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Upcoming Events
Tree Lightings
Discounted Holiday Performances
Ongoing Events
Toy and Coat Drives
Ice Skating
Pictures with Santa
Hanukkah Happenings
Kawaanza Happenings
Mulchfest & What To Do With Your Tree
Advice From PSP Families
Past Events Archive
PS321 Holiday Shop
Saturday, December 7th
10:00am - 5:00pm
PS321
See 90+ artists, crafters, makers and other vendors selling their wares, plus a craft room with activities for kids to do and make and a bake sale to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Wallabout Wonderland
Saturday, December 7 Sunday, December 8
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Enjoy a mix of handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces, and rare fashion finds from local artisans and designers. Featuring 200+ vendors, the shopping section is the perfect place to pick-up gifts for everyone on your list. And don’t forget to visit the family corner for childrens’ activities!
See website for info on shuttle service to the event.
Town Square NYC presents Cookies with Santa in Williamsburg (ages 0-8)
Saturday December 7th
10:00am - 3:00pm (timed entry)
Hey kids, what's that sound? Is it the jingle of Santa's bells? Yes, kids! Santa's coming to Greenpoint/Wiliamsburg for a fun time at FourFiveSix! So ready your list with all your wishes, to whisper to Santa with all your kisses!
Delicious hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, live music and, of-course, precious moments and photos with Santa!
If you can, please consider bringing an unwrapped toy for the NYPD Holiday Toy Drive.
SantaLand Community Parade
Saturday December 7th
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Washington / Atlantic Avenue
Celebrate Brooklyn’s 5th Annual SantaLand Community Parade! Parade kicks off from Washington/Atlantic Avenue and ends @ Atlantic Terminal Mall
Holiday Extravaganza at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Sunday December 15th, 2024
3:00pm to 5:00pm
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Price: $20/person suggested - Pay as you wish
Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
Sunday, December 15th, 2024
Bring your own lanterns/light source Check out this link to photos of sample lanterns.
Marine Park Festival of the Lights: Winter Solstice
Saturday, December 21st
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Meet at Carmine Carro Community Center flagpole
Celebrate when our hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, making the shortest day of the year. Dress warm in layers. Bring binoculars and a telescope if you have them to view Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.
Winter Recess in Prospect Park
Tuesday, December 26th - Sunday, December 31st
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming every day during winter recess.
Nature Exploration, 12–4 pm
Nature Around Us, 12–3 pm: Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities that will introduce you to the plants, insects and animals that call the park home. The Lake and Lullwater are home to many plants and animals. Help us to test the water quality and investigate pond samples that are filled with living organisms.
Animal Encounter, 2–3 pm: Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 2 pm.
Family Bird Walk, 3–4 pm: Prospect Park is a stopping point for hundreds of bird species each year! Join us as we search for these amazing creatures and other nature around the park. Binoculars and bird guides are provided. This program departs from the Audubon Center promptly at 3 pm.
4:00pm - 7:00pm (Lighting at 5:30)
Join Friends of Carroll Park and the Court Street Merchants for music and refreshments. Music starts at 5:00. Tree lighting and the arrival of a visitor from the North Pole at 6:00!
Come take pictures with Santa. The first 200 children get a goodie bag. The child must be present to receive the item.
Litchfield Villa Holiday Lighting
Friday, December 6th
4:30 pm
Litchfield Villa, 95 Prospect Park West (right inside Prospect Park)
On behalf of Borough Parks Commissioner Martin Maher, please join us outside the Villa to our annual lighting ceremony. Children are welcome!
Mark your calendars and join us for the 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in partnership with Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Meet us at Myrtle Ave and St Edwards Street entrance on Saturday, December 7 from 4:00–5:00pm for a magical evening as we illuminate the park.
Soca Santa and Flatbush Community Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7th
Tree lighting at 6:00pm
On Saturday, December 7 come to the Flatbush Reformed Church at 890 Flatbush Ave to take pictures with Soca Santa and Mrs Claus! After the photos, our Second Annual Tree Lighting will start at 6:00pm 🎄
Hanukkah Happenings
Marine Park Festival of Lights - Chanukah
Sunday, December 8th
3:00 pm – 4:00pm
Join Rabbi Heidi Hoover to hear the story of a miracle and its eight-day celebration. Enjoy holiday festivities and sing-alongs.
