NYC Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do, Eat, Events & More

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Kickoff
2025-11-29 17:00 - 22:00 UTC
Neighborhood lights up with 100,000+ bulbs & animatronics.
Christmas decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn by @kpstatz

The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet
2025-12-01 08:00 - 2026-01-03 17:00 | Lincoln Center, 155 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York City, NY, 10023, United States
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker classic.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet runs from Friday, November 28, 2025, through Saturday, January 3, 2026. Performances take place at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York.
Kids under 5 not admitted.

Buy The Nutcracker Tickest on StubHub

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2025
2025-12-01 17:00 - 2025-12-31 22:00
Block-after-block of 100,000+ bulbs & animatronics. Free to walk.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2025
2025-12-03 | Rockefeller Center, 30 rockefeller plaza, New York City, United States
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for 2025 will take place on Wednesday, December 3rd, starting at 7 PM in Midtown Manhattan. This annual event marks the official start of the holiday season in New York City and attracts thousands of visitors who come to see the iconic tree, decorated with over 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a dazzling Swarovski crystal star. The tree lighting is a festive celebration featuring live music, celebrity guests, and holiday performances. The tree will remain lit daily from early December through mid-January, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beloved holiday tradition.
The 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is expected to arrive in New York City on either November 8 or November 15, 2025. On the arrival day, the tree is usually brought to Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan early in the morning, where workers hoist it into position in front of the famous Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. The ceremony typically starts around 7 AM and takes about three to four hours to complete.
The exact arrival day between November 8 and 15 is kept as a surprise until shortly before the event. The location for the tree’s placement is Rockefeller Plaza, between West 49th and 50th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan.

The Grandest Princess Ball Ever Spectacular Holiday Spectacular
2025-12-06 11:30 - 2026-01-04 13:00 | Carmine’s – Times Square, 200 W 44th St, New York City, NY, United States
Step into a real-life fairytale this holiday season at the most enchanting family event in New York City.
This December, the famous Carmine’s restaurant in Times Square will be completely transformed into a sparkling royal winter wonderland for The Grandest Princess Ball Ever Spectacular Holiday Spectacular – a brand-new, limited-time holiday show perfect for families!
So many families who have attended The Grandest Princess Ball Ever kept asking, “Can you please do a Christmas version we can come to every year?” We listened! This special holiday edition is our gift to you – the same warm, interactive princess experience everyone loves, now wrapped in twinkling lights, snowflakes, and Christmas magic.
Here’s what your family will enjoy:

A beautiful all-holiday show with the princesses singing your favorite classic and modern Christmas songs
Fun festive games, dancing, singalongs, and activities the kids will talk about for weeks
Real indoor snowfall while everyone dances together
A visit from Santa Claus himself for free photos with the princesses (especially perfect with the Frozen sisters!)
Every child receives a special holiday gift from the princesses
Different princesses and surprise songs at each performance – no two shows are exactly the same

Everything families already love about the original Princess Ball is still here: the princesses give every child their full attention, the dancing is open to everyone, and the whole experience feels personal and heartfelt.
Grab yours as soon as new dates go on sale – they sell out fast, and you don’t want to miss the most magical family holiday tradition in New York City!

Cirque du Soleil – ’Twas the Night Before
2025-12-11 08:00 - 2025-12-28 17:00 | Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York Ciyt, NY, United States
First-ever Cirque holiday show returns to The Theater at MSG.
“’Twas the Night Before…” is Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show, a family-friendly production based on the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. The show combines thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a reimagined soundtrack of holiday classic songs.
Buy Cirque du Soleil – ’Twas the Night Before Tickets on StubHub

SantaCon 2025
2025-12-13 | 5 Boroughts, 5 Boroughts, New York City, NY, United States
On December 13, participants dress as Santa or holiday figures for a fun-filled pub crawl across the city. It’s free to join and promises a lively atmosphere. A SantaCon is simply a gathering of people dressed as Santa and if it’s open to the public. Expect holiday cheer, unconventional gifts, naughty carols and general mayhem.

The New York Philharmonic performs Handel's "Messiah"
2025-12-16 08:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Lincoln Center, 155 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York City, NY, 10023, United States
Handel’s Messiah – NY Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic performs Handel’s “Messiah” annually as a popular holiday tradition at David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center). These performances typically take place in December and feature guest conductors and choruses.

NYC Holiday Classic 4-Mile
2025-12-20 09:30 - 12:00 | Central Park, Central Park, New York City, NY, United States
Festive Central Park race + post-run party at East End Bar.

