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50 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
The most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights, aka “Dyker Lights.” Photo courtesy Dyker Heights Lights
12/3/23 - By Drew Kristofik

When it comes to holiday gifts, we've got the perfect one for you, dear reader: This list of FREE holiday and Christmas events in NYC. Christmas, Hanukkah, 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 50 FREE holiday and Christmas events in NYC - and some with no holiday affiliation at all! - 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.

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More Free Things To Do in NYC (Non-Holiday Related!)

Broadway Under the Stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle

Midtown East
Wednesday, December 4 and
Thursdays, December 5, 12, and 19, 2024
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

Emily Manwaring in ColorLab at the Brooklyn Children's Museum

Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Thursday, December 5
Muse Artist Emily Manwaring shows kids how to make shoe sculptures inspired by her mixed-media artwork. Use paper, tempera sticks, tulle, and jewels to create dazzling kicks fit for a celebration!    READ MORE

Annual Wreath Interpretations Exhibit at the Arsenal

Midtown East
Weekdays, Thursday, December 5 - Tuesday, December 31, 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

Fifth Avenue's 200th Birthday Party

Midtown Eastbr> Sunday, December 8, 2024
Fifth Avenue, from 48th Street to 55th Street, transforms into a pedestrians-only holiday haven, with live entertainment, shopping fun, and dining experiences.   Visitors can enjoy a red carpet welcome, personalized fashion sketches, and a ceremonial cake cutting to honor this historic milestone.   READ MORE

Meteor Showers Viewing in Seba Playground

Marine Park, Brooklyn
Friday, December 13, 2024
The Geminids (meteor shower) are due this evening. Join troop #396 to view 100-120 expected meteors per hour. READ MORE

To the Moon, Plays that Blast Off at The 52nd Street Project

Midtown West
Friday-Sunday, December 13-15, 2024
Eight Playmakers ages 9-11 have written their first plays, directed and performed by adult professionals. Enjoy an afternoon of 8 original, short, funny musicals for free.   READ MORE

Family Holiday Bird Count in Prospect Park

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 14, 2024
The Prospect Park Audubon Center hosts this annual event, where all ages can participate in a tradition more than 100 years in the making. This nationwide bird census helps conservation researchers track the long-term health of bird populations.  READ MORE

Lenfest Kids: Big and Small

Columbia/Upper West Side
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Thinking about small perspectives isn’t just a way of understanding cinema. It’s a way of understanding the world. Shrink down to a subatomic level in The Incredible Shrinking Man and grow to enormous size in Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, exploring techniques like rotoscoping in Gulliver’s Travels, stop-motion in James and the Giant Peach, and much, much more. READ MORE

Ice Age Hike in Cunningham Park

Cunningham Park, Queens
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Take a trip back in time with the Urban Park Rangers and hike through Cunningham Park discussing the lay of the land in prehistoric times. Rangers describe the Pleistocene megafauna of New York. READ MORE

Unsilent Night 2024

West Village to East Village
Sunday, December 15, 2024
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

Welcoming Winter: A Family Nature Walk in Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Saturday, December 21,2024
In this free guided hike, families can hit the trails while learning about amazing local plants and animals, and how the park changes in the colder weather. Afterwards, stick around for a nature craft and themed activities! READ MORE

Make Music NY: Flatfoot Flatbush

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Fiddlers and pickers parade down Flatbush Avenue playing old-time tunes while flatfooting, a form of percussive dancing from Appalachia. READ MORE

Build a Nature Birdfeeder at Bowling Green Cottage

Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Monday, December 23, 2024
Learn about winter birds in your neighborhood and what they like to eat, then build your very own bird feeder from recycled materials.  READ MORE

Winter Birding for Kids in Central Park

Central Park
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Bird watching can be fun, especially during the winter season. Learn all about different ways to identify birds in our parks.   READ MORE

Survival Skills for Kids in Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Urban Park Rangers are skilled in the techniques and development of diverse outdoor skills. Learn basic outdoor skills, such as shelter building, fire making and survival skills. READ MORE

