THIS IS BEING EDITED RIGHT NOW. ALL LINKS AND DATES ARE ACTIVELY BEING MODIFIED AND REVIEWED. THANKS FOR ALL THE SUGGESTIONS AND EDITS! THIS IS STILL BEING WORKED ON PROBABLY ROLLING INTO FRIDAY!

Welcome to this year's winter holiday megathread. This is the thread where we answer questions about what to do, where, see, and more.

Always remember, WE LIVE HERE. WE ARE NOT TRAVEL AGENTS. DO YOUR OWN LEG WORK FIRST.

ALL GENERIC HOLIDAY QUESTIONS OUTSIDE OF THIS THREAD WILL BE DELETED. PLEASE REPORT THEM.

Use this thread to discuss plans, give advice, or just hang out and chat about the holidays. Feel free to suggest more events, this is a living, breathing document. You can DM me or drop a post here.

Yerrr, you already know. It's time for this thread. I'm begging you to report and don't comment on the loose threads. Send them here and help keep the sub clear for more unique/interesting questions.

Did you know we have an itinerary check flair? Perfect for tourist that are looking for tourist specific recommendations. We also have a flair for Winter-y questions.

Holiday Megathread - 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018

New Years Eve Megathread 2023 | 2022

DATES

• Rockefeller Tree Lighting - Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - https://www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree/

• 1st Night of Hanukkah - Sunday, December 14, 2025

• SantaCon - Saturday, December 13, 2025

• Winter Solstice - Sunday, December 21, 2025

• Festivus -Tuesday, December 23, 2025

• Christmas -Thursday, December 25, 2025

• 1st Night of Kwanzaa - Friday, December 26, 2025

• Rockefeller Tree Comes Down - Mid Jan

Shows & Events

The tour buses are not worth it. They park on 86th St. They don't cruise the side streets, AFAIK.

I recommend you use x28 or x38 express bus. Use the bus time app to meet it. $7 per person. (MC or OMNY) On par with a tour bus but no bathroom.

Take the Express Bus. Get off at 13th Ave. All businesses along there. Get something to eat and drink and use their facilities. Then walk the side streets as you see fit to do so.

Shops & That

Holiday Markets

  • Edit: Hi everyone! Thanks so much for the help here. Reddit has removed more features which makes formatting this so fucking annoying. Please ignore the ugly links for now, I'll be hyperlinking everything cleanly once I'm done. Please continue to comment, add events, and just generally yap. I'll be continuing edits on this Friday during a work meeting lol.

    REMINDER we have our lovely sister sub /r/visitingnyc which run with great care and love as well.

    Hi! Leaving this open so others can post events and stuff while I work on this. I'm on my lunch break rn making edits but I'm working until about 9ish tonight. So true edits will be finished tomorrow when I'm at my proper home desk. It takes a long time to review and edit this so please be patient.

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  • It's not holiday-specific, but it is a great opportunity to support [mostly] local artists and get some gifts - the Renegade Craft Fair is happening this weekend in Brooklyn and the following in Manhattan.

    Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see NYC Ballet's Nutcracker listed. There's also a Nutcracker put on by the Brooklyn Ballet.

    It might also be nice to add a section for seasonal foods and drinks. Like, last year, someone posted about gingerbread lattes at La Colombe, I think I tried to go right after Christmas, and they had already taken them off the menu! Buche de Noel, sufganiyot, stollen also come to mind. Four and Twenty Blackbirds does an eggnog pie. I think that one of the Danish churches does a yearly cookie bake sale type thing where you either pay a set price for a box or pay per weight and get to load up your box with whatever. Similarly, the shuffleboard place in Brooklyn has a cookie swap coming up soon.

    Edit: The House of Yes holiday market has the wrong date. Sun, the 8th was for 2024, and it'll be on Sun, the 7th this year.

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    Thank you

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    Happy Cake Day!

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    Omg I didn’t even realise!! Thank you!!!!

    Damn it’s my 10 years holy shit

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    Agreed but I wouldn’t put Levain/Crumbl together - get the Levain or another lesser-known but equally good bakery like Janie’s.

    parent root
    1. who asked what new yorkers do?
    2. cringe? grow up
    3. you have no idea what makes someone’s trip a happy one
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    You forgot #4

    "You keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine! … Bah! Humbug!”

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  • Hi! I wanted to submit a local holiday theater event happening in Greenpoint! details below:

    Last Christmas, I took an edible to see the Rockettes, and realized that the New York needs more late night holiday content for adults.

    So, one of my best friends and I got 15 creatives from BK together (who all met on the Internet) and wrote/produced a play including experiential and sound design, a fully paid cast and crew, and more.

    o holy shit is a play about anxiety from Dec 11 - 13 in a Greenpoint loft—and I want to share and invite anyone who's into independent art and also laughing. Link to more info and tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/o-holy-shit-2025-12-12-3-0-1

    Without a marketing budget, we got creative with a sexy Santa contest in Washington Square Park last weekend, pictures below. We ended up meeting so many awesome people during this and it was super inspiring to see the NYC community show out.

