NYC TOURISM + CONVENTIONS INVITES GLOBAL TRAVELERS TO NEW YORK CITY FOR 2026 HOLIDAY SEASON

Approximately 8.1 Million Travelers Expected to Visit the Five Boroughs This Holiday Season

From Iconic Traditions and Milestone Celebrations to New Experiences, New York City Shines All Season Long

New York City (August 25, 2026) — New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization for New York City’s five boroughs, invites visitors from around the world to experience the magic of the holiday season in New York City. From the celebration of Diwali in October to the 100th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and festivities leading into the New Year, the City will come alive with iconic traditions, festive performances, seasonal attractions, dazzling lights, cultural experiences and more across all five boroughs.

“A visit to New York City always delivers, and that is especially true during the holidays, when beloved traditions meet new and unexpected festivities around every corner,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions’ President and CEO, Julie Coker. “This year marks the centennial of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and travelers can enjoy world-class cultural celebrations, dining and shopping—driving meaningful spending at local businesses across all five boroughs. We look forward to welcoming 8.1 million visitors from near and far to make new memories in New York City this holiday season.”

Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:

ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS:

Diwali Times Square
October 24 | Midtown Manhattan
Diwali at Times Square, the largest South Asian Festival of Lights celebration in North America, returns to Times Square this fall. This free annual event celebrates Diwali through vibrant performances, live music, dance, art, cuisine and cultural experiences, bringing together thousands of attendees to honor the Festival of Lights and its messages of joy, hope, unity and new beginnings.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 26 | Manhattan
The iconic New York City tradition returns for its 100th edition, featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, imaginative floats, colorful clowns, dynamic performance groups, acclaimed Broadway casts, celebrity appearances and more. The parade will once again begin at its traditional starting point at West 77th Street and Central Park West before making its way through Manhattan to Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.

Lighting of the Largest Menorahs in Brooklyn and Manhattan
December 4–12 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; Midtown Manhattan
Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan will mark Hanukkah by lighting the City’s largest menorahs each night, accompanied by live music, hot latkes and gifts for children throughout the festival.

New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
The iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is one of New York City’s most celebrated traditions and an unforgettable way to welcome the new year. Millions of people around the world tune in to the live broadcast each year, while hundreds of thousands gather in Times Square on December 31 to experience the celebration in person. Visitors can also become part of the tradition by submitting their New Year’s wishes in person or online to be printed on the confetti released at midnight.

Holidays at Rockefeller Center
December | Midtown Manhattan
Christmas at Rockefeller Center brings together some of New York City’s most quintessential holiday experiences in one iconic setting. Take in the glow of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, lace up your skates at The Rink at Rockefeller Center or warm up with a seasonal treat from Glace or Ralph’s Coffee. Holiday shoppers can browse a mix of boutiques and beloved destinations, including Catbird, McNally Jackson and FAO Schwarz. For a different perspective on the festivities, head to Top of the Rock to take in sweeping 360-degree views of the City, with select holiday experiences offering the chance to capture a photo with Santa.

CHEERFUL PERFORMANCES:

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
November 4–January 4 | Midtown Manhattan
Experience the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has delighted audiences at Radio City Music Hall since 1933. Each holiday season, more than one million visitors fill Radio City to experience the Rockettes’ world-famous precision dance, elaborate costumes, showstopping numbers and breathtaking stage effects. This season will be even more impressive with the addition of a brand-new Rockettes number, immersive new technology and a record-breaking 230 performances.

A Christmas Carol at PAC NYC
November 20–January 3 | Lower Manhattan
Enjoy a fresh interpretation of Charles Dickens’ classic as PAC NYC brings A Christmas Carol to life in an immersive theatrical experience. Created by Tony Award–winning playwright Jack Thorne and director Matthew Warchus, this intimate production surrounds audiences with the story as Scrooge’s journey unfolds through captivating performances, inventive staging and beloved holiday songs, offering a memorable new way to experience the timeless tale.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker Presented by New York City Ballet
November 27–January 3 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Experience the holiday magic of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, featuring the iconic Christmas tree, swirling snow and enchanting characters set to Tschaikovsky’s timeless score. The season includes a special sensory-friendly performance on January 3, featuring adjusted lighting and sound to create a more welcoming experience for audiences with sensory processing challenges, including autism.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Illuminate the Farm at Queens County Farm
November 27–January 7 | Glen Oaks, Queens
Celebrate the holiday season at the Queens County Farm Museum with festive traditions for all ages. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting returns on December 5, while Illuminate the Farm transforms the historic grounds into a glowing winter wonderland featuring immersive light installations and dazzling illuminated displays.

