Christmas Events in NYC

New York City transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a plethora of events and activities that capture the magic of Christmas. Here's a curated list of must-see attractions and experiences for 2024:

1.Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Visit the iconic 74-foot Norway spruce adorned with 50,000 multi-colored lights and topped with a Swarovski star. The tree remains lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with special hours on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

2. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is renowned for its extravagant holiday light displays, attracting over 100,000 visitors each season. Residents adorn their homes with elaborate decorations, including life-sized Santas, sleighs, and thousands of twinkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere that has become a cherished New York City tradition.

Visiting Details:

Dates: The displays typically begin the weekend after Thanksgiving and continue through New Year's Eve. For the most vibrant experience, plan your visit between mid-December and December 31st.
Best Viewing Times: Lights are usually illuminated from dusk (around 5 p.m.) until 9 p.m. Visiting on weekdays, especially Monday through Wednesday, can offer a less crowded experience.
Location: The most impressive displays are concentrated between 11th and 13th Avenues, from 83rd to 86th Streets.

3. Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at Greg’s Trees

Discover a spectacular array of Christmas trees and holiday décor from Greg Walsh at Greg's Trees, during a festive season filled with joy and cheer. Greg’s Trees can be found at McCarren Park (Manhattan Ave and Driggs), Domino Park (15 River Street), Murray Playground (45th Road and 21st Street) in Long Island City, American Playground (81 Franklin Street), JJ Byrne Playground (5th ave between 3rd and 4th street), Greenwood Park Beer Garden (555 7th Ave.) and at the Tin Building (96 South St) in the South Street Seaport, which will each be transformed into vibrant winter wonderlands with a myriad of decorations and hand-painted holiday character cutouts perfect for instagrammable moments. Bring loved ones to enjoy wreath-making and holiday crafts since Greg’s Trees is known for delivering holiday spirit to New Yorkers for over 35 years, and you might even catch a glimpse of Greg himself decked out as Santa. For more information visit, https://gregstrees.com/

4. Foxtail’s Holiday Hideaway

Foxtail's (231 Hudson St) Holiday Hideaway at Arlo SoHo offers a cozy, yet festive ambiance. The speakeasy has been transformed into a winter wonderland infused with mid-century glamour. Guests can escape the cold with warm seasonal cocktails like Spiked Mexican Hot Cocoa or a Yuletide Toddy in addition to creative holiday concoctions like the Christmas Fruitcake or Tree Topper. Rich flavors of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg enhance the experience, creating a setting where craft cocktail making meets the magic of the holidays. Foxtail's Holiday Hideaway is ideal for intimate gatherings or spirited celebrations with friends, offering a taste of fanciful whimsy.

5. Lindens Winter Village: Cabin Dining & Lounge Experience

Experience the magic of the winter season at Lindens Winter Village (2 Renwick Street) housed at Arlo SoHo where three cozy yurts offer unique dining and lounge experiences. Nestled within these inviting cabins, guests can indulge in an exquisite three-course meal complemented by delightful seasonal cocktails, perfect for enjoying with friends and family. One yurt features a large round table that seats up to eight, another serves as a lounge for up to ten guests, and the third offers two intimate two-tops. Each yurt is individually heated for maximum comfort. The dining experience is priced at $95 per person, with optional add-ons including a wine pairing for $65 or a cocktail pairing for $70. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

6. WINTER WONDER at HERO in Rockefeller Center

The fourth experience from Rockefeller Center’s immersive, 13,000-square-foot arts, events and entertainment venue HERO, WINTER WONDER: The Northern Lights Express at Rockefeller Center brings an enchanting winter journey to life, complete with eleven multisensory spaces to explore. Guests of all ages will discover a hidden train station under Rockefeller Center that takes them north to a mystical wonderland of winter splendor, with stops for cocoa, cocktails and crafting along the way. Ideal for adventurous minds of all ages, WINTER WONDER runs from November 30th, 2024 through January 20th, 2025.

Upon entry to WINTER WONDER, guests immerse themselves in HERO’s latest New York-inspired experience, complete with eleven different rooms and guided by a charming train conductor. The journey culminates in a breathtaking encounter with the Northern Lights, where guests can observe the dancing colors of the aurora borealis on a stunning digital canvas above.

