Holiday Activities in New York City

New York City is truly magical in winter. From classics like ice skating in Rockefeller Center and peering into the display windows on Fifth Avenue to joining in the fun at SantaCon, there are a lot of unique adventures waiting for you in New York City this season.

If you have a Santa costume and are looking for something a little off the beaten path this holiday season, head to SantaCon. Hundreds and thousands of Santas take over the city in this pub crawl/ parade. The event has a charitable backbone and has raised more than $20,000 for a variety of causes. This year, those who donate will receive a Santacon button which can get them priority spots at events and bars for the day. Although, these Santas don’t have a route planned beforehand. In recent years, the creators have waited to post the starting location and general route until the night before on Twitter, and ask followers to text “FOLLOW SANTACON” to 40404 for updates.

And it’s not the holiday season without seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The show runs until January, but tickets sell out quickly. It’s no longer the show of your childhood. There are now opportunities for kids to take dance classes with the Rockettes and even go behind the scenes for a guided Stage Door Tour.

The Union Square Holiday Market is also not to be missed. It recently expanded and gained an upgraded new look that rivals classic European markets. This year it will also have a warming station and a craft studio for kids.