New York City in December is truly a sight to see.
It’s full of holiday spirit, festive cheer and more than enough events to keep you entertained.
Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, you’ll be able to get into the spirit and truly have a blast in the city during these cold months.
From light shows to displays and beyond, New York is erupting with holiday events that are sure to put a smile on your face.
But, where do you begin?
Start with these 6 exciting festivities to get you in the holiday mood.
6 Holiday Events In NYC To Warm Your Heart
1. Explore Winterfest At The Brooklyn Museum
Winterfest is a yearly event held at the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. It’s a dazzling display of Christmas cheer, holiday goodies, and joy that is fun for the whole family.
For six weeks, the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum get a transformation into a spectacular Winter Wonderland that you don’t want to miss. Feel the nostalgia of Christmases past and revel in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the modern holiday season in New York City.
Get lost in a maze, trek through Santa Land, taste festive brews and more. This event runs through the first week of January, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan a day around it.
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2. See A Christmas Light Show In Brooklyn
If putting up the Christmas lights and watching them dance on cold December evenings was one of your favorite past times, you need to head out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This quaint neighborhood takes the holidays very seriously.
Starting the weekend after Christmas, residents deck out their houses in gorgeous light displays that really are a thing to behold. Take a guided tour, and trek out to this Brooklyn neighborhood by yourself. You can’t miss this light display this season.
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The lights start the weekend after Thanksgiving but wait until around the second weekend in December. That’s when everything is really in full swing.
3. Walk Down Gingerbread Lane
Gingerbread Lane is another family-friendly holiday event in New York City that you can’t pass up. Head to the New York Hall Of Science to experience the Guinness Book Of World Records’ largest gingerbread village.
And, this village is quite literally made out of gingerbread. The best part? All of it’s edible — not that you’ll be able to sneak a taste during your tour.
The creator behind this fantastic display is chef Jon Lovitch. It takes him an entire year to build this village. And, he spares no expense! This village is equipped with all the necessary buildings and structures for full functionality.
Take your kids, your friends, or your significant other to Gingerbread Lane to really get into the holiday spirit this year.
4. See The Hip Hop Nutcracker
A must-see during the holiday months, the Hip Hop Nutcracker is a creative take on the traditional ballet.
This urban retelling of the classic puts a modern twist on a story we all know and love. It’s creative, raw and immediately compelling. If you want a taste of the holidays, but also want to see something new, you definitely need to buy tickets for this mid-December showing.
And, who doesn’t love a modern retelling of a favorite fairy-tale? Especially one that is so synonymous with the holiday season!
Start a new holiday tradition and buy your ticket today.
5. Watch An After-Hours Planetarium Show To See What 2019 Has In Store
Who doesn’t love a good planetarium? Well on December 20, the American Museum Of Natural History is hosting an after-hours planetarium show to give viewers a peek into the wonders of the night sky.
December 20 is the Winter Solstice. So, it’s the perfect time to become one with your inner self and find out what the stars have in store for you in the coming months.
Get an intimate tour of the solar system in this one-day event. It might not be directly related to the holidays, but it will sure give you an idea as to what to expect in the future.
6. Watch The Ball Drop
This one is certainly not for the faint of heart. Watching the ball drop at Times Square is a chaotic affair. It requires time, dedication, determination and just a little bit of crazy- if you ask us. But, people who do go, remember it as one of the best moments of their lives.
If you’ve got the time and the passion to do so, hike out to Times Square early on the morning of the 31st. Some people even make it out there the day before! Make sure you pack plenty of water, warm clothes, food, and facilities if you know what we mean. Because once you get a spot, you can’t give it up.
Attendees enjoy live performances, fun amusements, street food and more. What better way to spend a Monday?
This is a truly iconic way to ring in the new year and celebrate the holiday season in NYC. It’s a bucket list event for sure.
