Published November 08, 2021
The city that never sleeps has worked tirelessly to get iconic sights, winter activities, outdoor markets, and more ready for the holiday season. You'll feel the festive spirit whether you opt for timeless traditions at Rockefeller or dinner reservations in a private rooftop igloo.
Here’s a round-up of NYC’s holiday must-do’s to close out 2021.
Note: To ensure safe and social distant exploring, please check with each venue to see if they are open before crossing off your bucket list. Updates to city-wide COVID guidelines and restrictions can be found here.
Lining the allées and terraces of Bryant Park, the open-air market featuring artisans from around the world is back. This is the perfect spot to search custom-designed kiosks for local crafts, delicacies, and gifts or just spend the day walking around.
When: Friday, October 29, 2021 - Sunday, January 2, 2022 Daily from 11am-8pm
Many Shops are open on holidays and keep later hours after Thanksgiving
Where: View their map here.
Lining the allées and terraces of Bryant Park, the open-air market featuring artisans from around the world is back. This is the perfect spot to search custom-designed kiosks for local crafts, delicacies, and gifts or just spend the day walking around.
When: Friday, October 29, 2021 - Sunday, January 2, 2022 Daily from 11am-8pm
Many Shops are open on holidays and keep later hours after Thanksgiving
Where: View their map here.
American Dream is located close to NYC in New Jersey and offers the perfect all day indoor escape during winter. With 3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment spaces (including a massive indoor waterpark) you won't only knock a few names off your gift shopping list, but you'll make some pretty amazing memories with family and friends too! Bonus: Since American Dream is decked out for the holidays, their festive decorations and installations make the perfect backdrops for a winter photoshoot.
Where: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, New Jersey
When: Sun - Thurs: 11 AM - 8 PM (Sun hours vary by store)
Fri: 11 AM - 9 PM / Sat: 11 AM - 10 PM
American Dream is located close to NYC in New Jersey and offers the perfect all day indoor escape during winter. With 3 million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment spaces (including a massive indoor waterpark) you won't only knock a few names off your gift shopping list, but you'll make some pretty amazing memories with family and friends too! Bonus: Since American Dream is decked out for the holidays, their festive decorations and installations make the perfect backdrops for a winter photoshoot.
Where: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, New Jersey
When: Sun - Thurs: 11 AM - 8 PM (Sun hours vary by store)
Fri: 11 AM - 9 PM / Sat: 11 AM - 10 PM
You don't want to be late to this epic Alice In Wonderland themed cocktail adventure! Come along on a 90 minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. For those both curious and curiouser – this will be the tea party to end all tea parties.
When: Times Vary
Where: Pekarna, 594 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
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You don't want to be late to this epic Alice In Wonderland themed cocktail adventure! Come along on a 90 minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland. For those both curious and curiouser – this will be the tea party to end all tea parties.
When: Times Vary
Where: Pekarna, 594 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
There's nothing better than a meal you make yourself! Choose from tons of different cooking classes like bagels, sushi, Spanish tapas, gnocchi, and other handmade pastas for a fun group outing or date night.
There's nothing better than a meal you make yourself! Choose from tons of different cooking classes like bagels, sushi, Spanish tapas, gnocchi, and other handmade pastas for a fun group outing or date night.
This February, NYC will set off fiery colors and festivities in honor of the Lunar New Year. Manhattan's Chinatown will play host to the Firecracker Ceremony and Chinese New Year Parade. The vibrant affair celebrates Chinese culture and tradition, and is a must-see event if you've never attended before.
When: February 1-11, 2022
Where: Various locations
This February, NYC will set off fiery colors and festivities in honor of the Lunar New Year. Manhattan's Chinatown will play host to the Firecracker Ceremony and Chinese New Year Parade. The vibrant affair celebrates Chinese culture and tradition, and is a must-see event if you've never attended before.
When: February 1-11, 2022
Where: Various locations
Does the perfect date night include watching a Shakespearian play at a tipsy improv show? If you said yes, you're in luck. While one professional actor downs five shots of whiskey, four sober actors attempt to keep on track of the script for a night of hilarity and comical genius. No two shows are alike!
Where: 711 7th Ave (look for the LOL Comedy awning), 2nd Floor
For more information on tickets go here. Entry is strictly 21+.