Giant Menorah Lighting
Saturday, December 7th
Jacob J Hecht Memorial Menorah
5:00pm
Chanukah Jam
Sunday, December 15th
10:00am - 12:00pm
Brooklyn Brewery
Join The Neighborhood, Tkiya, and friends for a warm and festive Chanukah celebration at Brooklyn Brewery! Together we’ll enjoy music, movement, a puppet show, latkes, crafts and more! This program is presented in partnership with PJ Library and B'nai Brooklyn.
Tkiya will lead their signature blend of songs and interactive Jewish learning, alongside Shabbi and Alyssa, two veteran NYC puppeteers of the Central Park Swedish Cottage, bringing a silly puppet-filled story-time performance of the classic Chanukah children's book, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.
This program is best-suited for kids age 0-6 and their families.
Light it Up! Brooklyn Family Hanukkah Arts Festival & Shuk
Sunday, Dec 15,
1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Senesh School
Kick off your Hanukkah celebrations at our annual Brooklyn Family Hanukkah Arts Festival with lots of kids' arts and craft activities, music, dance and special pop-up holiday Shuk (market) featuring local Jewish and Israeli vendors.
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
Sunday Dec 15th
11:00am - 3:30pm
The Jewish Museum
Age: 3 and up
Celebrate the festival of lights through art-making and music at the Jewish Museum! Build a holiday sculpture with an exciting mix of found objects inspired by the exhibition Ilit Azoulay: Mere Things and Hanukkah menorahs in the Museum’s collection, design bold-printed cards, collaborate on a giant mixed-media work of art, and dance to the catchy pop tunes of Grammy winner Joanie Leeds.
Hanukkah Carnival
Sunday, December 22nd
11:00am – 2:00pm
3495 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229
Lighting Largest Hanukkah Menorahs
Grand Army Plaza
Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 2, 2025
Witness the lighting of the world’s largest Hanukkah menorahs at sundown during the Jewish festival of lights. Both Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Grand Army Plaza in Midtown compete for that title with their 32-foot-high, 4,000-pound steel menorahs. In both locations, lightings take place at different times throughout the week, so check the website. In Brooklyn, lightings are accompanied by live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
Kwanzaa
Marine Park Festival of Lights: Kwanzaa
Saturday, December 14th
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Meet at Carmine Carro Community Center
Join Dr. Simanique Moody of Brooklyn College with her music and dance friends to learn about Kwanzaa, a celebration of African community values. We'll also light the kinara for each of those values.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children's Museum
Thursday, December 26th - Monday, December 30th
This year’s theme is “Our Children Enlighten the Community,” and we are excited to highlight professional youth performers who embody the Nguzo Saba (principles of Kwanzaa). Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa with daily candle celebrations led by Chinua Baraka Payne and the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, performances with the Kudo NYC, FIYAA (Forces of Nature Incredible Youth Arts Alliance), dance and drumming workshops, grafitti-inspired artwork in ColorLab and more!
Kwanzaa Celebration at CMOM
Tue Dec 26, 2023 - Thu Dec 28, 2023
Age: 2-10
Price: Free with paid admission
Children's Museum of Manhattan
Discounted Holiday Performances
Various discounted performances Wednesday December 4th - Sunday January 5th
ANNIE is returning to NYC December 4 – January 5, featuring Whoopi Goldberg as Miss Hannigan beginning December 11!
ANNIE is a celebration of family, optimism and how spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. ANNIE has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and more! Learn more about ANNIE HERE.
Please note: Whoopi Goldberg will perform as Miss Hannigan December 11 – January 5 with the exception of December 12.
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular
Various discounted performances Wednesday November 27th - Sunday January 5th
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual musical holiday stage show performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. A must-see each holiday season, the 90-minute performance features more than 140 performers and an original musical score, combining singing, dancing and humor with traditional scenes.
