NYC Insider Guide December Events and Activities Calendar
New York City Events December are filled with dozens of New York Christmas Trees & Holiday trees, sparkling lights everywhere, store window displays, holiday lights tours, ice skating, shopping, (hopefully) white snow, the smell of roasted chestnuts and just pure magic everywhere you look. We’ve got some amazing holiday shows this year, like the Rockettes @ Radio City, Nutcracker Ballet and more coming soon.
There is nothing on the planet like New York in December, as the city is breathtaking this time of year. New York City in December can be quite cold and the city is more crowded than usual, but that is the price we pay to experience amazing New York City during the holidays. Please check sightseeing and holiday hours for Christmas Eve and Day (December 24th and 25th) and New Year’s Eve (December 31st). Please add your event or business to NYC Insider Guide.
Top NYC December Events
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Christmas in New York City
- New York City Holiday Lights Tours
- New Year’s Eve in New York City
- Nutcracker Ballet @ Lincoln Center
- NY Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
- Giants, Jets, Knicks, Rangers
- Jingle Ball – Prior Performers – Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys++
- Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli
- Holiday Tree Lightings: Lincoln Center, Bryant Park, Central Park
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- Ice Skating
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NYC Maps, Subway, Streets, Apps, Directions
New York City Holiday Lights Tours
New York City during Holiday season is a don’t miss! Get in the festive spirit by taking a Holiday Lights Tour in New York in December. Choose from Bus Tours, Holiday Dining Cruises and Movie & TV Site Holiday tours.
Best of NYC Holiday Tours
Browse more NYC Holiday Tours
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
See More: December Holiday Tours in New York City
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Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025 (Tickets On Sale April)
Daily @ 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm (some variations)
With up to 5 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.
Rockettes Tour Packages
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Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center
Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:
See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th – 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 (projected date)
November 29, 2023 – Jan 13, 2024 (Last Year)
Ceremony, 7-9 pm
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is a highlight of every winter in NYC. The unlit tree arrives in November, and after Black Friday and Thanksgiving, the department stores open their famous window holiday displays. However, it is the week after Thanksgiving, when the Rockefeller Center Tree is lit, that represents the true start of Holiday Season in NYC for many New Yorkers.
Check the full NYC Insider Guide to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting:
- On Sale | 2024 Tree Lighting Ceremony Indoor Viewing from 45 Rockefeller Center – Be whisked past security with your NYPD-approved credential letter and up to our private, third-floor retreat to watch the whole ceremony from the eight-foot glass windows in our gala hall. Gourmet food, free-flowing drinks and live entertainment.
- Pending | 4 Hour Private Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Gala – A gala reception at a stunning, private townhouse rooftop with grand views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue. We’ll keep you warm and entertained for hours, with large screens broadcasting the Tree Lighting festivities, incredible food, flowing cocktails, music and dancing, plenty of extraordinary entertainers and our favorite professional photographer will be stationed right in front of the Christmas Tree for formal photos of you and your friends or family.
- Pending | VIP Exclusive New York City Holiday Tree Lighting Gala at Rockefeller Center & Rockettes – same gala as above with a slightly different menu & the next day, enjoy orchestra seats to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular & afterwards a licensed NYC guide will greet you for a fun and memorable walking tour of the Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. The grand finale will be afternoon tea with the Rockettes.
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NYC December Sports
Winter is a great time to catch one of our 6 professional sports teams in action! The Giants and Jets are heading towards the end of football season. Knicks and Nets basketball is underway, as are the NY Rangers and Islanders @ UBS Arena
hockey seasons.
Highlights this month usually include the Knicks on Christmas Day.
Giants & Jets MetLife Schedule
There is so much talent on our field this fall! The Jets new QB, Aaron Rodgers (who will hopefully play more than 4 minutes this season), four-time MVP, is headlining the action and we are all hopeful he brings it to “Gang Green.” On the Giants side, superstar Daniel Jones, “Danny Dimes,” is was setting records just about every game and whether it’s Jones or DeVito, we look forward to celebrating the Giants 100th season! There’s nothing like a traditional American football game, so head on out to MetLife Stadium, where tickets start at just $40 per game!
Knicks MSG Schedule
No matter how they are performing, Knicks games are always a blast and there’s nothing like an event at MSG! Come join our NY basketball team live in action at Madison Square Garden, “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” Go NYC style with cheap seats, fast paced sports action, hot dogs and beer and cheer on the New York Knicks today! As a general rule, with plenty of exceptions, basketball games start at either 7:30pm or 12:00pm, November through April.