NYC NYE Fireworks 2026
2025-12-31 08:00 - 2026-01-01 17:00
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS IN NYC
Save this calendar post and start planning your perfect countdown to 2026!
🕚 10:00 PM – Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Free fireworks + live music at Grand Army Plaza
Best spots: West Drive or Prospect Park West
Alcohol-free & family-friendly
Hot chocolate stands open!
🕚 11:00 PM – Central Park (Manhattan)
15-minute fireworks south of 72nd St transverse
Pair it with the NYRR Midnight Run (costumes welcome!)
Free entry – just show up & dance
🕛 MIDNIGHT – Times Square Ball Drop
Iconic rooftop fireworks + 3,000 lbs of confetti
Arrive by 3 PM or book a rooftop (Marriott Marquis, 230 Fifth…)
Watch live on TV if you hate crowds 😅
🚢 All Night – NYC Harbor Cruises
Fireworks over Lady Liberty from the water
Open bar, DJ, champagne toast
Tickets $199–$349
📍 Bonus Free Views
• Brooklyn Bridge (romantic walk at midnight)
• Liberty State Park, NJ (skyline without the chaos)
❄️ Pro Tips
– Dress like you’re going to Antarctica
– Subway runs 24/7 – no excuses
– Check @prospectpark & @nyrr for weather updates

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
2025-12-31 18:00 - 2026-01-01 00:15 | Times Square, 1 Times Square, New York City, United States
1 million people, 1 ton of confetti, 2,688 crystals. No bathrooms—plan ahead!

Wollman Rink Skating
2026-01-01 10:00 - 2026-03-15 22:00
Central Park views, DJ nights, skate rentals $15.

Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge, The New Year's Day tradition
2026-01-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Coney Island, Coney Island, New York City, NY, United States
New Year’s Day tradition: 1,000+ brave the Atlantic for charity. Dress warm post-dip.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
2026-01-01 19:00 - 2026-01-04 22:00
Final week of holiday run: Revelations + new works. Matinees for families.
Buy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Tickets on StubHub

Chris Botti at Blue Note
2026-01-01 20:00 - 2026-01-04 23:00
Trumpet virtuoso’s New Year residency: Jazz standards + guests.
Buy Chris Botti Tickets on StubHub

Three Kings Day Parade
2026-01-06 11:00 - 14:00
El Museo’s 49th annual: Camels, crowns, music up 116th St. Free toys for kids.

New York Knicks vs LA Clippers
2026-01-07 19:30 - 22:00
Eastern vs Western showdown at The Garden.

New York Winter Jazz Festival 2026
2026-01-08 08:00 - 2026-01-12 17:00
The New York City Winter Jazzfest 2026 is scheduled for January 8–13, featuring a multi-day program and two signature “marathon” events in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The festival spans over a dozen venues across both boroughs.
Marathon events
The Winter Jazzfest Marathons are multi-venue events where a single pass grants you access to all participating clubs for that night, subject to capacity. This format encourages attendees to discover new artists by hopping between different venues.
Manhattan Jazz Marathon
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026.
Venues: Participating venues for 2026 include LPR (Le Poisson Rouge) and The Bitter End.
Partial Lineup: Artists performing during the Manhattan Jazz Marathon include Nels Cline, Patricia Brennan, Takuya Kuroda, and Lakecia Benjamin.
Brooklyn Jazz Marathon
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Venues: Participating venues for 2026 include Brooklyn Bowl, National Sawdust, and Nublu.
Partial Lineup: Kassa Overall will be performing as part of a Giant Step celebration on Sunday, January 11, at Elsewhere.

“Winter Jazzfest illustrates just why the City is aptly known as the Jazz capital of the world.” — VANITY FAIR

Ticket and access information
Admission: Access to marathon shows is granted with a pass for that specific night, allowing entry to any of the venues.
Capacity: Passes do not guarantee immediate entry to a specific venue. If a club is at capacity, you may have to wait or choose an alternative location.
Ticketing sites: Specific show tickets and passes are available through ticketing sites like Bandsintown and DoNYC.
Additional event and venue information
Beyond the marathons, individual concerts will also be held at various venues.
Elsewhere (599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn): On January 11, 2026, the venue will host a Giant Step celebration featuring DJ sets by Gilles Peterson and Ron Trent, and a live performance by Kassa Overall.
LPR (158 Bleecker St, New York): In addition to the marathon, LPR will host a show on January 8, 2026, with a vibrant lineup including Sylvan Esso (DJ Set), William Tyler & Yasmin Williams, Sam Gendel, and Mei Semones. Another event on January 12 will feature Arturo O’Farrill and the Freedom Riders.
The New School (66 West 12th Street, New York): The 18th Annual Charles Mingus Festival will be held here on February 13, 2026, though it’s separate from the main Winter Jazzfest programming.
Smalls Jazz Club (183 West 10th Street, New York): A “THE GETDOWN – Winter Jazz Fest” event is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Lincoln Center (Lincoln Center Plaza, New York): The Unity Jazz Festival will run from January 8 to January 9, 2026, at the Appel Room.
EVENTS WEBSITE: https://www.winterjazzfest.com/2026-shows

