Best Free Holiday Events In New York City
Christmas lights, holiday block parties, special concerts and intimate performances make New York City a magical place to be in December. The best part about the Big Apple's holiday events? Many of them are free! Here's our list of the top five free holiday events in New York City.
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
(212) 332-6868
www.rockefellercenter.com
This Dec. 2, head down to Rockefeller Center for the annual tree lighting ceremony -- a tradition that dates back 83 years. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in the plaza, but if you want to see anything, make sure you stake out a spot early, and be prepared to wait there for most of the day. Tens of thousands of visitors stop by the plaza for the tree lighting. The festivities include performances by popular singers and musicians, as well as the famed Radio City Rockettes!
Winter's Eve
Dante Park
New York, NY 10023
(212) 581-3774
www.winterseve.nyc
Every year the blocks around Lincoln Center shut down to car traffic and pedestrians take to the streets in a celebration of winter. The 16th annual Winter's Eve celebration takes place on Nov. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. The festivities include a tree lighting, musical performances, street performers, restaurant tastings and much more. This is the perfect way to bring the family together for an enjoyable night of fun.
World's Largest Menorah Lighting
Grand Army Plaza
768 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
www.nycgo.com
Right across the street from the iconic Plaza Hotel is the world's largest menorah, which will be lit in a special ceremony every night of Hanukkah from Dec. 6 through Dec 13. Gather around the Grand Army Plaza at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street to see the lighting take place every night at 5:30 p.m. (Friday will be lit at 3:30 and Saturday at 8 p.m.). The lighting of this 32-foot-high, 4000-pound steel menorah is a perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights!
Three Kings Day Parade
El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10029
(212) 831-7272
www.elmuseo.org
For four decades now, El Museo del Barrio has hosted the annual Three Kings Day Parade on Jan. 6. Bring the entire family to the fun-filled celebration, which includes live camels, puppets, performances and more. Thousands of people come out to experience the day together. The parade route will begin at 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and end at Park Avenue and 115th Street. The festivities end at the museum, with delicious Puerto Rican food and musical performances. The galleries are also open for a visit.
New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Times Square
New York, NY 10036
(212) 768-1560
www.newyearseve.nyc
The biggest party New York City throws all year, the New Year's Eve Ball Drop is jam-packed with events and people. If you want to be in Times Square for the excitement, make sure to stake out your spot early in the day for prime viewing. The ball drop -- watched by one million people on the street and millions more on TV -- is preceded by performances from popular singers and musicians. If you've never been before, this is one experience that is worth it.
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Jennifer Eberhart is a writer, reader, crafter, traveler and New Yorker. She works in midtown New York City for non-profit organizations. Her degrees are in communication studies and art history.You can contact Jennifer on Twitter at @egyptologist. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
