Event Dates
From: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
To: Monday, January 4, 2027
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and by “it” we mean Christmas in New York!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and by “it” we mean Christmas in New York! Just a few weeks after all the Halloween events wrap up, the city and the best New York attractions turn into an illuminated winter wonderland, decked out with Christmas trees, holiday windows and Christmas lights. Even the most tourist-averse New Yorkers have to admit that it’s a pretty spectacular sight.
- Over 5 million visitors head to NYC between Thanksgiving and New Years, so there’s plenty of opportunities to bump into new guys or meet old friends and have a very queer Christmas in the big apple. Book your hotel well in advance. Check out these best rates for hotels close to the best markets.
Christmas in New York 2026
- Next Edition: Wednesday, October 28, 2026 to Monday, January 4, 2027
- Christmas transforms New York with famous trees, seasonal markets, decorated department stores, ice rinks and some of the biggest festive shows in the world.
- The season begins when Bryant Park opens its Winter Village in late October. Most major attractions launch during November, with the city reaching its festive peak after Thanksgiving.
- December is one of New York’s busiest travel periods. Book your hotel early if you plan to stay close to Midtown, Times Square or Hell’s Kitchen.
Christmas Tours
- Take a two hour tour of the best of the Christmas markets with insider tips and advice on how to get the most out of a Christmas Trip to NYC!
- Or take a 6 hour private VIP tour complete with driver and guide.
Christmas in New York 2026 Dates
Date Event Location 28 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 Winter Village and Ice Rink Bryant Park 4 Nov 2026–4 Jan 2027 Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes Radio City Music Hall 11 Nov–24 Dec 2026 Grand Central Holiday Fair Vanderbilt Hall Mid-Nov–24 Dec 2026 Union Square Holiday Market Union Square Park 14 Nov 2026–10 Jan 2027 Holiday Train Show New York Botanical Garden 25 & 27 Nov 2026 The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show New York City Center From 27 Nov 2026 Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Brooklyn 2–31 Dec 2026 Columbus Circle Holiday Market Central Park South Awaiting Date Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Rockefeller Plaza 31 Dec 2026 Times Square New Year’s Eve Times Square The Christmas Markets
New York’s Christmas markets combine independent designers, local food vendors, seasonal bars and gift stalls. Most markets are free to enter and become busiest during late afternoons and weekends.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Bank of America Winter Village returns from Wednesday 28th October 2026.
The centrepiece is a 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink offering free admission to visitors bringing their own skates. Skate reservations are required, with rental charges applying when needed.
Holiday shops surround the rink, selling jewellery, clothing, decorations, artwork and food. The Lodge provides rink-side drinks, snacks and covered seating.
- Ice rink: Wednesday 28th October 2026 to Sunday 28th February 2027
- Open daily, including public holidays
- Location: Bryant Park, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
- Subway: 7 to Fifth Avenue or B, D, F and M to 42nd Street
Stay close to the park at the Arlo Midtown, within walking distance of Bryant Park, Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
The Grand Central Holiday Fair returns to Vanderbilt Hall from Wednesday 11th November to Thursday 24th December 2026.
This indoor market is a good choice on colder or wet days. Vendors are selected for their handmade products, American-made goods, artwork, accessories and Christmas gifts.
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00–19:00
- Sunday: 11:00–18:00
- Closed on Thanksgiving
- Location: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal
- Subway: 4, 5, 6, 7 and S to Grand Central–42nd Street
Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market returns for the 2026 season. Exact visitor dates are still awaiting publication, with the market operating from mid-November until Christmas Eve each year.
Expect rows of wooden stalls selling artwork, home accessories, jewellery, winter clothing and New York-made gifts. Food stands serve hot chocolate, pastries, international dishes and seasonal snacks.
- Dates: Awaiting final confirmation
- Expected season: Mid-November to Christmas Eve
- Closed on Thanksgiving
- Location: Union Square Park at 14th Street
- Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W to 14th Street–Union Square
The Hyatt Union Square is directly beside the market and close to Greenwich Village, Chelsea and the East Village.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
Next Event: Wednesday 2nd December 2026
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will light up for the first time on Wednesday 2nd December 2026 during a live ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza.
The annual event features performances from major singers, Broadway stars and the Radio City Rockettes, followed by the official switch-on shortly before 22:00.
- Ceremony: 19:00–22:00
- Tree lighting: Around 22:00
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, between West 49th and West 50th Streets
- Admission: Free
- Tickets: Not required for public viewing areas
The closest public viewing sections are around Rockefeller Plaza and the Channel Gardens between Fifth Avenue and the tree.
Sections along West 49th and West 50th Streets may offer partial views. Buildings, television equipment and temporary stages can block sightlines from some areas.
The Christmas Spectacular
- The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes returns to Radio City Music Hall from Wednesday 4th November 2026 to Monday 4th January 2027.
- The 90-minute production features ten Rockettes numbers and 230 scheduled performances. Popular dates close to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year often sell out weeks in advance.
- Radio City Music Hall is steps from Rockefeller Center, making it easy to combine the show with the Christmas tree and Fifth Avenue decorations.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring their annual queer Christmas production to New York City Center for two performances:
- Wednesday 25th November 2026 at 19:30
- Friday 27th November 2026 at 19:30
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show mixes original songs, drag, comedy and a new seasonal storyline. Both New York performances take place at New York City Center on West 55th Street.
Holiday Train Show
- The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show runs from Saturday 14th November 2026 to Sunday 10th January 2027.
