Celebrate the Holidays and New Year’s Eve at One of These 16 Events in New York

Where does the time go? As we finish up the last few weeks of 2024, there are still plenty of events in New York to enjoy. Whether you’re searching for the best holiday events in New York or the best places to go for New Year’s, we've compiled 16 fun events that range from kid-friendly to adults only and everything in between.

Best Holiday Events in New York

1. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland 2024

• Location: Bronx River Parkway
• Dates: 11/27/2024-12/31/2024

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is back, brighter than ever! Embark on a 1.2-mile drive-thru adventure filled with thousands of colorful lights, beloved holiday characters, and breathtaking displays. Proceeds directly benefit the Westchester Parks Foundation, which works to keep Westchester County Parks beautiful, open, and accessible to all who need them. As you wind your way through this winter wonderland, you’ll encounter glittering angels of peace, dancing trees, glowing snowballs, and, of course, Winchester’s favorite 40-foot Christmas tree. And don’t forget to say hello to the Ice Queen, who’s ready to spread holiday cheer! Come and create memories your family and friends will treasure forever—get your tickets for Westchester’s Winter Wonderland in New York.

2. Winter Whirl at The Shops at the Oculus

• Location: Oculus World Trade Center
• Dates: 11/27/24-1/5/2025

The Shops at the Oculus are bringing back the Winter Whirl Roller Rink presented by Sonic the Hedgehog 3, offering a skating experience unlike any other in the heart of downtown NYC! Skate under the Oculus all season long with friends and family at NYC’s number one destination for some festive fun this holiday season. Glide to festive music indoors at Winter Whirl, surrounded by holiday shopping, dining, and festive cheer all in one location. Get your tickets to Winter Whirl now.

3. Holiday Train Nights at NYBG

• Location: New York Botanical Garden
• Dates: 11/29/2024-1/18/2025

Step into Holiday Train Nights at the New York Botanical Garden, where model trains glide through a plant-based miniature NYC inside the dazzling Haupt Conservatory. Explore glowing cityscapes and lush gardens by day, or during Holiday Train Nights, with festive food and drinks and 16 special evenings for all ages or adults only. Explore model trains moving through plant-based replicas of iconic NYC landmarks, marvel at holiday train displays in a vibrant, twinkling cityscape, and enjoy colorfully lit scenes during magical Holiday Train Nights. Don’t miss out; get your tickets for Holiday Train Nights in New York now!

4. Harlem Gospel Choir Holiday Celebration

• Location: Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
• Dates: 12/24/24-12/25/24

Round up the family and spend Christmas Eve in New York immersing yourself in the soul-moving songs from the Harlem Gospel Choir. Get ready to spend the evening singing and dancing with some of the finest vocalists in New York City! There will be two shows each day, one at 11 a.m. and another at 1 p.m. Get your tickets to the Harlem Gospel Choir Holiday Celebration now. 

5. Santa's Winter Wonderland at Pier 15 NYC

• Location: Watermark
• Dates: 11/27/24-1/1/25

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark is back and better than ever, with updated offerings and activities for all to enjoy. Enjoy amazing waterfront views, heated igloos, seasonal drinks, holiday decorations, games, curated photo moments, and a mini carousel surrounded by Christmas trees. Of course, Santa Claus will be welcoming guests seven days a week! Get your tickets to Santa’s Wonderland at Watermark now.

6. Luminosa: A Festival of Lights

• Location: Queens Botanical Garden, Crommelin Street
• Dates: 12/20/24-3/24/25

Step into a world of enchantment as this festival of lights comes to New York for the first time! Taking place at the breathtaking Queens Botanical Garden, this festival of lights is set to be larger and more awe-inspiring than ever. With over 40 stunning lamp scenes meticulously crafted by 150 artisans using 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk, Luminosa will transform the Queens Botanical Garden into an immersive wonderland. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities, acrobatic performers, artisan vendors, food, beverages, and so much more! So don’t miss out. Get your tickets for Luminosa: A Festival of Lights in New York!

7. Broadway Sings Mariah Carey: A Holiday Spectacular

• Location: The Cutting Room NYC
• Dates: 12/22/24-12/26/24

For the third consecutive year following two sold-out runs, ring in the holiday season with a stunning cast of actual Broadway Stars backed up by a 14-piece orchestra, belting out the original arrangements made famous by Mariah Carey’s two groundbreaking holiday albums, Merry Christmas and Merry Christmas II You. As if that wasn’t epic enough, the night will be capped off with a few classic Mariah songs to send you into the winter wonderland, a perfect complement to the festive atmosphere within. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of one of the best holiday events in New York. Get your tickets for Broadway Sings Mariah Carey: A Holiday Spectacular in New York!

8. The Off-Broadway Magic Show - The Holiday Series

• Location: The Cutting Room NYC
• Dates: 12/23/24

Embark on an enchanting journey at The Off-Broadway Magic Show ~ The Holiday Series, now located at The Cutting Room. This will be a thrilling new chapter for the show, blending sophistication with contemporary flair and creating an immersive atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable night of magic, intrigue, and entertainment. Experience world-class magicians and mentalists up close as they mingle with guests from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., right at your own table, followed by a mesmerizing 90-minute stage show! Come early for dinner and drinks and join an evening of wonder. Get your tickets now for The Off-Broadway Magic Show - The Holiday Series.

