EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT: NEW YORK CITY TOURISM + CONVENTIONS INVITES VISITORS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON ACROSS ALL FIVE BOROUGHS

Approximately 8 Million Travelers Expected to Visit New York City This Holiday Season

Holiday Celebrations, Cultural Attractions, Exclusive Hotel Offers, and More Across All Five Boroughs

New York City (August 25, 2025) — New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization for New York City’s five boroughs, invites local and global visitors to join the festivities this holiday season, which kicks off in October with the arrival of Diwali, followed by the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November. New York City offers festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays and more across all five boroughs, enchanting visitors of all ages.

“New York City comes alive during the holidays like nowhere else in the world, and this year the excitement is even greater as we celebrate the city’s 400th anniversary,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions’ President and CEO, Julie Coker. “With 8 million visitors expected between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, New Yorkers and travelers alike will enjoy unforgettable experiences—from dining and shopping to world-class performances and iconic holiday attractions—while supporting businesses across all five boroughs.”

Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:

ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS:

Diwali Times Square
October 12 | Midtown Manhattan
Diwali at Times Square, the largest South Asian festival and concert in North America, will mark its 10th anniversary celebration in Times Square on October 12. This annual free event celebrates the Festival of Lights and shares messages of love, peace, harmony and togetherness through India’s rich art and culture, including dance, music and food.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 27 | Manhattan
The annual New York City celebration is returning for its 99th edition, featuring impressive helium balloons, creative floats, clowns, mesmerizing performance groups, popular Broadway musicals, celebrity appearances and much more. The parade will begin at its traditional starting point on West 77th Street and Central Park West, ending in front of Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.

Holidays at Rockefeller Center
December | Midtown Manhattan
Christmas in New York means celebrating the holidays at Rockefeller Center. From seeing the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree; ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center Presented by Chase Freedom; enjoying a sweet treat at Glace or Ralph’s Coffee; or finding the perfect gift at retail destinations including Catbird, McNally Jackson and FAO Schwarz, there’s something for everyone. And of course, no trip to Rockefeller Center’s campus is complete without experiencing the Top of the Rock observation deck for unparalleled 360-degree views and photo opportunities with Santa on select dates and times.

Lighting of the Largest Menorahs in Brooklyn
December 14–22 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; Midtown Manhattan
Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Manhattan will mark Hanukkah by lighting the City’s largest menorahs each night, accompanied by live music, hot latkes and gifts for children throughout the festival.

New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is an icon in New York City, and watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Millions from around the globe view the broadcast event in NYC along with hundreds of thousands of spectators in Times Square on December 31. To be a part of the celebration, submit your wishes in person or digitally to be printed on the confetti that will be released during this year’s celebration.

CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES:

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
November 6–January 4 | Midtown Manhattan
Experience the beloved holiday tradition as it returns to the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall for its 100-year anniversary. This festive show welcomes more than 1 million people each holiday season to experience its stunning costumes, joyful music, precise choreography and innovative performances. With multiple shows daily, now is the ideal time to be part of this timeless celebration.

ROB LAKE MAGIC with Special Guests The Muppets
November 6–January 18 | Midtown Manhattan
World-renowned illusionist Rob Lake will bring his jaw-dropping magic to Broadway this holiday season, joined by Kermit the Frog and friends, who add their signature humor and charm to the spectacle. Together, they promise a one-of-a-kind holiday performance blending astonishing illusions with beloved Muppet magic.

