New York City’s
Winter Activities
new York City’s
Winter Activities
new York City’s
Winter Activities
Holiday Markets
Discover the best New York City holiday markets this winter. From Bryant Park to Union Square, explore festive stalls filled with seasonal treats, unique gifts, and holiday cheer in the heart of NYC.
Location:
Between West 40th & 42nd Sts, between 5th & 6th Avenues
Dates / Hours:
October 24, 2025 - March 1, 2026, 11am–8pm for the stalls
Winter Village - Bryant Park
Location:
At Union Square Park (14th Street & Broadway)
Dates/Hours:
Approximate dates Nov 13–Dec 24, 11am–8pm on weekdays, earlier start (~10am) on Saturdays.
Union Square Holiday Market
Location:
At the southwest corner of Central Park (West 59th Street & Broadway)
Dates/Hours:
December 2 - December 31 (closed Christmas Day). Hours roughly 11am –8pm Mon–Fri; 7pm closing on Sundays
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
ICE SKATING
Enjoy ice skating in New York City at iconic rinks like Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s Wollman Rink. Perfect for families, couples, and visitors, NYC ice rinks offer magical winter experiences with city skyline views.
Address:
600 5th Ave (between W 49th & W 50th Sts)
Pricing:
General admission- US$22- $124
Skate rental:
~$12 extra
Notes:
Very iconic, prime holiday-time location
Address:
Central Park at 63rd Street
Pricing:
Adults ~ US$16 - $38, Children (ages 4-12) and seniors ~ US$10
Skate rental:
~$12
Notes:
Iconic setting in Central Park with scenic city skyline views
Address:
Between West 40th & 42nd Sts, between 5th & 6th Avenues
Pricing:
Admission is free if you bring your own skates
Skate rental:
~$15-$50 depending on date/time
Notes:
Free admission — reserve a time slot online
NYC Holiday Landmarks
Explore New York City holiday landmarks this winter season. From the sparkling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to festive window displays on Fifth Avenue and the illuminated streets of Dyker Heights, NYC shines with holiday magic.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Location:
At Rockefeller Center Plaza, between West 49th & 50th Streets, Fifth & Sixth Avenues.
Decoration:
50,000+ LED lights, Swarovski star (~900 lbs)
Tree arrives:
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Lighting ceremony:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Saks Fifth Avenue
Location:
Fifth Avenue, Midtown Manhattan (42nd St → 59th St)
Highlights:
Holiday light show + themed window displays
Light show:
Daily ~5 PM–11 PM, late Nov → early Jan
Nearby luxury stores:
Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Apple, and more — all decorate their façades and windows with creative festive themes.
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Famous for residential over-the-top holiday lights
Best streets:
11th–13th Avenues, 83rd–86th Streets
Notable houses:
Spata House (1152 84th St), Polizzotto House (1145 84th St)
When to visit:
Late Nov → Early Jan, best dusk–9 PM weekdays
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (990 Washington Ave near Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY)
Experience:
A night‐time, outdoor light‐art trail, with over 1 million LED lights, immersive sculptures, installations, music and seasonal treats.
Dates:
Nov 21, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Pricing:
Adult tickets $29 ~ $44, Kids ~US$15–28.
Best Christmas-Decorated Restaurants
Step into the most Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City, where twinkling lights, festive interiors, and seasonal menus turn every meal into a holiday experience.
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