Holiday Season Timeline in New York
What activities and events can’t be missed in New York City during the Christmas season? Here are the KEY DATES in New York’s Holiday Season Timeline.
Before reading this article, we recommend that you also check out the following Links from our Blog:
1️⃣ 5 Must-do NYC activities in December
2️⃣ When does the Holiday Season begin in NYC
✔️ October 27th > Opening of the Bryant Park Winter Village. If you come to New York during the Christmas season, you must visit the Bryant Park and Union Square Christmas markets. The former is easily accessible from Times Square: in less than a 5-minute walk you will be at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street and there you will find Bryant Park. The second, the Union Square Christmas Market, is slightly off the more touristy routes, which is why we added it as a stop on our “Holiday Spirit in Manhattan” tour. Click HERE to find all the info on the most comprehensive Christmas tour of Manhattan in all of New York City. Send us via message the word “BLOG” on instagram @MyChristmasinNewYork and we will send you all the info about our Christmas tours and also some DISCOUNT CODES (up to 15%) to participate while saving money.
✔️ First 2 weeks of November > New York begins decorating its 5th Avenue, the most iconic street. More precisely between St. Patrick’s Cathedral (49th Street) and the Plaza Hotel (59th Street). There is no set date to say when the 5th Avenue will be decorated, but you can see more and more decorations every day starting the first week of November.
✔️ November 5th > It’s time to dust off your ice skates; the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink opens to the public. It’s one of the most famous ice skating rinks in the world. The rink is open daily from 9 a.m. until midnight. All the info about Ice Skating in New York clicking HERE.
✔️ November 10th > Ten Light Installations on 5th Avenue. These are 10 human-sized light installations placed on 5th Avenue. You will find a hot air balloon, a yellow cab, a gift box, a spinning top, a fire truck and more.
✔️ November 12th > The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes to Manhattan. This is one of our favorite events: the moment the tree is hoisted is iconic. The staff then always gives spectators some small pieces of branches as a keepsake. If you are in New York on this day, you absolutely must attend. The tree usually arrives around 8 a.m. Follow our stories on Instagram (@MyChristmasinNewYork) to stay updated on all the info & news.
✔️ November 15th > Inauguration of the Lights and Decorations at Hudson Yards & the Vessel. Over 2 million lights to decorate one of Manhattan’s most iconic locations. Hudson Yards & the Vessel are also not in one of the most touristy areas of New York City, which is why we added it as a stop on our “Holiday Spirit in Manhattan” tour. Check it out, it is the most comprehensive tour there can be to discover in only 4 hours the best Christmas decorations in Manhattan.
✔️ November 17th > Opening of the Union Square Christmas Market, the most beautiful in all of New York City. This market is also the first stop on our “Holiday Spirit in Manhattan” Tour, which begins on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Click HERE for all the tour info.
✔️ November 18th > First date of Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas-style theatre show. Unmissable, unique. Featuring the Rockettes, it is one of the 5 things we think you absolutely cannot miss while visiting New York City during the holiday season. Click HERE to read what the other 4 must-do activities are.
✔️ November 22nd > The Holiday Season Timeline would not be complete without the Opening Ceremony of Saks 5th Avenue Lights & Sound Show. Click HERE for all the info about this amazing daily show.
✔️ November 24th > Thanksgiving Day Parade. This event is also part of the Christmas holiday calendar because the last float in the parade is that of Santa Claus with his elves. The Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the official start of the Christmas Season in New York City.
✔️ November 25th > Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is ready to welcome you. With its decorated houses, it is a must-stop for anyone coming to New York during the holiday season and a key date of the Holiday Season Timeline. Visit it with our amazing Tour of Dyker Heights & DUMBO. Over 2,500 guests each season, a round trip from Times Square on a first class coach bus with 2 stops: Dyker Heights (1 hour) to visit the most beautiful decorated houses in all of America and DUMBO (45 minutes) to take photos and videos of the illuminated Skyline. A fully guided tour with the best quality on the New York market. Send us via message the word “BLOG” on instagram @MyChristmasinNewYork and we will send you all the info about our Christmas tours and also some DISCOUNT CODES (up to 15%) to participate while saving money.
✔️ November 28th > Opening date of the Central Park – Columbus Circle Holiday Markets
✔️ November 30th > Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. Click HERE for all the info on the world’s most beautiful Christmas tree.
‼️ This article will be updated regularly by the My Christmas in New York team and you can always find it in the Link in Bio on our Instagram Page. Please feel free to visit it regularly for updates, news and info.