But you can check this event instead:
Does the perfect date night include watching a Shakespearian play at a tipsy improv show? If you said yes, you're in luck. While one professional actor downs five shots of whiskey, four sober actors attempt to keep on track of the script for a night of hilarity and comical genius. No two shows are alike!
Where: 711 7th Ave (look for the LOL Comedy awning), 2nd Floor
For more information on tickets go here. Entry is strictly 21+.
At the crossroads of art, science and technology, the experimental Artechouse NYC has reopened with an awe-inspiring new exhibit: Machine Hallucination. In collaboration with award-winning media artist and pioneer in the aesthetics of machine intelligence Refik Anadol, it will also feature an exclusive location drop of exhibition-based experiential NFT art, a collection composed of 1,000 unique NFTs from Anadol available to visitors on-site only.
When: Now until January 17, 2022, Mon - Fri 12pm - 10pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 10pm
Where: 439 W 15th St. New York, NY 10011
At the crossroads of art, science and technology, the experimental Artechouse NYC has reopened with an awe-inspiring new exhibit: Machine Hallucination. In collaboration with award-winning media artist and pioneer in the aesthetics of machine intelligence Refik Anadol, it will also feature an exclusive location drop of exhibition-based experiential NFT art, a collection composed of 1,000 unique NFTs from Anadol available to visitors on-site only.
When: Now until January 17, 2022, Mon - Fri 12pm - 10pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 10pm
Where: 439 W 15th St. New York, NY 10011
Why let summer have all the fun? There are plenty of NYC bars that boast stunning views of the city all from the comfort of the heated indoors. And yeah, maybe the sun does set at 5pm now, but one could argue Manhattan's views are even more magical in the dark.
click here for more informationWhy let summer have all the fun? There are plenty of NYC bars that boast stunning views of the city all from the comfort of the heated indoors. And yeah, maybe the sun does set at 5pm now, but one could argue Manhattan's views are even more magical in the dark.
click here for more informationStep into one of the largest toy stores in the world. Slip into the shoes of Josh Baskin and do a little dance on the keyboard! Make Tom Hanks proud. You can also knock some items off of your holiday shopping list.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
Step into one of the largest toy stores in the world. Slip into the shoes of Josh Baskin and do a little dance on the keyboard! Make Tom Hanks proud. You can also knock some items off of your holiday shopping list.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
With lots of room to spread out, explore a glowing world of color and light at GLOW. The experience features NYBG’S landmark landscape and Haupt Conservatory’s iconic exterior as a glittering canvas. Washes of brilliant colors, thousands of dazzling lights, and picture-perfect installations fill the Reflecting Pool and enliven surrounding gardens and collections. Visitors can also enjoy artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians, plus grab-and-go food service. Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, November 10, at 10 a.m. EST.
When: November 24, 26, 27; December 2-4, 9, 11, 16-18, 23, 26-30; January 1, 6-8, 14-15, 21-22 | 5 PM–10 PM
Where: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126
For more information on GLOW.
But you can check this event instead:
With lots of room to spread out, explore a glowing world of color and light at GLOW. The experience features NYBG’S landmark landscape and Haupt Conservatory’s iconic exterior as a glittering canvas. Washes of brilliant colors, thousands of dazzling lights, and picture-perfect installations fill the Reflecting Pool and enliven surrounding gardens and collections. Visitors can also enjoy artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians, plus grab-and-go food service. Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, November 10, at 10 a.m. EST.
When: November 24, 26, 27; December 2-4, 9, 11, 16-18, 23, 26-30; January 1, 6-8, 14-15, 21-22 | 5 PM–10 PM
Where: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126
For more information on GLOW.
Figure eight your way into the holiday season at one of NYC’s many ice rinks. One of our favorites is the iconic Wollman Rink, where you can skate amongst the epic views of the NYC skyline. (We also recommend checking out Pier 17’s rooftop ice skating rink—for stellar views of the Brooklyn bridge!)
When: Opening dates are still TBD
Where: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
Figure eight your way into the holiday season at one of NYC’s many ice rinks. One of our favorites is the iconic Wollman Rink, where you can skate amongst the epic views of the NYC skyline. (We also recommend checking out Pier 17’s rooftop ice skating rink—for stellar views of the Brooklyn bridge!)