The Magic Flute
A beloved New York holiday tradition, Mozart’s enchanting musical fairy tale returns in the Met’s abridged, English-language production by Julie Taymor—the Tony Award–winning director of Broadway’s The Lion King. With dazzling puppets and a colorful setting, the Met’s Magic Flute is one of the city’s ultimate seasonal sensations for family audiences.
Only on December 14 prior to the performance, children and families are welcome to join our Holiday Open House. The Open House is free to all ticketholders for the December 14 performance starting at 10am.
Click the BUY TICKETS button and you will be taken to discounted tickets (20% off!) through a special Park Slope Parents Link.
The discounted tickets are available for performances at various times, giving you the flexibility to work around your family's schedule. This performace will be running from December 12th - January 4th.
Ongoing Events
Holiday Nostalgia Rides with the New York Transit Museum
Sundays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
10:00am - 5:00pm
This holiday season, we continue the annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides on the New York Transit Museum’s 1930s R1/9 train cars! Operating between 2nd Avenue – Houston Street on the uptown F line and 96th Street – 2nd Avenue on the Q line, the Holiday Nostalgia Train will transport straphangers back in time every Sunday in December.
Dumbo Holiday Projections
November 14th - December 31st
4:00pm - 10:00pm
Locations throughout Dumbo
Walk around Dumbo and look for holiday themed projections, nightly on the BQE, Manhattan Bridge, building facades and more!
For a fifth year, we’ve partnered with Augenblick Studios, an award-winning, independent animation studio here in Dumbo, to create delightful, whimsical and surprising animations for the holiday season.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
November 22nd, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
3:00pm – 9:00pm (last entry at 8:00pm)
Explore dazzling illuminated trails showcasing nearly 400 animal and plant-themed lanterns, including 64 new designs debuting this year. Highlights include the Enchanted Sea display, Light Tunnel, wildlife-themed LED installations, interactive light shows, ice carving demos, and seasonal food and drinks. Enjoy live performances and festive activities in a magical holiday setting
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
November 22nd, 2024 – January 5th, 2025
4:00pm - 10:00 pm (entry times vary, with last entry at 9:00 pm)
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Lightscape, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s enchanting illuminated trail. Now in its fourth year, this event features stunning light installations created by artists from around the world, transforming the garden into a dazzling winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy new displays alongside returning favorites, such as the radiant tree sculpture and an illuminated fountain show. Along the trail, indulge in festive treats, spiked hot chocolate, and hearty fare at the Lightscape Lodge and Lightscape Bar. Special 21+ Nights on December 12 and 19 offer adults an elevated evening with cocktails and a festive atmosphere, while Sensory-Friendly Early Entry sessions on December 18 and January 3 provide a more relaxed experience for visitors with disabilities or sensory sensitivities.
Holiday Train Show®
November 16th, 2024 - January 20th, 2025
10:00am – 6:00pm
New York Botanical Garden
Step into a winter wonderland with the Holiday Train Show, a seasonal celebration showcasing meticulously crafted plant-based replicas of iconic New York City landmarks. By day, marvel at the intricate outdoor train displays, and in the warmth of the Haupt Conservatory, experience bustling model trains and trolleys weaving through a festive cityscape.
Luna Park Frost Fest
November 23rd, 2024 – January 1st, 2025
Times Vary
Get ready for the ultimate winter experience, at NYC’s most iconic destination for fun with our 2nd annual Frost Fest at Luna Park ! Select dates beginning Saturday, November 23, 2024, visitors at Luna Park will experience a thrilling winter destination boasting select rides and attractions, holiday lights & décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, festive food options to fulfill the cravings of New Yorkers and visitors alike, and more!
Origami Holiday Tree
Opens Monday, November 25th
Open daily, 10 am – 5:30 pm
American Museum of Natural History
The Origami Holiday Tree is a beloved annual tradition featuring over 1,000 hand-folded origami ornaments. This year’s theme, "Jumping for Joy," highlights animals known for leaping, such as frogs, kangaroos, and grasshoppers. The tree also includes models of iconic exhibits like the Blue Whale and Tyrannosaurus rex. Produced in collaboration with OrigamiUSA, this exhibit is a stunning display of craftsmanship and creativity.
