Skip to content

The Holiday Almanac · December

Things to Do in NYC in December 2026

Everything worth your time in New York in December 2026: the tree lighting, four Messiahs, the Rockettes and the Nutcracker, Hanukkah's giant menorahs, Kwanzaa, Ailey at City Center, the holiday markets and light shows, and New Year's Eve from Times Square to a midnight run in Central Park.

Checked on the organizers’ own pages, October 19, 2026

December in New York starts with the Rockefeller Center tree lighting on Wednesday the 2nd and ends with the ball drop in Times Square. In between come eight nights of Hanukkah (from sundown on Friday, December 4), Christmas on a Friday, Kwanzaa from the 26th, and the shortest day of the year on Monday the 21st. The markets, rinks and light trails that opened in November run all month, and most stay into the new year.

It's also the city's great month for music: four Messiahs in one month, Ailey's holiday season at City Center, the Met's family Magic Flute, Unsilent Night's boombox procession through the Village, and Bernstein's New Year's Eve Concert for Peace at St. John the Divine. Every date below was checked on the organizer's own page on October 19, 2026. Where 2026 details aren't out yet we say so and give last year's pattern, and the list runs in date order, with the season-long shows placed at the start of the month.

Theater District, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Inter Alia, with Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike makes her Broadway debut in Suzie Miller's play about a London Crown Court judge, directed by Justin Martin. It comes from the National Theatre and the West End.

When
Previews from Tue Nov 10, 2026; opening night Tue Dec 1 (per press reports); runs through Feb 21, 2027
Cost
Ticketed; see official site
Where
Music Box Theatre, 239 W 45th St
Subway
N/Q/R/W, 1/2/3, 7, S to Times Sq–42 St; A/C/E to 42 St–Port Authority

It runs about 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission (per ticketing listings), and it's a limited engagement.

Source: Official site ↗

Theater District, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Galileo, a new Broadway musical

Raúl Esparza plays the astronomer in this rock musical by Danny Strong, Zoe Sarnak and Michael Weiner, directed by Michael Mayer, which premiered at Berkeley Rep.

When
Previews from Tue Nov 10, 2026; opening night Sun Dec 6 (per press reports)
Cost
Ticketed; see official site
Where
Shubert Theatre, 225 W 44th St
Subway
N/Q/R/W, 1/2/3, 7, S to Times Sq–42 St; A/C/E to 42 St–Port Authority

Esparza misses some performances, including Tuesdays, Dec 5 at 2pm and Dec 27, when Michael Park plays Galileo. The official ticket page lists them all.

Source: Official site ↗

BronxConfirmed for 2026

NYBG Holiday Train Show

Model trains run past nearly 200 New York landmarks built from bark, pinecones and other plant parts, inside the Victorian glasshouse. New this year is a botanical model of One Vanderbilt.

When
Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027
Hours
Tue–Sun 10am–6pm; open until 8pm on select evenings (Nov 27–29; Dec 5, 11, 12, 18–20, 26–30; Jan 2). Closed Dec 25
Cost
Timed tickets from $39 adults, $35 seniors and students, $27 children 2–12 (prices vary by date)
Where
Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
Subway
Metro-North Harlem Line to Botanical Garden, about 20 minutes from Grand Central; or B/D/4 to Bedford Park Blvd, then the Bx26 bus

Book one of the evening dates to see it after dark, and allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes from the train: the station's pedestrian overpass is closed.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

BronxConfirmed for 2026

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Six lantern-safari trails, tunnels of light and a musical light show at Astor Court fill the zoo on select nights. New this year, the Children's Zoo farmyard, World of Darkness and World of Reptiles stay open for the event.

When
Select nights, Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Hours
Entry 1–8pm, lights on at 4:30pm, closes 9pm
Cost
Any-night tickets $42.95 adults, $27.95 children 3–12, $37.95 seniors; advance only, rain or shine
Where
Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx (Gate B, Bronx River entrance)
Subway
2 to Pelham Pkwy, then walk west to Gate B; or 2/5 to West Farms Sq–E Tremont Av

Arrive at 1pm on the same ticket to see the animals in daylight, then stay for the lights. The nights run Nov 21–22 and 27–29, Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23 and 26–31, and Jan 2–3.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Prospect Heights, BrooklynConfirmed for 2026

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The garden's after-dark light trail returns with large-scale light installations set to a soundtrack along a wheelchair-accessible route. There are 21-and-over nights on Thursdays, December 10 and 17.

