New York–Newark–Jersey City · November 15, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Christmas and holiday events for kids in New York
66 tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays and holiday shows around New York, November 15 to New Year’s Day. 11 are free.
Don’t miss
- Nov20FriLight displays
Through Dec 31
Holiday Lights 2026 — Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
FreeAll ages
- Nov15SunNutcracker and shows
Through Jan 1
Holiday Train Show — New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden
PaidAll ages
- Nov20FriLight displays
Through Jan 1
Magic of Lights Drive-Through at Jones Beach
Jones Beach State Park
From $22All ages
NovemberSun, Nov 15 – Mon, Nov 30
- Nov15SunChristmas
Sun, Nov 15 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Princess Tea Party — Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium — Sea Star Ballroom
From $49
- Nov15SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Nov 15 · 6:30 PM
The Hip Hop Nutcracker — State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey
From $58Ages 5+
- Nov20FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Nov 20 · 7:30 PM
A Christmas Story: The Musical — State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey
From $52Ages 5+
- Nov21SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Nov 21 · 9:00 AM
Holiday Train Show Sensory Friendly Mornings — NYBG
New York Botanical Garden — Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
PaidAll ages
- Nov21SatCrafts and cookies
Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM
Needle Felted Snowman Workshop
Hudson-Sydlowski House
From $40
- Nov21SatLight displays
Sat, Nov 21 · 5:00 PM
Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms
Demarest Farms
Paid
- Nov22SunCrafts and cookies
Sun, Nov 22 · 11:00 AM
Holiday Ornament Making for the Lasdon Tree
Lasdon Public Gardens
Free
- Nov27FriChristmas
Fri, Nov 27 · 12:00 PM
Holiday Kick-Off Weekend — Hudson River Museum
Hudson River Museum
With admission
- Nov27FriCrafts and cookies
Fri, Nov 27 · 12:00 PM
Nebula-in-a-Bubble Holiday Ornament Workshop — Hudson River Museum
Hudson River Museum
With admissionAges 4+
- Nov27FriChristmas
Fri, Nov 27 · 2:00 PM
The Sky Tonight: Holiday Edition — Hudson River Museum Planetarium
Hudson River Museum
PaidAges 8+
- Nov27FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM
A Magical Cirque Christmas — State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey
From $48Ages 5+
- Nov28SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM
Holidays on the Hill Train Show — Lasdon Public Gardens
Lasdon Public Gardens
From $10All ages
- Nov29SunHanukkah
Sun, Nov 29 · 1:00 PM
Celebrate Hanukkah: Dreidel Making — Long Island Children's Museum
Long Island Children's Museum
With admissionAges 2+
- Nov29SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Nov 29 · 2:00 PM
The Nutcracker Sensory-Friendly Performance — New Jersey Ballet at UCPAC, Rahway
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
From $8
- Nov29SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Nov 29 · 7:00 PM
The Irish Tenors: A Family Christmas — State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey
From $46Ages 12+
DecemberTue, Dec 1 – Fri, Dec 18
- Dec2WedChristmas
Wed, Dec 2 · 3:00 PM
Christmas Spirit (Choose Your Favorite Side)
Painting with a Twist - Queens, NY - Forest Hills
From $44Ages 8+
- Dec2WedTree lightings
Wed, Dec 2 · 4:00 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting at Captain Roscoe Brown Plaza — Aqueduct Walk, Bronx
Captain Roscoe Brown, PH.D. Plaza in Aqueduct Walk
Free
- Dec4FriCrafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 4 · 4:00 PM
Family Gingerbread House Workshop — New City Library
New City Library
FreeAges 4–12
- Dec4FriChristmas
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Nights on the Farm — Muscoot Farm
Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm
From $6All ages
- Dec5SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
The Nutcracker — American Repertory Ballet at Two River Theater, Red Bank
Two River Theater
Paid
- Dec5SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
The Nutcracker — New Jersey Ballet at bergenPAC, Englewood