When: Opening dates are still TBD
Where: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
Tourists and locals alike can see the iconic Christmas totem, the gigantic Rockefeller Tree, return this holiday season! Be the first to know details surrounding this year's lighting ceremony by joining the Rock List.
When: The tree will arrive November 13th and will be lit on December 1st
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, New York
Tourists and locals alike can see the iconic Christmas totem, the gigantic Rockefeller Tree, return this holiday season! Be the first to know details surrounding this year's lighting ceremony by joining the Rock List.
When: The tree will arrive November 13th and will be lit on December 1st
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, New York
Due to the pandemic, NYC’s largest soup kitchen increased their weekly average meals served from 840 per week in 2019, to a staggering 22,000 meals per week last year. Consider volunteering to distribute food, or make a donation if possible. Contributing $28 feeds a guest every weekday for a month and they also have Thanksgiving donations available too.
When: Volunteers have shifts available Monday-Friday from 9:15am-1:15pm, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.
Where: 296 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Due to the pandemic, NYC’s largest soup kitchen increased their weekly average meals served from 840 per week in 2019, to a staggering 22,000 meals per week last year. Consider volunteering to distribute food, or make a donation if possible. Contributing $28 feeds a guest every weekday for a month and they also have Thanksgiving donations available too.
When: Volunteers have shifts available Monday-Friday from 9:15am-1:15pm, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1pm-3pm.
Where: 296 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Grab your board – and your buds – and head to Mountain Creek on the Sourced Adventures Ski & Board Bus. Departing from several points in the city, the bus transports snow savants to Mountain Creek for a day on the slopes.
When: Trips run most Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays all winter long starting December 31, 2021
Where:
๐Pick up Locations:
1st Pickup: 41 Union Square West (Corner of 17th & Broadway)
2nd Pickup: W 45th and 11th Avenue (directly across the street from Gotham Market)
Grab your board – and your buds – and head to Mountain Creek on the Sourced Adventures Ski & Board Bus. Departing from several points in the city, the bus transports snow savants to Mountain Creek for a day on the slopes.
When: Trips run most Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays all winter long starting December 31, 2021
Where:
๐Pick up Locations:
1st Pickup: 41 Union Square West (Corner of 17th & Broadway)
2nd Pickup: W 45th and 11th Avenue (directly across the street from Gotham Market)
The holiday season in New York City isn’t complete without a visit to this Gramercy gem. The German restaurant bodes 100,000 lights, 15,000 ornaments and 800 dolls filling every inch of the small space from November 1st through spring each year and has become a staple part Christmas culture in NYC.
When: Through Spring 2022
Where: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
The holiday season in New York City isn’t complete without a visit to this Gramercy gem. The German restaurant bodes 100,000 lights, 15,000 ornaments and 800 dolls filling every inch of the small space from November 1st through spring each year and has become a staple part Christmas culture in NYC.
When: Through Spring 2022
Where: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Tube and brews are the ultimate winter activity duo. Don’t believe us? Time to check out the NYC Snow Tubing & Brewery Bus. Getaway for an evening and spend your Saturday night (or afternoon!) on an adventure. Hop on the bus and enjoy a 2-hour night snow tubing session at Mountain Creek followed by a visit to a local brewery with dinner and round-trip transportation from NYC included. Mountain Creek snow tubing is one of the best ways to escape the city for an adventure-filled evening away from the hustle of bustle of NYC.
When: Trips run most Saturdays & Sundays all winter long starting January 1, 2022
Where:
๐Pick up Locations:
1st: Adventure Cafe, 85 Delancey St, Lower East Side
2nd: West 45th & 11th Ave
Tube and brews are the ultimate winter activity duo. Don’t believe us? Time to check out the NYC Snow Tubing & Brewery Bus. Getaway for an evening and spend your Saturday night (or afternoon!) on an adventure. Hop on the bus and enjoy a 2-hour night snow tubing session at Mountain Creek followed by a visit to a local brewery with dinner and round-trip transportation from NYC included. Mountain Creek snow tubing is one of the best ways to escape the city for an adventure-filled evening away from the hustle of bustle of NYC.