When
Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Hours
Evenings, timed entry
Cost
Adults $29 on Value nights, $39 Off-Peak, $44 Peak; children 3–11 $15–$28; under 3 free
Where
Brooklyn Botanic Garden; the trail starts at the Visitor Center, 990 Washington Ave
Subway
2/3 to Eastern Pkwy–Brooklyn Museum; 4/5 to Franklin Av

Value nights cost $15 less per adult than Peak nights; book early-season weeknights.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Hudson Yards, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards

More than two million lights, 725 evergreens and a 32-foot hot-air-balloon centerpiece in the Great Room, with the Vessel lit for the season from a ceremony on Monday, November 16. Free photos with Santa run on weekday evenings, 5–8pm, from November 27 to December 23.

When
Nov 16, 2026 – Jan 7, 2027
Hours
Lights on throughout the season; shops Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 11am–7pm
Cost
Free; free photos with Santa
Where
The Shops at Hudson Yards and the Vessel, West 33rd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues
Subway
7 to 34 St–Hudson Yards

Walk the High Line south at dusk afterwards; it starts right outside.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Herald Square, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Macy's Santaland, rebuilt for 2026

Macy's has rebuilt Santaland from scratch this year, with a new walk-through journey to Santa and a virtual queue: you check in at your reserved time and browse the store instead of standing in line. Its Holiday Square market of 20-plus vendors on the lower level opens October 30.

When
Opens Fri Nov 27, 2026; free reservations open Fri Nov 20
Hours
During store hours: Mon–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 11am–9pm
Cost
Free with a reservation; photo packages from $44.99; VIP visits $250 for up to eight people
Where
Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th St, 8th floor
Subway
B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W to 34 St–Herald Sq

Free reservations open on November 20 and are released seven days ahead; set a reminder. Macy's says it will try to fit in walk-ups but can't promise.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

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 Ctr

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

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.

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

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Winter Village at Bryant Park

The 25th season of the city's best-known holiday market: glass-kiosk shops ringing a free-admission ice rink, plus The Lodge, a rinkside food hall.

When
Oct 28, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Hours
Mon–Fri 11am–8pm; Sat–Sun 10am–8pm
Cost
Free to browse
Where
Bryant Park, W 42nd St between Fifth and Sixth Aves
Subway
B/D/F/M to 42 St–Bryant Park; 7 to 5 Av

Go on a weekday afternoon, then stay for the rink lights after dark.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Grand Central Holiday Fair

About forty handmade, made-in-the-US artisan booths indoors in the Beaux-Arts Vanderbilt Hall — the market to save for a cold or rainy day.

When
Nov 9 – Dec 24, 2026
Hours
Nov 9–Dec 16: Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm; Dec 17–23: daily 10am–8pm; Christmas Eve 10am–6pm; closed Thanksgiving Day
Where
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St
Subway
4/5/6/7/S to Grand Central–42 St

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Upper West Side, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

A compact makers' market at the southwest corner of Central Park: art, jewelry, home goods and snacks, with the park right behind it.

When
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2026
Hours
Mon–Thu 11am–7pm; Fri–Sun 10am–8pm
Cost
Free
Where
Merchants' Gate entrance to Central Park, W 59th St & Central Park West
Subway
1/A/B/C/D to 59 St–Columbus Circle

Source: Organizer ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

The 90th season of the most famous rink in the world, under the tree from early December. Timed tickets online; prices climb at peak times.

When
Open since Oct 10, 2026 (90th season); closing date not yet announced
Hours
Seasonal hours not yet published on the official site
Cost
General skate from $22 for a 60-minute session; skate rental $12
Where
Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th & 50th Sts
Subway
B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Central Park, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Wollman Rink, Central Park

Skating under the Midtown skyline at the southern end of Central Park. Timed-entry tickets online or at the box office.

