25+ Things To Do in NYC This Week (December 22-28)
We made it to the final stretch. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a strange time in New York. Half the city leaves for Florida and the other half tries to cram in every holiday activity they missed earlier in the month.
This week (December 22-28, 2025) is about finishing strong. You have last-minute markets, the start of the Phish run at MSG, and plenty of places to drink themed cocktails. Here is how to close out the year properly.
Disclaimer: Venues change hours during holiday weeks. Check the official websites before you leave your apartment. Subways run on holiday schedules on Dec 25.
Free Fun Things To Do
End of Year Sales Bazaar
If gift shopping left you exhausted, now it’s time to treat yourself. Local makers offer deals on handmade goodies, tasty snacks, and cute finds that feel like a reward for making it through December.
- When: December 28, 2025
- Where: 100 West 77th St., New YorkÂ
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Treating yourself before the year ends.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Still missing a gift or two? Vendors inside Vanderbilt Hall sell knitwear, art, ornaments, and things that feel thoughtful without much effort.
- When: Until December 24, 2025
- Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal (89 E 42nd Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com
- Best for: Last-minute shoppers trying to stay calm.
Holiday Under the Stars: Columbus Circle
Forty-four giant stars put on a light show every 30 minutes. You can also check out workshops, Santa moments, and even Broadway pop-ups without freezing.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
- Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
- Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
- Best for: Holiday fun that keeps you inside.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
These homes go hard on decorations. Huge inflatables, bright lights, and music across multiple blocks make the walk feel worth the trip to Brooklyn.
- When: Usually until the first week of January
- Where: From 11th to 13th Avenues (Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Free to explore (paid guided tours also available)
- Best for: Friends who love big holiday displays
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Millions of twinkling lights fill the space, including a giant hot air balloon suspended in the air. It’s a great option when someone says, “Let’s do something festive.”
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: New York City
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
- Best for: Cute holiday photos with friends.
PAC-MAN 45th Anniversary Macy’s Pop-Up
Play giant retro arcade games for free and grab limited-edition PAC-MAN merch. A nostalgic stop for all ages.
- When: Until January 18, 2026
- Where: Macy’ Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Instagram: @officialpacmanÂ
- Best for: Gamers and curious shoppers.
NY Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
Mini trains zoom around a detailed track with tiny NYC icons and the North Pole at the end. It’s free and inside Grand Central.
- When: Until February 2026
- Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store (Shuttle Passage) Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com
- Best for: Quick holiday fun during a commute
Bryant Park Winter Village
Free skating if you bring your own skates keeps this rink busy. After your laps, grab snacks and wander through the many small gift shops.
- When: Winter Village – Until March 1, 2026 / Holiday Market – Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 41st Street and 6th Ave, New York
- Tickets: Free and paidÂ
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Skating and eating with no pressure.
Paid & Ticketed Events
Cirque du Soleil “Twas the Night Before…”
Acrobats tell a holiday tale with flips, costumes, and stunts you can’t do at home. Kids get hooked, and adults enjoy the show too.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Best for: Families who like big theatrical moments.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
A rooftop filled with sparkle, themed cocktails, and a playlist Mariah would approve. Take photos, sip something sweet, and enjoy the view.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: Untitled Hotel (3 Freeman Alley, Freeman Alley, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Instagram: @mariahsholidaybar
- Best for: Holiday hangs with a glamorous twist.
Santa’s Secret
Burlesque, themed cocktails, cheeky characters, and a Santa who definitely knows how to have fun. It’s the wild side of December.
- When: Until December 31, 2025
- Where: 10 Columbus Cir, Level 4, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://santassecret.coÂ
- Best for: Adults looking for playful nightlife.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, and a giant tree return to Lincoln Center. It still feels like the official start of the holidays.
