Discover the best 2025 holiday events in New York City: markets, lights, shows, skating, and iconic celebrations across the five boroughs.
New York City is never short on spectacle, but when December rolls in, the five boroughs transform into a holiday metropolis unlike anywhere else in the world.
From world-famous tree lightings and Broadway spectaculars to immersive light festivals, waterfront markets, ice-skating rinks, and neighborhood traditions that feel straight out of a movie, the 2025 holiday events in New York City are gearing up to deliver a record-breaking season of magic.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker navigating the winter rush or a traveler chasing that iconic NYC holiday dream, the 2025 holiday events in New York City will redefine everything you thought a winter celebration could be.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting remains one of the most anticipated holiday traditions on Earth. The 2025 ceremony will feature enhanced LED mapping technology, televised performances, and expanded viewing zones around the plaza to accommodate massive crowds.
“This tree is a symbol of hope,” says event producer Allison Monroe. “And every year, New Yorkers show up like they’re seeing it for the first time.”
Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/
Contact: info@rockefellercenter.com
Arrive at least two hours early for a view—this is peak NYC festive energy.
Bryant Park Winter Village
The beloved Bryant Park Winter Village brings a European-style holiday market to Midtown, with more than 180 artisan shops, restaurant pop-ups, cozy heated igloos, and the city’s only free-admission ice rink. For 2025, the village unveils a snow-inspired light tunnel and a rotating chef series featuring NYC culinary stars.
Location: Bryant Park, 42nd St. & 6th Ave.
Website: https://bryantpark.org/
Contact: (212) 768-4242
Pro tip: Try the rink-side hot chocolate—it’s famously addictive.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
One of the most recognizable performances in the world, the 2025 Radio City Christmas Spectacular returns with reimagined choreography, immersive LED backdrops, and a new number themed around NYC’s holiday past. The Rockettes’ precision kicks remain a non-negotiable seasonal tradition.
“New York doesn’t feel like Christmas until you see the Rockettes,” says longtime attendee Arlene Vega.
Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave.
Website: https://www.radiocity.com/
Contact: (866) 858-0007
This sells out every year—grab tickets early.
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights festival features illuminated animal sculptures, multimedia displays, costumed performers, and themed light trails across the zoo’s sprawling grounds. The 2025 festival adds interactive “Bio-Lumina Creatures,” a glowing underwater world crafted from sustainable materials.
Location: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
Website: https://bronxzoo.com/
Contact: (718) 367-1010
A brilliant option for families—or anyone who loves good lighting design.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood turns suburban streets into an over-the-top holiday theme park. Homeowners compete in a friendly rivalry of light shows, animatronics, inflatables, and live caroler appearances. The 2025 season predicts more participation from newly renovated blocks.
Location: Dyker Heights (83rd–86th St., 11th–13th Ave.)
Website: https://www.dykerheightschristmaslights.com/
Contact: Tour info via website
Visit after 6 p.m.—and bring your warmest coat.
Union Square Holiday Market
With more than 150 curated vendors, the Union Square Holiday Market remains a favorite for New Yorkers who prefer handcrafted gifts, independent brands, and global cuisine. The 2025 market expands with a sustainable “Zero-Waste Village” showcasing eco-conscious artisans.
Location: Union Square Park
Website: https://urbanspacenyc.com/
Contact: info@urbanspacenyc.com
A bustling, cozy place to shop for meaningful presents.
LuminoCity Festival on Randall’s Island
The LuminoCity Festival is an immersive art and light experience featuring giant lantern sculptures, themed worlds, animatronic displays, and interactive performances. The **2025 theme—“Legends of Light”—**introduces myth-inspired zones with projection-mapped storytelling.
Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY
Website: https://www.luminocityfestival.com/
Contact: info@luminocityus.com
Bring your best camera—the visuals here are insane.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating at The Rink beneath Rockefeller Center’s iconic tree is peak NYC holiday nostalgia. For 2025, themed nights include the return of Hot Chocolate Skate, Broadway Musical Skate, and a disco-themed “Snow & Soul” night.
Location: Rockefeller Plaza
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/
Contact: rink@rockefellercenter.com
It’s pricey—but worth it at least once in your life.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree & Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
The Met’s annual Christmas Tree, adorned with 18th-century Baroque angels, cherubs, and a detailed Neapolitan nativity, is one of NYC’s most elegant holiday traditions. The 2025 installation features enhanced spotlighting and a newly restored angel figurine.
Location: 1000 5th Ave., New York, NY
Website: https://www.metmuseum.org/
Contact: (212) 535-7710
Quiet, reverent, and perfect for museum lovers.
Why 2025 Holiday Events in New York City Are More Magical Than Ever
NYC thrives during the holidays because no city mixes nostalgia, culture, scale, and creative innovation quite like it. The 2025 holiday events in New York City are leaning into immersive experiences—think AI-driven displays, sustainable installations, revamped performances, and neighborhood celebrations that bridge old and new. From Midtown’s glowing skyscraper canyons to Brooklyn’s residential wonderlands, Manhattan’s iconic shows to the Bronx’s illuminated zoo trails, New York’s holiday season is a masterclass in spectacle.
It’s not just festive—it’s unforgettable.
Why You Must Experience 2025 Holiday Events in New York City
Make the Most of 2025 Holiday Events in New York City
Whether you’re a visitor chasing the dream or a local looking to reclaim the magic, the 2025 holiday events in New York City promise a winter season filled with light, culture, spectacle, and pure NYC heart. Wander boldly, plan ahead, and let the world’s most iconic city show you why December belongs to New York.
Discover the best 2025 holiday events in New York City—markets, lights, shows, skating, and iconic celebrations across the five boroughs.