9. Santa's Secret Immersive Holiday Experience

• Location: Santa's Secret
• Dates: 11/29/24-12/31/24

Come dashing through the snow to the best holiday experience in New York! Explore a winter wonderland with eight immersive installations in search of Santa’s vintage speakeasy (shh, don’t tell Mrs. Claus). Along the way, you’ll explore eight living art displays where you will encounter everything from naughty snow angels to our famous lumberjack living in all-new sets designed for the 2024 season. Then, once you stumble into Santa’s speakeasy, enjoy Christmas cocktails, delicious food, and a live five-piece band. The night concludes with an eye-popping variety show with a mix of ballet, burlesque, and unique, jaw-dropping acts in which all of Santa’s wildest secrets are revealed! Returning guests will experience never-before-seen acts and displays at an all-new West Chelsea location this year. You'll be laughing, singing along, and getting your buzz on. Who says Christmas is just for the kids? Get your tickets for Santa's Secret Immersive Holiday Experience in New York! 

10. Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes

• Location: Radio City Music Hall
• Dates: 11/27-1/5/25

Get ready for an epic holiday adventure in NYC! Immerse yourself in the magic of The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the iconic Rockettes. Choose your preferred seating and time slot for an unforgettable experience watching one of the best holiday events in New York. Plus, dive into the enchanting holiday spirit at St Patrick's Cathedral with an engaging Christmas audio tour led by insiders. Book your tickets now and make this holiday season one to remember! Get your tickets for Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes.

Best NYC Parties on New Year’s Eve

11. NYE Celebration in Rockefeller Center

• Location: Rockefeller Plaza
• Dates: 12/31/24

End the holiday season with a dazzling New Year's Eve party in NYC amidst the lights of the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Indulge in a delicious buffet dinner and free-flowing drinks from the open bar as you enjoy live entertainment from a jazz band and a DJ. After the gourmet dinner, watch the Ball Drop in Times Square on a big TV and get ready to light up the dance floor! Let the professional photographer help you create memories of this amazing New Year's Eve. Don't miss this New Year’s Eve Celebration at Rockefeller Center in New York!

12. New Year's Eve Weekend Firework Cruise

• Location: Pier 36 NYC
• Dates: 12/27/2024-12/31/2024

Catch stellar views of the NYC skyline while setting sail on one of the greatest luxury yachts in New York City. The boat is climate-controlled with a heated upper deck. Enjoy a friendly New Year's Eve cruise with friends and family out on the water while partying the night away on upper and lower decks filled with drinks, food, and fun. Get your tickets for the Firework Cruise now.

13. New York City's Annual New Year's Eve Party 2025

• Location: Tavern 29
• Dates: December 31, 2024

Experience one of NYC's New Year's staples with the annual party at Tavern 29. Indulge in a one-hour open bar and complimentary appetizers (while available) before witnessing the Times Square ball drop live and toast to the new year with a glass of champagne. Party into the new year with some of the city's best DJs keeping the vibes in check. Get your tickets to the New Year’s Eve Party at Tavern 29 now!

14. Broadway Cabaret - New Year's Eve Dinner Gala

• Location: The Wayfarer
• Dates: 12/31/24

Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and show-stopping entertainment! Step into a world of enchantment as stars from the biggest Broadway shows grace the stage, lighting up the room with their dazzling performances. Indulge in a culinary journey with delectable delights specially crafted for this gala evening. Savor each bite as you enjoy the finest champagne, making your New Year's Eve celebration truly exquisite. Grab your tickets to this New Year's event now.

15. Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: New York City NYE Bar Crawl 2025

• Location: DROM
• Dates: 12/31/24-1/1/25

Get ready to experience the best bars that New York City has to offer—all in one epic New Year's Eve crawl! Go around for champagne toasts, watch the televised ball drop in Times Square, and listen to the best music across all of New York City's hottest venues. You’ll be able to enjoy drink specials all night for an incredible time without breaking the bank. You’ll receive a wristband that’ll grant you entry into all of the participating bars and clubs around New York City, so you don’t have to worry about paying for covers. Hurry and get your tickets for Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: New York City NYE Bar Crawl 2025!

16. New Year's Eve Firework Cruise

• Location: Pier 36
• Dates: 12/31/24

New Year’s Eve in New York City has never been more breathtaking than aboard this spectacular cruise party yacht. Hop aboard the Paddlewheel Queen, a premier cruise yacht, for an unforgettable evening with New York City's heart-stopping skyline views as a backdrop, all while getting you up close to the marvelous New Year’s Eve fireworks show (10 p.m. sessions only). With an impressive dance floor and a high-energy atmosphere, the cruise party aboard the Paddlewheel Queen is a New Year’s Eve bash brimming with the most sublime romance and electric revelry that New York has to offer. Get your tickets for the New Year's Eve Firework Cruise in NYC today.

Are you planning on checking out any of these holiday and New Year’s Eve Events in New York? Share this article with someone you want to attend one of these epic events in New York with. Read on to discover some of our favorite things to do in New York in the winter. Happy New Year!