25+ Things to Do This Week (Dec 1-7 Tree Lighting Guide) • Over Here New York

December arrived. The tourists have officially taken over Midtown. The radiator in your apartment is probably clanking. But let’s be honest. There is no place better than New York City during the holidays. You just need a strategy to survive the crowds.

This week (December 1-7, 2025) kicks off the heavy hitters. We have the big tree lightings, the markets, and enough hot cocoa to fuel a marathon. I gathered the best stuff happening this week so you can plan your attack.

For the most current information, please always check the event’s official pages, as details are subject to change. Note that free admission may require an RSVP or involve separate fees for food, drinks, and special activities.

Free Fun Events & Activities

We all pay enough to live here. Enjoy these events without opening your wallet.

PINK x LoveShackFancy Holiday Drop Pop-Up

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A post shared by LoveShackFancy (@loveshackfancy)

Victoria’s Secret PINK and LoveShackFancy are teaming up again, and they’re turning their one-day NYC pop-up into a playful winter village. You get photo spots, hot chocolate, a gifting station, and first dibs on the new holiday drop. The first 100 in line also get the limited-edition collab dog, so if you collect those… set an alarm.

When: December 2, 2025
Where: Chelsea Triangle (Intersection of 14th St & 9th Ave), New York
Tickets: Free admission
Instagram: @vspink and @loveshackfancy
Best for: Early shoppers and anyone who loves cute merch.

Seaport Holiday Tree Lighting

*Photo via* *@theseaportnyc* */ Instagram*

The night starts with live performances, warm drinks, and enough family activities to keep kids busy while you enjoy your cup. Santa’s around, too, and so is a sneak peek of Gingerbread City if you love miniatures or carbs.

When: December 2, 2025
Where: The Corner of Water St. and Fulton St.
Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
Website: https://theseaport.nyc/events/holiday-tree-lighting
Best for: Families, Seaport regulars, and holiday cheer chasers.

A Very ALDI Holiday Pop-Up

ALDI is doing its first-ever holiday pop-up, turning a NYC venue into a festive ALDI wonderland. It’s free, it’s food-heavy, and it’s their way of saying thanks to the fans who swear by their snacks and seasonal specials. Expect appetizers, desserts, and lots of holiday flavors without the usual grocery-store chaos.

When: December 3, 2025
Where: Everything’s Jake Bar (54 East 13th Street, New York)
Tickets: Free tickets here.
Website: https://corporate.aldi.us
Best for: Foodies, ALDI fans, and curious passersby who love free samples.

McCormick x Milk Bar: National Cookie Day

National Cookie Day hits a little differently when Milk Bar is involved. The first 100 visitors at select NYC locations get a free limited-edition Eggnog English Toffee Cookie.

When: December 4, 2025
Where: Select Milk Bar locations including NYC flagship and West Village
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://milkbarstore.com
Best for: Sweet tooths, early birds, and cookie lovers.

NYSE 102nd Tree Lighting

Photo via @nyse / Instagram

If you love a classic NYC holiday moment, this is one of the big ones. The NYSE lights its massive 75-foot tree, celebrates with live performances, and hosts company activations, handing out treats and festive freebies.

When: December 4, 2025
Where: 11 Wall Street, New York
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.nyse.com
Best for: Holiday fans, tourists, and anyone already in FiDi after work.

TikTok Holiday Emporium

This interactive marketplace features buzzy brands, creator-led demos, holiday sets, and plenty of content-ready corners. You can shop, film, or just wander around and judge the gift ideas.

When: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Grand Central Terminal (89 East 42nd Street, New York)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://tiktokholidayemporium.com
Best for: Creators, trend chasers, and gift hunters.

Pura x Pantone: The Color of the Year Scent Experience

If you’ve ever wondered what a color smells like, Pura is ready to explain. This pop-up lets you experience the 2026 Pantone Color of the Year through fragrance, art, and, unexpectedly, Crumbl cookies. The first 300 guests also get a limited-edition diffuser set, which is a pretty sweet bonus.

When: December 5, 2025
Where: Iron23 (29 West 23 Street, New York)
Tickets: Free admission (RSVP recommended)
Best for: Fragrance lovers, artsy types, sensory-experience fans.

FAD Market – Holiday

Shop small and find gifts that don’t feel last-minute. With fashion, art, and home goodies, and dogs totally allowed, it’s a much better time than fighting crowds at big malls.

Boerum Hill: December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21 at 51 Bergen Street, Brooklyn
Cobble Hill: December 6 & 7, 13 & 14, and 20 & 21 at 190 Court Street, Brooklyn
Dumbo: December 1-21 at Empire Stores (55 Water Street, Brooklyn)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://fadmarket.co
Best for: Cute gifts and cool finds.

