The holiday season is referred to as the most wonderful time of year. There’s shimmering lights, festive Christmas trees, baked gingerbread, and pure joy. And every year, when November rolls around, we can get into the holiday spirit and revel in all that is merry and bright. Since there is no other city that does the holidays quite like New York,let’s celebrate the holidays like a true-blue New Yorker; here are the most magical holiday things to do in NYC this year.
1. Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree:
One of the most magical holiday things to do in NYC is to see the iconic Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. This year, the official lighting ceremony will take place on November 29, which will be sure to beautifully brighten the holiday season. Tourists from all over the world, along with native New Yorkers, come to see this stunning tree that is lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight until January 13. The tree’s branches are wrapped with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights, and in 2018, Architect Daniel Libeskind designed the three-dimensional Swarovski star topper that weighs 900 pounds and is comprised of three million gorgeous crystals. (Now that is what fellow Swifties like to call Bejeweled.)
2. Take a Tour of the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights:
The Dyker Heights lights certainly deserve mention as one of the most magical holiday things to do in NYC. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is home to some of New York’s most spirited, over-the-top, unbelievable holiday decorations that feature your not so average Christmas lights, snowmen, Santas, sleighs, and even some classic Christmas carols playing from loudspeakers. The Kings County neighborhood attracts crowds of all ages who wander down the avenues and multiple blocks, basking in the seasonal spirit and admiring the mesmerizing holiday light displays. Typically, homes in Dyker Heights are decorated from early November through early January.
An official holiday lights tour of Dyker Heights is the perfect way to garner unadulterated holiday spirit. (Plus, it’s nice to not be the one maneuvering through holiday traffic, am I right?) Our parent company, Silver Star Transportation, offers a NYC Holiday Lights Tour By Limousine, which truly elevates your sightseeing adventure. You can blissfully sip champagne and soft drinks from the comfort of a private limousine and see all the dazzling holiday lights in Brooklyn and Manhattan that will include Dyker Heights, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and the exquisite view from the Brooklyn Bridge. And since this is a private tour, you can stop whenever you would like to take those picturesque photos. Book this holiday lights tour and joyfully savor the NYC sparkle that will fulfill all of your wildest holiday dreams.
3. Walk Around the Winter Village in Bryant Park:
One of the most magical holiday things to do in NYC is to peruse Bryant Park’s winter village, which always comes through with the most incredible holiday market. This winter wonderland of a village hosts more than 180 shopping and food kiosks. (I went last year and could not stop oohing and ahhing theentire time.) You can shop for unique, handmade gifts, sample mouth-watering treats, and sip on hot beverages during those brisk afternoons. Plus, as a little holiday boost, you can even partake in some seasonal ice skating at Bryant Park’s idyllic outdoor rink and dine at The Lodge, the rinkside pop-up restaurant that is renowned for holiday cocktails and festive food. Bryant Park’s winter village is also showcasing their Small Business Spotlight Booth, which shines a light on local, minority-owned business. The winter village in Bryant Park is open until March 3, 2024.
4. Partake in the New York Botanical Garden GLOW Experience:
If you are craving nature and holiday lights, New York Botanical Garden’s GLOW will be one of the most magical holiday things to do in NYC. After sundown, you can walk through the gorgeous grounds of Bronx’s Botanical Garden, which will be lit up with energy-efficient LED lights and all the whimsical holiday installations your heart desires. The glowing experience will light the lovely surrounding gardens, along with the collections of the Haupt Conservatory and the Mertz Library Building, which will feature the sparkling holiday centerpieces of the night. This event is perfect for families who are seeking that holiday photo opportunity with a remarkable backdrop, and light refreshments will be offered at the outdoor bars or the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up as well. GLOW is open November 17, 24, 25; December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26-30; January 6, 13, and each night runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
5. Attend The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes:
If you want a taste of a traditional Christmas in New York, the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes will be one of the most magical holiday things to do in NYC. This family-friendly Christmas show will be sure to provide holiday entertainment that highlights wooden soldiers, reindeer, Santa, and of course, plenty of wondrous dancing. In recent years, more captivating costumes, music, and technology have been incorporated into the performance that will truly win over every audience member who is hoping for a holiday lift. The Christmas Spectacular runs from November 17 until January 1, 2024.
6. Bask in All That Is Gingerbread — Gingerbread Lane:
Gingerbread Lane is the brilliant brain child of Jon Lovitch, an artist who has been working on an extraordinary gingerbread display that can be found inside Chelsea Market from November 26 to January 7. Gingerbread Lane is a cozy dreamscape of gingerbread creations; you can expect to see about 1,000 gingerbread homes, stores, bakeries, breweries, dance studios, pizzerias, and so many detailed nods to NYC-inspired landmarks such as an ice rink like the one in Rockefeller Center and pink nutcrackers from the decor at the esteemed Essex House. This art display is both sweet and unforgettable.
‘Tis the season to get into the holiday spirit, and there is nothing quite like New York during the holidays. Whether you visit the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, tour the holiday lights in Dyker Heights, walk around Bryant Park’s Winter Village or New York Botanical Garden’s GLOW, catch the marvelous Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, or bask in Gingerbread Lane, there’s plenty of magical holiday things to do in NYC. One might even say that this is the hap-happiest season of all.
