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53 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids

The most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, aka “Dyker Lights.” Photo courtesy Dyker Heights Lights
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12/3/23 - By Drew Kristofik

When it comes to holiday gifts, we've found the perfect one for you, dear reader: This list of FREE holiday and Christmas events in NYC. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve are all fast approaching, but between Nutcrackers, family-friendly holiday shows, special meals with Santa, and gift-giving, things can get expensive. So, we've rounded up 53 FREE holiday and Christmas events in NYC to enjoy now through New Year's Eve.

For more things to do in New York City this season, bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Holiday Activities and Christmas Events and our always-up-to-date Family Activity Calendar.

Keep in mind that reservations are required for many of these events, so plan your outings in advance, and be sure to click through to our listings for all the details, including address, time, and recommended ages.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

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Free Things To Do in NYC All December Long

The Gift of Fifth Open Streets

Midtown East
Sundays December 3, 10, and 17, 2023
Fifth Avenue, from 48th Street to 59th Street, transforms into a pedestrians-only holiday haven, with live entertainment, shopping fun, and dining experiences.   READ MORE

Holiday Hub at City Point

Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays and Sundays, through December 17, 2023
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents host three weekends of holiday happenings that include Santa portraits, menorah making, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, elf selfies, and more. READ MORE

Holidays at Hudson Yards: Photos with Santa

Midtown West
Weekdays through Friday, December 22, 2023
Santa is flying his sleigh to The Shops & Restaurants to meet with children, friends, and families from across the world. Take complimentary photos with Santa in a winter wonderland located on Level 3 by H&M and Zara. READ MORE

Selfies with Santa

Financial District
Select dates from Sunday, December 7-Saturday, December 24, 2023
Snap selfies with Santa in the Winter Garden - with a sandcastle twist this year! - and revel in the season with crafts, candy canes, and lots of holiday cheer! READ MORE

Macy's Santaland

Herald Square
Daily through Sunday, December 24, 2023
Santa swoops back over to Macy's for visits with his littlest fans! Wander the rainbow road to his workshop, where you'll meet jolly old St. Nick. Share your wishlist before receiving a special gift and posing for a keepsake photo. READ MORE

Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC

Multiple Locations
Daily through Monday, January 1, 2024
Fifth Avenue isn't the only spot to see spectacular Christmas lights in NYC. READ MORE

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal

Midtown East
Weekdays through Thursday, January 4, 2024
Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Celebrate the holiday season at the 42nd annual exhibition of inventive, unconventional wreaths crafted by a diverse selection of fine artists, designers, and other creative contributors. READ MORE

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

Midtown East
Daily through Sunday, February 24, 2024
The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery plays host to a city within a city with the display of a miniature electric railroad running over, through, and beneath some of New York’s most magnificent landmarks. READ MORE
Join the Fort Greene Park Conservancy for its annual holiday tree lighting. Photo courtesy of the FGPC
Join the Fort Greene Park Conservancy for its annual holiday tree lighting. Photo courtesy of the FGPC

Free Christmas Events in New York City this December

Wallabout Wonderland at Brooklyn Navy Yard

South Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 2-Sunday, December 3, 2023
Wallabout Wonderland's pop-up market hosts more than 200 vendors with a wide array of locally made products, from home goods to clothing and accessories, art, and wellness products. The Brooklyn Bridge Parents Family Corner includes free kids' activities, including cookie decorating, holiday card making, Lego building, and book giveaways. READ MORE

Conference House's Annual Grand Illumination

Tottenville, Staten Island
Sunday, December 3, 2023
The beautiful Conference House is lit from within, and families are invited to learn about colonial Christmas traditions and share hot cider and cookies. READ MORE

Holiday Tree Lighting at Carl Schurz Park

Upper East Side
Sunday, December 3, 2023
This cherished family tradition features carols, the Cantori choir, Orbital Brass, candlelight, candy canes, and hot chocolate. ​ READ MORE

Annual Santa Rescue

Soho
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Watch FDNY firefighters rescue Santa from the roof of the New York City Fire Museum at 12 noon, sharp! Once inside, Santa takes gift requests and poses for photos. READ MORE

Central Astoria Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration

Astoria, Queens
Sunday, December 3, 2023
The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition celebrates the holiday season with an annual tree lighting and festival on the great lawn. Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip hot chocolate, and listen to holiday tunes by the Sugarplums. READ MORE

Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Join the Fort Greene Park Conservancy (FGPC) and for its annual holiday tree lighting. READ MORE

Annual Park Avenue Tree Lighting

Upper East Side
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Park Avenue's illuminated trees—dotting on the Park Avenue Malls between 54th and 97th Streets—switch on for the season.  READ MORE