    It's all about sharing fun, art and bringing ppl together during this time of year, so I wanted to share this to more NYers with taste!

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    Love that place. How fun. Thank you

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  • Go see A Christmas Carol at the Perelman Performing Arts Center. This is the Old Vic production from London. It's very festive. While you're seated, cast members are handing out oranges and ginger cookies. Noted Broadway and screen star Michael Cerveris is Scrooge. Christmas carols are woven through the show and there's a handbell chorus. PAC is adjacent to the #1 train.

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  • If anyone likes holiday music performances check out Cantori Holiday I usually go every year. I would like to hear other people’s suggestions with similar performances.

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  • The raunchy panto lives on in 2025! www.nycpanto.com, the wizard of Oz at the Parkside lounge this year. Runs through 12/20!

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    Oh I’m going to this! My third year. So much fun

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  • Luna Park is not having their Frost Fest this year :(

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    Do you know if the park will be open these upcoming days?

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    No, they are not open at all this holiday season. They will reopen in late March.

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  • As a tourist who will be visiting Mid December to Mid Jan, this is exactly what I needed. I can't wait!! 🤩🤩

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  • This is a great post! I have a question I’m hoping someone can help with.

    I’m visiting for Xmas and it’s currently summer where I’m from. I see the temps are anywhere from 20 degrees F to 40 degrees F which is pretty chilly, is jeans and puffer jacket suitable? Do I need special shoes to not slip? Are gloves and beanie needed?

    We have the same temps where I’m from but we wear still wear shorts etc. the cold hits different here.

    Thanks heaps!!!

    Edit: I found the winter thread, and it has all the info I need, thanks anyway!

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    I’ve been warm in a puffer and beanie. I wore warm boots and a scarf yesterday morning and was sweating after walking a few blocks. Nighttime is prob when you’ll want to rug up more. Enjoy your time here!

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    every layer you possibly own it cold as fuck in nye and hella windy be careful of frostbite cover your face with vaseline

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    lol, I’m here now, haven’t needed the Vaseline yet, thanks though…

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  • I should have started looking sooner. I just came across a sold out concert that I think will be great. Thanks for the list!

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    Which concert?

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  • Where my boyfriend lives there is a nonprofit that has a flower shop that employees people experiencing homelessness selling holiday wreaths, gifts, etc. all made by the people in the organization. Unfortunately they don’t ship. Are there any organizations in NYC selling holiday gifts? I’d love to buy my Christmas gifts from somewhere doing something similar.

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  • I know Albert's Bar in Midtown had an event last year with no cover - does anyone know how busy that got?

    Obviously I know everything's going to be buzzing, I just am hoping I can find a place that isn't a sardine fest (or, worse, that is going to be a huge wait early in the night).

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  • Hi Ultimate Holiday Season posters. usually, there's a concert we want to see on NYE, and we aren't seeing any that catch our eye. We're not drinkers and a ball or gala doesn't sound like what we're looking for. Clubs don't sound right either. Who knows a good NYE event that's unusual, quirky, odd, silly, different, artsy? And for grown ups, preferably? Tia for any responses!!!

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  • does anyone know if the museum of Broadway is permanently closed as as someone reported it says on MapQuest? or is it still open?

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    It's still open- go to their main page. :)

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    Mapquest is still a thing?? People still use it?

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  • Holiday-themed cornhole tournament in Riverdale (Bronx) on Dec. 14. Open to complete beginners. Casual, laid back event. Details here

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  • Renegade has their big holiday market in Brooklyn and Manhattan more info

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  • New York Philharmonic is performing Handel’s Messiah (December 10-13) and Sounds of the Season (Dec 13-14). They also have Home Alone in Concert but it is sold out.

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  • What’s the best place to do a more festive photoshoot you think? All of the main spots are packed with people

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  • Amazing post ! Any plans for midnight for new eve after fireworks ? Thanks 🙏🏼

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  • For the lighting, when is a good time to get there and where is a good spot to go camp out?

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  • Any recommendations for places to buy fun NYC or geeky themed gifts for young kids (2-5 years old)? Particularly looking for clothes, but any interesting/local spots appreciated

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  • Hey hey! Is there an existing list or directory of Christmas Tree sidewalk vendors? How would I go about finding the closest to me? Will it be just… luck?

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  • There's a free concert this Sunday happening in midtown east with some really talented singers from across the city!

    The Concert of the Season: Our Love Fights Back concert series returns on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5 PM at 209 Madison Ave.

    We’re pulling no punches. Democracy is disintegrating. Genocide is raging. The military is occupying American cities. Our neighbors are being kidnapped.

    Joy is our resistance.
    Community is our power.
    Love is our center.

    Joined by Director of Music Darnell White, Assistant Director of Music Matt Podd, and singers from all over the city, we are raising our collective voices. If you need this as much as we do, we hope to see you there. Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite!