- When: Until January 3, 2026
- Where: 20 Lincoln Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nycballet.com
- Best for: Classic seasonal traditions.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes celebrate 100 years with their biggest season yet. High kicks, Santa, and holiday nostalgia in a legendary venue.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockettes.com
- Best for: Holiday visitors checking off a staple.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
A glowing light trail, music, and warm drinks make the chilly walk enjoyable. The Winter Cathedral guarantees a group photo moment.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Outdoor nights that feel magical.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Animal lanterns, glowing trails, and returning favorites like the holiday train keep things lively. Snow tube slides add more fun.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Family plans that don’t need much planning.
NYBG Holiday Train Show
Mini trains move past tiny NYC landmarks made entirely from plants. It’s cozy inside and fun for everyone to explore.
- When: Until January 11, 2026
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Kids and nostalgic adults.
Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off
Edible skyscrapers and brownstones showcase the city’s creativity. The designs make you want to bake, then realize buying cookies is easier.
- When: Until January 19, 2026
- Where: Museum of the City of New York (1220 5th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.mcny.org
- Best for: Sweet-tooth sightseeing.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating under the massive Christmas tree feels like a movie moment. The lines may be long, but the setting makes up for it.
- When: Open for the season
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Visitors who want that classic NYC shot.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Skate with the skyline right beside you. The views make even wobbly skaters feel impressive.
- When: Until February 1, 2026
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.roeblingrink.com
- Best for: Casual date nights with scenery.
Skate at Domino Park
This Williamsburg rink adds DJs, performances, and themed events for more reasons to hang around.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Group outings with easy fun.
Miracle on 9th Street
Photo via @sbonbon, @miracleon8thst, and @miracleon9thstreet / Instagram
Garlands, tinsel, and ornaments cover every inch of the bar. Holiday cocktails come in cute, themed glassware that makes the night extra fun.
- When: Open for the seasonÂ
- Where: 649 E 9th St, New York
- Reservations: Click here.
- Website: https://www.miraclepopup.com
- Best for: Festive drinks with great photos.
Concerts
Jonas Brothers
The brothers celebrate 20 years with hits from every era. Fans get loud, excited, and maybe a little emotional.
- When: December 22, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center ( 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://jonasbrothers.com
- Best for: Groups reliving old favorites.
New York String Orchestra
Their seasonal concerts return to Carnegie Hall with warm and uplifting orchestral performances. It’s a long-running holiday tradition for many.
- When: December 24 & 28, 2025
- Where: Carnegie Hall (57th Street and, 7th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.carnegiehall.org
- Best for: Classical music fans and cozy nights out.
Phish
Extended jams and improvisation make each show different. Fans travel far because the live experience hits differently.
- When: December 28-31, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://phish.com
- Best for: People who love long concerts and musical surprises.
Other Events/Activities to Check Out
- Urbanspace Holiday Pop-Up Markets – Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: Until January 4, 2026 | Macy’s Holiday Square Outdoor Market by Urbanspace: Until December 30, 2025 (35th-36th street); Until January 3, 2026 (32nd-33rd street and 34th-35th street) | Union Square Holiday Market: Until December 24, 2025 | Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Until December 31, 2025
- You Found Me SKULLPANDA Pop-Up – Until January 6, 2026 at Penn District (430 7th Avenue, New York) | Free admission (RSVP recommended)
- Mamma Mia! – Until February 1, 2026 at Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, New York)
- Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center – Until March 8, 2026 at the East side of Central Park (between 106th and 108th Streets) | TicketedÂ
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Until May 10, 2026 at Lyric Theatre (214 W 43rd St, New York)
- American Museum of Natural History: The Origami Holiday Tree – Open for the season at 200 Central Park West, New York | Included with museum admissionÂ
- Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings – December 26 at The Royal Theatre (608 College Street, Toronto)
Need gifting ideas before the month ends?
If you’re still searching for presents, my guide to 25+ Best Christmas Gifts NYC 2025 (For Every Budget) can help you find options for every budget across the city. It pairs well with last-minute shopping and those “I need one more thing” moments.
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