When
Oct 24, 2026 – Mar 16, 2027
Hours
Mon–Tue 10am–2:30pm; Wed–Thu 10am–9pm; Fri–Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–9pm
Cost
Adults $16 / $28 / $40 (off-peak, peak, prime); kids 4–12 and seniors $12; rental $12
Where
Central Park, enter at 59th St & Sixth Ave
Subway
N/R/W to 5 Av/59 St; F to 57 St

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Saks Fifth Avenue Windows & Light Show

This year's campaign is "Main Character Energy": six animated windows and a facade light show facing the Rockefeller tree across Fifth Avenue.

When
From Mon Nov 23, 2026
Hours
2026 show times not yet announced (in 2025: every 10 minutes, 5–11pm)
Cost
Free
Where
611 Fifth Ave, between 49th & 50th Sts
Subway
B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center

Source: Press ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Financial District, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Handel's Messiah, Trinity Church Wall Street

Handel specialist Nicholas McGegan conducts the Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra in the full oratorio, played on period instruments.

When
Wed Dec 2 – Fri Dec 4, 2026, 7pm
Cost
Ticketed; see trinitychurchnyc.org
Where
Trinity Church, 89 Broadway at Wall St
Subway
4/5 or 2/3 to Wall St; R/W to Rector St

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center

Ailey's five-week holiday season includes world premieres by Jamar Roberts (Power of Love, honoring Luther Vandross) and Yue Yin, the company premiere of Forsythe's In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Revelations.

When
Wed Dec 2, 2026 – Sun Jan 3, 2027
Hours
Most evenings 7:30pm; matinees 2pm
Cost
From $45 (fees included)
Where
New York City Center, 131 W 55th St
Subway
N/Q/R/W to 57 St–7 Av; F to 57 St

The program changes from night to night, so check the schedule if you want a particular piece.

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

The Rockefeller Center tree lighting

The 2026 tree arrives at the plaza on Saturday, November 7, and is lit at the annual ceremony on December 2, broadcast live on NBC. After the season the tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity and milled into lumber.

When
Wed Dec 2, 2026
Hours
2026 broadcast time not yet posted. In 2025 the show began at 8pm and the tree was lit just before 10pm.
Cost
Free to watch from the public viewing areas
Where
30 Rockefeller Plaza, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, West 49th to 50th Streets
Subway
B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr

Honestly, watch it on TV. In 2025 police closed Fifth and Sixth Avenues from 46th to 52nd Streets, and the first people in line arrived before 2pm. See the tree in person the next morning instead.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Herald Square, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Herald Holiday Market

Holiday stalls along the Broadway plazas outside Macy's flagship — easy to pair with the Macy's windows.

When
Dec 3, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Hours
Mon–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun 11am–7pm
Cost
Free
Where
Broadway plazas from W 32nd to W 36th St
Subway
B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W to 34 St–Herald Sq

Source: Organizer ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

2026TBA

Midtown, Manhattan and Park Slope, Brooklyn2026 not yet announced

Giant menorah lightings, Fifth Avenue and Grand Army Plaza

Chabad.org lists Hanukkah 2026 as beginning on the evening of Friday, Dec 4. Lighting times for the two giant menorahs haven't been announced yet; check chabad.org for the exact schedule. Each year the Lubavitch Youth Organization lights one in Manhattan, across from the Plaza Hotel, and Chabad of Park Slope lights one in Brooklyn.

When
Hanukkah runs Fri Dec 4 (evening) to Sat Dec 12, 2026; lighting times TBA
Cost
Free
Where
Fifth Ave at 59th St (Manhattan); Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn)
Subway
N/R/W to 5 Av/59 St (Manhattan); 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn)

Lightings move earlier on Friday for Shabbat and later on Saturday night.

Source: Organizer ↗

Chelsea, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Éliane Radigue: States of Listening, Dia Chelsea

Dia and Blank Forms restage Radigue's in-gallery sound installations from around 1970, with live performances of her synthesizer and acoustic works.

When
Opens Fri Dec 4, 2026; through Feb 13, 2027
Hours
Wed–Sat 12–6pm
Cost
Free
Where
Dia Chelsea, 537 W 22nd St
Subway
C/E to 23 St

A concert, Propositions Sonores, is listed for Sat Dec 5 at 3pm.

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Handel's Messiah, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue

The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys sings Messiah with the period-instrument ensemble New York Baroque Incorporated.

