Things To Do in NYC This Week (December 29-January 4)
Welcome to the weirdest week of the year. The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a blur. You probably don’t know what day it is, and you are definitely eating leftovers for breakfast.
This week (December 29 – January 4) is about squeezing the last drops out of the holidays before reality hits on Monday. You have the Times Square chaos, the final shows for the Rockettes, and a few good spots to hide from the cold. Here is how to navigate the city when everyone else is trying to do the same thing.
Disclaimer: Events change, weather is unpredictable, and New Year’s Eve road closures are no joke. Check official websites before you head out.
Free Fun Events
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The world watches as the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball drops at midnight. Crowds gather early, the lights shine bright, and the tradition continues into 2026.
- When: December 31, 2025
- Where: One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd Street)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.timessquarenyc.org
- Best for: Those who want the full NYC New Year moment.
Holiday Under the Stars: Columbus Circle
Forty-four illuminated stars light up the mall with music every half hour. You can also watch Broadway pop-ups, try family workshops, and enjoy Santa-themed activities without battling the cold.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
- Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
- Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
- Best for: Warm, easy holiday plans.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
More than two million lights glow across the neighborhood. A giant hot air balloon hangs in the main atrium, and Santa photos, dining spots, and shopping options keep the night full.
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: New York City
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
- Best for: Friends who love bright visuals.
Bar Après Ski Holiday Pop-Up
This alpine-inspired speakeasy brings ski-lodge charm to Chelsea. Expect candlelit corners, winter cocktails, faux-fur accents, and a warm retreat from the city’s noise.
- When: Until January 31, 2026
- Where: Bar Avant (601 West 26th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
- Website: https://www.ollyollymarket.com
- Best for: Relaxed winter drinks with a themed twist.
New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
Lionel trains travel through a detailed two-level track featuring mini NYC landmarks and a snowy North Pole village. It’s free and easy to enjoy 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 admission
- Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com
- Best for: Quick holiday fun during a Midtown visit.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bring your own skates for free rink access, then browse over 190 seasonal kiosks. Snacks, holiday gifts, and cozy corners make it a relaxing winter stop.
- When: Winter Village – Until March 1, 2026 / Holiday Market – Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 41st Street and 6th Ave, New York
- Tickets: Free and paid
- Website: https://bryantpark.org
- Best for: Skating and simple winter fun.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark
This waterfront setup includes Christmas trees, games, and both kids and adult activities. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate or book heated glasshouses with food and cocktails.
- When: Until December 30, 2025
- Where: 78 South Street, at Pier 15
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
- Best for: Families or friends wanting a cozy waterfront outing.
Santa’s Secret
This adults-only speakeasy mixes burlesque, bold characters, themed cocktails, and live performances. It’s a playful holiday escape before the year wraps up.
- When: Until December 31, 2025
- Where: 10 Columbus Cir, Level 4, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://santassecret.co
- Best for: A grown-up night out.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® 2025
The NYC Ballet brings Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, and a towering Christmas tree back to Lincoln Center. It remains one of the city’s longest-standing holiday traditions.
- When: Until January 3, 2026
- Where: 20 Lincoln Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nycballet.com
- Best for: Classic festive outings.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular 2025
The Rockettes mark 100 years with nine signature numbers and a Santa scene set to “We Need a Little Christmas.” It’s high-energy and reliably nostalgic.
- 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: Visitors chasing iconic NYC moments.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
More than a million lights create glowing art along the garden trail. Warm drinks, music, and the Winter Cathedral keep everyone stopping for photos.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Evening strolls with atmosphere.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Lantern animals, colorful displays, a holiday train, and snow tube slides fill the zoo trails. Families enjoy the playful touches throughout the park.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Kids who love bright outdoor adventures.
Edge NYC x Museum of Ice Cream Pinkmas
Pinkmas takes over the indoor sky deck with playful ice cream installations, a banana jungle, life-size interactive pints, and sweet treats. The views make it even better.
- When: Until January 5, 2026
- Where: 30 Hudson Yards, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.edgenyc.com
- Best for: Colorful holiday fun with skyline views.
Christmas Carousel
A double-decker carousel spins in Greeley Square, offering a rare winter attraction in Manhattan. Families love the novelty and easy location.
- When: Until January 6, 2026
- Where: Greeley Square (33rd Street and Broadway)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://34thstreet.org
- Best for: Kids who want something whimsical.
NYBG Holiday Train Show
Miniature city landmarks made of bark, seeds, and twigs line the conservatory. Model trains move through each scene with plenty of detail to admire.
- When: Until January 11, 2026
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Families and nostalgia-filled afternoons.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating under the world-famous tree creates a classic winter moment. The wait can be long, but many say it’s worth the experience.
- When: Open for the season
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: First-time NYC holiday skaters.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo’s waterfront rink offers skyline and bridge views that look even better at night. Skating feels extra special with scenery like this.
- When: Until February 1, 2026
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.roeblingrink.com
- Best for: Couples or friends wanting pretty views.
Skate at Domino Park
Skating comes with DJ nights, themed events, and community programming. It’s a relaxed winter outing for anyone craving simple fun.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Groups who enjoy active hangouts.
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
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Usually until the first week of January, from 11th to 13th Avenues (Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn | Free to explore (paid guided tours also available)
- Holiday Chalets at Rockefeller Center 2025 – Until mid-January 2026 | Ticketed
- You Found Me SKULLPANDA Pop-Up – Until January 6, 2026 at Penn District (430 7th Avenue, New York) | Free admission (RSVP recommended)
- PAC-MAN 45th Anniversary Macy’s Pop-Up – Until January 18, 2026 at Macy’ Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, New York) | Free admission
- Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025 – Until January 19, 2026 at Museum of the City of New York (1220 5th Ave, New York) | Ticketed
- Mamma Mia! – Until February 1, 2026 at Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, New York) | Ticketed
- Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center – Until March 8, 2026 at the East side of Central Park (between 106th and 108th Streets) | Ticketed
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Until May 10, 2026 at Lyric Theatre (214 W 43rd St, New York) | Ticketed
Want holiday fun that won’t break your budget?
If you’re keeping an eye on spending but still want the festive experience, this guide can help you plan smart December outings: How to Do an NYC Christmas on a Budget (Without Missing the Magic). A helpful read when you still want the holiday glow but prefer to save where it counts.
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