Winter Wildlife Hike for Kids in Inwood Hill Park

Inwood
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they walk the trails in search of animals that call this park home for the winter. READ MORE

Nocturnal Hike and Campfire for Kids in Forest Park

Forest Park, Queens
Friday, December 27
Join the Rangers for a short hike and discover the wonders of the natural world after dark. Then gather around the campfire to learn more about some of your local nocturnal animals. 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

Tree Lighting Skate-tacular at Bryant Park

Midtown West
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park hosts its annual tree lighting, with a stellar lineup of live skate performances, and fireworks!  READ MORE

Madison Square Holiday Tree Lighting

Gramercy
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting 2024

Midtown West
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The 92nd Rockefeller Center Christmas tree illuminates for a national close-up. Families across the US can view the Christmas tree lighting from home, live on the national broadcast “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on NBC. READ MORE

28th Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting

Central Park
Thursday, December 5, 2024
See the flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer get lit for the season at this annual Christmas tree lighting. Visitors can meet Santa and friends, watch a live ice-carving demonstration, sing carols on the plaza, and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies. READ MORE

Traditional Tree Lighting in Historic Richmond Town

Richmond, Staten Island
Friday, December 6, 2024
The return of the free annual Tree Lighting celebration kicks off with a performance by the Richmond County Orchestra Brass Quintet, followed by joyful songs from the GRACE-ful Glee Choir. Santa Claus makes a special appearance at 4:45 pm, spreading cheer before the tree lights up at 5pm. READ MORE

Parade on Rockaway

Rockaways, Queens
Friday-Sunday, December 6,-8 2024
Queens' annual Parade on Rockaway provides three days packed with holiday cheer, from the biggest tree lighting in Queens to a gift giveaway (featuring Santa) and a lovely parade of lights on Rockaway Boulevard. READ MORE

23rd Annual St. Nicholas Day Celebration at Wyckoff Farmhouse

Flatbush, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Families are invited to NYC's oldest house for an outdoor celebration packed with craft activities, a tree lighting, and a special visit from St. Nick (who arrives on horseback around 2:45pm). Kids can sip hot cider, try some colonial games, create a holiday pomander, decorate a Dutch clog for Sinterklaas, and dress the tree.   READ MORE

A Christmas Carol Revisited at the National Arts Club

Gramercy
Monday, December 9, 2024
A small ensemble of talented actors read—and act out—an hour-long version of the classic novella that involves the ghosts of the past, present, and future. The highly original staging is augmented by “scenery” that depicts some of the key events in the story. READ MORE

Calypso, Carols, and Cocoa: The Dumbo Holiday Lighting

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop Holiday Jazz Jam at the Shops at Columbus Circle

Midtown West
Various Dates, Friday, December 13-Friday, December 20, 2024
WeBop, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s award-winning early-childhood education program, steps up to the holiday season with interactive, holiday-themed live jazz performances. These festive and free shows invite young music lovers and their caregivers to swing and sing along with talented musicians. READ MORE

Holiday Reading: The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm

Floral Park, Queens
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland at the Apollo

Harlem
Saturday, December 14, 2024
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

51st Annual Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center

Midtown West
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players congregate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center to play Christmas carols and other crowd favorites. READ MORE

Santa's Photo Corner at Bryant Park

Midtown West
Monday-Friday, December 16-20, 2024
Santa stops by Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park for free photo opportunities.  READ MORE

Nut/Cracked at the National Arts Club

Gramercy
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The Bang Group’s beloved response to The Nutcracker merges tap, vaudeville, ballet, disco, contemporary dance, and genre-nonconforming glee with bubble wrap and Chinese takeout noodles. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at the Greenbelt Recreation Center

Greenbelt, Staten Island
Saturnday, December 21, 2024
NYC Parks hosts a light brunch filled with holiday magic. Visit the Greenbelt's beautiful holiday-themed rooms for family-friendly games, cookie decorating, and arts and crafts.  READ MORE