Rangers MSG Schedule
Get your New York Rangers tickets and schedule to see our NY hockey team live in action at Madison Square Garden. The NY Rangers have made the finals and/or playoffs the last six consecutive seasons. Their games are the easiest sporting
events in NYC to attend, right in Midtown Manhattan, a block from the Empire State Building.
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December New York City Concerts and Shows
- John Oliver & Seth Meyers – Nov 24, Dec 15, 2024 @ Beacon Theatre
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
- Mariah Carey – “Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time” – December 13 @ Prudential Center (NJ), Dec 15 @ UBS Arena
, Dec 17 @ Barclays Center - Andrea Bocelli – December 18-19, 2024 @ MSG
- Annie… – Dec 4 – Jan 5, 2025 @ Hulu Theater at MSG, featuring Whoopi Goldberg as Miss Hannigan beginning Dec 11
- Nutcracker Ballet – Nov 29, 2024–Jan 04, 2025
- The New York Pops: Merry & Bright – December 20, 2024 @ Carnegie Hall
- Jingle Ball – TBD @ MSG -2023 Performers included: Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, The Kid LAROI, AJR, Demi Lovato, Lauv, Ava Max, Dove Cameron and Jax.
- Big Apple Circus – Nov 8-Jan 5, 2025
See More: NYC Concerts Shows December
Holiday Shows in NYC
NYC is home to more special holiday shows this season than EVER before! Tickets are selling fast for the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes®, Cirque du Soleil ‘Twas the Night Before, The Magic Flute and The Nutcracker Ballet. Don’t miss out – now is the time to score the best seats on the best days.
- Rockettes Christmas Spectacular – Nov 8, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
- Mariah Carey – “Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time” – December 13 @ Prudential Center (NJ), Dec 15 @ UBS Arena
, Dec 17 @ Barclays Center - Annie… – Dec 4 – Jan 5, 2025 @ Hulu Theater at MSG, featuring Whoopi Goldberg as Miss Hannigan beginning Dec 11
- Nutcracker Ballet – Nov 29, 2024–Jan 04, 2025
- The New York Pops: Merry & Bright – December 20, 2024 @ Carnegie Hall
- The Magic Flute – TBD 2024 @ The Metropolitan Opera
- Jingle Ball – TBD 2024, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys++ @ MSG
- Big Apple Circus – TBD 2024, November 8, 2023 – January 1, 2024
- See More @ Ticketmaster Holiday Deals
Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC
Staying near Penn Station / Madison Square Garden is a great idea when staying late for the Rangers, Knicks or your favorite concert, arrive or leave early via Amtrak or LIRR or just want to stay in a very affordable area of Manhattan steps from the Empire State Building, Macy’s and no more than a 15 minute subway ride anywhere in Manhattan. Some of our top picks near Penn Station include:
See More: Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC
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Best New Years Eve NYC Ball Drop Hotels
If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC.
Some of our favorites include:
- New York Marriott Marquis – rooms with Ball Drop views, multiple parties in hotel
- M Social New York – new in 2021 with bar and lounge perched above Times Square boasting the perfect vantage point for the iconic Times Square Ball Drop
- The Knickerbocker (photo) – St. Cloud rooftop bar “New York, New Year’s Eve, Times Square, private party on roof top where you can watch the ball drop 180 feet away – what else could you ask for?”
See More: Best New Years Eve NYC Hotels
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New Year’s Eve in New York City
You have so many options for New Year’s Eve in NYC.
- Dinner Cruises with Fireworks
- Public view of ball drop in Times Square
- Private indoor parties around Times Square with view of ball drop
- Special dinners at thousands of restaurants
- New Years Eve with the New York Philharmonic
Check out the New Year’s Eve Party Guide.
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Hot Deals @ Groupon Right Now
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
Just over a year old, Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square is in the heart of Times Square, in the brand new TSX Broadway, which focuses on experiences including theater, concerts, retail and general entertainment. Tempo’s 36 floors and 661 rooms rise high above Times Square and the hotel will offer an 11th floor restaurant with outdoor terrace, communal and working spaces, fitness center and dedicated Wellness Rooms outfitted with a Peloton and Therabody products. They also offer 31 rooms featuring close-up New Years Eve Ball Drop Views (photo).