A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC
November 23–December 28 | Lower Manhattan
PAC NYC presents an immersive, intimate staging of A Christmas Carol, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists playwright Jack Thorne and director Matthew Warchus. This magical retelling wraps the audience around the action as Ebenezer Scrooge journeys through past, present, and future, brought to life with dazzling staging, moving storytelling and beloved Christmas carols.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet!
November 28 | Washington Heights, Manhattan
Experience the enchantment of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! with the whole family this holiday season. Showcasing an international all-star cast, this cherished production blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppetry, extravagant costumes and breathtaking acrobatics.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
November 28 & December 4 | Flatbush, Brooklyn
This winter, two standout holiday productions hit the stage. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage brings the beloved Peanuts special to life with Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score, immersive sets and colorful costumes. Drag superstars BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon return with an all-new Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, a camp-filled mix of comedy, music and festive spectacle.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
November 28–January 4 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Visitors are invited to experience the magic of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, from the glowing Christmas tree to swirling snow and enchanting characters set to Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. The season concludes on January 4 with a special sensory-friendly performance featuring adjusted lighting and sound, designed for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center
December 3–January 4 | Midtown Manhattan
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return this holiday season for a five-week engagement. The milestone season raises the curtain on Ailey’s next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades-including the touchstone of inspiration Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy.

The Brooklyn Nutcracker Presented by the Brooklyn Ballet at The Theater at City Tech
December 6–7 and 13–14 | Downtown Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker reimagines the classic ballet through the lens of Brooklyn’s diverse cultural tapestry, blending iconic characters with hip hop, pop and lock and bohemian flair. This vibrant journey travels from Victorian Flatbush to modern-day Brooklyn, with stops at landmarks like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a Flatbush Avenue subway platform.

Chris Botti’s 21st Annual Holiday Residency at Blue Note Jazz Club
December 8–January 4 | Greenwich Village, Manhattan
This holiday season Blue Note Jazz Club presents trumpeter Chris Botti’s highly anticipated Holiday Residency, celebrating over 20 years of his iconic performances.

Holidays with the New York Philharmonic
December 10–December 20 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Celebrate the season with the New York Philharmonic’s holiday lineup. Conductor Jane Glover leads the chorus of Music of the Baroque and a stellar cast of soloists in Handel’s Messiah, a soaring setting of Biblical texts filled with iconic melodies. Families can also enjoy the holiday favorite Home Alone, with John Williams’s delightful score performed live to picture as Kevin McCallister’s comedic adventures unfold on the big screen. Plus, the Philharmonic’s beloved Sounds of the Season matinees return, offering a family-friendly sampler of festive music to be announced.

The Magic Flute
December 11–January 3 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
A beloved holiday tradition, Mozart’s enchanting fairy tale returns in the Met’s abridged, English-language production by Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor. With some of opera’s most beloved melodies, colorful sets and costumes and dazzling puppetry, this family-friendly staging offers a magical experience for audiences of all ages. On December 14 ticketholders are also invited to a free Holiday Open House before the performance, featuring special activities for children and families.

Keith Michael’s
December 13 | Flushing, Queens
Experience the holiday magic with New York Theatre Ballet’s one-hour rendition of The Nutcracker, set to Keith Michael’s choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score in an elegant art nouveau style. For nearly 50 years the company has paired timeless revivals with contemporary works, blending cherished tradition with fresh, innovative performances.

Holiday Festivities at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
December 13–December 31 | Morningside Heights, Manhattan
This holiday season St. John the Divine will present a rich lineup of concerts, including the Joy of Christmas concert featuring Bach’s Magnificat and beloved carols, and the renowned New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Additional musical highlights include organ recitals, special evensong performances and seasonal programs that blend world-class artistry with the Cathedral’s cherished holiday traditions.

Spotlight: The New York Nutcracker
December 18 & 19 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Lincoln Center’s holiday lineup features Spotlight: A Night at the Atrium, a playful twist on The Nutcracker blending burlesque, puppetry, comedy and dance for a dazzling offbeat celebration of the season. Also returning is Murray Hill’s A Murray Little Christmas, marking its 25th year with a one-night-only variety extravaganza of camp, comedy, music and community spirit-complete with a live band, surprise guests and plenty of holiday cheer.

The Christmas Show
Throughout December | St. George, Staten Island
This holiday season, the St. George Theatre presents three festive shows. Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas delivers classic holiday tunes with comedy and charm, while A Rock’n Holiday Spectacular showcases The Doo-Wop Project, Bobby Wilson, The Coasters and more, hosted by Vinnie Medugno. The Christmas Show 2025 takes audiences on a magical journey from the North Pole to New York City landmarks in a high-energy celebration featuring Staten Island’s finest talent.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm
Throughout December | Glen Oaks, Queens
Queens County Farm Museum kicks off the season with its annual Christmas tree lighting on December 6, followed by Illuminate the Farm. Visitors can explore the farm transformed into a radiant landscape, featuring glowing displays and immersive light installations.