When
Tue Dec 8 and Thu Dec 10, 2026, 7:30pm
Cost
Ticketed; see saintthomaschurch.org
Where
Saint Thomas Church, 1 W 53rd St at Fifth Ave
Subway
E/M to 5 Av/53 St

These concerts usually sell out, so buy tickets early.

Source: Official site ↗

Lincoln Center, Upper West Side, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Handel's Messiah, New York Philharmonic

Jeannette Sorrell conducts the Philharmonic and Apollo's Singers, with soprano Jeanine De Bique, mezzo Rachael Wilson, tenor Ed Lyon and bass Paweł Horodyski.

When
Wed Dec 9 – Sun Dec 13, 2026; opens Dec 9 at 7pm
Cost
Ticketed; see nyphil.org for prices (free simulcast in the lobby)
Where
Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza
Subway
1 to 66 St–Lincoln Center

The performance is simulcast free on the hall's 50-foot Hauser Digital Wall, so you can watch without a ticket. It runs about 2.5 hours with an intermission.

Source: Official site ↗

Morningside Heights, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

The Joy of Christmas: Gloria in Excelsis!, Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra give the annual Christmas concert, featuring the Cathedral Choristers in their 125th-anniversary year.

When
Fri Dec 11, 2026, 7pm; Sat Dec 12, 2026, 4pm
Cost
Ticketed; see stjohndivine.org
Where
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St
Subway
1 to Cathedral Pkwy (110 St)

Source: Official site ↗

Lincoln Center, Upper West Side, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

The Magic Flute, Holiday Presentation, Metropolitan Opera

The Met's abridged, English-language family version of Mozart's opera returns for the holidays, with matinees and evening shows through Jan 2.

When
Fri Dec 11, 2026 (7pm) – Sat Jan 2, 2027
Cost
Ticketed; see metopera.org
Where
Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza
Subway
1 to 66 St–Lincoln Center

Dec 26 and Jan 2 each have noon and 6pm performances.

Source: Official site ↗

Greenwich Village to East Village, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Unsilent Night, Washington Square to Tompkins Square

Phil Kline leads his walking piece for boomboxes and phone speakers across the Village, with each person playing one of four tracks. It takes less than an hour.

When
Sun Dec 13, 2026, 6pm
Cost
Free
Where
Meet at the Washington Square Arch; the walk ends in Tompkins Square Park
Subway
A/B/C/D/E/F/M to W 4 St–Washington Sq

Bring a charged phone and a Bluetooth speaker loaded with the Unsilent Night app or one of the tracks. Kline hands out a few vintage boomboxes.

Source: Official site ↗

Upper East Side, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Across Wine-Dark Seas: Art and Identity beyond Ancient Greece, The Met

More than 180 works from the eighth to early fifth centuries BCE show how Greek art took in images and stories from around the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Loans come from more than two dozen collections.

When
Opens Sun Dec 20, 2026; through Apr 11, 2027
Cost
Included with museum admission
Where
The Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St
Subway
4/5/6 to 86 St

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Handel's Messiah, Oratorio Society of New York at Carnegie Hall

Kent Tritle conducts the Oratorio Society's 152nd consecutive Messiah, a Carnegie Hall tradition since 1874.

When
Mon Dec 21, 2026, 7pm
Cost
Ticketed; see carnegiehall.org
Where
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave at 57th St
Subway
N/Q/R/W to 57 St–7 Av

Source: Official site ↗

Midtown, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Seats for Midnight Mass go by lottery, which ran from mid-June to early October this year, and the cathedral says it gets thousands of requests. The Mass is streamed live on the cathedral's website.

When
Christmas Eve, Thu Dec 24, 2026, at midnight
Cost
Free, by ticket only; the 2026 lottery has closed
Where
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets
Subway
E/M to 5 Av/53 St; B/D/F/M to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr

Watch the live stream, or visit the cathedral on a quieter December weekday to see it dressed for Christmas. Next year's lottery opens in mid-June.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

CitywideConfirmed for 2026

Christmas Day: what's open and what's closed

The big museums and both Bronx gardens close on Christmas Day, so plan them for the 24th or 26th. The Met is also closed on Wednesdays, which this year means it's shut on both December 23 and 25. The city's own Christmas tradition still holds: a movie and Chinese food.