Bonus New Hotel Alert – Motto by Hilton NYC Times Square + Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square + Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Times Square – New 1000 room Hilton Hotel with 3 brands in the same building right next to Rockefeller Center. This means Hilton opened over 1600 new hotel rooms last year and rates are sure to be competitive.
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December Broadway Show Picks
Broadway has a TON of new shows, award winners and legends on stage.
Celebrities on Broadway
- McNeal – Robert Downey Jr. (Sept 5-Nov 4, 2024)
- Our Town – Jim Parsons, Katie Holmes & Zoey Deutch (Sept 17 2024 – Jan 19, 2025)
- Left on Tenth – Julianna Margulies & Peter Gallagher (Sept 26 2024 – Open Run)
- Redwood – Idina Menzel (Jan 24, 2025 – Open Run)
- Good Night, and Good Luck – George Clooney (Spring 2025)
- Othello – Denzel Washington & Jake Gyllenhaal (Spring 2025)
- Audra McDonald will take on the legendary role of Rose in Gypsy this fall.
- Scherzinger will bring her acclaimed performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard to Broadway this fall.
See More: List of Broadway Shows and How to See Celebrities in NYC
Broadway Shows NYC
Buy Great Broadway Tickets Today!
Top Picks for Broadway Tickets
Note: All of our ticket partners are legitimate, recommended ticket sellers and guaranteed to sell you official NYC Broadway tickets.
NYC Hotels Times Square
The best NYC Hotels Times Square chosen by a NYC local! If you want to be in the heart of Broadway, all the tourist action, Restaurant Row, lounge by a pool, check out the best views from a rooftop or splurge on the live NYE Ball Drop, we will show you the best places to stay.
See All: NYC Hotels Times Square & Broadway
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Holiday Markets in NYC
Explore the top holiday markets in NYC, sip hot cocoa, ice skate and shop your way through our fantastic holiday bazaars, featuring unique artisan gifts for the whole family. We review Grand Central Holiday Market, Union Square Holiday Market, Shops at Winter Village Bryant Park, flea markets, Holiday Markets Shopping Tours and more. Cross off your holiday shopping list with our full season Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC
- Holiday Shops at Bryant Park – October 24, 2023 – January 2, 2024
- Grand Central Holiday Fair – November 16 – December 31, 2023
- Union Square Holiday Market – November 16 – December 24, 2023
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market – November 28 – December 31, 2023
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New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
November 18, 2023–January 15, 2024
A dazzling and detailed replica of Manhattan, made entirely from plants, leaves, seeds and bark. There are at least 14 electric trains running in loops around the city, which showcases more than 175 scaled iconic buildings and structures such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty. The exhibit is great for both kids and adults, and makes an especially beautiful date night with cocktails on “Bar Car Nights” in December. Located in the Bronx, accessible by Subway and Metro North.
Tickets: Holiday Train Show All-Garden Pass (good for Holiday Train Show and grounds 10am-5pm, not for Glow or other evening events)
Just like NYC, twinkling lights go on at night with both city and holiday lights. All NYC landmarks and buildings are created entirely from botanical “ingredients” such as, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, poppy pods, pine cones, berries, mushrooms, nuts, bark, leaves twigs and dozens of other plant parts. Humming along between familiar sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center, large-scale model trains cover a quarter-mile of track to bring life to this traditional holiday landscape. The Holiday Train Show @ NYBG is definitely one of those “not-to-be-missed” and “only in NYC” unique and memory-creating things to do for couples, families and children.
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NYBG GLOW – An Outdoor Light Experience
Let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden. Discover the beauty of the landmark landscape and historic buildings after dark, breathtakingly illuminated with a newly expanded 1.5-mile colorful experience. Washes of brilliant color, thousands of dazzling LEDs, illuminated plant stories, and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections—creating a spectacle not to be missed! @ NYBG
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Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
There are so many winter activities in NYC, making it one of the BEST times to visit NYC. Yes, the weather can be cold and wet, so it is a risk. However, there are two huge payoffs, depending on a pre-or post holidays visit. Wondering what do to in New York in winter? Some of our favorite picks are:
See All: Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
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NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan
Download over 100 pages of NYC maps, information and recommendations in less than 5 minutes! Our NYC Insider Printable Map Guide Book, Travel Planner and Bonus Map Guides include organized, easy to follow, color coded guides, detailed maps of every neighborhood, weekly chart of Free Museum Days and Times and free weekly neighborhood tours, Best of NYC Categories and lists by ALL native New Yorkers. Download everything you need to know NYC Like a Pro and make the most of your NYC vacation.
