The Big Apple goes big for the holidays with hundreds of festive events, shows and pop-ups to ring in the most wonderful time of the year. But with so much to choose from and often so few hours to spend, narrowing down the perfect NYC itinerary feels more like a task that should be left up to Santa’s elves.
Luckily, we’ve combed through the seasonal offerings to highlight this year’s can’t-miss programming. From bars and restaurants to theatre and outdoor experiences, these are the holly-jolly festivities that have made our Nice List in 2025.
The Bars and Restaurants
Rolf’s gets most of the love and attention in December, for its Instagram-worthy, over-the-top tinsel and ornament-lined ceilings. And while it’s a space everyone should check out during a visit, there are a handful of other gastronomical experiences and pop-ups deserving of equal fanfare.
Quirky and ornate Oscar Wilde, known for its robust list of holiday-themed cocktails, transforms into a scene from Santa’s study with dressed Christmas trees, velvet stockings and oversized bows, while PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown showers its guests in canopied lights at its rooftop winter wonderland, dubbed a “Midwinter Night’s Dream.”
Block-long La Grande Boucherie offers a cozy backdrop to Sunday brunch with classic French dishes like tender steak tartare and garlicky escargot, though you should save room for a slice of Breads Bakery’s warm chocolate babka to nosh on as you stroll Fifth Avenue and relish the impressively intricate department store window displays.
Tradition will beckon any visitor to snap shots by the famed Rockefeller Christmas tree, complete with angel displays, car-sized snowflakes and Saks’ nearby holiday light show. Zig-zag your way through the inevitable crowds to reach Ocean Prime — a timeless and luxurious Midtown haven with extra-dirty martinis, custom-built shellfish towers, dry-aged steaks and a warm butter cake that always steals the show.
Another Rockefeller-adjacent gem is The Splendid, with its seafood-forward menu of saltine lump crab cakes and all-too-thematic fried oysters Rockefeller and Manhattan clam chowder. Wash it all down with one of many creative cocktails, including the refreshing yet very not-Christmas-forward Lesser Key Daiquiri with a trio of dark rums, Giffard Banana and lime.
Lastly, venture south to The Dead Rabbit in Manhattan’s Financial District for their annual Jingle Jangle pop-up which features three floors of kitschy bevs, fairytale decor and a killer Christmas soundtrack.
The Great Outdoors
Bronx and Brooklyn’s botanical gardens are the two largest and most popular in the city, showcasing wonderful yet different outdoor holiday experiences. The former, located just off the Metro North’s Harlem line, is home to a beloved Holiday Train Show, a 30-plus year tradition that features nearly 200 scaled and iconic buildings in the Big Apple with over 25 model trains and trolleys. The latter hosts a series called Lightscape, which displays an avalanche of glittering lights that guide visitors on a curated, multi-sensory trail highlighting the property’s beloved sculptures and water features with red and green nods to the holidays.
While in Brooklyn, a trip to Dyker Heights neighborhood is also a must-see to observe some of the country’s most elaborate and thoughtful home decorations. If you’re limited to the Manhattan area, simply set aside some time to enjoy one of its many ice skating rinks, especially Central Park’s Wollman Rink, to give your nose a breather from all the gingerbread, taxi exhaust and burnt chestnuts that waft through city streets.
The Shows
The Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes, celebrating its 100th year, is the most obvious choice when it comes to show-stopping performances, as well as any touring musical act with holiday hits at the helm (this year brings in stars like, Brett Eldredge, Laufey and Sam Smith), but there are a few other entertainment standouts to consider.
Cirque du Soleil adds a little jingle to its signature acrobatics with its holiday production, ‘Twas the Night Before. Created especially for families, the Madison Square Garden spectacle touts flips, twists and an original score to complement the story of a girl in search of a little Christmas magic.
For a more spiritual departure, the New York Philharmonic’s performance of Handel’s Messiah is an audio masterpiece, playing all two and half hours of its iconic melodies, from start to finish, for four evenings. The organization also streams its musical event online for anyone who can’t join in person.
Visitors also can’t go wrong with any interpretation of The Nutcracker. This year includes George Balanchine’s classic rendition at the New York City Ballet, Keith Michael’s take at the New York Theatre Ballet, Company VIX’s Nutcracker Rouge burlesque show and Frances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker.
But if you find yourself on Santa’s Naughty List, Santa’s Secret in Columbus Circle combines craft cocktail imbibing with flesh-baring cabaret performances. The words “sexy Christmas” may not be on your holiday bingo card, but it’s bound to become a new favorite tradition.
Other performances worth noting: A Christmas Carol at The Merchant’s House museum, It’s a Wonderful Life! live radio play, as well as The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show for the best in drag comedy.
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The Markets
Though similar holiday goodies can be found at nearly every NYC holiday market, the vibes and highlights vary at each locale.
Winter Village at Bryant Park has emerged as the go-to destination for most tourists with an uber-popular ice skating rink and nearly 200 shops and food stalls to tack on last-minute gift-buying and indulging. Union Square Holiday Market, which transforms its weekly Greenmarket into a Bavarian paradise, sells everything from fragrances and home goods to jewelry and oversized pretzels. Most purchases also support small businesses, as well as charitable initiatives to keep in line with with the spirit of giving.
Other highlights include Urbanspace at Columbus Circle for its one-of-a-kind handmade items, Upper West Side’s Grand Holiday Bazaar for antiques, Hester Street Fair at The Seaport for live music and the Brooklyn Navy Yard for its enormous selection of merchandise in a 100,000 square-foot retail space.
The Hotel
Though most accommodations’ lobbies will have decked halls, much like Home Alone 2-famous Plaza hotel, prices are extremely high and properties are typically at capacity.
We recommend staying off the beaten path at the W Hoboken, which will remove you from the hustle and bustle of the city for a much-needed respite. Best of all, most rooms showcase direct views of Manhattan’s skyline so that you never feel too far away from all of the action.
The Spirit
No matter how you decide to plan a trip to The City That Never Sleeps (except while Santa parks his sleigh to deliver gifts), there’s an undeniable spirit in the air that makes New York one of the most sought-after destinations around the holidays. And while such a statement sounds like it was plucked straight from a cheesy Hallmark movie, it won’t feel so hyperbolic after immersing yourself in the seasonal sights, sounds, thrills and tastes that the country’s most festive city has to offer.
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