When
Fri Dec 25, 2026
Hours
Closed on December 25: the Met, MoMA, the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo and NYBG
Cost
—
Where
Citywide
Subway
In 2025 the subway ran a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and a regular weekday schedule on Christmas Eve

Walk Fifth Avenue's windows on Christmas morning, when the sidewalks are emptier than at any other time of the season.

Source: Official site ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Crown Heights, BrooklynConfirmed for 2026

Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children's Museum

The museum and the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation present their 19th annual Kwanzaa festival, with daily candle lightings, performances, and dance, drumming and art workshops based on the seven principles.

When
Sat Dec 26 – Wed Dec 30, 2026, 10am–5pm
Hours
10am–5pm
Cost
Timed tickets with museum admission ($15 per person)
Where
Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn
Subway
3 to Kingston Av; C to Kingston–Throop Avs

Tickets are sold by day, so book the date you want.

Source: Official site ↗

Times Square, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

New Year's Eve Ball Drop, Times Square

The Times Square Alliance has posted its 2027 New Year's Eve page. Its FAQ says the street viewing pens are free and fill first come, first served, and the Ball makes its 60-second descent at 11:59pm.

When
Thu Dec 31, 2026; the Ball drops at 11:59pm
Hours
Last year: viewing areas opened at 3pm, Ball raised at about 6pm
Cost
Free (no tickets for the street viewing areas)
Where
One Times Square, Broadway at 43rd St; enter via 6th or 8th Ave
Subway
Last year's access points were at 45th, 49th, 52nd and 56th Sts on 6th and 8th Aves; nearest stations include B/D/F/M 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr and C/E 50 St

The FAQ bans backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs and alcohol, and there are no portable restrooms or licensed food vendors inside. Check the FAQ again in December for this year's times.

Source: Official site ↗

Central Park, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

NYRR Midnight Run, Central Park

New York Road Runners' four-mile race starts as the clock strikes midnight, with fireworks over the park. As of mid-October, some entry options were sold out and others were still open.

When
Thu Dec 31, 2026, 11:59pm
Cost
Entry $58.16 for NYRR members, $74.02 for non-members
Where
Central Park; NYRR will post the start location closer to race day
Subway
Depends on the start location; NYRR says to check mta.info before you travel

Bibs aren't handed out in the park on race day, so pick yours up at the NYRR RUN CENTER (last pickup Dec 31 at 10pm). Each runner gets a wristband for one guest to watch.

Source: Organizer ↗

2026TBA

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn2026 not yet announced

New Year's Eve at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park

The 2026 dates haven't been announced yet; check prospectpark.org for exact details. Last year (Dec 31, 2025), Prospect Park Alliance and the Brooklyn Borough President held a free celebration with live music from 10pm and fireworks at midnight.

When
Thu Dec 31, 2026 (time TBA)
Cost
Free (last year)
Where
Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave and Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn
Subway
2/3 to Grand Army Plaza; B/Q to 7 Av

The Dec 31, 2024 edition swapped fireworks for a light show because of drought, so confirm the format before you go.

Source: Organizer ↗

Morningside Heights, ManhattanConfirmed for 2026

New Year's Eve Concert for Peace, Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Leonard Bernstein founded this concert in 1984. This year's lineup includes organist David Briggs, soprano Susanna Phillips, Paul Winter and Jason Robert Brown.

When
Thu Dec 31, 2026, 7pm
Cost
Ticketed; see stjohndivine.org
Where
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave at 112th St
Subway
1 to Cathedral Pkwy (110 St)

The Cathedral holds a quieter Watchnight service at 11pm the same night.

Source: Official site ↗

2026TBA

Coney Island, Brooklyn2026 not yet announced

Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge

2027 details haven't been announced yet; check coneyislandpolarbearclub.com for exact times. Last year (Jan 1, 2026), the plunge ran 11am–1pm, and donations went to Coney Island nonprofits.