GCT Holiday Train Show
November 14th, 2024 – February 2025
Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 7:30pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00am – 6:00pm(closed on major holidays)
Grand Central Terminal
Celebrate 20 years of the beloved Holiday Train Show at the New York Transit Museum. This miniature electric railroad display features Lionel model trains traveling over a 34-foot, two-level layout, passing through iconic New York landmarks, all leading to the North Pole. A perfect holiday outing for children and adults alike
Toy and Coat Drives
PSP has a list of local Toy, Food, and Coat Drives here!
Also check out our article on growing independence in kids and getting them involved in food drives: Independence Project: Food Drive Participation.
Ice Skating
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
November 25th - February 2nd
Located at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park, right under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this historic spot offers breathtaking views of the skyline and waterfront, creating a truly unforgettable winter experience.
LeFrak Ice Skating Center in Prospect Park
Located in Prospect Park on East Drive this skating center has both an open air and covered rink open daily. Reserve your designated 90-minute skate session for access to one of the two available ice rinks, per session, online now and guarantee your ice time. Skate rentals are available at an additional cost or feel free to bring your own skates. Weekday admission is $10.60, weekend admission is $15.25, and skate rental is $10.35.
Industry City Ice Rink
Thursdays and Fridays 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Ice skate outside on a small rink in courtyard 5/6 of this public art & high design hub. Enjoy candy coated hot chocolate, hot toddies, cider and other festive treat rinkside at The Frying Pan’s Wheel House Bar. Admission and skate rental is $10 Thursday, $28 Friday-Sunday.
ArtRink at Brooklyn Children's Museum
November 2024 - March 2025
This year’s ArtRink theme, “We Celebrate!,” honors BCM’s 125th birthday. Through artwork and interactive spaces, visitors will experience the many ways we express joy, community, and celebration. The installation features 16 artworks displayed around our rooftop terrace’s windows, plus four interactive artist-designed playhouses that invite children to imagine, play, and create their own celebrations. As a whole, the exhibition captures the many ways we mark special moments – from personal achievements to community traditions, from quiet remembrances to joyous festivals. ArtRink is $5 per person ($3 for BCM members) in addition to general admission. Sock bootees included. ArtRink is open Wednesday through Friday, 2pm – 5pm, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Bryant Park Ice Rink
Open Daily Through March 2nd, 2025
Head into Manhattan to visit the 17,000 square foot ice skating rink located in the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Reserve your tickets in advance for free admission and skate rental ranging from $20 - $55. Look around at the many vendors and food options around the Winter Village after your skate.
Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center
Visit the rink at Rockefeller Center and skate under the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tickets range from $21 - $114 depending on the date and time and skate rental is available for additional cost. The rink is open from 9am to 12am daily.
Wollman Rink
Open Through March 15, 2024
Located near the southeast corner of Central Park the rink is open daily with extended holiday hours from December 18th to January 1st. Ticket pricing ranges from $15-$38 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, with kids 3 and under getting in for free. Skate rental is $12 per person.
Located just a few blocks from One World Trade Center the rink at Brookfield Place offers both public skating and upscale ice skating programs for men, women, and chidlren hosted by Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. Overlooking the Hudson River the rink is open Monday through Friday 2:00pm - 9:15pm for the price of $15 admission and $5 skate rental, and Saturday and Sunday 9:00am - 9:15 pm for the price of $17 admission and $7 skate rental.
Pictures with Santa
Photos with Santa at the Old Stone House 2024 with Park Slope Parents!
December 7th
10:00am - 12:00pm
The Old Stone House (5th Ave btw 3rd and 4th Streets)
Reservations are required and Space is limited.
