arena, and Staten Island Skating Pavilion offer diverse skating experiences. Check their websites for details.

Christmas Trees & Light Shows

Witness the breathtaking illumination of iconic Christmas trees and spectacular light displays throughout the city:

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: December 4, 2024. rockefellercenter.com/holidays
• Bryant Park Christmas Tree Lighting: December 3, 2024. bryantpark.org
• Central Park Holiday Tree Lighting: December 5, 2024. centralparknyc.org
• Many other tree lightings: Check local borough websites for neighborhood events.
• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025. bronxzoo.com
• Tianyu Winter Lights Festival: November 29, 2024 – January 19, 2025. tianyuculture.us
• Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025. bbg.org
• New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show: November 16, 2024 – January 20, 2025. nybg.org

Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Celebrations

Celebrate Hanukkah (December 25 – January 2) and Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1) with various events throughout the city. Check local community centers and religious organizations for details on menorah lightings, family events, and cultural celebrations.