Guests begin their journey as they step into the hidden world of Gilded Age rail travel at The Secret Station, surrounded by eye-catching holiday visuals. In a nod to the nostalgia of winter holidays, bedecked fir trees, maroon drapery, a clock tower, ornate sconces, and silver tinsel adorn the room.
As they board The Northern Lights Express, an imaginary train car that will transport them North, they’ll begin to catch scenic winter vistas outside the window.
As the train passes through The Wishing Woods, they’ll explore an enchanted snow-covered forest where they can write and display winter wishes on a magical tree.
In the Ice Caves, they’ll discover crystalline caverns where arctic animals come to life through mesmerizing digital displays.
Next up is the Snow Bounce room, where they’ll jump and play in a whimsical winter wonderland below giant candy mushrooms.
In The Aurora Cavern, guests can step through a mystical passage of dancing lights.
Making their way to the Hot Cocoa Chalet, they’ll warm up in a cozy mountain lodge with seasonal treats, including hot chocolate and festive cocktails, like Milk n Cookies (horchata, Cardamaro, cookie), Fireside Cocoa (hot cocoa, sherry, cinnamon, marshmallows), and Polar Punch. Beer, wine and champagne are also available.
Arriving at the journey’s destination, The Northern Lights, senses run wild, as the magic of the aurora borealis reveals itself. Guests can observe dancing lights above while exploring a faux-snow filled ball pit, turf icebergs, and more.
Emerging in the Gingerbread Workshop, guests step inside a life-sized gingerbread house, where they can design ornaments, snowflakes, and other winter crafts.
They’ll also take in holiday-themed art and pop by the Candy Dream Photo Studio to create memorable holiday keepsakes.
And before they leave, a Winter Market awaits, with souvenirs and New York-themed gifts, including charms, candy, and ornaments for purchase.

7. Santa’s Secret

New Yorkers are in for an unforgettable holiday treat as Santa’s Secret returns for its fourth sold-out season at an all-new, expanded location in West Chelsea. Beginning November 29 and running through December 31, 2024, this adults-only holiday extravaganza will transform over 26,000 square feet at 548 West 22nd Street into a festive playground filled with immersive holiday cheer and the North Pole’s naughtiest secrets.

Presented by Voss Events, Santa’s Secret takes guests on a mesmerizing two-hour journey through a winter wonderland of eightunique, interactive installations, each redesigned with elaborate new sets for the experience’s fourth year. Along the way, revelers will encounter delightfully cheeky characters, including mischievous living toys, seductive gingerbread ladies, and Santa’s Secret’s famous lumberjack.

The journey culminates at Santa’s Secret Speakeasy, where guests can unwind and indulge in the ultimate holiday celebration. Here, live entertainment heats up the night as a five-piece band led by powerhouse vocalist Inyang Bassey delivers festive tunes, setting the stage for a night of holiday joy. Michelin-starred chef Richard Farnabe will tantalize taste buds with holiday-themed bites, while craft cocktails enhance the festive atmosphere. Following the live band, the evening continues with a dazzling variety show, hosted by the hilarious and enchanting ice queen Shequida. Expect ballet, burlesque, aerialists and other jaw-dropping acts, each peeling back the layers to reveal one of Santa’s best-kept secrets.

“Christmas isn’t just for kids,” says Brandon Voss, producer of Santa’s Secret. “This immersive holiday experience gives adults a chance to embrace a little holiday mischief and revelry. We’re thrilled to be back for a fourth sold-out year, especially at a new expanded location allowing us to triple the size of our unique walk-through experience. Returning guests can expect lots of new surprises this year!”

With all-new sets and never-before-seen performances, Santa’s Secret promises even more thrills for 2024. Ticket prices begin at $75. They can be purchased at www.SantasSecret.com.

8. Jingle Bell Book & Candle in the West Village

Jingle Bell Book & Candle (141 W 10th St) is open now through December 30th, featuring festive decor and holiday cocktails including the Canela Navidad made with cinnamon-infused Cazadores tequila, lemon and grapefruit, the Coal for Christmas with mint and charcoal-infused Grey Goose vodka, lemon, coconut, and charcoal, the Scrooged with rosemary infused Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Bacardi black barrel rum, Christmas spice and angostura, as well as special shots such as the Candy Cane shot with Rumple Minze, peppermint schnapps, and Coco Lopez and the Bye Buddy with Rumple Minze, creme de cacao, creme de menthe, and Coco Lopez, along with Jell-O shots. More information can be found by visiting, https://www.bbandcnyc.com/

9. Haven Ski Chalet

Haven Rooftop above The Sanctuary Hotel (132 W. 47th Street) in the heart of Times Square is getting ready for diners to celebrate this Christmas season at Haven Ski Chalet. Visitors will be surrounded by holiday decor including cranberry bundles and holly arching its way above each table, with shimmering Christmas lights overhead, evergreen garlands, and flannel pillows and blankets. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy a delicious brunch menu paired with bottomless mimosas and bellinis (with the purchase of an entrée, 1-hour limit). Haven Ski Chalet offers the perfect setting for a cozy and unforgettable holiday brunch. To reserve your spot and make this holiday season one to remember, visit www.havenrooftop.com.