Loving the guide so far! I’ve been studying it for our upcoming trip. My favorite part is that you’ve provided what to see and where to eat in each area! We will be taking our cheat sheets with us as we visit each place! Honestly, I am not sure what you could have done better – it is so detailed, I love it!
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Christmas in New York City
There is nothing like Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Tree, Central Park, Bryant Park, Lincoln Center, glamorous store window displays and holiday lights everywhere you look bring the most amazing city and landmarks in the world to a whole new level. You want to make sure to have the best dinner, know which attractions are open and closed and so much more.
Read the full NYC Insider Guide to Christmas in New York City to get the inside scoop and plan your Christmas holiday.
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New York City Gift Ideas
There are so many fantastic New York City Gift Ideas that will bring a smile to anyone who lives here, is moving to NYC or is just visiting for a few days. You can treat your loved ones of any age to almost anything in NYC, like foodie gift cards, Broadway gift cards, or a special experience as a gift for someone visiting New York.
- Ticketmaster Gift Card – There is probably no more versatile gift in NYC than a Ticketmaster Gift Card. Broadway, Sports, Concerts and so much more.
- Classic Harbor Cruise – NYC Boat Cruises are one of my favorite things to do in NYC, with both my lifelong NYC friends and when visitors come to town
- NYC Foodie and Restaurant Gifts – choose from dozens of food tours, restaurant gift cards, classes.
See All: New York City Gift Ideas
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Ice Skating in NYC
Do you like to see? Or be seen? Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a chance to be in the spotlight; or perhaps, spot a figure skating star. There’s also lots to do around Rockefeller Center, from fabulous shopping to television studio tours, this can be a great way to spend an afternoon in NYC. Read more insider tips at our guide to Ice Skating in New York City.
Other great skating spots, for those who want a little more ice time and a little less glitz, Lasker and Wollman rinks in Central Park and Winter Village in Bryant Park are great bets.
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The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
Nov 29, 2024–Jan 04, 2025
Tickets on Sale in September
From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that seemingly grows forever, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, the Land of Sweets and some of the most glorious dancing on earth.
Photo: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™
More Info: Nutcracker Ballet
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Lincoln Center – Opera, Ballet, NY Philharmonic, Jazz, Broadway
You really haven’t been to NYC until you experience THE beating heart of our Arts & Culture scene, Lincoln Center, home to the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Ballet, Julliard School, Broadway and so much more. See what NYC’s (always amazing) classic cultural scene has to offer while you are here.
More: Lincoln Center Venue Guide
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Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room
Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in room offer travelers a wonderful way to relax and connect after a long day of walking around NYC. Our top picks for in room jacuzzi spa tubs include:
See More: Jacuzzi Hotels NYC in Room and Romantic New York City Hotel Deals
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Things To Do in New York in December
Don’t let the cold weather fool you! There are lots of great things to do in New York in December. For starters, winter sports abound, whether you like to play, watch or both. Shopping reaches a fever pitch this month, from crafts and artists’ markets to flea markets to sample sales.
If you want to ice skate, see the most beautiful skyline lit up to a whole new level, head to Radio City Music Hall for the Rockettes, Lincoln Center for the Nutcracker, see the best of Broadway or the beautiful windows of 5th Avenue, don’t miss our insider tips and guide to a great December in NYC.
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Christmas in New York Holiday Season Calendar
Check our day by day guide to the Holiday Season in New York City. Thanksgiving, the Rockettes, Cocoa and Carols Cruises, The Nutcracker Rockefeller Tree, Central Park Christmas Tree and more on our NYC Holiday Events Calendar. Deck the Halls, Light the Menorah and celebrate Christmas in New York with our calendar.
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Walk, Bike, Bus, Blade or Fly Over NYC?
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New York City Events Calendar
Things to Do in NYC by Month
Our Event Calendars show you exactly which events occur by day, but our Things to Do monthly guides highlight seasonal tours, bike rides, best time for boat cruises, when to buy tickets, the biggest sales and all the optimal times to do activities by month. Check out our Monthly Things to do in NYC Guides.
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The Harlem Globetrotters
Back in February @ Barclays Center
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are always a blast to watch. This is not ordinary basketball – it is a comedy show and wholesome family fun. Their high-flying blend of basketball action and comedy has thrilled fans of all ages for over 80 years. We loved this show as a kid.
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