Staff Destinations, New York, News, USA

FREE AND AFFORDABLE NYC DURING THE HOLIDAYS

New York City is always a hive of activity, and never more so than during the holidays, culminating in the famed New Year’s ball-drop at Times Square. But there is much more to do in the Big Apple, and much of it is free.

To that end, New York City Tourism + Conventions, the City’s official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau, is spotlighting a selection of free and affordable things to do in the five boroughs this holiday season, some of it extending well into January.

“New York City feels extra special during the holiday season, and there are so many ways to celebrate across the five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “We expect to welcome roughly 7 million visitors between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, and the City offers something for the whole family to enjoy – no matter your interests or budget.”

Suggested activities include:

Free annual celebrations

  • The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is on view through Jan. 13. The 25-m. Norway spruce is covered in 50,000 multicolored LED lights.
  • Enjoy free New Year’s Eve festivities in city parks, including spectacular fireworks in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
  • Join thousands of revelers from around the world to ring in 2024 at the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop-in Times Square. Arrive early to save a spot.

Festive lights

  • The Dumbo Improvement District is presenting a series of holiday events and activities, including animations projected on the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). The projections are on view through Dec. 31, 4-10 p.p, daily.
  • Shine Bright illuminates Hudson Yards with 2 million twinkling lights in this free celebration. The display includes 725 evergreen trees and 5-m.-tall lights in the shape of hot air balloons.
  • Wander through The Shops at Columbus Circle and enjoy Holiday Under the Stars, which features 12 large stars hanging from the ceiling.

Get outdoors

  • The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park offers free ice-skating in the heart of Midtown Manhattan (skates are available to rent). Sitting among the open-air holiday market and dining offerings, the rink is open through March 3. NYC’s Open Streets program returns this year, creating a pedestrian-only zone around Rockefeller Center and on Fifth Avenue from 48th Street to 59th Street.
  • Join hundreds of brave swimmers on Jan. 1 for an icy dip in the Atlantic Ocean during the Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge. Participation is free; individuals are encouraged to donate to community organizations.

Family entertainment

  • NYC is the backdrop of many beloved holiday films, and fans can stop by the Empire State Building to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Elf, play on the large-scale FAO Schwarz piano as in Big or visit The Plaza Hotel in honour of Home Alone 2 – Fun in New York, amongst other favourites.
  • The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is offering a series of public holiday programs throughout December, including a singer-songwriter series, cultural celebrations, New Year’s Eve programming and more.
  • The National Park Service will hold free Kwanzaa events at the African Burial Ground National Monument from Dec. 26-30. Family-friendly activities include doll making, quilting, face painting and more.

Holiday shopping

  • Every year, holiday markets pop up across the city, offering artisanal products, crafts, food and more, ideal for sourcing uniquely NYC gifts.
  • Thrifting fans can visit Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo for housewares, vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, crafts and more.
  • Traversing through Grand Central Terminal this holiday season? Be sure to check out the Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall – and note that a visit to the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show in Grand Central is free this year!
  • Empire Outlets is NYC’s only outlet shopping destination. Accessible via the free Staten Island Ferry, shops include the Levi’s Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Nordstrom Rack and more. The Outlets also offer festive decorations throughout.

Hotel week

Reservations are now available for NYC Hotel Week, offering 24 percent off stays at 160 hotels from Jan. 3-Feb. 4. Visitors can also enjoy prix-fixe restaurant menus; 2-for-1 Broadway tickets; and 2-for-1 tickets to attractions, museums, tours and performing arts as part of NYC Winter Outing.