Christmas Party at Washington Market Park

Tribeca
Sunday, December 3, 2023
At this annual Christmas party in Washington Market Park, the big, red-suited guest of honor rides into the park in style: sometimes by pedicab, sometimes peddled by an oversize elf. READ MORE

The 207th Street Tree Lighting - Festivities on Ice

Inwood
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Celebrate the holidays with a day of fun, featuring live music and ice skating. The day tops off with the lighting of the Christmas tree. READ MORE

Madison Square Holiday Tree Lighting

Flatiron
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Gather around the Madison Square Holiday Tree for the 112th annual holiday tree lighting, complete with photo opps, baked goods, and live music. READ MORE

Washington Square Christmas Tree Lighting

Tribeca
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Join the Rob Susman Brass Quartet as children and grown-ups alike sing holiday songs, and the sparkling lights on the resplendent tree are turned on to mark the beginning of festive winter evenings. Santa Claus leads kids in the illumination countdown. It's the 100 year anniversary of this beloved tradition. READ MORE

Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Thursday, December 7, 2023
The Dumbo Improvement District hosts its annual Dumbo Holiday Lighting ceremony, with all the trimmings. Enjoy live music, carols, hot cocoa, and an appearance from Santa himself. READ MORE

Holiday Lights Battery Park City in Rockefeller Park

Battery Park City
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Kick off the holiday season in Rockefeller Park. The festive evening features lively carols, beverages and treats, and many special guest appearances including Matías De La Flor from Broadway’s Camelot, and a visit from you-know-who!   READ MORE

Hendrick I. Lott House Tree Lighting

Marine Park, Brooklyn
Friday, December 8, 2023
Along with the lighting of the tree, the historic Dutch-American farmhouse welcomes families to meet Sinterklaas. Children can sit with the Dutch version of Santa Claus to share their holiday wishes and pose for photos. READ MORE

Holiday Splendor at the Conference House

Tottenville, Staten Island
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Tour the festive seasonal decorations at Conference House, and enjoy a live holiday musical duet performance.    READ MORE

Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland at the Apollo

Harlem
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Under the twinkling lights of its famous marquee, The Apollo Theater and Coca-Cola invite families to stop by for holiday-themed activities, including picture taking with Santa Claus and amazing performances from local choirs. READ MORE

3rd Annual Tappen Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Stapleton Heights, Staten Island
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Enjoy hot cocoa, music, photos with Santa, toys and gifts, and more at the annual Tappen Park Holiday Tree Lighting. READ MORE

50th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Midtown West
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players congregate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites. READ MORE

New York City Opera Caroling

Midtown West
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
A chorus of singers from New York City Opera and students from LaGuardia High School perform an hour of iconic Christmas carols, accompanied by a brass quintet featuring artists from the New York City Opera Orchestra. . READ MORE

Holiday Reading: The Gift of the Magi

Floral Park, Queens
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Grab your fleece, hats, gloves, coats, and woolies, and throw on your winter boots! The Queens County Farm Museum hosts a special outdoor holiday reading of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. READ MORE

Reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Sugar Hill
Sunday, December 17, 2023
The Church of the Intercession continues its time-honored tradition of reading the classic poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, by Clement Clarke Moore. This year marks the 113th anniversary of the annual reading at the church. READ MORE

Holiday Songs from the Stoop of the Tilden Mansion

Gramercy
Monday, December 18, 2023
The National Arts Club's holiday concert features songs and carols performed by the principal quintet of the Gramercy Brass Orchestra, under the direction of trumpeter John Henry Lambert Jr. READ MORE

Holiday Caroling Under the Washington Square Arch

Greenwich Village
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Join The Rob Susman Brass Quartet for a holiday celebration under the Washington Square Arch. The annual Christmas carol event fills the city streets with the sweet sounds of holiday carols. READ MORE
Visit the Public Square and Gardens in Hudson Yards for a free menorah lighting event. Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards
Visit the Public Square and Gardens in Hudson Yards for a free menorah lighting event. Photo courtesy of Hudson Yards

Free Hanukkah Events in New York City this December

The Largest Menorah Lighting: Brooklyn

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Thursday, December 7-Thursday, December 14, 2023
Chabad of Park Slope hosts the 32-foot "Largest Menorah" in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza. There's a kick off concert on Wednesday, December 25, and each subsequent night of Hanukkah is celebrated with music, latkes, and gifts.  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Thursday, December 7-Friday, December 15, 2023
Visit the Public Square and Gardens in Hudson Yards for a menorah lighting, then snag eight days of special offers from participating shops.    READ MORE

Menorah Lighting in Park Slope

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Chabad Park Slope lights a big outdoor menorah on the corner of 3rd Street and Fifth Avenue. Stop by for doughnut decorating, giant games, music, and more,  READ MORE

