20+ Things to Do in New York City This Week (Dec 8-14 Holiday Guide)
We have reached the second week of December. By now, you have either fully embraced the holiday spirit or you are hiding in your apartment waiting for January.
This week (December 8-14, 2025) brings the heavy hitters: Jingle Ball, the Union Square markets, and the infamous sea of red suits known as Santacon. Whether you want to join the party or avoid it entirely, you need a plan. Here is what is worth leaving your radiator for this week.
*Disclaimer: Events change, weather happens, and subway delays are inevitable. Always double-check the official venue pages before you head out.
Free Fun Events & Activities
Grand Central Holiday Fair
Holiday shopping hits different when you’re not scrolling on your phone. This fair has handmade gifts that feel way more thoughtful than ordering socks again.
- 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: Quick but meaningful gift hunting.
Holiday Under the Stars: Columbus Circle
Big glowing stars dance to music every 30 minutes. You can stay warm indoors, take photos, and wonder how many lights are on your own tree.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 10 Columbus CircleNew York
- Tickets: Free admission (some events are ticketed)
- Website: https://www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com
- Best for: People who prefer holiday fun indoors.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
These houses go extra. Inflatable Santas, huge snowmen, and speakers blasting Christmas hits. You may even rethink your own holiday decor.
- 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 night out or a holiday date walk.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Millions of lights make the whole place sparkle. Wander around, take photos, maybe grab a snack, and pretend you planned a full night out.
- When: Until January 7, 2026
- Where: New York City
- Tickets: Free admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com
- Best for: Evening plans with great photo spots.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bring your own skates and glide for free. After that, snack hunting and browsing the cute booths is half the fun.
- 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: Skaters and snack seekers.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
Z100’s Jingle Ball
Huge pop stars. Hit after hit. Short sets mean zero waiting for your favorites.
- When: December 12, 2025
- Where: Madison Square GardenÂ
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.msg.com
- Best for: Teens, pop fans, and radio regulars.
Santacon NYC 2025
Thousands of Santas roaming the city and searching for the next bar. A holiday maze with drinks.
- When: December 13, 2025
- Where: Venues and bars will be announced a week before the event
- Tickets: Click here (donation/ticket and drinks).
- Website: https://santacon.nyc
- Best for: Groups looking for holiday fun.
Cirque du Soleil “Twas the Night Before…”
This holiday show blends circus acts with a playful story. You watch and think, maybe stretching is important.
- When: Until December 28, 2025
- Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com
- Best for: Families and anyone who loves acrobatics.
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
A rooftop filled with sparkle, cocktails, and Mariah tunes. Try not to sing along too loudly… or do.
- 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 photo lovers.
Santa’s Secret
This one is strictly for adults. You can expect cocktails, comedy, dance acts, and a Santa who probably knows your party history.
- When: Until December 31, 2025
- Where: 10 Columbus Cir, Level 4, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://santassecret.coÂ
- Best for: Nights out that feel a bit spicy.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
The Christmas tree grows, the costumes shine, and everyone leaves humming the music. It just feels like tradition.
- When: Until January 3, 2026
- Where: 20 Lincoln Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nycballet.com
- Best for: Classic holiday outings with family.
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes hit the big 100. The kicks get higher, Santa joins the fun, and the energy stays strong throughout the entire show.
- 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: NYC holiday first-timers.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Walk through glowing tunnels and light art that feels straight out of a dream. Hot cocoa helps you stay cozy.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bbg.org
- Best for: Outdoor plans with pretty sights.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Animal lanterns fill the paths, and the holiday train returns. Kids stay happy, adults remain entertained.
- When: Until January 4, 2026
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best for: Family adventures after dark.
NYBG Holiday Train Show
Mini NYC landmarks made of plants, plus tiny trains running around them. It’s adorable and surprisingly impressive.
- When: Until January 11, 2026
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.nybg.org
- Best for: Kids, train fans, and anyone who loves miniatures.
Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off
Edible buildings that look like New York. You’ll leave craving cookies.
- 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: Kids, bakers, and dessert fans
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Photo via @rockefellercenter / Instagram
Skate under the famous statue and pretend you’re in a holiday movie. Try not to slip in front of everyone.
- When: Open for the season
- Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.rockefellercenter.com
- Best for: People checking off their NYC bucket list.
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Views of the bridge and skyline create an impressive backdrop. Night skating feels especially cool here.
- When: Until February 1, 2026
- Where: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.roeblingrink.com
- Best for: Brooklyn locals and casual skaters.
AMNH Origami Holiday Tree
Dinosaurs and sea creatures are folded into tiny paper art. It’s cute, clever, and worth a museum detour.
- Where: 200 Central Park West, New York
- Tickets: Included with admissionÂ
- Website: https://www.amnh.org
- Best for: Curious minds and craft fans.
Skate at Domino Park
This spot keeps the party going with DJs and themed nights. Skate, chill, repeat.
- When: Until February 22, 2026
- Where: 15 River St, Brooklyn
- Price: Click here.
- Website: https://www.dominopark.com
- Best for: Group hangs and weekend plans.
Concerts
Brett Eldredge
A country voice that fits holiday songs surprisingly well. His voice adds warmth to a winter night out.
- When: December 12-13, 2025
- Where: Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway, New York)Â
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bretteldredge.com
- Best for: Country fans building holiday playlists.
Joan Osborne
A 90s icon singing songs that still hit. A great night for people who love real vocals and emotion.
- When: December 13, 2025
- Where: New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 W 64th St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://joanosborne.com
- Best for: Nostalgic music lovers.
Daniil Trifonov
His piano playing makes people stare in awe. It’s intense, soft, and everything in between.
- When: December 13, 2025
- Where: Carnegie Hall (57th Street and, 7th Ave, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://daniiltrifonov.com
- Best for: A classy date night.
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: December 2-31, 2025
- New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show – Until February 2026 at New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store (Shuttle Passage) Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd Street, New York | Free admissionÂ
- Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center – Until March 8, 2026 at the East side of Central Park (between 106th and 108th Streets) | TicketedÂ
- Broadway Under the Stars – December 11: SIX The Musical, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), The Queen of Versailles
- FAD Market – Holiday – December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 (Boerum Hill); December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 (Cobble Hill); Until December21 (Dumbo)
Before you plan your festive week…
If your plans include meeting Santa this season, there are plenty of fun options across the city. You can check out my related guide for more ideas: Best Places to See Santa in NYC (2025): A New Yorker’s Guide
It pairs well with this list, especially if someone in your group loves Christmas magic.
More…
- https://www.overherenewyork.com/things-to-do-nyc-december-2025-guide
- https://www.timeout.com/newyork/events-calendar/december-events-calendar
- https://www.rockefellercenter.com/magazine/events/things-to-do-in-new-york-city-in-december
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/fun-things-to-do-in-toronto-this-week-december-8-14-holiday-guide
