What to do in New York in December 2025
Highlight of the month
Christmas in New York
Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year. New York is transformed into a winter wonderland, full of festive lights and decorations. Find out what there is to do and see in the city.
Eric’s tips
New York in December is all about the holidays! Go see the Rockettes swing their legs in the air at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and admire the thousands of Christmas lights on the decorated houses in Brooklyn. Celebrate the holidays on a festive dinner cruise or a party. View all events per day below.
Monthly events in New York in December 2025
-
Visit one of the many wonderful Broadway musicals in New York.
-
Christmas trees, window displays and festive activities. Find out what to do and see in NYC.
-
Combine sightseeing in New York with a lovely dinner and take an evening dinner cruise.
-
Discover the best ice skating rinks in New York City.
-
New York Giants American Football
Want to visit an American football game? Now it's your chance to see New York Giants play.
-
Basketball is one of the sports in New York! Why not visit a New York Knicks game.
-
See the NY Rangers play in Madison Square Garden. Great atmosphere, tasty hotdogs!
1 Dec
Monday
Shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop 'til you drop and get the biggest discounts at Woodbury Common Outlets!
3 Dec
Wednesday
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony outside of Rockefeller Center marks the start of the Christmas season in NYC. Wrapped in tens of thousands of lights and crowned with a Swarovski star, this gigantic spruce is quite a sight!
4 Dec
Thursday
Annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park
Watch the lighting of Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer, an ice-carving show, carolling, and more holiday fun in Central Park. Free.
5 Dec
Friday
Rooftop Bar Tour
The best way to explore New York's bustling rooftop bars, while skipping lines and marching straight past picky bouncers.
6 Dec
Saturday
St. Nicholas Day
Day of generosity and the original Santa Claus! Get yourself into the Christmas spirit with the Dyker Heights Tour.
7 Dec
Sunday
Gospel on Sundays
Experience authentic gospel music in one of the churches of Harlem. This tour is available on Wednesdays too.
8 Dec
Monday
Anniversary of Lennon's Death
Today is the anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Visit the Strawberry Fields in Central Park in his memory.
8 Dec
Monday
Shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop 'til you drop and get the biggest discounts at Woodbury Common Outlets!
12 Dec
Friday
Rooftop Bar Tour
The best way to explore New York's bustling rooftop bars, while skipping lines and marching straight past picky bouncers.
14 Dec
Sunday
Gospel on Sundays
Experience authentic gospel music in one of the churches of Harlem. This tour is available on Wednesdays too.
15 Dec
Monday
National Cupcake Day
Who can resist a cupcake? Try these local New York bakeries and find out your favourite cupcake flavour.
15 Dec
Monday
Shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop 'til you drop and get the biggest discounts at Woodbury Common Outlets!
19 Dec
Friday
Rooftop Bar Tour
The best way to explore New York's bustling rooftop bars, while skipping lines and marching straight past picky bouncers.
21 Dec
Sunday
Gospel on Sundays
Experience authentic gospel music in one of the churches of Harlem. This tour is available on Wednesdays too.
22 Dec
Monday
Shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop 'til you drop and get the biggest discounts at Woodbury Common Outlets!
24 Dec
Wednesday
Christmas Eve
New Yorkers spend the night with their family. My advice: go out for dinner on Christmas Eve.
24 Dec
Wednesday
Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Why not spend the Christmas Eve cruising the waters of New York. You'll have great views of Manhattan's skyline, access to the open bar and delicious food!
25 Dec
26 Dec
26 Dec
Friday
Rooftop Bar Tour
The best way to explore New York's bustling rooftop bars, while skipping lines and marching straight past picky bouncers.
28 Dec
Sunday
Gospel on Sundays
Experience authentic gospel music in one of the churches of Harlem. This tour is available on Wednesdays too.
29 Dec
Monday
Shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Shop 'til you drop and get the biggest discounts at Woodbury Common Outlets!
31 Dec
Wednesday
New Year's Eve
Ring in the new year with all-night parties, a concert, or a special New Year's Eve fireworks display.
31 Dec
Wednesday
New Year's Eve Cruises
If you want to ring in the new year in style and avoid the crowds in Times Square, go on a New Year's Eve cruise! You'll have great views of the fireworks, the skyline, and entertainment on board.
31 Dec
Wednesday
New Year's Eve Parties
New Year's Eve in New York is quite an experience. Here you will find the best parties to welcome the new year.