Make Music Winter Event: The Mobile Hallelujah

Midtown West
Saturday, December 21, 2024
The always popular “Mobile Hallelujah” returns this season, in which the most dramatic 4 minutes of Handel’s famed oratorio Messiah are distilled into “pop-up” style performances that take place in seven iconic midtown Manhattan locations, including Times Square and Lincoln Center. READ MORE

Holiday Caroling Under the Washington Square Arch

Greenwich Village
Sunday, December 24, 2024
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

Macy's Santaland

Herald Square
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
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
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

Hanukkah at Brookfield Place

Battery Park City
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Enjoy a live klezmer band performance and therapeutic artmaking activity led by art therapist, Tova Speter: create a mini candle holder READ MORE

The Largest Menorah Lighting: Brooklyn

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Wednesday, December 25, 2024-Thursday, January 2, 2025
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

The World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah: Manhattan

Midtown West
Wednesday, December 25, 2024-Thursday, January 2, 2025
Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon at Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel) to kick off the annual Jewish Festival of Lights. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Hudson Yards

Midtown West
Wednesday, December 25, 2024-Thursday, January 2, 2025
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

Light Up the Night: 14Y's Downtown Chanukah Celebration

Union Square
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Celebrate Hanukkah with mesmerizing LED light juggling, holiday-themed crafts for kids, Mizrahi music curated by DJ Jonathan Cohen, a soulful Yiddish music performance by Broadway singer, Joanne Borts, and an Insta-Choir experience. And of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without a menorah lighting and jelly donuts...    READ MORE

Chocolate Hanukkah at the Seaport

South Street Seaport
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Light the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah with crafts for kids and goodies for all. READ MORE

Community Menorah Lighting at Chabad of Windsor Terrace

South Slope/Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Windsor Terrace's annual community menorah lighting features a fire juggling performance, latkes, gifts for children, and the grand gelt drop by an FDNY fire truck!   READ MORE

Chanukah on Ice under the Brooklyn Bridge

Dumbo, Brooklyn
Monday, December 30, 2024
Chabad of Dumbo hosts a Hanukkah celebration under the Brooklyn Bridge, complete with ice skating and the lighting of the menorah. READ MORE

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Fun for Kids and Families in New York City

New Year's Countdown Party with Fyütch at the SNFL Library

Midtown West
Monday, December 30, 2024
Grammy-nominated music artist Fyütch pops into the library to perform high-energy songs about social justice and environmental health with affirming chants and dances. READ MORE

New Year's Craft at the South Beach Library

South Beach, Staten Island
Monday, December 30, 2024
Create a party hat and a confetti popper, and design your very own 2025 banner using craft materials at the library. READ MORE

Happy Noon Year at Highlawn Library

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Monday, December 30, 2024
Ring in 2025 with Highlawn Library... in the daylight hours! Listen to some New Year themed stories, learn about different cultural new year celebrations, have a countdown to noon, do a balloon drop, and dance! READ MORE

New Year's Rockin' Eve in Times Square

Midtown West
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
America’s go-to annual New Year’s tradition celebrates the year’s very best in music and rings in the new year with more than 5½ hours of dynamic performances. At midnight, the ball drops to welcome 2025. READ MORE

Central Park New Year's Eve Fireworks

Central Park
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Central Park's 15-minute-long New Year's Eve fireworks take flight at the stroke of midnight. The show, put on in conjunction with the NYRR Midnight Run, is visible to the general public south of 72nd Street. READ MORE

122nd Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Club Plunge

Coney Island, Brooklyn
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
The Coney Island Polar Bear Club hosts its annual New Year's Day swim in the frigid Atlantic. A $25 suggested donation benefits local Coney Island organizations, including the NY Aquarium and the Alliance for Coney Island. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brooklyn Children's Museum
The 52nd Street Project’s Five Angels Theater
Van Cortlandt VPCA Garden and Compost Site
Parade Ground Bowling Green Cottage
Various locations midtown west
Brookfield Place Hudson Eats
Windsor Farms Market parking lot
Under the Manhattan Bridge Archway
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)