Santa Clause Photo Studio
December 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th
11:00am - 3:00pm
Citypoint
Capture the joy of the season with a free portrait at the Santa Studio, featuring the jolly man himself in a red suit and a holiday-inspired backdrop. December 15: Mama and Papa Claus! One ticket per family. One free portrait per family. Additional photos for purchase. Everyone’s favorite jolly bearded Santa ready to make holiday memories – in partnership with Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents, while reservations last. Location TBD, Free for All Ages
Santa's Corner at Bryant Park Winter Village
Monday, December 16th - Friday December 20st
10:00am - 12:00pm
Santa's Corner returns to Bank of America Winter Village on Monday, December 16, 2024, launching a five day run that gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and pose with him for the perfect photo!
Santa's Corner is located on the rink deck next to The Chalet, and will open from 10am-noon each day through Friday, December 20, 2024. Guests are welcome to borrow complimentary props for their photos or bring their own.
There is no cost to pose with Santa, and tickets are not required. Photos with Santa are first come, first served. Be nice, Santa is watching!
What PSP members are saying:
"The Bryant Park Winter Village typically has a nice Santa, outdoors and with not much of a line. It's a nice, low-key way to do it. Also it's a fun place to stroll around, with hot chocolate, treats, a giant tree and ice skating to look at (though the skating is prohibitively expensive)."
Macy’s Santaland
November 29th - December 24th
Macy's Herald Square, 8th Floor
Here’s your chance to visit the busiest man of the season inside our Herald Square store. Book your time to join the line—it’s the only way to meet & snap a photo with Santa in person.
Cost: Admission is free, but a reservation is required. Professional photos are available for purchase, but are optional. Photo packages start at $39.99.
What PSP members are saying:
"We went last night! Much shorter line than usual (though still 30 minutes). Masks are mandatory, even for pics - but we did see some people pulling them down for quick photos. No distancing in line, though there were marks on the floor to. Santa wears a mask and sits behind a desk, and doesn't come out for photos - the kid sits in front of the desk. It felt safe enough and my son LOVED it!" (2021)
"I do not recommend Macy's. We made a 10am appointment for Macy's Santa and when we arrived and checked in they pointed us to the end of the line which snaked way outside of Santaland entrance, down through the cookware, and around the corner. At which point I asked somebody what the wait time was and they said about 3 hours. Which to me looked more like 4 or 5 hours because I remember the inside from last year and how it snaked around quite a bit. So we left and went to Bloomingdales. Same thing we did last year. So after 2 years of being let down by Macy's, I cancelled my Macy's card and wrote a letter explaining that young children that need naps and meals can't wait in lines that are 3 plus hours long. We have been very happy with the Bloomingdale Santa's and the fact that there were only two people in line in front of us was even better. You are totally allowed to take your own photos and Santa is very cooperative. they also have a photographer there if you would like them to do it and buy a package with printed photos and digital download for very reasonable prices."
"You can take your own pictures head on at Santa Land. I always wait until they take their pictures then ask if I can take my own. They always step aside so I can go in the middle and take my own. You just have to ask! I even carry my gigantic camera (I’m a professional photographer) and have never had anyone say anything to me about it. My pictures are always great and I never have to buy theirs. Also, the new reservation only thing worked out great this year! It was so quick and easy for us (although we did go early in the season so it might be busier later)."
"I did the same. I took my own pics after they took theirs. You just ask them if they don't mine if I take a pic. Honestly, my pics come out way better than theirs.”
Breakfast with Santa
November 29th through December 24th
Stella 34 Trattoria, Macy's Herald Square
It starts with a festive breakfast feast with exclusive Empire State Building views, complete with take-home treats for children and prosecco mimosas for adults. Then, you'll meet Santa Claus and take a keepsake photo with him and his elves - an experience that truly brings Christmas to life for any child!
Cost: Pricing begins at $60 for children and $85 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) and varies based on the date, time, and seating category selected.
What PSP members are saying:
"I highly recommend breakfast with Santa at Macy's if you're willing to splurge. We did it annually when my kids were very young, up until Covid shut it down -- but it's back this year. You need to make a reservation. It's fun - every family gets individual time with the Macy's Santa, there's no massive line, the breakfast is good, kids get little cookie gift bags to bring home. It's a fun family tradition and we always look at the windows after."
Photos with Santa
November 18th - December 24th
Kings Plaza Mall in Mill Basin
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November and is located at level 2, near Zara.