Festive Concerts at Carnegie Hall
Throughout November and December | Midtown Manhattan
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive lineup of performances, including the Oratorio Society of New York’s 152nd consecutive presentation of Handel’s Messiah, Sleigh Bells Ring with The New York Pops; the Vienna Boys Choir’s beloved holiday concert; and the New York String Orchestra’s cherished annual December performances.

Holiday Favorites Return to St. George Theatre
Throughout November and December | St. George, Staten Island
Celebrate the holidays at Staten Island’s historic St. George Theatre with seasonal entertainment including a special live conversation with comedy icon Chevy Chase celebrating the holiday classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; a nostalgic Rock’n Holiday Spectacular featuring legendary rock, doo-wop and pop performers; and the theater’s beloved annual Christmas production.

Holiday Festivities at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
Throughout December | Morningside Heights, Manhattan
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine will hold its annual Crafts at the Cathedral fine crafts fair, offering unique gifts and handmade goods from artists across the country. The Cathedral will also host its annual Christmas Concert, followed by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can enjoy the longstanding Concert for Peace before gathering for the traditional Watchnight service to welcome the new year.

Holiday Jazz Performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center
Throughout December | Midtown Manhattan
Celebrate the holidays with live jazz at Jazz at Lincoln Center, from upbeat, interactive programming for families to spirited performances by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The seasonal lineup includes the WeBop Family Jazz Party and Big Band Holidays, featuring beloved holiday tunes reinterpreted with the energy and sophistication of a world-class jazz ensemble.

Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker at Kupferberg Center for the Arts
December 4 | Flushing, Queens
Celebrate the season with New York Theatre Ballet’s enchanting one-hour presentation of The Nutcracker, featuring Keith Michael’s choreography and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score in a beautifully crafted art nouveau–inspired setting. For nearly 50 years, the company has captivated audiences by honoring classic works while introducing new perspectives through innovative and engaging performances.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! at United Palace
December 5 | Washington Heights, Manhattan
Celebrate the holiday season with Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet!, a family-friendly spectacle featuring a talented international cast, stunning choreography, sets and visual elements. This production brings the classic story to life with graceful ballet, colorful costumes and captivating performances.

Holidays with the New York Philharmonic
December 9–20 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Celebrate the season with the New York Philharmonic’s holiday lineup. Conductor Jeannette Sorrell leads the chorus of Music of the Baroque and a stellar cast of soloists in Handel’s Messiah, a soaring setting of Biblical texts filled with iconic melodies. Families can also enjoy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with John Williams’ score performed live to picture. Plus, the Philharmonic’s beloved Sounds of the Season matinees return, offering a family-friendly sampler of festive music to be announced.

Princess Lockerooo’s The NutWAACKer: A Dance Concert at the Guggenheim New York
December 9 & 10 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
This new concert puts a contemporary spin on the holiday classic, pairing Tchaikovsky’s score with waacking, vogue, hip-hop and house. The energetic performance explores identity, chosen family and holiday magic through the lens of New York City’s underground dance culture.

Omnium Circus Presents I’mPossible Holiday Wonders
December 10–13 | Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Omnium Circus will bring its new production, I’mPossible Holiday Wonders, to BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House for a festive theatrical spectacular combining circus artistry, live music and holiday storytelling. The inclusive, accessible performances feature Deaf ringmaster Malik Paris and a diverse cast of award-winning artists, with all shows presented in American Sign Language and English and including captions, audio description and sensory-friendly accommodations.

Chris Botti’s 22nd Annual Holiday Residency at Blue Note Jazz Club
December 10–January 3 | Greenwich Village, Manhattan
This holiday season, Blue Note Jazz Club presents trumpeter Chris Botti’s highly anticipated Holiday Residency, celebrating over 20 years of his iconic performances.