Bryant Park Tree Lighting

*Photo via* *@bryantparknyc* */ Instagram*

Need another classic NYC holiday scene? This one features skaters twirling, holiday music playing, and a tree lighting that feels straight from a postcard.

When: December 2, 2025
Where: 41st Street and 6th Ave, New York
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://bryantpark.org
Best for: Classic holiday cheer.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

*Photo via* *@rockefellercenter* */ Instagram*

The most iconic tree in the world flips the switch this week. Expect giant crowds, cheering, and enough Christmas spirit to power all of Midtown.

When: December 3, 2025
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
Tickets: Free to attend
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
Best for: Bucket-list holiday moments.

Historic Richmond Town Community Tree Lighting

How about a Staten Island celebration? Besides the tree lighting, you’ll enjoy crafts, treats, and a horse-drawn carriage charm.

When: December 5, 2025
Where: 441 Clarke Ave, Staten Island
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.historicrichmondtown.org
Best for: Families and small-town holiday feels.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

things to do in NYC this week — *Photo via* *Grand Central Terminal*

Holiday shopping inside Grand Central feels like being in a movie. Browse handmade jewelry, prints, self-care goodies, and more… then step back into real life with a little sparkle.

When: Until December 24, 2025
Where: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal (89 E 42nd Street, New York)
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://grandcentralterminal.com
Best for: Last-minute shoppers who refuse to panic.

Holiday Under the Stars – Columbus Circle

*Photo via* *The Shops at Columbus Circle*

Watch 44 giant stars dance above you in a lights-and-music show. It’s indoors, so you stay warm too.

When: Until January 4, 2026
Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
Best for: Skipping the cold but not the fun.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Brooklyn said “go big or go home” and then put 12,000 Santas on their lawn. It’s a fun walk through blocks of over-the-top decorations and bright trees, so charge your phone for pics.

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: Families and festive fanatics.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards

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A post shared by Hudson Yards New York (@hudsonyards)

Two million lights take over the neighborhood, plus Santa visits, shopping, and pretty much everything festive in one spot.

When: Until January 7, 2026
Where: New York City
Tickets: Free admission
Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
Best for: People who want holiday fun with no planning needed.

New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show

Mini trains gliding through mini NYC landmarks? It’s adorable. And free. It’s also at Grand Central, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a tiny trip through the city.

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: Kids and nostalgic adults.

Bryant Park Winter Village

Ice skating, tons of holiday shops, and snacks for days? Yep, you’ll enjoy them here. Also, bring your own skates if you want to hit the rink for free.

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: A relaxed winter day in the city.

Paid & Ticketed Things To Do

Cirque du Soleil “’Twas the Night Before…”

Acrobatics, holiday cheer, and a classic story retold with wow-factor stunts. Basically, Santa meets superhuman flips.

When: December 4-28, 2025
Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com
Best for: A fun holiday night out.

Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar

Queen of Christmas. Rooftop. Sparkly cocktails. Enough said.

When: Until December 28, 2025
Where: Untitled Hotel (3 Freeman Alley, Freeman Alley, New York)
Tickets: Click here.
Instagram: @mariahsholidaybar
Best for: Mariah fans and festive cocktails.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark

Watermark’s waterfront setup is back with a giant lineup of Christmas trees, games, festive bites, and heated glasshouses you can book for a full holiday dining moment. General admission includes hot chocolate, but the glasshouses come with a curated holiday menu and the crowd-favorite DIY s’mores.

When: Until December 30, 2025
Where: 78 South Street, at Pier 15
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.santaswinterwonderlandnyc.com
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone building a holiday photo dump.

Santa’s Secret

This one is for the grown-ups. Flirty characters, themed cocktails, a secret speakeasy, and burlesque meets North Pole energy. Leave the kids at home.

When: Until December 31, 2025
Where: 10 Columbus Cir, Level 4, New York
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://santassecret.co
Best for: Cheeky holiday nights.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

It isn’t December without Clara, dancing snowflakes, and that giant Christmas tree reveal at Lincoln Center.

When: Until January 3, 2026
Where: 20 Lincoln Center, New York
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.nycballet.com
Best for: Fans of tradition and ballet magic.

Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

100 years of high kicks and holiday glam. It’s a must-see at least once, and this anniversary year makes it even more special.

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 and anyone who loves a big show.

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Walk through glowing tunnels, twinkling art installations, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a dreamy night stroll with hot cocoa included.

When: Until January 4, 2026
Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.bbg.org
Best for: Couples and anyone who loves Christmas lights.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

*Photo by* *WCS photographer, Terria Clay* *via* *@bronxzoo* */ Instagram*

For this one, lantern animals and glowing displays are everywhere you look. Plus, the holiday train and Enchanted Sea make a return.