- Pet Photos with Santa: November 25 and December 2 from 4PM - 7PM
- The Black Santa Photo Experience: December 1 from 11AM - 7PM
Cost: A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
What PSP members are saying:
“NO LINE! He's a great looking Santa, and they took 3 'poses' this year. My fav is one of my son whispering what he wants in Santa's ear. Great pics this year.”
Santa Land at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Starting November 30th through the holiday season
The Coolest Santa EVER… is located @Santa Land in the Atlantic Terminal Mall, downstairs by DSW! Santa Land has been a staple in the community for over 15 years! We take pride in serving the community in both conventional and unconventional ways. Visiting Santa Land @ Atlantic Terminal Mall has become a Holiday Family Tradition for many! Throughout the years we have established an amazing bond with thousands of families and their pets!
Santa Land Community Parade: Saturday, December 7th
Recylcing your Tree
Check out this article on fun and convienet ways to recycle your tree!
Holiday Tree Drop-Off in Prospect Park
December 26th - January 6th
All Day
Join Prospect Park Alliance in recycling your holiday tree! Starting December 26, do the Earth a favor and leave your holiday tree along the Prospect Park perimeter fence near the 3rd Street Entrance, Lincoln Road Entrance or Park Circle Entrance. The trees will be collected by staff members and volunteers and turned into mulch for the public to use
Mulchfest
December 26th - January 12th
Various Locations around NYC
Say fir-well to your holiday tree at nyc mulchfest! Join NYC Parks and the New York City Department of Sanitation in the NYC holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree! Put on your boots and haul your tree to a Mulchfest location — we'll chip your tree into wood chips that we'll use to nourish trees and make NYC even greener.
46,626 trees were recycled last year. Help us top this number!
Chipping Weekend
Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring your tree to a chipping site on Chipping Weekend to take home a tree-mento! We'll chip your tree and give you your very own bag of mulch to use in your backyard or to make a winter bed for a street tree.
To participate, just look for a chipping site on the map.
Advice From PSP Families & More
The holidays can trigger many mixed emotions around family life, concepts of materialism, and understanding and practicing religion, not to manage added stress, financial concerns, and more. PSP members share advice about:
Interfaith Holidays: Chrismukkah
Cheap and Cheerful Things to Do With Kids During the Holidays
Reducing Stolen Packages in the Neighborhood
How To Thank Teachers at the Holidays & End of the Year
Check out below for what local parents are reccomending in 2024 :
“Definitely make an evening of going to see the lights in Dyker Heights. It's a really festive spectacle.
If you have young kids it's a little tough because you really want to go when it's getting dark for the full effect, and it's a lot of walking so definitely bring a stroller (though on the flip side if your kid can manage the walking it is better not to have anything bulky because it gets a bit crowded especially in front of the really decorated houses).
But it is super fun, people set up in front of their houses selling hot cocoa and cookies, there's usually a truck selling popcorn, it's a whole thing 😊”
“Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is an amazing show. My kids saw them setting up last weekend and started to get very excited.”
--
“Some classics:
-holiday lights show at Bronx zoo
-flying Apple circus
-Christmas tree at Rockefeller center
-Peter and the Wolf at Guggenheim
-nutcracker at BAM or Lincoln Center”
--
“Some favorite things my family has done since our kids were small:
There’s the holiday train show at the New York Botanical Gardens (famous buildings all made of nuts and leaves and natural materials, plus model trains).
The Museum of the City of New York has an annual gingerbread house competition that is fun to see.
There’s also the Bryant Park Winter Village—fun foods, interesting stalls for shopping, a big Christmas tree, and an ice skating rink to watch (or to skate). They used to have a nice Santa to meet, with a smaller-than-Macys line, but not sure if they still do.”
Past Events Archive
Fifth Avenue Tree Lighting
Saturday November 30th
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Fourth Ave Plaza
Join PSP for music, snacks, and bubbles before the tree is lit at 5:15pm!
2023 Holiday Happenings: The PSP Guide
2022 Holiday Happenings: The PSP Guide