The Magic Flute Holiday Presentation at The Met Opera
December 11–January 2 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
Mozart’s beloved fairytale returns to The Met Opera in a family-friendly, abridged English-language production directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor. Featuring unforgettable melodies, vibrant sets and costumes, and imaginative puppetry, this magical staging brings the classic story to life for audiences of all ages. Select performances include a free Holiday Open House with festive activities for children and families.

Norm Lewis: The Holiday Tradition Continues at 54 Below
December 21–24 | Midtown Manhattan
Tony and Grammy nominee Norm Lewis returns to 54 Below for his 12th holiday season, bringing his signature vocals, warmth and humor to the Broadway supper club. The holiday celebration will feature timeless favorites, fresh surprises and festive music, accompanied by a live band.

WINTER EXHIBITIONS AND CULTURAL EVENTS:

Holiday New York Chocolate Martini & Wine Experience at Ayza
Throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan
Ayza Wine & Chocolate is celebrating the holiday season with its winter menu, featuring the signature Wine & Chocolate experience with New York wine flights, handcrafted chocolate martinis, warm chocolate fondue, and curated wine and chocolate pairings. Located near the Empire State Building, the cozy experience highlights wines from Upstate New York alongside seasonal food and drink offerings.

Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off at the Museum of the City of New York
Opens November 6 | Upper East Side, Manhattan
MCNY’s beloved Gingerbread NYC returns for its fifth year, inviting bakers from across the five boroughs to recreate NYC landmarks in gingerbread as part of this year’s “Iconic New York” theme. The exhibition features edible skyscrapers, candy-lined streets and other miniature creations, with visitors invited to vote for the “People’s Choice” award alongside prizes selected by a panel of judges.

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
November 14–January 10 | Bedford Park, The Bronx
Nearly 200 miniature New York landmarks—meticulously crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves and pinecones—come to life as model trains wind through iconic cityscapes, with new additions for the 2026–27 season. Visitors can also explore a glowing outdoor mountainscape filled with even more trains and festive photo opportunities, making this cherished tradition a holiday favorite for all ages.

The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
Opens November 23 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The beloved Origami Holiday Tree returns this season, featuring more than 1,000 handcrafted origami models created by artists from around the world. This year’s 13-foot tree celebrates the joy of sports, complementing the Museum’s For the Win: Objects of Sports Excellence exhibition showcasing championship rings, medals and awards from legendary athletes and teams.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s Winter Village Metropolis
December 8–31 | Upper West Side, Manhattan
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan transforms into a sprawling, hand-built winter city this holiday season—and visitors help build it! Kids ages 6 and under create and add glowing decorations, mini architectural sculptures and tiny transportation systems to a collaborative installation that grows all month long, kicking off December 5 with a special build session led by cardboard artist Dan Jones and culminating in CMOM’s Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.

HOLIDAY SIGHTS & LIGHTS:

Holiday Experiences at One Times Square
Year-round | Midtown Manhattan
One Times Square – the home of the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball – has been transformed into a year-round destination for immersive experiences and celebrations in the heart of Times Square. Visitors can experience Times Travel, a multi-sensory journey through the history of Times Square and the New Year’s Eve Ball culminating on the Times Square Skywalk, the building’s 360-degree wraparound viewing deck as well as the New Year’s Eve Ball Experiences, which include an opportunity to get close to the New Year’s Eve Ball and purchase one of its iconic crystals. These experiences are being offered at One Times Square for the first time this year.

Christmas in New York with Romancing Manhattan Tours
Throughout November and December | Midtown Manhattan
Travelers can experience NYC’s holiday magic on a custom tour featuring a private guide on Fifth Avenue, a two-hour Rockefeller Center visit and a sunset trip to the Top of the Rock. Optional add-ons include ice-skating, a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall, premium Rockettes tickets and a luxury dinner, all curated by a concierge for an unforgettable Manhattan holiday.

