Although many holiday events and shows are canceled this year due to the pandemic, there are still opportunities to indulge in the holiday spirit. Here’s my full guide to safe and fun holiday events in NYC:

1. Ice Skate at Central Park’s Wollman Rink

   Head to Central Park’s Wollman Rink, located at the southern tip of Central Park at 59th street and 6th Ave, for a holiday skate! This season they are reopening with a modified schedule and programming for customers’ safety.

2. Browse Holiday Markets

   NYC is one of the most magical places during the holidays. And there’s no shortage of shopping, either! Sure, things are a little bit different this year, but there are still lots of holiday markets popping up. Check out the big holiday outdoor markets, such as Bryant Park. If you want to stay warm and stay indoors, check out the Grand Central Holiday Fair and holiday pop-up shops at Westfield in the World Trade Center.

3. Set Sail on a Classic Harbor Cruise

   Enjoy a trip around New York’s harbors on one of their stunning yachts. What’s best is they have a wide array of holiday programming including the Holiday Statue Statue & Skyline Cocoa Cruise, Holiday Sunset Cocoa Cruise, and Holiday City Lights Cocoa Cruise! They’re following all the Covid-19 guidelines, but be sure to click here for a list of precautions and updates before you set sail. 

4. Visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree

   A beloved NYC holiday classic tradition is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This year marks the 88th year of the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and it will take place on December 2nd. So, anytime after then you can take a stroll and see the tree in all its sparkling, holiday-lit glory! Click here for more info on the tree lighting and how to visit safely this season.

5. Check Out the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show

   New York’s finest department stores are known for their amazing holiday window displays. Saks Fifth Avenue is one of them and features an incredible light show. The light show is daily starting at about 4:35 pm to 11:35 pm, every 10 minutes. The light show lasts about 5 minutes. 

6. Journey to Dyker Heights for Some Holiday Spirit

   Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in South Brooklyn known for many of its residents’ holiday decor and lights. Some of the houses are dripping in decor, sounds, dolls, and even artificial snow. The season usually starts around the end of November and continues through early January.

7. Head to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

   Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland when you head to Bryant Park’s Winter Village. Hundreds of booths are set up with boutiques, hot cocoa to-go, and an ice skating rink. New this Year: Ice skating at Winter Village is now a fully outdoor experience, and the Holiday Shops have been reconfigured to have fewer shops to allow for more spacious walkways. Click here for an updated list of protocols and events.

Looking for more ways to explore the city? Check out some of my favorite NYC staycation spots in order for you to get inspired to get away safely.