#1 Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes 

November 8–January 5 

Midtown, Manhattan 

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes returns to Radio City Music Hall, dazzling audiences of all ages. The production sparkles with incredible costumes, festive songs and the iconic synchronized high kicks. More info here.

#2 The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History 

November 25–January 12 

Upper West Side, Manhattan 

One of New York’s beloved traditions includes a 13-foot tree and 1,000 origami models. Hosted at the American Museum of Natural History, the signature Origami Holiday Tree has been an annual tradition for over 40 years. Volunteers, including local, national and international origami artists, fold year-round. Each year, the tree features a different theme relating to special exhibitions or collections at the museum. More info here. 

#3 NYC Winter Lantern Festival 

November 20–January 12 

Randall Manor, Staten Island 

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is returning for a second year to Staten Island. Sponsored by Empire Outlets and venue partner Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, eight acres at Snug Harbor will be lit up by more than 50 LED installations. The LED lanterns will be accompanied by live performances of traditional Chinese dance and art. More info here. 

#4 Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo 

November 21–January 5 

Fordham, the Bronx 

Returning for the first time since 2007, the stunning light displays at the Bronx Zoo will cover several acres in a walk-through experience with wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns and animated light shows on Astor Court. Entertainment will include holiday-themed music, performances, ice carving, train rides, seasonal treats and souvenirs. More info here. 

#5 New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 

November 23–January 26 

Fordham, the Bronx 

Head to the New York Botanical Garden to be enchanted by model trains zipping through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves and other natural materials. The New York Botanical Garden is conveniently accessible via the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal. More info here. 

#6 Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science 

November 23–January 13 

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens 

Holding the record for the largest gingerbread village, Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science is back and more edible than ever. Visitors are invited to witness the vast collection of gingerbread structures which are embellished with candy canes, chocolate and frosting. More info here. 

#7 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 

November 28 

Manhattan 

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a classic New York City celebration of the holidays, featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, Broadway musical performances, celebrity appearances and more. The parade begins at 9 am on 77th Street and Central Park West and makes its way to 34th Street and Seventh Avenue. 

#8 Empire Outlets 

Various dates 

St. George, Staten Island 

As New York City’s first-ever outlet destination, Empire Outlets will ring in the holiday season starting with a special Black Friday sale and their first annual festive tree lighting ceremony. The outlets, easily accessible by the free Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan, will be adorned with thousands of lights, garland wraps and a 40-foot tree. Holiday revelry will be available for all visitors and families with live music, caroling, in-store shopping deals and promotions. More info here. 

9. See the Holiday Classic A Christmas Carol 

Various dates 

Greenwich Village, Manhattan; Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens 

Throughout New York City, theaters bring Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future alive onstage. 

For a unique venue, head to the 1832 Merchant’s House Museum in Greenwich Village as an actor portrays Charles Dickens and shares this memorable Christmas story in the Greek Revival double parlor November 29–January 4. More info here. 

The Players Theatre will present their 11th annual A Christmas Carol the Musical December 1–30 in Greenwich Village. Select performances include a free family workshop before the show. More info here. 

A Christmas Carol at Queens Theatre brings back their fresh and fast- paced musical production December 6–22. The cast transports the audience to Victorian England to experience Scrooge’s iconic journey. More info here. 

10. Belmont BID Arthur Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony 

November 30 

Belmont, the Bronx 

Experience Christmas in the Bronx’s Little Italy at the Belmont BID Arthur Avenue Tree Lighting. The annual event features a visit from Santa, cookies and hot chocolate among the twinkling lights. Explore the neighborhood following the lighting and warm up with an authentic Italian dinner. More info here. 

11. A Slice of Brooklyn’s Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights 

December 1–30 

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn 

Considered one of Brooklyn’s most popular holiday attractions, the Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights is home to the most extravagant and glamorous display of Christmas lights across New York City. A Slice of Brooklyn Tours gives an insider look at these bright and cheerful neighborhoods. More info here.

#12 23 Days of Flatiron Cheer 

December 1-23 

Flatiron District, Manhattan 

23 Days of Flatiron Cheer will include free, holiday-themed events showcasing the intersection of shopping, dining and culture in this vibrant neighborhood. More info here. 

13. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 

December 4 

Midtown, Manhattan 

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades. Lighting up Rockefeller Plaza, the tree lighting ceremony features performances and classic Christmas songs. Visitors can enjoy the tree through early to mid-January, and can ice-skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center beginning in October 2019. More info here.

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