When: Trips run most Saturdays & Sundays all winter long starting January 1, 2022
Where:
๐Pick up Locations:
1st: Adventure Cafe, 85 Delancey St, Lower East Side
2nd: West 45th & 11th Ave
More is more when it comes to over-the-top holiday light decorations in Dyker Heights. Marvel at the abundance of life-size Santas, snowmen, and sleighs throughout this Brooklyn neighborhood and discover hundreds of homes decorated with the best lights and sounds in all of New York.
When: Every Night of December 2021 (Except the 24th, 25th and 31st)
Where: Pick up/Drop off in Bryant Park Area; Destination: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
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More is more when it comes to over-the-top holiday light decorations in Dyker Heights. Marvel at the abundance of life-size Santas, snowmen, and sleighs throughout this Brooklyn neighborhood and discover hundreds of homes decorated with the best lights and sounds in all of New York.
When: Every Night of December 2021 (Except the 24th, 25th and 31st)
Where: Pick up/Drop off in Bryant Park Area; Destination: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
Enjoy the grand salon of the Manhattan Yachts in their rich full Holiday decor while taking in NYC skyline during this magical time of year. Choose from options like the Holiday Brunch Cruise, Champagne & Cheese Pairing Cruise, Cocoa and Carols Cruise, and more!
When: Various Dates
Where: Chelsea Piers (Pier 62)
But you can check this event instead:
Enjoy the grand salon of the Manhattan Yachts in their rich full Holiday decor while taking in NYC skyline during this magical time of year. Choose from options like the Holiday Brunch Cruise, Champagne & Cheese Pairing Cruise, Cocoa and Carols Cruise, and more!
When: Various Dates
Where: Chelsea Piers (Pier 62)
Turn your dreams of sugarplums and candy canes into a reality – "Pinkmas" is returning to the Museum of Ice Cream for the holiday season. Ever-changing with seasonal themes, this year's Pinkmas is a special winter-scape where guests can gather, connect, and feel the magic of the season. Explore a wonderland of holiday-themed spaces and installations. Enjoy special treats, festive surprises and visit the whimsical shop for exclusive holiday merch.
When: November 18th to January 9th
Where: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
But you can check this event instead:
Turn your dreams of sugarplums and candy canes into a reality – "Pinkmas" is returning to the Museum of Ice Cream for the holiday season. Ever-changing with seasonal themes, this year's Pinkmas is a special winter-scape where guests can gather, connect, and feel the magic of the season. Explore a wonderland of holiday-themed spaces and installations. Enjoy special treats, festive surprises and visit the whimsical shop for exclusive holiday merch.
When: November 18th to January 9th
Where: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
’Tis the season – for drinking! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ธ Seamore’s Nolita welcomes you inside for a 7-week mixology series. In each class, Seamore’s master mixologist will take you through the steps for making three craft cocktails, differing in both flavor and spirits. Each week offers a new theme and three entirely different cocktails, allowing you to quite literally pick your poison – and come back more than once! The recipes & skills you’ll acquire in this class are particularly perfect for: Showing off at holiday gatherings, cozying up on cold winter nights, surviving family dinners & more.
When: Every Tuesday now through December 28th, 2021
Where: Seamore’s Nolita, 390 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
But you can check this event instead:
’Tis the season – for drinking! ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ธ Seamore’s Nolita welcomes you inside for a 7-week mixology series. In each class, Seamore’s master mixologist will take you through the steps for making three craft cocktails, differing in both flavor and spirits. Each week offers a new theme and three entirely different cocktails, allowing you to quite literally pick your poison – and come back more than once! The recipes & skills you’ll acquire in this class are particularly perfect for: Showing off at holiday gatherings, cozying up on cold winter nights, surviving family dinners & more.
When: Every Tuesday now through December 28th, 2021
Where: Seamore’s Nolita, 390 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable display of festive holiday lights and lanterns with three locations to explore! The NYC Winter Lantern Festival highlights the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. View the handmade lanterns, sip on hot chocolate, and eat festivie food from around the world.
When: Dates vary by location
Where:
๐ Queens
๐ Staten Island
๐ Long Island (Drive Thru)
But you can check this event instead:
Kick off the holiday season with an unforgettable display of festive holiday lights and lanterns with three locations to explore! The NYC Winter Lantern Festival highlights the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. View the handmade lanterns, sip on hot chocolate, and eat festivie food from around the world.
When: Dates vary by location
Where:
๐ Queens
๐ Staten Island
๐ Long Island (Drive Thru)