NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau, invites locals, tristate residents and visitors from around the world to experience New York City for the 2022-2023 holiday season. As one of the most iconic holiday destinations, NYC will once again play host to festive experiences and events across dining, shopping, culture and entertainment throughout all five boroughs. The fourth quarter is historically the strongest of the year, accounting for approximately 30 percent of visitation to the City. This anticipated, vibrant holiday season comes amid New York City’s continued tourism rebound, with 6.5 million people expected to visit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s alone. A total 56.7 million people are forecasted to visit NYC before the end of 2022–roughly 85 percent of record 2019 tourism levels.
“A trip to New York City during the holiday season is magical whether it’s your first visit or an annual tradition,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “From mid-November to January, we expect roughly 6.5 million people from around the world to visit the City. The five boroughs witness a transformation that includes iconic experiences along Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center as well as new holiday markets, pop-events and performances that create memories of a lifetime.”
Following are festive events, performances and activities across the five boroughs to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 24 | Manhattan
The classic NYC celebration featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, fantasy floats, clowns, performance groups, Broadway’s biggest musicals, celebrity appearances and more is back for its 96th iteration. The parade will begin at its traditional starting line at West 77th Street and Central Park West and conclude in front of the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 30 | Midtown Manhattan
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony on November 30 will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and the tree will be on view through mid-January.
Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn
December 18–25 | Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza will light the largest menorah on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.
New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop
December 31–January 1 | Times Square, Manhattan
The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but watching its descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. Millions view the broadcast event in NYC and around the globe along with spectators in Times Square on December 31. Guests can also stop by the New Year’s Eve Confetti Wishing Wall from December 1 on to submit (in person and online here) a wish for the New Year on a piece of official NYE confetti that will be dropped at midnight as the ball drops. Guests can also look out for details (at TSQ.org) about the arrival of the official numerals (‘2’ and ‘3’ for 2023) that will be in Times Square before ascending to the top of One Times Square to be lit as we welcome the New Year.
Fifth Avenue Presents: The Fifth Season and Brand-New Open Streets
December 4 throughout the holiday season | Midtown Manhattan
Fifth Avenue’s holiday celebration, The Fifth Season, returns for its second year to bring cheer to Manhattan’s most iconic avenue. The Fifth Avenue Association will once again welcome guests from around the world to enjoy the iconic holiday windows and breathtaking decorations.New for this season, Fifth Avenue will launch Open Streets. This new program will not only close Fifth Avenue to all vehicular traffic, but also open the sidewalks to a variety of food vendors and musical performers from local choirs and instrumental ensembles.
Amaze Light Festival at Citi Field
Select dates from November 20–January 8 | Flushing, Queens
Amaze Light Festival welcomes visitors of every age to feel the spirit of the holidays in a universe of sparkle, music, food, dance, celebration and wonder. Guests will be greeted by the lovable characters Zing and Sparky from the Amaze storybook, who bring the stage dancers, singers and light show to life with their magic powers. Visit the holiday market and then stop in and grab a treat at Sparky’s Sweet Spot. Enjoy savory and sweet culinary treats, as well as specialty drinks and cocktails. Zip down Zing’s icy Thrill Hill, take in the wonder on a train ride, write a letter to Santa, and make traditions and memories that last a lifetime.
