Washington Heights Other Christmas Activities 2026

The parade marches down a 2.5-mile route before arriving at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store. Spectators along designated public viewing areas can see giant character balloons, colorful balloonicles, floats, and specialty units. The lineup also features clowns and marching band...

Visitors can watch model trains travel over bridges and through familiar city scenes, navigating past nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas under the glass of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Each miniature building is meticulously crafted from natural plant parts, including...

Visitors journey through redesigned holiday environments that magically transport them from Herald Square to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Guests experience an immersive holiday setting, with VIP bookings featuring a personalized visit and story reading. Professional commemorative photo...

Visitors take to the ice in Central Park beneath views of the surrounding city skyline. Off the ice, guests can warm up with grab-and-go meals, hot drinks, and vegan options at Wollman Café, or enjoy comfort food from Melba's on...

Held in East Harlem, this annual parade proceeds along Park Avenue from 106th Street to 115th Street. The procession showcases fantastic 14-foot puppets, live music, and a lively parranda alongside community members wearing handmade crowns. Visitors can also explore traditions...

Visitors can step inside Westbury House to explore historic rooms decorated in festive period style. Guests can also stroll through the seasonal gardens, enjoy complimentary cookies and warm cider, and meet Santa. Select dates feature included holiday choir and caroling...

Guests can participate in uplifting cultural programs centered on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, including a candle-lighting ceremony, vibunzi, and hands-on arts and crafts. African drum beats and dance traditions bring audiences together, while local musicians, dancers, and artists present...

Visitors of all ages can meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and pose for holiday photos near the carousel. Complimentary festive props are available to borrow, and guests may also bring their own. Santa's helpers are on...

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with special performances by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers and a songwriting workshop with Jim Keyes. Visitors can take part in family art and science workshops creating paper bag snowflakes, paper chain friends,...

Gather with the community to watch the lighting of the park's dazzling holiday tree. Visitors can listen to traditional carols performed by the professional choir Cantori New York alongside the New York Brass Quintet. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary treats,...

Attendees view elaborate, multi-tiered Kraków-style nativity scenes featuring miniaturized elements of historic Polish architecture, ornate decorations, and handcrafted figures. The festive celebration features an exhibition of competition entries alongside an awards presentation and community Christmas caroling.

Families can visit to have their photo taken with Santa amid holiday ambience. Carolers perform classic songs while guests enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes.

Brighten the darkest days of the year by creating miniature, illuminated models of stellar nebulae—the cosmic nurseries where stars are born. Participants can design their own holiday ornament inspired by a real stellar nebula or invent their own cosmic creations.

Participants run or walk along a scenic route in small, capped waves supported by on-site race coordinators. The event does not use timing chips, though participants can record their run via an app or ask coordinators for timekeeping support. Registration...

Children design and assemble personalized holiday ornaments using clear baubles, drawings, and decorative materials. Participants also have the option to craft holiday greeting cards during the session while listening to festive music. Each child takes home all of their handmade...

Spectators witness the illumination of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in the Plaza to usher in the holiday season. The towering tree is crowned with a Daniel Libeskind-designed Swarovski star containing millions of crystals across dozens of spikes. Following the...

Participants take a charter bus trip to New York City with the option of free time for shopping and sightseeing or attending a Radio City Music Hall Rockettes performance from orchestra seating. The trip includes the chance to view the...

Guests cruise New York Harbor aboard climate-controlled, 1920s-style yachts adorned with holiday decor, garland, and glowing lights. Visitors take in 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty through grand solarium windows or from the open outer...

Guests sail through New York Harbor to take in panoramic views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline before viewing a festive fireworks display. The cruise features a live DJ, party favors, and an open bar...

Step into a world of holiday magic at Tiffany & Co.'s iconic New York City flagship store. Their legendary windows, a tradition since 1837, come alive each November with fantastical displays. Inspired by the allure captured in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,'...

Step into a cherished holiday tradition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with the stunning Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche. A magnificent twenty-foot blue spruce, adorned with lights, stands tall, overlooking an incredibly detailed 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. This...

The New York Transit Museum's beloved Holiday Train Show returns to Grand Central Terminal for its 21st year. This enchanting display features Lionel model trains, including Metro-North and the whimsical Polar Express, traversing a captivating two-level layout. Watch as these...

Mount Vernon's Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting features a parade with floats and music, followed by Santa Claus's arrival and a tree lighting ceremony.

Join in a beloved Christmas Eve tradition with A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. This service beautifully weaves together scripture readings with classic carols and hymns, performed by the acclaimed Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. Experience the...

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Kwanzaa with a vibrant celebration featuring music, film, and joyful entertainment. This event honors the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa, offering a rich cultural experience for all attendees.

Step into a Gilded Age holiday wonderland at Glenview, a beautifully restored 1877 historic home. This festive tour immerses visitors in the holiday traditions of the Trevor family, showcasing six period rooms adorned with antique ornaments, charming toys, and elegantly...

Step back in time this holiday season with a special guided tour at The Met Cloisters. Discover the festive decorations and learn about ancient Roman Saturnalia and Medieval Christmastide traditions. Explore how Hanukkah was celebrated centuries ago, offering a unique...

Discover the creativity of artists and artisans at the 43rd Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibition. This unique event showcases over 30 imaginative and unconventional wreaths, each a testament to artistic ingenuity and unexpected materials. From plastic rollers to faux fireworks, these...

Join the East Harlem community for the 22nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive event features music and fun activities, culminating in the joyous illumination of the holiday tree. It's a wonderful opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit and...

Join the Woodside community for a heartwarming holiday tree lighting event. This festive gathering features dazzling community holiday lights, a special tree lighting ceremony, and a heartwarming toy distribution for children. Enjoy warm treats as you celebrate the season in...

Morris Heights Health Center hosts their annual Burnside Holiday Toy Giveaway, offering free toys to children. This community-focused event aims to spread holiday cheer and support families during the festive season. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come...

Experience the iconic New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, the symbolic center of New York City. Witness the legendary Ball Drop, add your wishes to the confetti, and enjoy live entertainment. This global tradition unites millions in a joyous...

The Park Avenue Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition that illuminates the malls between 54th and 97th Streets. This event, a symbol of peace and remembrance, has been a beacon of hope since 1945, honoring those who made sacrifices. The...

Experience the magic of the holidays at The Plaza, New York City's iconic address. This luxurious hotel transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling décor, festive traditions, and exceptional dining. From elegant Afternoon Tea and special holiday dinners to New...