LovelyNYC · The season

The Holiday Almanac

New York, winter 2026–27

Holiday markets, ice skating, the Fifth Avenue windows and the season's big dates, all checked against the organizers' own pages.

Dates checked on the organizers’ own pages, October 15, 2026

Holiday MarketsNYC Holiday Markets 2026Every major holiday market in New York for 2026, with opening dates, hours and how to get there, from Bryant Park's Winter Village to a weekend of makers at Industry City.9 listings →Ice SkatingIce Skating in NYC, 2026–27Where to skate in New York this winter, with season dates, hours and what it costs: free skating at Bryant Park, Central Park's Wollman Rink, Rockefeller Center and the $5 rink uptown.6 listings →Windows & LightsNYC Holiday Windows & Lights, 2026The Fifth Avenue windows, the Saks light show, the Rockefeller tree and Dyker Heights: when each one goes up in 2026, and how to see them in one walk.7 listings →ThanksgivingThanksgiving Dinner in NYC, 2026Fifteen New York restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with the price per person each one has published, from Carbone and Torrisi to Keens and Bubby's.15 listings →

The calendar

The season’s big dates, in order.

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Rockettes

A record 230 performances this season, with a new scene. A sensory-friendly show is Sun Nov 8 at 9:30am.

When: Nov 4, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027
Cost: From $50 at the box office, $55 online
Where: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave
Subway: B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center

Source: Official site ↗

Upper West Side to Herald SquareConfirmed for 2026

The 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The parade's hundredth year. Public viewing is along Central Park West, Central Park South and Sixth Avenue; Herald Square is a broadcast zone.

When: Thu Nov 26, 2026, 8:30am to about noon
Cost: Free street viewing
Where: From W 77th St & Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square
Subway: B/C along Central Park West; 1/A/B/C/D to 59 St–Columbus Circle

Source: Official site ↗

Lincoln Center, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet

Balanchine's 1954 staging, with the growing tree, the snowstorm and more than a hundred dancers and children. A sensory-friendly performance is listed for Jan 3.

When: Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Cost: Ticketed — see nycballet.com
Where: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
Subway: 1 to 66 St–Lincoln Center

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Broadcast live on NBC. The tree arrives on Saturday, November 7.

When: Wed Dec 2, 2026
Cost: Free; first come, first served
Where: Rockefeller Center

Source: Official site ↗

Manhattan & BrooklynConfirmed for 2026

Hanukkah and the Grand Army Plaza menorahs

Both giant menorahs are lit nightly, with music and latkes; 2026 lighting times are not yet posted.

When: Hanukkah begins at sundown Fri Dec 4 and ends at nightfall Sat Dec 12, 2026
Cost: Free
Where: Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Ave & 59th St (Manhattan) and Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn

Source: Official site ↗

Times Square, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

New Year's Eve in Times Square

No bags, chairs or alcohol, no restrooms and no re-entry once you leave. Nobody sells public viewing spots.

When: Thu Dec 31, 2026
Hours: Viewing areas open 3pm; the ball drops at 11:59pm
Cost: Free, no tickets
Where: Times Square; enter from Sixth or Eighth Ave at 45th, 49th, 52nd or 56th St

Source: Official site ↗