Holiday Happenings in NYC

Our favorite holiday shows, window displays, lights, and more to see in Manhattan

BY BARBARA RUSSO

Are you planning to take the kids to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree this holiday season? Catch a show with them? The city is so full of holiday fun, why not make a day of it and add some of these activities that are sure to wow your child and create magical memories? Read up on the best holiday activities for families in Manhattan below, plan which day you’ll make the trek across the bridge (or by ferry!), and be on your way to a merry and bright holiday season!

HOLIDAY WINDOWS

Every holiday season, the largest department stores in Manhattan unveil lavish holiday window displays. Viewing these holiday windows has become essential to the NYC holiday experience, whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas.

Macy’s Holiday Windows

151 W. 34 St., Herald Square

On your way to visit Santaland, stop to see the store’s iconic windows. Since 1874, Macy’s has created a destination in its holiday windows, bringing the spirit of the season to life in animated fashion. This season, Macy’s will feature a journey of discovery and triumph as a very special reindeer takes to the sky to help Santa Claus bring joy to millions of children, all made possible when she finally believed.

Bloomingdale’s

1000 Third Ave., Midtown

Get your Little Brown Bag ready for holiday shopping and sightseeing! One of the most impressive department stores in the city, Bloomingdale’s is not only a mecca for year-round shopping, but a great place to visit during the holiday season to see a beautiful holiday window display right in the heart of Midtown.

HOLIDAY SIGHTSEEING

Wherever you look, there’s something signature of this joyous time of year. There’s plenty to see and do throughout the borough, from ice-skating in Rockefeller Center to holiday shopping in Bryant Park and so much more in between. Here are our picks for holiday sightseeing, with some fun family activities sprinkled in!

Rockefeller Center

Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets, Midtown

The holiday season brings to mind a beautiful scene of ice-skating at Rockefeller Center with the majestic Christmas tree in the background. There are many places to ice-skate in NYC, but Rockefeller Center is a must-do holiday experience for everyone, whether you’re a native New Yorker, new resident, or visiting from out of town. The rink is open daily this holiday season, 9am-12am. Tickets are $20-54 for ages 6 and older; $8-22 for kids ages 5 and younger.

Bank of America Winter Village

Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth avenues and between 40th and 42nd streets, Midtown

Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a European-inspired open-air market, with each merchant housed in an individual “jewel box” kiosk. Browse more than 170 merchants from NYC and around the world. After you’re done shopping, take a spin on the ice! Unlike in Rockefeller Center, skating in Bryant Park is free (skate rentals are $15-$45).

American Museum of Natural History’s Origami Holiday Tree

200 Central Park West, Upper West Side

Visiting the museum this holiday season? Stop by and see the Origami Tree! As a celebration of the museum tradition that started in the early 1970s, the theme of the 13-foot tree is Gems of the Museum, featuring 50 specially created gold-colored models for the “golden anniversary” 50th Origami Holiday Tree. Among the more than 1,000 origami pieces decorating the tree will be models of dazzling specimens from the new Allison & Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, jaw-some pieces inspired by the new special exhibition Sharks, and those depicting iconic museum exhibits like the Blue Whale, Titanosaur, and T. rex. Reservations must be made online (amnh.org). General admission is $23 adults, $18 students and seniors, and $13 kids ages 3-12.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the Seaport’s Menorah Lighting, there’s so much dazzle throughout the city this time of year. Feeling overwhelmed with so many displays to see? Don’t know where to start? These are the must-sees!

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Rockefeller Plaza, between 48th and 51st streets, Midtown

The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1, and the tree will shine bright with more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights. After the official ceremony, which will be broadcast live on NBC, the tree will be lit daily from 6am-12am for all to enjoy. This year’s tree made headlines as the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to come from Maryland!

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards

Between Tenth and Twelfth avenues, from 30th to 34th streets, Chelsea

Presented by Wells Fargo, Shine Bright features more than 2 million lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square and Gardens, Edge, and Vessel.

Brookfield Place Luminaries

230 Vesey St., Battery Park City

Luminaries, a mesmerizing display of colorful lanterns designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group, returns to Brookfield Place with a new experience called Maestro. It allows visitors to conduct the canopy using a gesture-controlled instrument to display their own unique light shows in unison with holiday music. Maestro runs Dec. 4-7, 11-12, and 16-19, 10am-8pm. For added holiday fun, Luminaries features light shows set to holiday songs at the top of every hour, Nov. 29-Jan. 2, 2022, daily, 8am-10pm.

Holiday Lights Extravaganza Walking Tour

getyourguide.com

As part of this walking tour, you’ll visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the famous department store window displays, and many other holiday-decorated spots while learning about NYC’s festive traditions. The tour ranges from 3-4 hours and includes a 45-minute shopping excursion. Tickets are $50. Various dates available in December. Check the website for more information.

HOLIDAY SHOWS

Get your tickets in advance to one of these exciting holiday shows in Manhattan.

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule

Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown • rockettes.com

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, presented by Chase, is back this holiday season with performances at Radio City Music Hall! The Christmas Spectacular is a one-of-a-kind tradition where the magic of Christmas in New York comes alive. $49 and up.

Big Apple Circus

Through Jan. 30, 2022: See website for schedule

60 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Center • bigapplecircus.com

The Big Apple Circus returns to Lincoln Center and this time with world-renowned aerialist, high wire artist, and Guinness World Record holder, Nik Wallenda at the helm. Aptly titled Making The Impossible, Possible!, Wallenda has partnered with a team of live entertainment super producers from the circus world, live music, and Broadway to make Big Apple Circus more exciting by adding a modern flair to this beloved classic. $24 and up.

‘Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil

Dec. 9-21; see website for schedule

Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street, Midtown • msg.com

A different take on this classic tale, this Cirque du Soleil show is an acrobatic spectacle about the joys of sharing and friendship. It’s also the performance group’s first-ever Christmas show! $50 and up.

New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Through Jan. 2, 2022: See website for schedule

David H. Koch Theater 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Center • nycballet.com

The beloved tale, The Nutcracker, returns to Lincoln Center this year. Celebrate the season with beautiful costumes and sets and let the music and dance transport you to a land of enchantment. $60 and up.