Before the kids set out Santa’s milk and cookies, enjoy one of these festive events from around the city. For even more light displays, trees, and Santas, check out our guide to the ultimate New York holiday.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
What’s a better way to ring in the holiday other than seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! Join the Rockettes, wooden soldiers, and Santa himself in this timeless performance. There are shows beginning at 11am and 2pm on Christmas Eve. Tickets start at $59.00. radiocitychristmas.com
Macy’s Santaland at Macy’s Department Store
Located on the 8th floor of Macy’s at Herald Square, Santaland will be open on Christmas Eve if you need to get a last minute picture with St. Nick before he heads out on his sleigh. With over 13,000 feet of North Pole to explore, complete with elves and giant toys, Santaland provides a great setting for photo opportunities. Doors open at 9am. visitmacysusa.com
Caroling at Washington Square Park
Beginning at 5pm, the Rob Susman Brass Quartet will perform under the arch at Washington Square Park. Bring the whole family to join in the celebration of Christmas through music. Song books will be distributed to all of the carolers courtesy of the Washington Square Association. Santa will also make an appearance! The festivities will end promptly at 6pm and admission is free. washingtonsquarenyc.org
Gramercy Park opens its gates to the public on Christmas Eve for caroling beside its tree. Gates open at 6pm; bring a flashlight. gramercyparkblockassociation.org
Holiday Under the Stars at the Time Warner Center
The Time Warner Center’s amazing Christmas light display will be open from 5pm to 12am this Christmas Eve. With over a dozen 14-foot stars composed of flashing LED lights, Holiday Under the Stars is sure to amaze the entire family. theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Don’t forget to stop by the city’s world-famous symbol of the Christmas season. In its 83rd year of tradition, the tree at Rockefeller Center stands at at a staggering 85-feet tall. Imported into the city from Bloomsburg, PA, you won’t want to miss the Norway spruce covered in thousands of LED lights! Visiting hours run from 5:30am-midnight. rockefellercenter.com
Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Since 1957, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has displayed its dazzling tree and Neapolitan nativity scene from the 18th century. Accompanied by holiday music and candles, the display is a moving symbol of the Christmas season. Doors open at 10am, and viewing the tree is free with museum admission. metmuseum.org.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
After eating dinner on Christmas Eve, head over to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood to see dozens of homes decked out in Christmas spirit! With nearly every home impeccably decorated with lights, nativity scenes and even Santa Claus figures the spectacle is not to be missed! facebook.com/dyker-heights-christmas-lights