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works
2026-01-10 19:00 - 20:30
String quartet plays Inception, Interstellar by candlelight.

Holiday Train Show at NY Botanical Garden
2026-01-11 | NY Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, 10458, United States
The Holiday Train Show continues to delight as New York City’s favorite winter tradition and a can’t-miss adventure. The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas—including new surprises for 2025/2026—to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

WEBSITE: https://holidaytrainnights.com/

No Pants Subway Ride 2026
2026-01-11 15:00 - 18:00 | Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, United States
Improv Everywhere’s annual prank: Ride pants-free on subways. Starts Union Sq.
The idea behind No Pants Subway Ride is simple: Random passengers board a subway car at separate stops in the middle of winter without pants. The participants behave as if they do not know each other, and they all wear winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. The only unusual thing is their lack of pants.

Halsey Concert
2026-01-15 19:30 - 22:00
Pop star’s NYC stop: Hits from Manic + new tracks.

Rascal Flatts Farewell Tour
2026-01-18 20:00 - 22:30
Country trio’s final NYC show: Life Is a Highway + more.

MLK Day Celebrations
2026-01-19 10:00 - 18:00 | 5 Boroughts, 5 Boroughts, New York City, NY, United States
Parades, concerts, service projects citywide honoring Dr. King.

NYC Restaurant Week 2026 (Winter)
2026-01-20 08:00 - 2026-02-09 17:00 | 5 Boroughts, 5 Boroughts, New York City, NY, United States
Prix-fixe deals at 600+ spots: $30 lunch, $45 dinner.

NYC Restaurant Week (Winter) 2026 will likely take place in January or February, featuring prix-fixe meals at three price points: $30, $45, and $60. The program will likely include both lunch and dinner options at a variety of participating restaurants, but reservations are highly recommended. Here’s some trendy restaurants in New York City you could try.
Event details

Timing: The winter event typically runs in January and February.
Pricing: Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus for lunch and/or dinner at three price points: $30, $45, or $60.
What’s included: The prices cover a set number of courses (two for lunch, three for dinner), but exclude beverages, gratuities, and taxes.
Availability: Meals are typically available from Monday to Friday and on Sundays, with Saturday being excluded.
Reservations: It’s a good idea to make reservations, as the popular event tends to book up quickly.

Website: https://nyctourism.com/restaurantweek

New York Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets
2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York Ciyt, NY, United States
Rivalry night: Knicks host Nets at Madison Square Garden.
Catch the thrilling basketball showdown this January 2026 as the New York Knicks face off against the Brooklyn Nets! Experience the intense rivalry and electrifying action between these two iconic NBA teams. Don’t miss your chance to see star players in action and witness unforgettable moments on the court. Mark your calendar and get ready for a spectacular game filled with passion and competition!

NYC Broadway Week 2026
2026-01-21 08:00 - 2026-02-09 17:00 | Manhattan, Manhattan, New York City, United States
NYC Broadway Week 2026 – 2-for-1 Tickets Drop Jan 20!
Mark your calendars, theater lovers! Jan 20 – Feb 15, 2026 Over 30 shows, one unbeatable deal: buy one ticket, get one FREE.
Hot titles already confirmed:

The Lion King
Wicked
Hamilton
SIX
The Notebook
New hits still TBA!

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 20 at 10:30 AM ET
Pro tip: Uptown/Downtown codes unlock seats first—follow @NYCGo for the secret code drop Jan 19!

Discover Boating New York Boat Show
2026-01-21 10:00 - 2026-01-25 20:00 | Javits Center, Manhattan, New York City, NY, United States
200+ boats, seminars, fishing demos at Javits.

Hank Azaria & EZ Street Band - Springsteen Tribute
2026-01-22 20:00 - 22:00
Voices guy channels The Boss: Born to Run covers.

New York Rangers vs NY Islanders
2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 | Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York Ciyt, NY, United States
Hockey rivalry: Blueshirts vs Isles at The Garden.