Chocolate Hanukkah

South Street Seaport
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah with crafts for kids and goodies for all. READ MORE

Hanukkah at Brookfield Place

Battery Park City
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Enjoy a live klezmer band performance and therapeutic artmaking activity led by art therapist, Tova Speter: create a mini candle holder READ MORE

Ice Menorah Lighting at Industry City

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Chabad of Sunset Park invites families to celebrate Hanukkah at the Industry City ice rink. Skating is offered at a special discounted rate. Holiday foods, games, and activities are provided. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting under the Manhattan Bridge Archway

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Chabad of Dumbo hosts a Hanukkah celebration under the Manhattan Bridge Archway, complete with hot cocoa, chocolate gelt, and entertainment.    READ MORE
Watch Prospect Park's New Year's Eve Fireworks from Grand Army Plaza. Photo by Andrew Gardner
Watch Prospect Park's New Year's Eve Fireworks from Grand Army Plaza. Photo by Andrew Gardner

More Free Things To Do in New York City this December

Make Your Own Glow Workshop

Flatiron
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Create your own illuminated artworks, adding a personal touch to the winter festivities at the Flatiron District's Winter Glow. Stop by for a free, family-friendly night of glowy tape art making by Kuki Tape Artist and live DJ music at the Flatiron North Plaza. READ MORE

Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle

Midtown West
Thursdays, December 7 and 14, 2023
Broadway and The Shops at Columbus Circle team up for the annual return of Broadway Under the Stars, a four-week series of free public concerts and performances taking place this holiday season.  READ MORE

BRIC’s Winter Wonderland

Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, December 9, 2023
BRIC House unveils a wintry realm brimming with family fun, where guests can design a luminous snowflake lantern, write a special holiday message or paint a wintery watercolor landscape. READ MORE

Family Day: Winter Wonderland

Concourse Village, the Bronx
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Head to the Bronx Museum for an afternoon filled with free and festive wintry art-making activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Holiday Wreath Making

Harlem
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Learn how to create your own natural holiday wreath for indoors or outdoors. All supplies are provided, along with natural pine cones and ribbon to decorate your own handmade, festive wreath. Bring your favorite decorations to add as well! READ MORE

Nature's Workshop: Pine Cone Creations

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 9, 2023
The Urban Park Rangers lead a nature workshop about the importance of pine cones. With the change in season, there’s a change in decor. Turn fallen pine cones into seasonal ornaments you can exchange with friends and family. READ MORE

Ornament Workshop with Skippy Cotton

Chelsea
Saturday, December 16-Sunday, December 17, 2023
Make an embroidered or lavender stuffed ornament to take home with Skippy Cotton. READ MORE

Unsilent Night 2024

West Village to East Village
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Each year, composer Phil Kline leads a massive chorus of boomboxes from the West Village to the East Village in the annual holiday presentation of Unsilent Night. READ MORE

Lunch with Frosty

Hunts Point, the Bronx
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Parents and caregivers of toddlers ages 1-5 are invited to join the Hunts Point Recreation Center for fun family games, holiday crafts, music, and most of all, lunch with Frosty the Snowman.   READ MORE

Make Music Winter Event: Harmonica Holiday Jam

Midtown West
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He leads a crash course in how to play the harmonica and then leads participants in a jam session to showcase their new skills with performances of holiday classics such as Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, Here Comes Santa Claus, Silent Night, and more.  READ MORE

Festival of Lights: Winter Solstice

Marine Park, Brooklyn
Thursday, December 21, 2023
The Urban Park Rangers teach young astronomers (and old) how the winter solstice turns the Northern Hemisphere toward longer days. READ MORE

Make Music Winter Event: Bell by Bell

Lower East Side
Thursday, December 21, 2023
“Bell by Bell” is a fun Make Music Winter tradition, designed to transform first time participants and non-musicians into Music Makers — a perfect program for kids and families. READ MORE

Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making

Clifton, Staten Island
Saturday, December 23
The Urban Park Rangers show families how to create nature-inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.    READ MORE

Festival of Lights: Kwanzaa

Marine Park, Brooklyn
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Families are invited to celebrate Kwanzaa and light a kinara. READ MORE

Prospect Park's New Year's Eve Fireworks

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration returns to Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. Quintessential Playlist provides a live concert before the fireworks. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brookfield Place Winter Garden
Visitor Center in Conference House Park
Astoria Park Great Lawn
Visitor Center in Conference House Park
Brookfield Place Hudson Eats
Industry City Courtyard
Under the Manhattan Bridge Archway
NY Public Library Patience Statue
Prospect Park (at Grand Army Plaza)