Everything to see and do for Christmas in New York in 2026, with dates, tips and links to every detailed guide.
The 2026 tree arrives November 7 and is lit on Wednesday, December 2. Here’s how to see it without the crowds.
Bryant Park, Grand Central, Union Square, Columbus Circle and Brooklyn: every New York holiday market for 2026.
Saks, Bergdorf, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and a self-guided Fifth Avenue windows walk for 2026.
From Rockefeller Center to free skating at Bryant Park: every major NYC rink for 2026–27.
Two million lights, a giant illuminated hot air balloon and a free Vessel lighting ceremony on November 16, 2026.
Giant handcrafted lanterns, dragons and an acrobatic show at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island, select nights November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
Hundreds of handcrafted silk lanterns light up the historic Queens County Farm in Glen Oaks from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Model trains run through nearly 200 New York landmarks made from plants at the New York Botanical Garden, November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
Over 400 animal lanterns, light shows and new nighttime access to the Children’s Zoo on select nights from November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
A mile-long illuminated trail through Brooklyn Botanic Garden, running select evenings from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
The best blocks, the best nights and how to get to Brooklyn’s most famous Christmas light neighborhood in 2026.
Harlem’s 125th Street switches on its holiday lights with an illuminated parade on November 17, 2026.
A towering tree and lights in the historic Villard Mansion courtyard on Madison Avenue, behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Giant illuminated stars and a free choreographed light show inside The Shops at Columbus Circle.