Holiday Magic: 12 Places to Explore in New York City

New York City truly comes alive during the winter months with holiday magic. One of the best ways to create lasting memories is to experience the magic of it all with family and friends. We’ve put together a list of 12 must-see holiday experiences. Make time to share some holiday magic with your loved ones this season. Nobody celebrates the holidays like NYC!

Ice Skating

One of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions is ice skating. Visit the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center or the Winter Village at Bryant Park to be surrounded by holiday cheer. Of course, the Central Park ice skating rink offers beautiful views surrounded by NYC skyscrapers.

Festive Events

  • New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and Glow – Watch model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks that are whimsically re-created from natural materials. Leave time to take in NYC’s largest outdoor holiday light experience at NYBG GLOW. Thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient light displays reflect the surrounding gardens and collections.
  • Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square – Don’t miss the magic of Macy’s Santaland featuring a 13,000-square-foot North Pole Christmas village complete with live elves, an enchanted forest featuring animatronic toys, and a train display. Of course, Santaland is also where you get to visit with the one true Santa. Reservations are FREE and can be made online up to 5 days in advance. 
  • GingerBread Lane – The world’s largest gingerbread village features 700 hundred gingerbread houses, 4,000lbs of candy, and 1,000lbs of gingerbread! 

Holiday Lights

  • Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo comes to life each evening with immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows. Be ready to experience festive entertainment, eat yummy treats, and ride the Holiday Train all with classic holiday music in the background. 
  • Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Explore the beauty of the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music. This is an immersive and magical experience for visitors of all ages.
  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Did you know the most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn? Be among the over 100,000 people who flock to this area every year to see the over-the-top holiday decorations.
  • The World’s Largest Menorah Lighting: Manhattan – The world’s largest menorah, topping out at 36 feet, will return to Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza on December 7th.

Seasonal Markets

  • Bryant Park Winter Village – Enjoy yummy treats, local crafts, and artisan gifts from around the world.
  • Union Square Holiday MarketPeruse through 150+ vendors and dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers at this iconic holiday market.
  • Columbus Circle Holiday Market – This holiday market is a favorite with over 100 artisans and designers selling their own unique wares, like special foods, handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and much more.
  • Grand Holiday Bazaar – Find one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decoration and gifts at 150+ hand-picked independent local artisan booths. 

From our family at Sentry Window Guards, we hope that all of your holiday gatherings and celebrations are filled with joy! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today