Things To Do in NYC This Week (December 15-21)
Planning your week but already tired of the same old routine? Maybe you’re ready for new plans, a new atmosphere, and a few moments that remind you why this city is one of the greatest playgrounds on earth. If that sounds like you, then this guide to things to do in NYC this week (December 15-21) is exactly what you need because your next memorable moment could be one subway ride away. And to keep things interesting, I’ve also included a few bonus picks just outside the city for those who don’t mind a little adventure.
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
FAD Market
Support independent designers with gifts you won’t see at big stores. Dogs are welcome, which makes browsing more enjoyable.
- Boerum Hill: December 20-21 at 51 Bergen Street, Brooklyn
- Cobble Hill: December 20-21 at 190 Court Street, Brooklyn
- Dumbo: Until December 21 at Empire Stores (55 Water Street, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://fadmarket.co
- Best for: Shoppers and dog lovers.
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Shop local makers and finish your list with handmade treasures. Perfect timing before gift panic arrives.
- When: December 21, 2025
- Where: 100 West 77th St., New York
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://grandbazaarnyc.org
- Best for: Last-minute shoppers.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Scrolling for gifts gets boring fast. Here, you can actually touch things and find something cooler than socks. It’s also warm inside, which helps with motivation.
- 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: Shoppers who want cute gifts without stress.
Holiday Under the Stars: Columbus Circle
Forty-four star sculptures light up the mall with choreographed music every half hour. You can also catch workshops, family events, and free Broadway performances.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
- Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
- Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
- Best for: Staying warm while enjoying holiday fun
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Homes across the neighborhood blast carols and showcase giant light displays. People travel from everywhere to wander the glowing blocks.
- 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: A cheerful walk with impressive decorations.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Millions of lights fill the neighborhood along with holiday shopping and festive dining. A 32-foot hot air balloon hangs dramatically in the atrium.
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: New York City
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
- Best for: Photo-friendly nights with friends.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Skate entry is free if you bring your own skates. More than 190 small shops offer treats, gifts, and easy browsing.
- 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, snacking, and casual strolling.
PAC-MAN 45th Anniversary Macy’s Pop-Up
Try giant versions of classic PAC-MAN arcade games for free. Limited-edition merch celebrates decades of playful nostalgia.
- When: Until January 18, 2026
- Where: Macy’ Herald Square (151 West 34th Street, New York)
- Tickets: Free admission
- Instagram: @officialpacman
- Best for: Gamers and throwback fun.
NY Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
Free and inside Grand Central. Tiny trains loop past tiny landmarks. It’s wholesome and quick to enjoy.
- 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, joyful entertainment in Midtown.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Cirque du Soleil “Twas the Night Before…”
Acrobats retell the famous poem with impressive stunts and colorful staging. A young girl rediscovers holiday joy through whimsical circus storytelling.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Best for: Families who love lively shows.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
This rooftop pop-up packs sparkle, themed drinks, and plenty of Mariah energy. It’s designed for photos, cocktails, and seasonal fun with friends.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: Untitled Hotel (3 Freeman Alley, Freeman Alley, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Instagram: @mariahsholidaybar
- Best for: Fans who enjoy glitter and holiday hits.
Santa’s Secret
Expect mischievous characters, themed cocktails, and bold burlesque performances. This speakeasy-style event puts a cheeky twist on the holidays.
- When: Until December 31, 2025
- Where: 10 Columbus Cir, Level 4, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://santassecret.co
- Best for: Adults who want playful holiday plans.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
NYC Ballet returns with its beloved production starring Clara, the Sugarplum Fairy, and a massive Christmas tree. It remains a tradition for many locals.
- 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
The Rockettes mark 100 years with nine numbers and returning crowd favorites. Santa appears in a scene set to “We Need a Little Christmas.”
- 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 experiencing NYC during December.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
More than a million lights form an art trail with music and seasonal snacks. The Winter Cathedral remains the top selfie moment.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Evening walks with holiday charm.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Lantern animals glow across six trails, plus snow tube slides and a holiday train add extra fun. It’s easy entertainment for a winter night out.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Families seeking outdoor activities.
NYBG Holiday Train Show
Mini trains roll past detailed city landmarks made from bark, seeds, and wood. Everything sits inside the historic Haupt Conservatory for extra magic.
- 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
Bakers recreate iconic NYC places entirely with gingerbread and icing. Expect edible skyscrapers, brownstones, and subway scenes.
- 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-loving city fans.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skate under Prometheus and the famous tree in busy Midtown. The wait gets long, but the scenery delivers holiday energy.
- When: Open for the season
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: Iconic NYC holiday memories.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Dumbo’s rink returns with skyline views and great nighttime lighting. Skating here feels like a scenic winter postcard.
- 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 nights with views.
Skate at Domino Park
Skating comes with DJ sets, performances, and themed events. It’s easy to keep the fun going even if you skate slowly.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Group hangs with variety.
Miracle on 9th Street
This holiday pop-up bar packs every inch with decorations and themed cocktails. Seasonal glassware makes each drink more fun.
- When: Open for the season
- Where: 649 E 9th St, New York
- Reservations: Click here.
- Website: https://www.miraclepopup.com
- Best for: Festive drinks with a side of whimsy.
Concerts
Earth, Wind & Fire
A funky night out with hit songs everyone knows. Dance now, reconsider your knees later. It’s high-energy fun for a winter night.
- When: December 15-16, 2025
- Where: Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.earthwindandfire.com
- Best for: Dancing to timeless music.
Lorde
Her latest album returns to her electro roots with emotional lyrics. Fans will hear new favorites plus older anthems.
- When: December 16-17, 2025
- Where: Barclays Center ( 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.lorde.co.nz
- Best for: Indie pop listeners.
Andrea Bocelli
The world-famous tenor brings his soaring voice to a holiday stage. His performances always feel heartfelt and powerful.
- When: December 17-18, 2025
- Where: Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.andreabocelli.com
- Best for: Elegant nights out.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
This rock-opera show features lasers, pyrotechnics, and full story scenes. The music blends Christmas themes with loud and dramatic moments.
- When: December 18, 2025
- Where: UBS Arena
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.trans-siberian.com
- Best for: People who like festive energy big.
Christmas Carols By Candlelight
A string quartet plays seasonal favorites in a glowing venue. Sing along or just smile politely through the high notes.
- When: December 21, 2025
- Where: Sony Hall (235 W 46th St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://candlelightexperience.com
- Best for: Soft and cozy holiday plans.
Jonas Brothers
They perform hits from every era plus tracks from their solo projects. Expect loud singing and happy nostalgia.
- When: December 21, 2025
- Where: UBS Arena
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://jonasbrothers.com
- Best for: Pop fans of any age
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
- 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
- American Museum of Natural History: The Origami Holiday Tree – Open for the season at 200 Central Park West, New York | Included with museum admission
- Grand Bazaar Holiday Market at Grand Central – December 16-18 at Grand Central’s Biltmore Room | Free admission
- Ben Folds – December 21 at Irving Plaza (17 Irving Pl, New York) | Ticketed
- Hot Wheels Pit Stop x American Girl – Open daily at American Girl New York (75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York) | Free admission
Bonus idea for your holiday nights…
Planning a bar-hopping holiday hang? This guide has tons of fun pop-ups across the city: 15+ Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars NYC 2025
If you want festive cocktails and great photos, it pairs nicely with all the events above.
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