2025 Holiday Activities in NYC

 

2025 Holiday Activities in NYC 

 

 

There is nothing like being in NYC for the holidays. Nothing like seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, enjoying the holiday lights, or seeing the Rockettes Holiday Spectacular. From holiday markets to holiday lights, below is a roundup of some of the fun things you can do around town this year!

Union Square Holiday Market

 

Dates: November 13 - December 24

Location: Union Square Park, New York, NY

Of course there are holiday markets all around the city, but the Union Square market really cannot be beat. With 185 vendors, this market is sure to have that perfectly unique gift for your loved one.  

 

 

 

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

 

Dates: Now - January 5

Location: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

You can’t talk about holiday fun in the city without mentioning the Rockettes. This 90-minute show is the perfect palette cleanser to the dreary winter weather. The show will have you kick-lining your way all the way home. Even if you’ve seen the show before, this year it’s better than ever, as the Rockettes are celebrating their 100th anniversary! Founded in 1925, the Rockettes are the longest-running precision dance company in America and have been spreading joy across the country for decades. Make sure to see them celebrate this incredible milestone.   

 

 

 


Bryant Park Winter Village 

 

Dates: Now - March 1

 

Location: Bryant Park, New York, NY

Bryant Park Winter Village is a beloved NYC holiday tradition, transforming the park into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, a skating rink, and rows of charming holiday market shops. Visitors can browse unique gifts, warm up with seasonal treats, or rent cozy igloos overlooking the ice. With its lively atmosphere, iconic Midtown backdrop, and mix of food, shopping, and winter fun, Winter Village is one of the city’s most inviting spots to celebrate the season. 

 

 

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights 

 

Dates: November 21 - January 4

 

Location: The Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY

 

Each winter, Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights transforms the zoo into a glowing winter festival, and for 2025 the celebration is bigger than ever. Guests can stroll through six lantern trails featuring over 400 illuminated animal-and plant-shaped lanterns across continents, then explore the all-new “Freeze Zone,” where you can ride snow tube slides, pose on an ice-themed throne, snap a snowman photo, or toss virtual snowballs.  The event also keeps returning favorites like the undersea-themed Enchanted Sea light show, a towering holiday tree with musical synchronized lights, a kids’ holiday train, nightly ice-carving, illuminated performers, and seasonal treats, making it a magical, family-friendly evening out in NYC. 

 

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

 

Dates: November 15 - January 11

 

Location: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY

 

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden returns for its 34th year with nearly 200 exquisitely crafted botanical replicas of iconic NYC and New York-area landmarks, all made from leaves, bark, seeds, twigs and other natural materials. Model trains travel around half a mile of track, weaving through the miniature cityscape under the glass of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and over an outdoor, glowing woodland display. This year features two new additions, a botanical replica of the newly reopened Delacorte Theater and a detailed model of the Whitney Museum of American Art Leonard A. Lauder Building, adding fresh highlights to the show’s mix of historic and modern NYC landmarks. For a different vibe, visitors can also opt for Holiday Train Nights after-dark evenings with seasonal cocktails or mocktails, festive music, and a cozy, illuminated holiday atmosphere. 

 

Brooklyn Botanical Garden Lightscape

 

Dates: November 21 - January 4

 

Location: Brooklyn Botanical Garden

 

There is nothing like going to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden; it is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to go far. This holiday season try exploring the garden with hot chocolate in hand under the winter moonlight. The holiday Lightscape event is unlike any other and includes 17 works of light, a curated musical soundscape, and concessions stands along the way with delicious drink and treat options (many are cashless so make sure to have a credit card handy). With the backdrop of the garden enhanced by the beautiful light show that is Lightscape you will leave feeling renewed and exhilarated.  

 

 

 

 

Watermark Winter Wonderland 

 

Dates: Now - December 30

 

Location: Watermark at Pier 15, NY, NY

 

Watermark Winter Wonderland is one of NYC’s most festive seasonal experiences, offering cozy private glass cabins along the waterfront with stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and skyline. The space is decked out with twinkling lights, holiday décor, and a lively atmosphere perfect for both date nights and group outings. Guests can enjoy warm cocktails, comfort-food classics, and winter treats while taking in the scenic East River backdrop. It’s a cheerful, photo-worthy spot that brings a little extra holiday magic to the city. Make sure to make a reservation before the season ends! 

 

Written by Kate Roth