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
From $35
- Dec6SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 6 · 11:00 AM
Holiday Caroling with the Long Island High School for the Arts — Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens — Westbury House
With admission
- Dec6SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 11:00 AM
Holiday Open House with Cookies, Cocoa & Photos with Santa — Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
With admissionAll ages
- Dec6SunCrafts and cookies
Sun, Dec 6 · 11:15 AM
Hanukkah Candle Crafting, Menorah Installation and Puppet Play — CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan
With admission
- Dec6SunCrafts and cookies
Sun, Dec 6 · 12:00 PM
ShopRite Kidz Cook: No-Bake Holiday Cookies — SICM
Staten Island Children's Museum
With admissionAges 4+
- Dec6SunHanukkah
Sun, Dec 6 · 2:00 PM
Happy Hanukkah with Meshuganah Mambo — CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan
With admissionAll ages
Dec6SunChristmasSun, Dec 6 · 2:00 PM
Queens Botanical Garden Winter Wonder
Queens Botanical Garden
From $6All ages
- Dec6SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
Gay Willis and Friends Holiday Concert — Haworth Municipal Library
Haworth Municipal Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec6SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
Sunday Concerts: A Holiday Concert with Angel Milyon
Queens Public Library — Central Library
Free
- Dec7MonChristmas
Mon, Dec 7 · 3:00 PM
Christmas Cabin (Pre-sketched Canvas, Don't Worry)
Painting with a Twist - Queens, NY - Forest Hills
From $44Ages 8+
- Dec10ThuChristmas
Thu, Dec 10 · 7:00 PM
I'mPossible Holiday Wonders — Omnium Circus at BAM
BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building — Howard Gilman Opera House
From $17.50All ages
- Dec11FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 11 · 7:30 PM
NY Phil Sounds of the Season Holiday Concerts
David Geffen Hall (Wu Tsai Theater), Lincoln Center
Paid
- Dec12SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Jolly Old Christmas at Historic Speedwell
Historic Speedwell
From $5All ages
- Dec12SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Milk & Cookies: The B-Side Band Holiday Jam — State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey — State Theatre Studio
From $5Ages 3–8
- Dec12SatMarkets and festivals
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Community Day: Winter Wonderland — The Newark Museum of Art
The Newark Museum of Art
FreeAll ages
- Dec12SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:15 PM
Calpulli's Navidad — Mexican Holiday Dance Show
Flushing Town Hall
From $8All ages
- Dec12SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Children's Christmas Party — Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens — Westbury House
From $24All ages
- Dec13SunSanta visits
Sun, Dec 13 · 10:00 AM
Santa Brunch — Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium — Sea Star Ballroom
From $42
- Dec13SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 13 · 3:00 PM
The Nutcracker — State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine at NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) — Prudential Hall
Paid
- Dec14MonTree lightings
Mon, Dec 14 · 6:00 PM
Ring in the Holidays: Bell Choir & Tree Lighting — Waretown
Ocean County Library — Waretown Branch
FreeAll ages
- Dec16WedChristmas
Wed, Dec 16 · 4:00 PM
4th Annual Holiday Extravaganza: Caroling in the Park
Pavonia Branch Library and Hamilton Park gazebo, Jersey City
FreeAll ages
- Dec17ThuNutcracker and shows
Thu, Dec 17 · 7:00 PM
The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra — American Repertory Ballet at State Theatre New Jersey
State Theatre New Jersey
Paid
- Dec18FriNutcracker and shows
Fri, Dec 18 · 5:30 PM
A Very Grinchy Pajama Party — Cradle of Aviation Museum
Cradle of Aviation Museum
From $23
- Dec18FriChristmas
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:30 PM
Winter Solstice Celebration — Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
From $12Ages 6+
Christmas breakSat, Dec 19 – Fri, Jan 1
- Dec19SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 19 · 11:30 AM
Holiday Family Afternoon Tea — Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
