40 Free Christmas Things to Do in NYC (2026)

Christmas in New York can be expensive, but many of the best holiday experiences are completely free. Here are 40 ways to celebrate without a ticket, organized so you can build free days around them.

Trees and Tree Lightings

1. See the Rockefeller Center tree (lit Dec 2), best early morning or late night.
2. Watch the Bryant Park tree lighting and skating show.
3. NYSE tree lighting on Wall Street, Dec 3.
4. DUMBO tree lighting, Dec 3.
5. Park Avenue tree lighting, Dec 6.
6. Washington Square Arch tree.
7. Lotte New York Palace courtyard tree.
8. Seaport tree.
9. Historic Richmond Town tree lighting, Dec 4.

Lights and Light Shows

10. Walk the Dyker Heights Christmas lights.
11. Stroll Bay Ridge.
12. Saks Fifth Avenue light show.
13. Shine Bright at Hudson Yards and the Vessel lighting (Nov 16).
14. Holiday Under the Stars at Columbus Circle.
15. Luminaries at Brookfield Place.
16. Harlem Holiday Lights, Nov 17.
17. The Radio City marquee and giant ornaments on Sixth Avenue.

Holiday Windows

18. Macy’s Herald Square.
19. Bergdorf Goodman.
20. Bloomingdale’s.
21. Follow our holiday windows walking route.

Markets (Free to Browse)

22. Bryant Park Winter Village — and free-admission skating if you bring your own skates.
23. Union Square Holiday Market.
24. Grand Central Holiday Fair.
25. Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Trains, Museums and Exhibits

26. Grand Central Holiday Train Show.
27. Gingerbread NYC (free for under-18s).
28. The Met Christmas tree (pay-what-you-wish for NY residents).
29. Look up at Grand Central’s ceiling and the holiday light show on the Main Concourse.

Music and Celebrations

30. Christmas Eve carols at Washington Square.
31. Trinity Church community events and church carol services.
32. Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Nov 26).
33. See the balloon inflation (Nov 25).
34. Menorah lightings at Grand Army Plaza (Dec 4–12).
35. Free Santa photos at Hudson Yards on weekday evenings.

Views and Strolls

36. Ride the Staten Island Ferry past the lit-up skyline.
37. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk.
38. The High Line at sunset into Hudson Yards.
39. Central Park after a snowfall.
40. Watch skaters at Rockefeller Center from the plaza above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do for free at Christmas in NYC?

Visit the Rockefeller Center tree, walk Dyker Heights, see the Fifth Avenue windows and Saks light show, browse the holiday markets, see the Grand Central train show and attend free tree lightings.

Is Bryant Park ice skating free?

Admission to the Bryant Park rink is free if you bring your own skates; rentals cost extra.