There’s nothing quite like New York City during the holiday season. From sparkling storefront displays and festive holiday markets to outdoor ice skating and iconic Christmas traditions, the five boroughs transform into a winter wonderland each year. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway or a longer holiday vacation, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the magic of the city.
This season, explore some of New York City’s most beloved holiday attractions, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the dazzling Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo. Many of these attractions are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to fit several stops into one memorable day.
Skip the traffic and take Amtrak to Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. From there, you can walk to many Midtown attractions or connect to the subway for destinations throughout the city. Here’s your guide to seven festive things to do in New York City during the 2026 holiday season.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 0.6 miles
A holiday visit to New York City wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. This European-inspired outdoor market features dozens of custom-designed kiosks filled with unique gifts, handmade jewelry, clothing, home goods and seasonal treats from local artisans and international vendors.
The 2026 Holiday Shops are open October 28, 2026, through January 3, 2027. After browsing the shops, lace up your skates and take a spin around the park’s popular outdoor ice rink. Admission to the rink is free, although skate rentals and other add-ons are available for a fee. You can also enjoy seasonal food and drinks at the park’s surrounding restaurants and kiosks.
Located just a short walk from Moynihan Train Hall, Bryant Park is an easy first stop for visitors arriving by Amtrak. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Winter Village is a must-see during the season.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 1.5 miles
Few New York City experiences feel more quintessentially winter than ice skating in Central Park. Located in the southern portion of the park, Wollman Rink offers a memorable setting for skaters of all experience levels, with the Manhattan skyline creating a beautiful backdrop.
The rink welcomes visitors throughout the winter season, typically opening in the fall and operating into early spring. Bring your own skates or rent a pair onsite, then enjoy a few laps around the ice before warming up with a snack or hot drink nearby. Whether you’re planning a romantic afternoon, a family outing or a fun activity with friends, Wollman Rink is a classic holiday-season stop.
Skating sessions, admission prices and rental fees vary, so check the rink’s official website for current 2026–2027 hours, reservations and ticket information before visiting.
From Moynihan Train Hall, take the subway or walk uptown toward Central Park. Once you’re in the park, follow the signs to Wollman Rink.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 0.3 miles
Holiday window displays are one of New York City’s most cherished seasonal traditions, and Macy’s Herald Square is a great place to experience them. Every year, the flagship department store transforms its exterior windows into colorful holiday scenes, drawing visitors from around the world.
Located along Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets, Macy’s Herald Square is an easy walk from Moynihan Train Hall. Take your time admiring the seasonal displays before heading inside to explore the department store’s holiday shopping offerings. Macy’s is also known for its Santaland experience, where visitors can meet Santa Claus in a festive, immersive setting. Reservations are typically required for Santaland, so check Macy’s official holiday information for 2026 availability.
Make this stop part of a larger Midtown holiday stroll, with the Empire State Building, Herald Square and Bryant Park all nearby. It’s an easy way to enjoy some holiday magic without needing a ticket or a full afternoon of activities.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 1.2 miles
One of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a New York City tradition that draws visitors from around the world. Each year, a towering Norway spruce is decorated with thousands of lights and topped with its iconic Swarovski star, creating one of the city’s most photographed holiday sights.
The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree comes from West Edmeston, New York. Standing approximately 76 feet tall, the tree will be officially illuminated during the annual lighting ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m. Following the ceremony, visitors can view the tree throughout the holiday season, with the display expected to remain in place through mid-January 2027.
Viewing the tree from the public areas of Rockefeller Center is free. While you’re there, explore the surrounding plaza, browse the holiday displays and watch skaters glide across The Rink at Rockefeller Center. For an even better view, consider visiting Top of the Rock for panoramic views of the city and the illuminated tree.
Rockefeller Center is approximately 1.2 miles from Moynihan Train Hall. It’s an easy subway ride or a walk through Midtown, with plenty of other holiday sights along the way.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 11.4 miles
Head to the Bronx for one of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions: the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. This annual exhibition features model trains traveling through miniature replicas of New York landmarks, all carefully crafted from natural materials such as leaves, bark, pinecones and twigs.
The 2026 Holiday Train Show runs November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027, inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Visitors can watch trains travel through nearly 200 miniature New York landmarks, with new additions joining the display this year. Outside, explore the garden’s glowing mountain landscape and additional train displays.
For an extra-special visit, look into the extended evening hours on select dates throughout the season. These after-dark experiences offer a different perspective on the exhibition, with illuminated displays, live music and seasonal entertainment.
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx and can be reached from Moynihan Train Hall by subway and Metro-North connections. Visitors can also take the subway to Grand Central Terminal and connect to the Metro-North Harlem Line for a trip to Botanical Garden Station, which is just outside the garden’s entrance. Advance tickets are recommended, especially for popular weekend and evening dates.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 9.6 miles
For a festive family outing, head to the Bronx Zoo for its annual Holiday Lights celebration. Each winter, the zoo transforms after dark into an illuminated wonderland featuring hundreds of animal lanterns, colorful light displays and interactive seasonal experiences.
Running November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, this year’s Holiday Lights features immersive lantern trails inspired by wildlife and natural habitats from around the world. Visitors can explore themed displays, enjoy holiday entertainment, take a ride on the seasonal train and watch live ice-carving demonstrations.
New for 2026, guests can also visit the Children’s Zoo Farmyard during Holiday Lights to see animals including donkeys, sheep, goats and alpacas. The World of Darkness and World of Reptiles will also be open for additional animal encounters. Holiday Lights tickets offer a two-in-one experience, allowing visitors to arrive as early as 1 p.m. to explore the zoo before staying for the evening festivities.
Holiday Lights takes place on select evenings, and advance tickets are required. Check the Bronx Zoo’s official calendar for available dates and admission options before planning your visit.
From Moynihan Train Hall, take the subway or connect to local transportation to reach the zoo. Allow extra travel time, particularly during busy holiday weekends.
Distance from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station: 1 mile
No New York City holiday season is complete without seeing the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. This beloved annual production has been entertaining audiences since 1933 and remains one of the city’s most iconic holiday experiences.
The 2026 Christmas Spectacular runs November 4, 2026, through January 4, 2027, at Radio City Music Hall. Featuring the world-famous Rockettes, elaborate costumes, impressive choreography and festive musical numbers, the show brings holiday classics to life on one of the city’s most historic stages.
This year’s production features ten Rockettes numbers, including fan favorites such as the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, 12 Days of Christmas and New York at Christmas, alongside a brand-new scene. With more than 200 performances scheduled throughout the season, there are plenty of opportunities to find a showtime that fits your visit.
Tickets are available through the official Radio City Music Hall and Rockettes websites. Be sure to book in advance, especially for weekend performances and dates closer to Christmas.
Radio City Music Hall is approximately one mile from Moynihan Train Hall, making it an easy walk through Midtown. New York By Rail visitors can also check for available holiday travel packages that combine Amtrak transportation, show tickets and optional hotel accommodations.