Holiday Celebrations in Historic Richmond Town
Throughout November and December | Staten Island
Throughout the holiday season, Historic Richmond Town invites visitors to celebrate with its annual Community Tree Lighting, Christmas in Historic Richmond Town and Candlelight Tours. Enjoy living history demonstrations, holiday shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, seasonal treats and evening tours that showcase the rich holiday traditions and customs of Staten Island’s past.

Holiday Celebrations with Bronx Little Italy
Throughout December | Belmont, The Bronx
Bronx Little Italy will welcome the festive season with a lineup of beloved community traditions, including the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5 in Ciccarone Park, a live Nativity scene and holiday caroling with Santa sightings throughout the neighborhood. These events celebrate the neighborhood’s Italian heritage while inviting visitors to shop, dine and experience the old-world charm of Arthur Avenue. Visitors can also pair their visit with nearby holiday attractions, including the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show.

Fifth Avenue’s Annual Open Streets
Throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan
Fifth Avenue transforms into a holiday wonderland beginning November 20, with festive decor, interactive photo moments, a 30-foot snowflake and NEST’s signature holiday scent filling the air, alongside iconic window displays, Saks’ famed light show and holiday shopping. On December 13, the avenue’s annual Open Streets celebration will return, turning seven blocks into a pedestrian-only holiday promenade with live entertainment, food, shopping experiences and special activations.

Harlem Holiday Lights 2026
November 17 | Harlem, Manhattan
Harlem Holiday Lights will return to West 125th Street with a lively display of illuminated floats, music and performances celebrating the season and the spirit of the Harlem community. The annual event offers visitors a festive way to experience the neighborhood’s culture and holiday traditions.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
November 21–January 3 | Bronx Park, The Bronx
The Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights returns with an expanded experience featuring nighttime access to the Children’s Zoo, World of Darkness and World of Reptiles for unique animal encounters. The holiday celebration also features more than 400 illuminated wildlife lanterns, light shows, a holiday train, ice carving, live entertainment, seasonal treats and other family-friendly activities.

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour with On Location Tours
November 25–January 2 | Manhattan
Visitors can step into the world of their favorite holiday movies with On Location Tours, exploring recognizable filming locations throughout Manhattan. The tour brings the magic of the season to life with stops at iconic destinations including Rockefeller Center, Bloomingdale’s and Bryant Park, offering a fun way to see the City through the lens of classic holiday films.

FESTIVE HOTEL OFFERINGS:

NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay This Winter
On sale from November | Citywide
New York City Tourism + Conventions’ NYC Hotel Week^SM will return as part of NYC Winter Outing^SM. Give the gift of New York City with discounts on hotel stays at over 100 hotels. The program will go live in January 2027.

Holiday Happenings at Loews Regency New York
November–January | Upper East Side, Manhattan
Celebrate the holidays with festive decor, complimentary champagne and hot cocoa on Friday and Saturday afternoons in December, plus seasonal cocktails and special menus for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Guests can also enjoy holiday-ready beauty services, shop for seasonal keepsakes, take advantage of special packages and experience exclusive Metropolitan Museum of Art tours.

Holiday Cheer and the Suitest Season of All Offering at The Plaza Hotel
November–January | Midtown Manhattan
The Plaza Hotel offers a festive lineup of holiday experiences, including the Suitest Season of All package, where guests can enjoy a beautifully decorated suite featuring a 7-foot holiday tree, seasonal welcome amenities and elegant touches throughout their stay. The hotel’s Home Alone package invites fans to recreate Kevin McCallister’s adventures with a private limousine ride to famous filming locations, a classic cheese pizza and an over-the-top ice cream sundae delivered to their room. Guests can also unwind with the Holiday Spa Escape, featuring a 60-minute Reparative Facial and 60-minute Rebalancing Therapeutic Massage for a relaxing seasonal retreat.

Holiday Decadence at The Carlyle Hotel
November–January | Upper East Side, Manhattan
The Carlyle celebrates the holiday season with an array of elegant experiences, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Highlights include a festive prix-fixe dinner and live performance by Peter Cincotti on New Year’s Eve, followed by late-night dancing to a swing band, along with seasonal dining, entertaining and celebrations inspired by Martina Mondadori’s signature style.

