ANNUAL NYC HOLIDAY GUIDE
By Patricia Canole
It’s the most beautiful time of the year when New York City finds its magic in the 50,000 twinkling lights on the Rockefeller Tree. And, of course, there’s always the wish for a blanket of pure white snow that turns Central Park into a winter wonderland. Christmas in New York is a memorable experience for young and old. And although this year will be more social distancing and virtual, it will still be filled with magical moments. So, unwrap your festivities with this holiday guide, where we highlight the best events to attend, and the best sights right into 2021!
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade November 26th
This beloved holiday tradition of larger-than-life balloons and dazzling floats has been transformed into a TV-only experience that will be aired on NBC for all to enjoy. The 94th annual parade will feature Broadway performances by Hamilton, Mean Girls, Jagged Little Pill, and Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.
Info: macys.com/social/parade/
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2nd
Bringing joy and Christmas spirit to the city, the 88th annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on December 2nd from 7 – 10pm with no public access. However, all are invited to view the live national broadcast “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” from home on NBC.
Info:rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/
New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31st / January 1st
Each year, millions of viewers watch the Times Square Ball Drop from NYC and around the globe, and this year, for the first time ever, the event will be televised only with the traditional ball drop, live performances, and special guest to be announced. Info: timessquarenyc.org/times-square-new-years-eve
ICE SKATING RINKS
The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park Now through March 7th
Enjoy the city’s only free, outdoor ice skating rink in Midtown at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Advanced ticket purchases are required.
Info: bryantpark.org/amenities/the-rink
The Rink at Brookfield Place
The Rink at Brookfield Place provides skaters of all levels a spot to take lessons or skate on their own while enjoying views of the Hudson River and surrounding cityscape. Info: bfplny.com/attractions/the-rink/
Wollman Rink at Central Park Now through March 2021
Situated in the heart of Manhattan at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue, the iconic Wollman Rink offers spectacular views of the skyline and programs that cater to the entire family—ideal for all skating enthusiasts. Info: wollmanskatingrink.com/
Rink at Rockefeller Center Now through January 17th
The world-famous skating rink will open for the holiday season, with advanced tickets. Ice skaters also have the option of purchasing VIP packages in partnership with City Winery. Info: skatingatrockcenter.com.
HOLIDAY MARKETS/WINDOW DISPLAYS
Holiday Fair at Grand Center Market Now through December 24th
This holiday attraction for the whole family returns to the iconic Vanderbilt Hall featuring handmade home goods, toys, art, accessories, jewelry plus men’s, women’s and children’s apparel.
Info: grandcentralterminal.com/holiday-fair/
Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle Now through December 24th
Spend time shopping for that perfect gift and dine under the stars, daily, from 4 – 7pm. The Shops at Columbus Circle where a dozen 14-foot stars hang from the ceiling and illuminate to the beat of holiday music in the Great Room overlooking Central Park.
Info: theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com/events/holiday-under-the-stars-2020/
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Now through March 2021
In addition to one of the most popular ice skating rinks in NYC, the Winter Village provides must-buy gifts and winter activities at the Holiday Shops. For a festive cocktail or bite to eat, check out The Lodge Deck by Urbanspace.
Info: bryantpark.org/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park
Window Displays at Macy’s Herald Square & Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn Now through January 1st
Thank you, Gracias, Merci, all multilingual expressions of gratitude, will be the centerpiece of Macy’s flagship world-famous windows, taking the form of a thank you letter to first responders, essential workers, marchers for equality, and New Yorkers who showed their grit and hopeful spirit during a difficult year. Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn will also host a celebratory “Thank You” to the city.
This year, Macy’s is also bringing Santa Claus to every home through Santaland, where children of all ages can take an interactive online journey through the North Pole and NYC and take a virtual selfie with Santa himself November 27th through December 24th. Info: l.macys.com/new-york-ny
Window Displays & Saks Lights Up Fifth Avenue at Saks Fifth Avenue Now through December 23rd
Saks’ theme for the holiday season, This is How We Celebrate, shines a light on the importance of spending time with loved ones and the different ways people and places celebrate. The theme comes to life in their holiday window display, which brings a different quintessential New York moment to life in each scene. The iconic holiday windows and 10-story-tall theatrical light show will reveal a reimagined, one-of-a-kind event concept titled, “Saks Lights Up Fifth Avenue”. Saks will host several intimate ceremonies with prominent members of the fashion and entertainment communities, as well as NYC notables, lighting up the Saks New York flagship each night. Info: laas.labs.mastercard.com/Saks/
“Give Happy” Holiday Campaign at Bloomingdales Now through December 31st
The reinvented “Give Happy” holiday campaign will come to life through an exclusive Virtual Holiday Benefit on November 23rd featuring singer and songwriter Andra Day, innovative activations wit charitable components, digital experiences, new services, and holiday window displays. Info: bloomingdales.com
HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden Now through January 31st
Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of famous NYC landmarks each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Due to limited capacity and tickets this year, the Train Show can only be viewed by a Member, Patron, Corporate Member, or Bronx Community Partner. Info: nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/
The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
November 25th through January 10th
An annual tradition for more than 40years, the Origami Tree is a beloved New York City holiday offering. This year’s tree features 1,000 colored origami cranes, representing peace and good wishes at the city continues to be challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Info: amnh.org/exhibitions/origami-holiday-tree
Christmas Tree & Hanukkah Lamp at The Met November 27th through January 6th
The Met continues a longstanding holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree, a magnificently lit, 20-foot blue spruce that looms over a vivid 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene, enshrined in an abundant array of life-like figures with silk-robbed angels hovering above.
The Met will also have a spectacular silver Hanukkah lamp on display, generously on loan from the Moldovan Family Collection. Both beautiful and functional, this remarkable lamp connects the lamp to centuries of Hanukkah celebrations across Jewish communities throughout the world. Info: metmuseum.org
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS & LIGHT SHOWS
Harlem Holiday Lights Now through December 31st
Each holiday season, Harlem’s 125th Street is illuminated with more than 10,000 festive LED lights across nine blocks, from Broadway to Fifth Avenue. The annual Turn On the Lights event will be live streamed this year, enabling all to watch the iconic thoroughfare light up with festive light and window displays, as well as a caravan of decorated floats traveling around Harlem to safely greet participating buildings and businesses. Info: harlemlightitup.vamonde.com
Holiday Lights at Bronx Zoo Now through January 10th
During this festive celebration, visitors can enjoy five animal lantern safaris, as well as holiday-themed music, ice-carving demonstrations, costumed characters, stilt walkers, souvenirs, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate and s’mores. Info: bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
LuminoCity Festival November 27th through January 10th
A spectacular light show which debuted for the first time last year on Randall’s Island, LuminoCity will feature several acres of new light art installations and sculptures inspired by nature, history, and magic.
Info: luminocityfestival.com
GLOW at New York Botanical Garden November 27th through January 9th
The New York Botanical Garden features a gorgeous outdoor light show, illuminating its landmark gardens and the Haupt Conservatory on 14 select nights. As part of the experience, visitors will also be able to enjoy artistic ice sculptures, music, roving dancers, and more outdoor fun. Info: nybg.org/event/nybg-glow/
Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn December 10th through December 17th
The annual lighting of Brooklyn’s largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza will take place each night, kicking off with a socially distanced celebration on December 10th. Info: largestmenorah.com