Festive Concerts at Carnegie Hall
Throughout December | Midtown Manhattan
Carnegie Hall ushers in the holidays with a series of festive concerts. Highlights include the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble performing Corelli and Vivaldi, the Princeton Nassoons’ seasonal program, the Oratorio Society of New York’s 151st consecutive Messiah, the Christmas Night Opera Gala with stars like Sondra Radvanovsky and Thomas Hampson and Concert of the Future: A Christmas Dream, a candlelit immersive blend of classical music and meditative sounds.

WINTER EXHIBITIONS AND CULTURAL EVENTS:

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection
October 24–February 8 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
At The New York Historical, model trains, toy stations, and miniatures are on display illustrating the design evolution from the early 20th century to the era of World War II. Families can explore the objects with a special scavenger hunt, and train-themed storytimes take place on select dates.

Diwali Celebration at The Seaport Museum
November 11 | The Seaport, Manhattan
The Seaport Museum and The Culture Tree will host a free, all-day Diwali celebration featuring hands-on crafts, cultural activities, and festive performances aboard the historic 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Guests can decorate diya lamps, enjoy puppet storytime, and join an interactive dance workshop that highlights the traditions of the Hindu festival of lights. Visitors will also have free access to the Museum’s exhibitions and historic ships, making it a family-friendly celebration of culture and community.

Holiday Train Show
November 15-January 11 | Bedford Park, The Bronx
Now in its 34th year, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show fills the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory with nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas made from natural materials, as model trains weave through iconic New York City scenes and bridges. Visitors can also enjoy an illuminated outdoor mountainscape, plus special Holiday Train Nights offering a magical after-dark experience. This beloved tradition combines intricate artistry, seasonal cheer and family-friendly fun, making it a must-see winter attraction for all ages.

The Origami Holiday Tree
November 24 throughout the holiday season | Upper West Side, Manhattan
An annual New York City tradition, the American Museum of Natural History’s beloved Origami Holiday Tree has been a popular feature of the holiday season at the Museum for decades. Showcasing over 1,000 hand-crafted origami models created by local, national and international artists, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree is a must-visit this season.

Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
November 25–January 6 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
A New York City tradition, The Met’s Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche display showcases a beautifully adorned tree with a nativity scene at its base. The display features 18th-century Neapolitan figures, generously donated in 1964 by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard.

A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript
November 25–January 11 | Midtown Manhattan
Every holiday season the Morgan showcases Charles Dickens’s original manuscript of A Christmas Carol in J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript was originally given to Dickens’s solicitor, Thomas Mitton, before being acquired by Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s.

HOLIDAY SIGHTS & LIGHTS:

Christmas in New York with Romancing Manhattan Tours
November–December | Midtown Manhattan
Travelers can experience New York City’s holiday magic on a custom tour featuring a private guide on Fifth Avenue, a two-hour Rockefeller Center visit, and a sunset trip to the Top of the Rock. Optional add-ons include ice-skating with an instructor, a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall, premium Rockettes tickets and a luxury dinner, all curated by a concierge for an unforgettable Manhattan holiday.

Holiday Under the Stars and Broadway Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle
November 11 throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan
The Shops at Columbus Circle will sparkle this season with “Holiday Under the Stars,” a breathtaking display of 300,000 lights and 44 glowing stars that transform the center into a magical winter wonderland. Guests can also enjoy “Broadway Under the Stars,” a series of free performances from some of Broadway’s most celebrated shows, complete with intimate cast Q&As.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
November 17 throughout the holiday season | Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Hudson Yards kicks off the 2025 holiday season with its dazzling Shine Bright at Hudson Yards display, featuring more than two million lights, 725 decorated trees and illuminated hot air balloons, transforming the neighborhood and Vessel into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Visitors can also enjoy festive shopping and dining, along with free photos with Santa, who will be greeting families throughout December.

