Here are some holiday activities in New York City that you won’t want to miss

The holiday season is in full swing in New York City!

Lots of areas and businesses really dial it up this time of year, allowing New Yorkers and tourists to create lasting memories. Here are a few things around New York City that you can check out this holiday season.

Classic NYC holiday activities

Macy’s at Herald Square
151 W 34th St., Midtown.

No one does the holidays quite like Macy’s at Herald Square. On top of the endless holiday shopping you can do in-store, Macy’s opens its iconic Santaland so kids can have a chance to meet the big man himself. Photo packages start at $39.99. If you can’t make it in person, virtual options for Santa visits are available. Reservations for both in-person and virtual Santa visits are available on macys.com.

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Nov. 30

Every year, the spectacle that is the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting ceremony brings in thousands of people. This year, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton will perform as well as immie Allen, Andrea Bocelli along with Matteo Bocelli and Virginia Bocelli, David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Brett Eldredge, Mickey Guyton, Alicia Keys, the Muppets of “Sesame Street,” Dan + Shay, The Shindellas, Louis York and more. If you can’t make it in person or want to avoid the crowds, you can watch the ceremony and performances on NBC at 8 p.m.

NYBG’s Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Through Jan. 16, 2023.

A time-honored holiday tradition, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is certainly one for your holiday to-do list. Model trains zip around over 190 replicas of iconic NYC landmarks, all of which are made from natural materials. Admission is free with the cost of garden entry, which starts at $30 for adults and $15 for children.

Ice skating in the parks
Multiple locations

There are several ways to hit the ice this holiday season. Between the rink at Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink in Central Park, the newly opened rink at Industry City and the rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (just to name a few), there are plenty of options around the city to have a nice ice skating outing with family and friends. Prices vary based on the rink.

Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave., Midtown.

Every year, the Radio City Rockettes put one the show of a lifetime: the Christmas Spectacular. Watch as these dancers bring the holiday season to life on stage and get into the spirit of the season! Tickets for the 2022 production start at $49 and can be purchased online at www.rockettes.com or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets). Service charges apply to internet orders. For group sales, please call 212-465-6080. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 888-609-7599. Visit www.rockettes.com for more information.

November 6, 2019: Dress rehearsal for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.Courtesy of MSG Entertainment

Light Festivals

Brooklyn’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. Dec. 18-25

Kick off the Hanukkah season by taking part in the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest menorah at Grand Army Plaza. On Dec. 18, the ceremony will kick off at 4 p.m. with a special concert to get into the spirit. Visitors can also enjoy hot latkes and gifts for children.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx. Through Jan. 8, 2023.

The beloved Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are a holiday staple for many New Yorkers. Life-size animal lanterns light up the zoo after dark, depicting scenes from different geographic regions and ecosystems. Plus, you can enjoy live entertainment, festive treats, the Holiday Train and so much more. Tickets start at $39.95 for adults, $24.95 for children and $34.95 for seniors.

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn. Through Jan. 8, 2023.

Hosted by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Lightscape is one of the largest light shows in New York City. Bundle up and take a stroll through the outdoor holiday illuminated trail with over a million lights that run almost the full length of the garden. Tickets start at $40 for adults, and $20 for kids.

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

NYBG GLOW
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. Through Jan. 14, 2023

Get ready to glow! The New York Botanical Garden’s GLOW has returned for its third holiday season. Explore the landscape of the garden after dark while it’s illuminated by several bright and twinkling lights. Tickets start at $39 for adults and $24 for children. The experience is open from 5 to 10 p.m. on marked days, visit the NYBG website for dates.

Amaze Light Festival
Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Queens. Through Jan 8, 2023.

At the home of the Amazin’ Mets, it’s the Amaze Light Festival! The festival started its New York City run on Nov. 16 with iconic light displays that are calling for photo opportunities, a holiday market for shopping, and several treats for purchase. Tickets start at $36 for children and $44 for adults with the option to add a VIP upgrade for an additional $50.

Amaze Light FestivalPhoto courtesy of the Amaze Light Festival

Holiday markets/fairs

Essential Bushwick Holiday Market
1329 Willoughby Ave., Brooklyn. Nov. 26 and Dec. 10

There’s still time to shop local at the Essential Bushwick Holiday Market! This market features a ton of opportunities to find vintage, handmade and locally sourced goods for everyone on your shopping list.  The market is open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 26 and Dec. 10.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Through March 5, 2023.

Back and better than ever, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is a go-to spot for holiday fun and shopping every year. Between free ice skating, several shops to browse through and food and beverages to enjoy, there is something for everybody here. The shops will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Grand Central Holiday Fair
Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E 42nd Street. Through Dec. 24.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is back! The Grand Central Holiday Fair is the longest-running indoor holiday fair in New York City, offering dozens of local vendors and small businesses that focus on quality craftsmanship and products that are made right here in New York as well as in the rest of the United States. The fair will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grand Central Terminal, New York, at night; commuters make their way to the train home.Photo via Getty Images

Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square, 14th Street. Through Dec. 24.

Open rain or shine, the Union Square Holiday Market is another New York City holiday shopping staple. Booths are set up around the square with several options for gift shopping, snacking and more. The shops are open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle, Manhattan. Through Dec. 24

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is an internationally recognized market that has New Yorkers coming back year after year. From food and treats to jewelry and home goods, these artisanal vendors have something for everyone on your list. The shops are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Artechouse: Spectacular Factory – The Holiday Multiverse
439 W 15th St, Chelsea. Through Jan. 8, 2023.

Take part in a truly interactive winter wonderland with an artsy twist. Embark on a dazzling journey through digitally immersive that are equal parts dreamy and full of holiday joy. Tickets start at $25. Artechouse is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Paley Museum

PaleyLand the Annual Holiday Extravaganza
Paley Museum, 25 W 52nd St., Midtown. Through Jan. 8, 2023.

Get excited! PaleyLand at The Paley Museum is kicking off the holiday season with all sorts of family fun! With special film screenings, visits with Santa (and some of your other favorite characters) and displays to explore, you’ll end up spending the whole day here before you know it. Paley Members receive free admission, exclusive, early VIP access, and a free photo with Santa. For a full schedule, visit paleycenter.org.

“The Santa Clauses” Winter Wonderland
Watermark at Pier 15, The Seaport. Through Jan. 15, 2023.

Hosted by Bucket Listers, this new pop-up is an immersive experience inspired by the premiere of the Disney+ Original Series, “The Santa Clauses.” Get a true taste of Christmas with seasonal treats and take advantage of photo opps, including one with ol’ St. Nick himself. Be sure to bundle up because most of this experience takes place outside. Tickets start at $20 with multiple time slots throughout the day.