From $70Ages 6+
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 12:00 PM
The Great Holiday Rock Show for kids! — Rock and Roll Playhouse at Queens Theatre
Queens Theatre — Studio Theater
From $17Ages 1–7
- Dec19SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 19 · 12:00 PM
Yuletide at Hilltop Hanover Farm
Hilltop Hanover Farm
With admission
- Dec19SatNutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
Girl Scouts Chorus of Nassau County Holiday Concert — Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens — Westbury House
With admissionAll ages
- Dec19SatChristmas
Sat, Dec 19 · 3:00 PM
A Bright Christmas
Painting with a Twist - Queens, NY - Forest Hills
From $44Ages 8+
- Dec20SunNutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 20 · 2:30 PM
Welcome Solstice! Concert with the Mighty String Demons — SICM
Staten Island Children's Museum
- Dec21MonChristmas
Mon, Dec 21 · 3:00 PM
Christmas Magic
Painting with a Twist - Queens, NY - Forest Hills
From $44Ages 8+
- Dec22TueCrafts and cookies
Tue, Dec 22 · 2:45 PM
Oh, Christmas Tree! Tree-Decorating Party — CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan
With admission
- Dec23WedChristmas
Wed, Dec 23 · 3:00 PM
Teeny Tiny Christmas *NEW ART* (Pre-sketched)
Painting with a Twist - Queens, NY - Forest Hills
From $49Ages 8+
- Dec27SunChristmas
Sun, Dec 27 · 11:15 AM
Weaving My Mkeka for Kwanzaa — CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan
With admission
- Dec30WedNutcracker and shows
Wed, Dec 30 · 11:00 AM
Suzi and Benjamin New Year Concert — CMOM
Children's Museum of Manhattan
With admission
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 10:00 AM
Countdown to 12! Noon Year's Eve — Long Island Children's Museum
Long Island Children's Museum
From $25
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Family Dance Party — Lacey Branch
Ocean County Library — Lacey Branch
Free
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Party — Nutley Free Public Library
Nutley Free Public Library
FreeAll ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 11:00 AM
Noon Year's Eve Rave — Johnson Public Library, Hackensack
Johnson Free Public Library (Hackensack) — Auditorium
Up to 6
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 6:30 PM
Fishes & Wishes New Year's Eve Family Party — Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium — Sea Star Ballroom
From $94
All seasonLight displays, Santa visits, shows and exhibits that run for weeks. Check the organizer’s page for open nights and times.
- Nov15SunNutcracker and shows
Through Jan 1
Holiday Train Show — New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden
PaidAll ages
- Nov20FriLight displays
Through Dec 31
Holiday Lights 2026 — Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
FreeAll ages
- Nov20FriLight displays
Through Jan 1
Magic of Lights Drive-Through at Jones Beach
Jones Beach State Park
From $22All ages
- Nov21SatLight displays
Through Jan 1
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
Bronx Zoo
PaidAll ages
- Nov27FriNutcracker and shows
Through Jan 1
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker — New York City Ballet
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center
PaidAges 5+
- Dec11FriNutcracker and shows
Through Dec 27
The Nutcracker with the New Jersey Symphony — New Jersey Ballet at Mayo PAC
Mayo Performing Arts Center
From $45All ages
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For organizers
Hosting a tree lighting, Santa visit or holiday show in New York?
List it on Grassy Knees and it can show up on this Christmas page, in the metro’s weekend picks and in the app. Free to post until Oct 31.
How this list works
Tree lightings, Santa visits, light displays, Nutcrackers, menorah lightings and Noon Year’s Eve parties, beyond your own block. This page collects every event and program in our New York listings whose title names Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Santa, holiday lights, the New Year or the like, dated between November 15 and January 1. 66 are still ahead. Each one opens its listing page, which links to the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. Dates are in Eastern Time.