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
November 21–January 4 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden returns this holiday season, transforming the Garden into a glittering winter trail and an enchanted forest in the heart of Brooklyn. Now in its fifth year, the event features dazzling light installations, reimagined art, music and special attractions, highlighting the Garden’s winter beauty.

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour with On Location Tours
November 28–December 31 | Manhattan
Visitors can experience New York City’s holiday magic with On Location Tours, discovering iconic landmarks and hidden spots seen in beloved holiday films such as Elf, Home Alone 2 and Scrooged. Departing from Columbus Circle, the tour features festive stops at Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center and the famous ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.

Holiday Celebrations with Bronx Little Italy
Throughout December | Belmont, The Bronx
Bronx Little Italy will welcome the festive season with a lineup of beloved community traditions, including the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6 in Ciccarone Park, live nativity scenes and neighborhood caroling with Santa sightings. Organized by the Belmont Business Improvement District, these events celebrate the neighborhood’s rich Italian heritage and offer opportunities to shop, dine and enjoy the old-world charm of Arthur Avenue. Visitors are also encouraged to pair their trip with nearby holiday attractions like the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights and the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show.

Holiday Celebrations in Historic Richmond Town
Throughout December | Staten Island
Historic Richmond Town’s holiday season kicks off with a free tree lighting celebration on December 5, followed by “Christmas in Historic Richmond Town” December 6–7, with festive shopping, live history demonstrations and seasonal treats; Candlelight Tours on December 12–13, showcasing centuries of yuletide traditions; and a Holiday House tours on select dates throughout December.

FESTIVE HOTEL OFFERINGS:

NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay this Winter
On sale from November | Citywide
New York City Tourism + Conventions’ NYC Hotel Week^SM will return as part of NYC Winter Outing^SM. Give the gift of New York City with discounts on hotel stays at over 100 hotels. The program will go live in January 2026.

Holiday Happenings at Loews Regency New York
November-January | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Celebrate the holiday season in style at Loews Regency New York with festive decor, complimentary champagne and hot cocoa every Friday and Saturday in December, and holiday-inspired cocktails. As part of the new Fizz by Loews Hotels program, The Regency Bar & Grill will also serve holiday-inspired, soda-centric drinks. Guests can enjoy special seasonal menus for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s, pamper themselves with beauty services at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa and shop for unique gifts like the hotel’s hand-painted ornaments or a scented candle.

Holiday Cheer and the Suitest Season of All offering at The Plaza Hotel
November 12–January 5 | Midtown Manhattan
The Plaza Hotel offers a luxurious holiday experience with its Suitest Season of All package, featuring festive suite decor, a 7-foot holiday tree and seasonal amenities. Guests can also enjoy themed experiences like the Home Alone package, living out Kevin’s adventures, and savor holiday dining options such as Christmas Day Afternoon Tea and Champagne Bar specials. For a festive shopping experience, The Plaza Boutique offers exclusive holiday gifts and Eloise-themed items, all set against the hotel’s iconic Fifth Avenue backdrop.

Spend the Holidays in New York City at LUMA Hotel Times Square
Select dates from November 27–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
LUMA Hotel Times Square rings in the holidays with special packages giving guests prime access to NYC’s iconic celebrations, from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Times Square Ball Drop. Visitors can savor seasonal dining at celebrated Chef Charlie Palmer’s AperiBar, enjoy festive holiday dinners and keepsakes, and access 42nd Street for a front-row view of the New Year’s Eve ball drop.

Letters to Santa at Lotte New York Palace
December | Midtown Manhattan
Lotte New York Palace transforms into a festive holiday destination, complete with elegant décor, a towering courtyard Christmas tree and seasonal experiences for all ages. Young guests can send personalized postcards to Santa via the hotel’s North Pole mailbox and receive a handwritten reply “from the desk of Santa Claus” delivered to their room, while weekends bring the chance to meet Santa in the lobby for photos and holiday wishes. Additional offerings include cozy holiday suites in collaboration with Balsam Hill and the Winter Bar at the Palace, serving hot chocolate, warm winter cocktails and sweet treats.