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  • There'll be a more DIY-oriented free holiday market at Arlene's Grocery on 12/21 from 6:30 PM to 10:45 PM! Home made clothing, art pieces, jewlery, zines, and knick knacks! -https://partiful.com/e/q6kykcAxDSxZlkVYJ1xf

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  • Can I access area X in port authority bus terminal from w 41 st street…ie not by entering the terminal, to get on my bus??

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  • Any cool holiday themed events happening this weekend?

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  • I’m flying in for a few days right after New Years Day. Has anyone done a limo tour for home alone 2 spots? Or booked a limo service and just told it a few spots to stop by?

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    I'd just go research the locations and walk to them myself. They're mostly in central park. Then with the money I'd save, book a room in the plaza hotel or do high tea. Unless you're really attached to the idea of going around in a limo, it's probably a better experience for the cost. They're not going to let you bring the car into central park.

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  • If I go to the Plaza January 5th will I be turned away without a reservation? Will it still be decorated?

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  • The 34th annual tree lighting in Tompkins Square Park is scheduled for next Sunday, Dec. 14, from 4-5 p.m. refreshments from Veselka. This year’s tree is described as “delightfully askew.”

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  • I posted in r/FoodNYC, but trying here as well in case I broke any rules.

    I booked a really last minute trip to NYC for my birthday tomorrow (Amtrak there and back from DC in a day). I'll be around Rockefeller for holiday activities until about 6 and the train leaves at 8:20, so I figured it's safest to eat somewhere between those locations. Langan's caught my eye as the kind of food I really love, but unfortunately they don't have available reservations during that window.

    Would I be likely to find a spot at the bar to eat a quick meal around 6:30? I see it's popular with the Broadway crowd, but looks like those shows start around 7 so maybe folks will be leaving by then?

    If not, I'm open to any other recommendations in the general area! If all else fails, I'm sure I'll be able to find a slice of that famous NYC pizza to hold me over on the train ride home

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  • Just moved to NYC by myself for a job starting in January. Will be spending Christmas and NYE alone and was just wondering if there are any get-togethers for people in similar situations?

    Mid 30s woman who works in tech if it matters. Around the UWS area but can go wherever. I consider myself an extroverted introvert so would be down for a lot of things. I see a lot of posts saying to go walk around and just vibe and I will absolutely be doing that, but I'd also love to have some social interaction and feel a little less solo.

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    Try r/nycfriends or r/nycmeetup. There’s a discord too where people make friends. Also you can go to your local pub.

    There’s a how to meet people guide that can give you some good leads. They’re always many people looking for connections during the holiday.

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    Oh awesome, thank you so much!!

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    Welcome to New York!! Xx

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  • Hi all,

    We live near Columbus Circle and have an international flight out of Newark on New Year’s Day at 6:30AM. Has anyone traveled on New Year’s Day and at so close to midnight? What would be the best method of transportation? We usually take the NJ Transit, but unsure of the timings and the chaos of New years. 

    We currently have an Uber reserved for 2AM at a really good price, but unsure if it will stick.

    Thoughts?

    edit: any idea on traffic going out of Lincoln tunnel around 2am? If uber is likely to not work/cancel on me, Taxi's cannot refuse service so if I hail one on 11th ave and ask to be taken out of the city they have to take me? and if I do that I wanted to know if anyone has experienced how jammed it will be

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  • Hi! F/30 live UWS, moved to New York a couple years ago but spending this holiday season solo just staying in my apt all week for the first time, anything to do Christmas Day or the week between Christmas and new years? I’m off work tons of free time but want to get out and about not be in my apt bummed about spending Christmas alone

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    Just go walk around the big stores checking out their decorations.

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  • Is the city still chaotic/ busy the day after Christmas ?

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  • I'm sorry if this has been answered already, but are there any venues with live jazz or blues tonight (Christmas Day)? I'm spending Christmas alone and would love to just throw on a dress and sit in a gloomy corner listening to some old music.

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    Ah, I must be too late to answer this question :( but if you ever want to see a jazz show any day of the month, download the event calendar (under information/calendar in site menu) from the NYC Jazz Record https://nycjazzrecord.com/ . Merry Christmas! Hope it was a great day for you.

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  • does anyone know of any clubs in nyc where you only need to be 18 to get in and then 21 to order drinks? my friends and i were looking for a nye party on resident advisor but most of the parties are 21+. like versa rooftop party.

    normally id probably use a fake but the tickets are upwards of $60 and since its ny there’s a good chance my fake will be taken or rejected and i don’t want to waste money. so looking for either a club or nye party that’s 18+

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  • Can I rent out hockey skates at Wollman’s Ice Rink or do they offer just the figure skating ones?

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  • I am planning on going to NYC (manhattan/time square area) on Christmas Eve, but I was worried everything will be closed on Christmas Day. I’ll only be there for a couple days. Will this be a problem? Or is everything usually open on Christmas day in NYC?

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    you'll be fine. plenty will be open.

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