When
Fri Jan 1, 2027; details not yet announced
Cost
Free to register; donations encouraged (last year)
Where
Coney Island Beach at the Boardwalk, Brooklyn
Subway
D/F/N/Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Av

Source: Organizer ↗

2026TBA

Upper West Side, Manhattan2026 not yet announced

The Origami Holiday Tree, American Museum of Natural History

The 2026 dates haven't been announced yet; check amnh.org for exact dates. Last year's tree, folded with OrigamiUSA around the theme New Beginnings, stood from Nov 24, 2025 to Jan 20, 2026.

When
2026 dates not yet announced; check amnh.org for exact dates
Cost
Included with museum admission (last year)
Where
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St
Subway
B/C to 81 St–Museum of Natural History; 1 to 79 St

Source: Official site ↗

2026TBA

Lower East Side to the Upper East Side2026 not yet announced

The vintage holiday subway train

The New York Transit Museum runs 1930s subway cars, with rattan seats, ceiling fans and vintage ads, in regular service on December Sundays for the price of an ordinary fare.

When
Sundays in December; 2026 dates not yet posted
Hours
In 2025: every Sunday in December, about 10am to 5pm, departing roughly every two hours
Cost
In 2025, a regular subway fare
Where
In 2025, between 2 Av on the F and 96 St on the Q
Subway
F to 2 Av; Q to 96 St

Rides are weather-permitting and routes can change; check the Transit Museum's page before you go.

Source: Organizer ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

2026TBA

Union Square, Manhattan2026 not yet announced

Union Square Holiday Market

The city's longest-running holiday market, run by Urbanspace since 1994, with close to two hundred local makers and food vendors.

When
Mid-November to Christmas Eve; 2026 dates to be confirmed
Hours
Check the host's website for this year's hours
Cost
Free
Where
Union Square Park, southwest corner (14th St & Broadway)
Subway
4/5/6/L/N/Q/R/W to 14 St–Union Sq

Urbanspace hasn't posted the 2026 dates yet; check its website for the exact opening day before you go.

Source: Organizer ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

2026TBA

Midtown, Manhattan2026 not yet announced

Bergdorf Goodman Windows

Hand-built tableaux that many consider the most artful windows in the city, across the women's and men's stores.

When
2026 dates not yet announced (in 2025: Nov 20 – Jan 5)
Cost
Free
Where
754 Fifth Ave at W 58th St
Subway
N/R/W to 5 Av/59 St; F to 57 St

Source: Press ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

2026TBA

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn2026 not yet announced

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Whole blocks of houses lit with professionally installed displays — the city's most over-the-top holiday tradition.

When
No official dates (there's no organizer): usually fully lit from the weekend after Thanksgiving to early January
Hours
Best from dusk to about 9pm; many displays switch off by 9–10pm
Cost
Free
Where
11th to 13th Aves between 83rd and 86th Sts (84th St is the famous block)
Subway
D to 79 St, then about 15 minutes' walk

Don't drive: traffic locks up by about 5pm.

Source: Press ↗ · On LovelyNYC →

Notes on the dates

  • Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12. Christmas Day is Friday, December 25; Kwanzaa runs December 26 to January 1; the winter solstice is Monday, December 21.
  • Times Square's 2027 New Year's Eve page is up, but its viewing-area times still describe last year; check the FAQ again in December.
  • Broadway opening nights are as reported in the press; the shows' own sites confirm the runs and preview dates.
  • Concert and opera prices weren't published when we checked; each entry links to the box office.

Plan the season

Get the Lovely Letter

A free weekly letter from LovelyNYC: the season's dates as they're announced, what's on this week, new restaurants and bars, and one lovely day in the city.

Special events, concerts, and new restaurants and bars. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from the Almanac

HalloweenHalloween in New York 2026Read →NovemberThings to Do in NYC in November 2026Read →NYC MarathonNYC Marathon 2026: Where to Watch, Mile by MileRead →Fall FoliageFall in New York 2026: Foliage & Day Trips by TrainRead →Thanksgiving ParadeMacy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2026: Where to WatchRead →ThanksgivingThanksgiving Dinner in NYC, 2026Read →ChristmasChristmas in New York 2026: Dates, Lights & What's OpenRead →Holiday MarketsNYC Holiday Markets 2026Read →Ice SkatingIce Skating in NYC, 2026–27Read →Windows & LightsNYC Holiday Windows & Lights, 2026Read →