New York City

Where to See Holiday Concerts and Sing Christmas Carols in NYC This Season

Sing Christmas carols during the annual winter edition of Make Music New York this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Make Music New York

Crooning Christmas carols on a brisk evening in the company of neighbors, pals, or friendly strangers is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Carolers of all levels mingle at these events—even the occasional Broadway star has been spotted from time to time—to serenade the city with a message of peace and joy. We've rounded up more than a dozen gatherings where you can literally sing in the holidays, and don't forget to check out all of the Christmas tree lightings—they often include caroling in their programs, too

If you'd rather just listen, consider booking tickets to a holiday concert to get everyone in the spirit. We've got our top picks for those, plus, we couldn't resist including a collection of NYC's many salutes to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

However you spend the holidays, we wish you all the joy of the season. Don't forget to check our Family Activity Calendar and Guide to Holiday Events for more seasonal picks.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Take Visitors on an After-Dark Safari This Season

Walk past stunning lanterns and through tunnels of light at the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights.

The Bronx Zoo's glittering Holiday Lights have returned for another season of winter magic. While most of the zoo animals huddled in hibernation or winter holding, the zoo's grounds come to life this season with a series of sparkling, larger-than-life lantern safaris and plenty more seasonal thrills that makes this a fun destination on a cold winter's night.

If you can't make it to the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, consider a visit to one of these other seasonal light shows in city limits, and find more holiday fun in our Guide to the Holidays in NYC.

Christmas Towns and Festivals to Explore Near NYC

Drive by the whimsical Whoville installation at Wegmans Lights on the Lake in Liverpool, New York, this holiday season.

New York City may be one of the most iconic holiday destinations but there are plenty of cities, towns, and villages across New York state that also get into the Christmas spirit and make for a great holiday day trip or seasonal weekend getaway. From Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, N.Y., to the Snowflake Festival in Kingston, here are six New York-state Christmas towns and holiday festivals where you'll find plenty of magic of this season.

Hanukkah Celebrations and Menorah Lightings in NYC in 2021

Take the rink with a life-sized dreidel at Hanukkah on Ice in Central Park. Photo courtesy of Chabad Lubavitch

New York City knows how to celebrate the holidays, and Hanukkah (or Chanukah—did you know there are more than 20 different spelling variations?) is no exception. The first night of the Festival of Lights arrives on Sunday, November 28, and no matter how you spell it, we've rounded up a whole bunch of ways to celebrate Hanukkah. As a bonus: Many of the events are FREE.

Of note this year is the Jewish Children's Museum's Hanukkah Family Fest and Hanukkah under the Stars. There are also the annual mainstays, from The Largest Menorah Lighting in Brooklyn to Hanukkah on Ice. Find more seasonal celebrations in our Guide to Christmas and Hanukkah for NYC families

5 Nature Activities in NYC to Get Kids Outdoors This Fall

The Thain Family Forest at the New York Botanic Gardens. Photo by Ben Hider

When it comes to fall activities, apple picking and corn mazes are just the beginning. Autumn is a perfect time to explore all nature has to offer in New York City. From learning about bird migrations to forest bathing, there are plenty of places—including some under-the-radar green spaces—for kids and families to fall in love with the outdoors. So, bundle up and check out these five fun nature activities before the fall foliage hits the ground.

Best Holiday Markets in NYC to Shop Small This Christmas Season

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Union Square Holiday Market is back for a 2021 run. Photo courtesy of Urbanspace

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, because holiday markets are back in NYC. With their sparkly decorations, festive music, unique gifts, and delicious treats, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than to stroll through one of these Christmas markets in New York City. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans. Not sure where to start? Read on for a list of the best holiday markets in New York City, and find all our picks for seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

Pages