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
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 Nutcrackersfamily-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 - 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.

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Chelsea Market Passage On the High Line

Various locations midtown west

Brookfield Place Hudson Eats

Windsor Farms Market parking lot

Under the Manhattan Bridge Archway

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)