- Model trains travel through miniature versions of New York landmarks created from bark, leaves, seeds and other botanical materials. Displays include the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center.
- The garden is in the Bronx, around 20 minutes from Grand Central on the Metro-North Harlem Line.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- The houses of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn are decorated with giant Santas, illuminated figures, moving displays and thousands of lights.
- Most displays begin from Friday 27th November 2026, with the full neighbourhood usually decorated by early December. The best displays are concentrated between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets.
- Visit between 17:00 and 21:00. Many homes switch their lights off around 22:00. Take a guided Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour if you prefer transport from Manhattan.
Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
New York’s department stores reveal their Christmas windows during November. The main displays are found at:
Department Store Location Macy’s Herald Square 151 West 34th Street Saks Fifth Avenue 611 Fifth Avenue Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Avenue Bloomingdale’s 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street Nordstrom NYC 225 West 57th Street Louis Vuitton 6 East 57th Street A good walking route starts at Macy’s on 34th Street, continues north along Fifth Avenue and finishes at Bergdorf Goodman beside Central Park.
The 2026 unveiling dates and plans for the Saks Fifth Avenue light show are awaiting confirmation.
Ice Skating in New York
New York’s most famous seasonal ice rinks include:
- Bryant Park Winter Village – Free admission when bringing your own skates.
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center – Skate beneath the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
- Wollman Rink – Large outdoor rink in Central Park with Midtown views.
- The Rink at Brookfield Place – Waterfront skating in Lower Manhattan.
Book timed sessions before arriving, especially for evenings and December weekends.
Gay Christmas in New York
Hell’s Kitchen has New York’s largest concentration of gay bars, many hosting Christmas drag shows, festive happy hours and themed nights throughout December.
Chelsea is home to The Eagle and several late-night venues. Greenwich Village suits classic New York bars, cabaret and piano lounges. Bushwick and Williamsburg offer larger queer clubs, warehouse parties and alternative drag events.
Major Christmas and New Year parties are normally announced during autumn.
Christmas Tours
A guided tour is useful if your visit is short or you want to see several displays in one evening.
- Take a Christmas markets walking tour through Manhattan’s main seasonal markets.
- Explore Midtown on a holiday windows and Christmas lights tour.
- Visit Brooklyn on a Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour.
- See the decorated skyline from a Christmas holiday cruise.
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
- The season finishes with the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on Thursday 31st December 2026.
- Public viewing areas are free and operate on a first-come basis. Security checkpoints open during the afternoon, and visitors cannot leave their viewing section and return.
- The event begins shortly before 18:00 when the ball is raised above One Times Square. The 60-second descent begins at 23:59.
Best Christmas Hotels in New York City
Stay in Midtown for easy access to Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the Fifth Avenue decorations.
Choose Hell’s Kitchen if nightlife is a priority. Greenwich Village suits visitors seeking smaller restaurants, historic gay bars and a more residential base.
We have chosen hotels within walking distance of some of the gay bars, and a short taxi ride to the others.
The New York EDITION Arlo NoMad Hotel Cassa Hotel citizenM Hotel
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Marlton hotel is in the heart of
Greenwich Village close to the gay bars
For further information and advice on
Christmas in New York Website
Most of the gay bars are located in the Christopher Street and Time square areas; we have found hotels closes to the gay bars in each area that have the best revues with our hotel partner Booking.com
Address: 5 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Address: 11 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Address: 52 W 13th StNew York, NY 10011
Address: 103 Waverly PlaceNew York, NY 10011
Address: 300 West 44th StreetNew York, NY 10036
Address: 218 West 50th StreetNew York, NY 10019
Address: 517 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
Address: 325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Address: 1271 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, New York 11221
Address: 2 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Address: 1260 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, NY 11221
Address: 852 Wyckoff Avenue, Ridgewood, New York 11237
Address: 1157 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States
Address: 333 Troutman St Store 4, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States
Address: 260 Meserole Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Address: 253 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States
Address: 363 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Address: 563 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
Address: 683 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States
Address: 603 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Address: 307 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Address: 168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Address: 462 Union Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211
Address: 559 Lorimer Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Address: 63 Montrose Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Address: 34-10 30th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11103, United States
Address: 37 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011
Address: 554 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001
Address: 167 8th Avenue New York, NY 10011
Address: 225 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Address: 86 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
Address: 505 East 6th Street, New York, New York 10009
Address: 322 East 14th Street New York, NY 10003
Address: 447 East 14th Street New York, NY 10009
Address: 93 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10009, United States
Address: 2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Address: 656 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036
Address: 753 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Address: 735 9th Avenue, New York, New York 10019
Address: 405 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Address: 793 9th Avenue, between, 52nd W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Address: 697 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
Address: 355 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019
Address: 859 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Address: 369 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
Address: 714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Address: 783 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Address: 236 East 58th Street New York, NY 10022
Address: 139 East 45th Street New York, NY 10017
Address: 355 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Address: 343 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
Address: 1742 2nd Ave store, New York, NY 10128, United States
Address: 992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, United States
Address: 281 West 12th Street New York, NY 10014
Address: 438 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Address: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Address: 59 Grove Street New York, NY 10014
Address: 8 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
Address: 100A 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States
Address: 185 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Address: 61 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
Address: 80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Address: 53 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
Address: 114 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in New York that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Highlights of Christmas in New York City
New York City is incredibly diverse, and LGBTQ+ communities can be found throughout the city. These neighborhoods, however, are particularly renowned for their vibrant gay scenes and welcoming atmospheres. Enjoy exploring the Big Apple

New Orleans Pride Festival