Letters to Santa at Lotte New York Palace
December | Midtown Manhattan
Lotte New York Palace embraces the holiday season with festive decor, a magnificent Christmas tree in its courtyard and a lineup of seasonal experiences for the whole family. Children can mail personalized letters to Santa through the hotel’s North Pole mailbox and receive a handwritten response delivered to their room, while weekend guests can take photos with Santa. The hotel also offers holiday-themed suites in partnership with Balsam Hill, along with the Winter Bar at the Palace, where guests can enjoy hot chocolate, seasonal cocktails and festive sweets.

New Year’s Eve Exclusive Offer at M Social Hotel Times Square
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of the action with M Social Hotel Times Square’s Ball Drop package. Guests can enjoy 10% off accommodations with full or partial views of the iconic Times Square Ball Drop, offering the chance to experience the excitement of the countdown from one of the City’s most sought-after locations.

Saints & Sinners: A New Year’s Eve Affair Atop Times Square at The Knickerbocker
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Ring in the New Year at The Knickerbocker Hotel’s St. Cloud Rooftop, an exclusive Times Square celebration just 150 feet from the iconic Ball Drop. The experience offers various levels, with options that include a full open bar, festive cuisine, passed hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, handcrafted cocktails and a midnight champagne toast.

Ring in 2027 at New York Marriott Marquis
December 31 | Midtown Manhattan
Ring in 2027 at the New York Marriott Marquis with a variety of New Year’s Eve experiences in the heart of Times Square. Guests can enjoy Luxe & Lights, featuring live entertainment, elevated dining, a celebrity music performance and a special appearance by Broadway’s longest-running Elphaba, Jackie Burns, or celebrate at Broadway Lounge and The View with festive cuisine, entertainment and stunning city views.

ICE-SKATING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Festive shopping at New York City’s Holiday Markets
Throughout the holiday season | Manhattan & Brooklyn
Visitors can sip hot cocoa and bundle up to shop for the perfect holiday gifts at the City’s signature outdoor markets—Union Square Holiday Market, the Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market—or opt for indoor browsing at the Grand Central Holiday Fair, Brooklyn Flea and Chelsea Flea. On the Upper West Side, the Grand Holiday Bazaar offers both indoor and outdoor shopping, while the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market in Downtown Brooklyn features 100 vendors showcasing locally made goods.

Wollman Rink
October–March | Midtown Manhattan
Wollman Rink returns to Central Park this October for another winter of skating overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Through March, visitors can enjoy skate school, family-friendly programming and special events, with discounted access for New Yorkers through IDNYC, Culture Pass and the Wollman Rink Access Program. This winter, the rink will also attempt to set a Guinness World Records title, with details to be announced.

Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises
November 16 throughout the holiday season | Manhattan
Sail into the holiday season aboard Classic Harbor Line’s elegant 1920s-inspired yachts, where guests can take in a breathtaking sunset and the twinkling skyline from a heated, festively decorated grand salon or open-air deck. The 90-minute Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise includes complimentary house-made hot cocoa, holiday cookies, classic seasonal music and views of iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.

City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises Aboard the Spirit of New York & Bateaux New York at Chelsea Piers
November 26–January 1 | Manhattan
Take in NYC’s holiday spirit from the water with festive cruises offered throughout the season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Guests can enjoy seasonal dining, live entertainment and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from comfortable, climate-controlled yachts cruising the Hudson and East Rivers. New Year’s Eve sailings add extra excitement with an open bar and fireworks views.

NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park
December 31–January 1 | Midtown Manhattan
Kick off 2027 with the NYRR Midnight Run, welcoming the new year with energy and excitement. As 2026 draws to a close, the countdown starts at 11:59pm, and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight signals the start of the four-mile race.

Coney Island Polar Plunge
January 1 | Coney Island, Brooklyn
Every January 1 the Polar Bear Club and daring participants dive into the icy waters at Coney Island. Spectators are welcome to watch as hundreds of thrill-seekers plunge into the freezing Atlantic Ocean. The event is free to attend, though participants are encouraged to make donations to support local community organizations in place of an entry fee.

About New York City Tourism + Conventions

New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.