Holiday Happenings In Lower Manhattan

Jingle the bells, deck the halls and rock around that Christmas tree — the holiday season is in full swing in Lower Manhattan! Celebrate fun, festive activities and events all around the neighborhood, from the Seaport to Brookfield Place to Bowling Green to One World Trade Center and everything in between…

The Winterland Rink at Pier 17 – through March 2020 

New York’s only open-air rooftop ice rink returns for its second season. This year the rink will operate seven days a week with fun weekly programming that includes themed playlist skates, special pricing for the neighborhood community and private instructional skate lessons. 

Santa at Brookfield Place – November 29-December 24 

Before his big night, Santa is spending some time in Lower Manhattan. His Winter Wonderland features a special children’s activity session to enjoy before meeting the jolly man in red. Since Santa welcomes children of all ages and abilities, there will be a Sensory-Friendly Santa with Autism session for children for all spectrums of need on December 15, 8a-10a. Special dog-friendly Santa sessions are available Wednesdays, 6:30p-8p (dogs 25lbs and under only). Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Packages start at $29.

Seaport District’s Tree Lighting 2019 – December 2 

Make your way to the Seaport for Winterland’s annual holiday tree lighting, hosted by Cubby and Christine of 106.7 LITE FM, 6p-8p. The evening kicks off with charitable presentations from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and A Place for Kids, followed by carols and performances from the casts of Phantom of the Opera and Mean Girls. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will also celebrate the opening of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Experience, a new show at the Seaport Museum. 

Pop-Up Tree Farm at The Seaport – December 2-23

Located at Seaport Square between Piers 16 and 17, this new pop-up is open daily and is cash only. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Be sure mention Peck Slip when purchasing your tree, and a portion of sales will be donated back to the school.

Luminaries at Brookfield Place – December 4-January 3 

Luminaries light up the Winter Garden once again. A wondrous canopy of glowing lanterns that are hung high above the garden’s palm trees, the lanterns are designed to represent the holiday traditions of sharing, giving and community. Guests can give back to the community by visiting one of the exhibit’s glowing wishing stations and “sending a wish” to the lanterns. For every wish sent by the public during the holiday season, Brookfield Place will donate $1 for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Take a 360° tour of Luminaries, and then see the real deal in person!

The 96th Annual New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree Lighting – December 5 

Come down to Wall Street and kick off the Christmas season with the New York Stock Exchange’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Enjoy performances by legendary, five-time Grammy-award winning singer Dionne Warwick, along with Shelea, Rhonda Vincent, Livvia, the West Point Cadet Gospel Choir and the casts of Phantom of the Opera, Dear Evan Hanson and School of Rock. The Radio City Rockettes, Harlem Globetrotters, Miss America Nia Franklin and Macy’s Santa will also be making special appearances.

Battery Park City Authority’s Holiday Lights – December 5, 6p

Have a festive and charming evening of caroling, warm beverages and sweet treats with the Battery Park City community in South Cove. In the spirit of the season, donations of new, unwrapped gifts are welcome for Stockings With Care (an all-volunteer program dedicated to bringing Christmas magic to NYC homeless families). Gift donations can also be dropped off in advance at 75 Battery Place.

The Nutcracker at Brookfield Place’s Winter Garden – December 6-8 

Spend an hour with the New York Theatre Ballet as they bring Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life. This holiday ballet is free and perfect for children ages three and up. There are evening performances on Friday and Saturday with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Seating is first-come, first-served. Make sure to arrive early to ensure a spot.

Marché de Noël de Strasbourg-Alsace – December 6-22 

Europe’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas market is celebrating its 449th year at Bowling Green. Founded in 1570, the market is being recreated with 30 authentic wooden chalets shipped directly from Alsace and genuine artisanal crafts such as pottery, hand-painted ornaments and fine table linens. A tree lighting ceremony, complete with a stunning 22-foot tree adorned with imported traditional handcrafted ornaments kicks off the festivities on December 5.

Deck the Stalls – December 8 

Fulton Stall Market’s multicultural event celebrates the best of NYC’s public markets. Enjoy holiday gifts, locally-made food, live performances, and wine/craft beverages.

Stars United “Red Hot Holidays” at Brookfield Place – December 10-11 

Olympians take to the ice on back-to-back evenings of thrilling skating performances at Brookfield’s Rink. Joined by US champions Ashley Cain and Timothy Leduc, co-hosts Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov put on a spectacular show of live music and dancing for the fifth annual Stars United Ice Concert along the gorgeous Hudson River waterfront. Post-show you will have an opportunity to share the ice with the American olympians.

Seaport District’s Menorah Lighting – December 22 

Join the South Street Seaport as they celebrate the Festival of Lights by firing up the menorah on Pier 17.