When: Until January 4, 2026
Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://bronxzoo.com
Best for: Families.

Christmas Carousel

*Photo via* *@nyclovesnyc* */ Instagram*

A double-decker carousel in the middle of Manhattan? Yes, it actually exists. This Greeley Square installation runs daily through early January and makes a cute stop between Herald Square shopping runs.

When: Until January 6, 2026
Where: Greeley Square (33rd Street and Broadway)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://34thstreet.org
Best for: Families, kids at heart, and anyone already in Midtown.

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Watch model trains zip past tiny versions of NYC landmarks, all made from leaves, bark, and twigs. It feels like a cosy winter story brought to life inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

When: Until January 11, 2026
Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.nybg.org
Best for: Families, train lovers, and anyone who enjoys detailed mini worlds.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Skating beneath Prometheus and the big tree is as iconic as it gets. Book ahead unless standing in line is your hobby.

Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
Best for: Tourists and holiday romantics.

Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Skate with the Brooklyn Bridge right there in the background. It does not get more NYC winter aesthetic than 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: Date night and “NYC winter aesthetic” photos.

The Rink at Domino Park

Prefer a rink with skyline views and themed skating nights? Then, this one’s the perfect spot for you. Also, enjoy the DJ beats while you attempt not to fall.

When: Until February 22, 2026
Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
Price: Click here.
Website: https://www.dominopark.com
Best for: Trendy winter outings.

Gottesman Rink at Harlem Meer

This one’s a brand new rink in Central Park’s north end. Skate, learn hockey, or try lessons for littles. The Harlem Meer views? It’s a bonus.

When: Until March 8, 2026
Where: East side of Central Park (between 106th and 108th Streets)
Tickets: Adults (17+) – $10 peak / $5 off-peak, Children (ages 4–16) – $5 for all sessions, Children (3 and under) – Free for all sessions, Skate Rentals – $10, Add-ons – Lock purchase $5; Skate aids $10; Skate sharpening $15
Website: https://daviscenter.centralparknyc.org
Best for: Local families and beginners.

Concerts

Gavin DeGraw

Does “I Don’t Want to Be” ever live rent-free in your head? Gavin DeGraw is starting the month strong with those soulful vocals and songs that still land straight in the feelings.

When: December 2, 2025
Where: The Town Hall (123 W 43rd St, New York)
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.gavindegraw.com
Best for: 2000s music fans.

Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness Tour

*Photo by* *@majamoan* *via* *@burnaboygram* */ Instagram*

Afrobeats, nonstop energy, and a crowd that never stands still. It’s a guaranteed good time.

When: December 6, 2025
Where: UBS Arena
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.onaspaceship.com
Best for: Live music lovers.

Pentatonix

*Photo by* *@maggielndnphoto* *via* *@ptxofficial* */ Instagram*

Their holiday vocals will give you instant goosebumps. It’s festive, warm, and a great way to kick off December.

When: December 7, 2025
Where: UBS Arena
Tickets: Click here.
Website: https://www.home.ptxofficial.com
Best for: Acapella fans and families.

Other Events/Activities to Check Out

Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show – Until early January 2026 at 611 Fifth Avenue, New York City | Free admission
Macy’s 2025 Holiday Window Display – Until January 2026 at Macy’s Herald Square (stretches along Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets) | Free admission
Edge NYC x Museum of Ice Cream Pinkmas – Until January 5, 2026 at 30 Hudson Yards, New York | Ticketed
Wollman Rink in Central Park – Until March 2026 at 830 5th Ave, New York | Ticketed
Mucinex Clear & Cool 3D Mural Experience – December 1-7 at Grand Central Terminal (89 East 42nd Street, New York)
Tavern on the Green’s Tree Lighting – December 2 at West 67th Street, New York
DUMBO Tree Lighting – December 4 at Adams Street, Brooklyn
29th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting – December 4 at Central Park North, New York | Free admission
Target Wonder Drop – December 5-7 at Domino Park (15 River Street, Brooklyn) | Free admission
Fort Greene Park Tree Lighting – December 5 at South Portland Avenue, Brooklyn
106.7 Lite FM Skating in Central Park – December 6 at 830 5th Avenue, New York | First 1,000 listeners to enter will skate for free
Park Avenue Tree Lighting – December 7 at 62 East 92nd Street, New York

Looking for more holiday sparkle in the city?

If you love NYC all lit up for the season, you’ll want to keep the festive fun going. Check out my guide to 10+ Best Christmas Tree Displays, Decorations & Lighting Ceremonies in NYC for the brightest spots to visit next. It’s the perfect add-on to your December plans.

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