december in nyc.
What’s Happening Around NYC:
December in New York City feels like stepping straight into a snow-dusted movie set — the twinkle lights, the crisp air, the crowds huddled over hot cocoa, the energy that somehow gets softer and louder at the same time. Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of the season or planning a holiday trip to the city, December is packed with events that bring out the very best of NYC.
From iconic traditions to cozy neighborhood moments, here’s your guide to the can’t-miss events happening this month. Bundle up, grab your latte, and let’s make your December in New York unforgettable.
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting — December 3
One of the most iconic holiday traditions in NYC: the 75-foot Norway spruce at Rockefeller Center gets lit in a live ceremony on December 3, 2025. New Yorkled+2Time Out Worldwide+2
After sunset, the tree glows with over 50,000 LED lights, topped by a Swarovski star. Time Out Worldwide
You can also pair your visit with a skate at The Rink at Rockefeller Center or grab epic views from the VIP rooftop garden. Rockefeller Center
The lighting event is nationally televised — a classic NYC moment. New Yorkled
2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape
From now through January 4, 2026, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden transforms into a glowing wonderland. Time Out Worldwide+1
Wander through illuminated trails, glowing art installations, and the dreamy “Winter Cathedral.” Time Out Worldwide
There’s seasonal food & drink too — think hot cocoa, mulled wine, and light bites. Time Out Worldwide
It’s made for photo ops: perfect for evening content, cozy vlogs, or a date night.
3. Holiday Markets & Winter Village – Bryant Park
The Bryant Park Winter Village returns for its festive holiday market experience. Time Out Worldwide
Shop local and artisanal vendors, sip hot drinks, and browse holiday goods. Time Out Worldwide
The rink + market combo makes it one of the most charming winter spots in Midtown.
4. Broadway Under the Stars – Columbus Circle
On Thursday evenings, catch free Broadway performances in The Shops at Columbus Circle under a canopy of lights and floating stars. Time Out Worldwide
This is a beautiful, low-key way to experience Broadway magic without needing big show tickets.
Plus, the setting is very Instagrammable — holiday lights, music, and a cozy, intimate space.
5. Cirque du Soleil — “’Twas the Night Before…”
From Dec 4–28, Cirque du Soleil presents “’Twas the Night Before…” at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Rockefeller Center+1
It’s a whimsical, acrobatic retelling of the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Rockefeller Center
Great for families, but also perfect for a “holiday wonderland” vlog — think of the lights, the performers, the stage moments.
6. Christmas Spectacular — Radio City Rockettes
The Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is back this season, performing at Radio City Music Hall. Wikipedia
This show is a classic NYC holiday tradition — high-energy dance, festive sets, dazzling costumes.
It’s perfect content for a cozy “holiday in the city” blog post or YouTube story: record your experience, favorite moments, or even do a “what I wore” piece.
7. The Nutcracker Ballet
The beloved Nutcracker Ballet is running from Nov 28, 2025, through early January. NYC Insider Guide+1
This timeless ballet is one of the most magical performances of the season.
Tip: check for discounted weekday tickets or last-minute deals, and film or photograph the lobby, stage, or your outfit for a “festive culture day” piece.
8. The New York Pops: Merry & Bright – Carnegie Hall
On Dec 20, 2025, the New York Pops will perform their “Merry & Bright” concert at Carnegie Hall. NYC Insider Guide
Expect a mix of classical holiday favorites and joyful renditions — a perfect, elegant evening out.
Great for a refined holiday vlog or blog post about music and tradition in NYC.
9. Menorah Lightings – Hanukkah Celebrations
From Dec 14–22, New York City will host nightly menorah lightings in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, and Midtown Manhattan, with live music, treats, and a warm community feel. NYC Tourism
These public celebrations are a beautiful way to reflect on light, tradition, and community during the holiday season.
10. Origami Holiday Tree – American Museum of Natural History
The Origami Holiday Tree — decorated with thousands of hand-folded paper creations — is back at the American Museum of Natural History. AP News
This year’s theme is “New Beginnings,” inspired by the museum’s dinosaur-extinction exhibit. AP News
It’s a quieter, deeply creative holiday moment — beautiful for reflection, photography, or a calm content break from the hustle.
11. Menorah Lightings – Grand Army Plaza
In addition to the Brooklyn menorah, there’s a lighting in Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza, celebrating the Festival of Lights with music and community. New York Stroll
12. Unsilent Night (Boombox Parade)
Join the ambient soundscape parade of Unsilent Night, a participatory performance in which people walk with boomboxes playing a layered composition of bells, harps, and electronic sounds. Wikipedia
Bring your own speaker or phone, plug into the composition, and walk through the city streets — it’s magical, meditative, and totally unique.
This is a great “offbeat holiday adventure” content piece for your blog or YouTube.
13. Christmas Light Switch-On Ceremonies Across the City
There are many tree lightings happening across NYC in early December:
Dumbo Archway Plaza – December 4 at 5:30 PM, with live music, Santa, and a lighting. Time Out Worldwide
Madison Square Park – December 9 at 5 PM, celebrating its tree lighting tradition. Time Out Worldwide
Washington Square Park – December 11 at 6 PM, with lights framed by the iconic arch. Time Out Worldwide
14. LCD Soundsystem Residency
For music lovers, LCD Soundsystem is doing a concert residency at the Knockdown Center in Queens in early/mid December 2025. Eater NY
Their shows are paired with a pop-up natural wine bar, The Four Horsemen, run by frontman James Murphy. Eater NY
This is a cool contrast to traditional holiday events — think late-night set, wine, NYC underground vibes.
15. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – Times Square
As December closes out, Times Square gears up for the biggest celebration of the year: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. NYC Tourism
Even if you don’t stay until midnight, the energy and lights in Times Square are wild and amazing for capturing content.
Pro tip: arrive early, layer up, and have an exit strategy — crowds are intense. But, oh, the payoff is unforgettable.
December always goes by way too fast, but the moments you make in the city this month tend to stay with you. Whether you’re ice skating under the skyline, wandering a holiday market with friends, or catching a festive show, these events are here to help you end the year on a high note.
Bookmark this guide, plan a few outings, and let the magic of NYC do the rest. And if you stop by any of these events, tag me — I always love seeing your guys & dolls’ little slices of New York life.
Here’s to a cozy, sparkly December in the city 🕯️✨
There’s something about New York City in December that just hits different. The streets feel softer, the nights glow a little brighter, and even the cold air carries a kind of sparkle. If you’re looking to step right into your own holiday movie moment, these are the places that never fail to give me that warm, twinkly feeling every single year.