🎄 Macaroni KID Upper East Side: 2025 Holiday Guide
The ultimate seasonal roundup for NYC families — where to go, what to see, and how to make magical memories all season long!
🏙️ Experiences & Events
Holiday Lights & Displays
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree — 2025
- Lighting: Wed, Dec 3, 2025, 7–10 PM (NBC live).
- On view: Arrives Nov 8, 2025; displayed through mid-Jan 2026.
- Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights (WCS)
- Public dates: Nov 21–23 & 28–30; Dec 4–7, 11–14, 18–23, 26–31, 2025; Jan 2–4, 2026.
- Notes: Sensory-friendly night Thu, Dec 4. Timed tickets required.
NYBG Holiday Train Show® (Bronx)
- Dates: Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026.
- Extras: Holiday Train Nights (select 7–10 PM evenings); Sensory-Friendly Mornings Dec 14, 2025 & Jan 3, 2026 (9–11 AM).
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show (Midtown)
- Status: Returning in 2025 November 24th detailed nightly schedule TBA by Saks (traditionally every ~10 min in evenings once live).
The Met Fifth Avenue – Holiday Tree & Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
- Dates: November 26, 2025 – January 6, 2026
- Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)
- Details: A breathtaking 20-foot blue spruce adorned with angels and cherubs, surrounded by an 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity. Quiet, awe-inspiring, and a must-see annual tradition.
Carl Schurz Park Winter Wonderland
- Dates: December 2025 December 7th 5pm
- Location: East End Avenue at 86th Street
- Details: The annual holiday tree lighting features carolers, cocoa, and visits from Santa. A true neighborhood celebration overlooking the East River.
Bryant Park Christmas Tree Lighting
- December 2nd
- First come first served for viewing- show up early (4pm) to claim your spot!
Ice Skating Rinks
The Rink at Rockefeller Center (Ice Skating)
- Season open: Oct 11, 2025 (2025–26 season).
- Tickets: Timed 60-min sessions; buy online.
Wollman Rink, Central Park (Ice Skating)
- Season: Oct 26, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026.
- Public skating hours (typical): Mon–Tue 10:00–2:30, Wed–Thu 10:00–21:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 10:00–21:00 (holiday variations posted on site).
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Season (rink + programming): Oct 24, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026.
- Holiday Shops: generally open daily (exact shop hours on site).
- Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun, welcoming skate session open to all ages and abilities at the Gottesman Rink.
- Open in November TBD
Santa Visits
Macy’s Santaland — Herald Square
- Reservations open: Nov 23, 2025
- Visits: Nov 28 – Dec 24, 2025 (hours vary by day). Reservations required
Bloomingdale’s – Santaland (59th Street flagship)
- Dates: Fri, Nov 29 – Mon, Dec 23, 2025.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday (specific times not published for 2025)
- Location: 59th Street flagship store, 1000 Third Avenue / 59th Street.
- Notes: Festive setting, photo with Santa, low key no reservation required
🌴 Brookfield Place Santa – Winter Garden Atrium
- Dates: November 29 – December 24, 2025
- Location: 230 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
- Details: A calm, family-friendly “Selfies with Santa” setup under the palm trees of the Winter Garden. Walk-up with digital wait line; no purchase required.
The Plaza Hotel Santa Experience
- Dates: Late November – December 24, 2025
- Location: The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue
- Details: Santa makes appearances throughout the season in the hotel’s lobby and Palm Court during holiday teas and photo sessions. Reservations strongly encouraged; often limited to hotel guests or diners.
Hudson Yards Santa Meet & Greet
- Dates: Early December – December 24, 2025
- Location: Level 3, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards
- Details: Free photo ops with Santa beside his sleigh on select weekdays (typically 5 PM – 8 PM). No reservation required. A great stop after dinner or shopping.
Bryant Park – Santa’s Corner
- Dates: Early December 2025 (TBA)
- Location: Bryant Park Winter Village, between 40th–42nd Streets and 5th–6th Avenues
- Details: Free “Santa’s Corner” photo area in the Winter Village near the rink. Families can take their own pictures—arrive early for the shortest lines.
Chanukah Celebrations
Temple Emanu-El Chanukah Celebration
- Dates: December 22, 2025 (first night of Hanukkah)
- Location: 1 East 65th Street (at Fifth Avenue)
- Details: A joyful family event with music, crafts, and menorah lighting inside one of NYC’s most beautiful synagogues. All families welcome.
Shows & Performances
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® – New York City Ballet
- Dates: November 28 – January 4, 2026
- Location: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
- Details: The timeless NYC tradition! Experience the Sugar Plum Fairy, toy soldiers, and falling snow with the New York City Ballet’s classic production. Great for families; performances held almost daily through the season.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starring the Rockettes
- Dates: November 6 – January 4, 2026
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center
- Details: The ultimate New York holiday show featuring the world-famous Rockettes, high kicks, toy soldiers, and 3D visual effects. Perfect for all ages; matinee and evening performances available.
Disney on Ice Presents: Into the Magic
- Dates: December 2025 – January 2026 (select NYC & NJ arenas)
- Location: Barclays Center / Prudential Center (regional holiday tour stops)
- Details: Join Mickey, Minnie, and friends as they skate through beloved Disney stories—Frozen, Encanto, Moana, and more. A joyful family favorite to kick off the winter season.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Dates: December 2025 (two-week holiday run)
- Location: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
- Details: The classic story comes to life with whimsical sets, catchy songs, and plenty of laughs for kids and grown-ups alike. Expect a mix of matinee and evening shows leading up to Christmas Eve.
Brick Presbyterian Church Christmas Concert
- Dates: December 14, 2025
- Location: 62 East 92nd Street
- Details: Annual candlelit concert featuring traditional carols performed by children’s and adult choirs. A neighborhood favorite that fills early — arrive 30 minutes before start time.
Local Pop-Ups & Markets
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- UES Holiday Fair
- Union Square Holiday Market
- Grand Central Holiday Fair
🍪 Treats & Eats
Hot Chocolate Stops
- Angelina Paris
- Levain Bakery
- Blue Stripes
- Serendipity3
- Maman
Festive Restaurants
- Rolf’s NYC
- Papillon
- Tavern on the Green
- Sant Ambroeus
Holiday Bakeries
- Orwashers Bakery
- Two Little Red Hens
- William Greenberg Desserts
- Lady M Confections
Books & Gifts
- Shakespeare & Co.
- The Corner Bookstore
- Maisonette
- Tiny Tag Co.
🧸 Give Back & Community
Family-Friendly Ways to Give Back
- NY Cares Toy Drive
- UES Mutual Aid Coat Collection
- Local Church and School Toy Drives
📸 Holiday Photo Spots
- Rockefeller Tree 🎄
- Central Park Bow Bridge
- The Plaza Hotel Tree
- Bryant Park Fountain and Christmas Tree (December 2nd)
- Bloomingdale’s Windows
Want to be featured?
Reach out to: mackidnyceast@macaronikid.com
Let’s help UES families discover your holiday magic this season!
