Christmas 2026
Christmas in New York
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
19 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 17 ideas
- 15 for families
- 10 free
Don't miss
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® by New York City Ballet
Thursday 26 November
Thanksgiving Day - Public Holiday
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Most government offices, schools, and some businesses will be closed. Many shops will have altered hours.
Wednesday 2 December
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The official lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree with musical performances. The ceremony is broadcast live on NBC and runs until approximately 10:00 PM. The area around the tree is reserved, and spectators watch from surrounding streets.
FamilyFreeSource: My Christmas in New York
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day - Public Holiday
Christmas Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Most government offices, schools, and many businesses, including some shops and attractions, will be closed or have severely limited hours.
All season
Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
A world-famous production featuring dazzling precision dance routines, breathtaking costumes, and festive spirit at Radio City Music Hall. Show run time is 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. Children aged 2 and older require a ticket.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® by New York City Ballet
New York City's signature Christmas ballet at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Features over 150 dancers and musicians, and 120 children from the School of American Ballet. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for January 3, 2027.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
New York City's most iconic ice skating tradition beneath the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Advance reservations are recommended. Skate rentals are available for an additional fee.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park - Holiday Shops
Experience a European-inspired open-air market with artisans from New York and around the world, featuring local crafts, artisan provisions, and exquisite gifts. Holiday hours may vary from usual hours, with some shops staying open later on weekends and during peak season.
FamilyFreeSource: Caitlyn's Adventures
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
New York's only free-admission ice rink, located in the middle of Bryant Park's Winter Village. Skate rentals start around $18. Extended holiday hours are expected from late November to early January, with the rink open until midnight.
FamilyFreeSource: Caitlyn's Adventures
Grand Central Holiday Fair
An indoor artisan market located in Vanderbilt Hall, offering unique handcrafted jewelry, pottery, artwork, and more. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Christmas Eve hours are 10 AM to 6 PM.
FamilyFreeSource: Ultimate Christmas Markets
Union Square Holiday Market
New York's oldest seasonal market with a tight grid of wooden huts, featuring over 150 independent makers and small food businesses selling jewelry, prints, spice blends, and gifts. Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Christmas Eve hours are 11 AM to 4 PM.
FamilyFree
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display
A neighborhood in Brooklyn famous for its elaborate and dazzling Christmas light displays. Many homeowners hire professional decorators, and the lights are typically on from mid-November through early January.
FamilyFree
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Display
The iconic Christmas tree, adorned with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a Swarovski star, will be lit daily from 5 AM to midnight. It remains on display until mid-January 2027.
FamilyFreeSource: My Christmas in New York
Wollman Rink in Central Park
An ice skating rink offering scenic views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Pricing varies for off-peak, peak, and prime times. Skate rental is $12, and lockers are $8. Most days from Thanksgiving week through January 3 are considered peak or prime.
FamilySource: RoamRecs
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
An ice skating rink set in Emily Warren Roebling Plaza with views of the Manhattan skyline across the water. It is more exposed to the elements, so warm clothing is recommended. Ticket and rental prices are still to be announced.
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art traditionally displays a towering Christmas tree and a Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. The tree is typically adorned with 18th-century Neapolitan angels and over 200 figures depicting the Nativity. This display typically opens in late November and runs through early January.
FamilyFreeSource: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
An outdoor market featuring over 100 artisan booths with gifts and seasonal food, located at the southwestern entrance to Central Park. Closed on Christmas Day. Open until 4 PM on New Year's Eve.
FamilyFreeSource: New York Christmas
Riverbank State Park Ice Rink
A state park rink in Upper Manhattan offering affordable ice skating. Public skating hours are Friday 6 PM to 9 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM. A Holiday Ice Show is scheduled for December 12, 2026.
FamilyFreeSource: RoamRecs
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 28 Oct