New Year’s Eve Exclusive Offer at M Social Hotel Times Square
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Ring in the New Year at the Times Square Ball Drop with an exclusive package from M Social Hotel Times Square. Guests can enjoy 10 percent off rooms with full or partial views of the iconic ball and experience the excitement of the countdown up close.

The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Experience atop Times Square at The Knickerbocker
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Ring in the New Year at The Knickerbocker Hotel, just 150 feet below the Times Square Ball, with the closest live view available. Celebrate the City’s 400th anniversary and the hotel’s 120th with gourmet dining at Charlie Palmer, a premium open bar, live entertainment and a Dom Pérignon toast for an unforgettable night.

Ring in 2025 at New York Marriott Marquis
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Ring in the New Year in the heart of Times Square at the New York Marriott Marquis. Enjoy spacious rooms, prime views of the ball drop, and unforgettable celebrations that make for lasting memories. Guests can also savor festive dining, drinks and entertainment throughout the evening for a complete holiday experience.

ICE-SKATING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Festive shopping at New York City’s Holiday Markets
Throughout the holiday season | Manhattan & Brooklyn
Visitors can sip hot cocoa and bundle up to shop for the perfect holiday gifts at the city’s signature outdoor markets-Union Square Holiday Market, the Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market-or opt for indoor browsing at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea. On the Upper West Side the Grand Holiday Bazaar offers both indoor and outdoor shopping, while the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market in Downtown Brooklyn features 100 vendors showcasing locally made goods.

Wollman Rink
October–March | Central Park, Manhattan
Wollman Rink’s ice-skating season returns this October with a landmark celebration of 75 years. A quintessential New York City winter tradition, the rink has welcomed generations of locals and visitors to skate against Manhattan’s iconic skyline. This season Wollman Rink continues its commitment to accessibility through partnerships with IDNYC, Culture Pass and the Wollman Rink Access Program, while also offering lessons through the Wollman Rink Skate School. Special programming, family-friendly activities and celebratory events will be announced throughout the winter in honor of its 75th season.

The Rink at Bryant Park
Late October–Early March | Midtown Manhattan
NYC’s beloved Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park invites visitors to enjoy the City’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, a vibrant holiday market with over 180 shops and a cozy rinkside bar and food hall at The Lodge. Winter Village typically opens in late October and remains open daily through early March, with new events and things to do in January and February including Bumper Cars on Ice.

Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises
November 17 throughout the holiday season | Manhattan
Sail into the holiday season aboard Classic Harbor Line’s elegant 1920s-style yachts, taking in sweeping views of the New York City skyline while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats and live entertainment. Highlights include Cocoa & Carols Cruises, featuring “Broadway-caliber” musicians. From holiday brunches and festive cruises with carols to a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks, each voyage offers a unique holiday experience on the water, complete with unforgettable views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises Aboard the
November 27–January 1 | Manhattan
Celebrate the holidays on the water with festive dining cruises in New York City on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s, complete with live entertainment. Guests can enjoy seasonal décor, gourmet meals and stunning city views from climate-controlled interior decks as the yachts glide along the East and Hudson Rivers. New Year’s Eve cruises also feature a fireworks display and an open bar.

NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park
December 31–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
Kick off 2026 with the NYRR Midnight Run, welcoming the new year with energy and excitement. As 2025 draws to a close, the countdown starts at 11:59 pm, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight signals the start of the four-mile race.

Coney Island Polar Plunge
January 1 | Coney Island, Brooklyn
Every January 1 the Polar Bear Club and daring participants dive into the icy waters at Coney Island. Spectators are welcome to watch as hundreds of thrill-seekers plunge into the freezing Atlantic Ocean. The event is free to attend, though participants are encouraged to make donations to support local community organizations in place of an entry fee.

About New York City Tourism + Conventions

New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.