Things to do on a Sunday in New York

Two massive menorahs light up each year to celebrate Hanukkah in NYC, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.

Manhattan

Find the world's largest Hanukkah menorah in Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza at 59th Street (across from the Plaza Hotel) for all eight days of the Festival of Lights. The giant menorah will be lit after sunset every night of Hanukkah. Each day, a new candle will sparkle until all eight of them are lit on the last night of the holiday. 

Brooklyn

Those in Brooklyn can enjoy the borough's largest menorah, which will be set up in Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza, right outside Prospect Park. In true Brooklyn style, this menorah lighting opens with an official Hanukkah kickoff concert at 4pm on Sunday, December 14. Free latkes will be on offer, as will gifts for children, every night of the holiday. 

Kids are welcome at this staging of the Mozart classic. It’s the perfect starter opera: Performed in English, this abridged version by Julie Taymor, the Tony Award–winning director of Broadway’s The Lion King, clocks in at less than two hours and features delightful costumes and sets, but it’s still a Met Opera production with some of the world’s finest performers.

If you want an extra special peek behind the curtain, mark your calendar for December 14 when families with tickets to the matinee performance are invited to experience the Met’s immersive Holiday Open House, with festive behind-the-scenes demonstrations by members of the Met’s backstage and artistic staff.

If you're equal parts sugar fiend and architecture junkie, we may have just found your dream holiday destination. The Gingerbread City is bringing its winter magic and sweetness back to the Seaport for a free display from December 5–28 at 19 Fulton Street.

It's created by over 100 New York-based architects, engineers and designers, so you know these gingerbread creations are going to be immaculate. Expect to see city parks, brownstones and skyscrapers created out of cookies, icing and candy. Plus, there's a chance to learn how to make your own gingerbread creations.

The fabulous holiday icon of NYC, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a must-see for both locals and visitors during the holiday season, whether you’re visiting before ice-skating on The Rink at Rockefeller Center or just passing through.

More than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights wrap around the branches. It’s topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds and sparkles in 3 million crystals.

The tree lights up daily through mid-January. On Christmas Eve, the tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 5am to 9pm. 

Cirque du Soleil, famous for defying reality (and gravity), is returning to New York City this holiday season. Due to overwhelming success, their special first and only holiday show, "Twas the Night Before..." will return to The Theater at Madison Square Garden December 4-28.

Inspired by the classic poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore, Cirque's story follows a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. Directed by James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater, "Twas the Night Before..." combines classic Christmas spirit with jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts. 

Shop 'til you drop at FAD Market, a curated fashion, art and design pop-up marketplace, which is back for 2025. Expect to see your favorite makers plus brand new creatives to help you live smarter, gift better and support local businesses. 

Peruse handmade jewelry, apparel, skincare products, tableware, artisanal packaged food, and more. Whether you're shopping for you or a friend (or even getting an early on that holiday shopping), there are plenty of local gems to pick up. 

Here's the holiday schedule:

• Dumbo (Empire Stores, 55 Water Street), December 1–21 daily, 11am–6pm
• Boerum Hill (51 Bergen Street), December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21,  11am–6pm
• Cobble Hill (St. Paul’s, 190 Court Street), December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21,  11am–6pm

This annual holiday bazaar just outside of Central Park features handmade items from local artisans and snacks from vendors. This year, peep goods from Centuries Clayworks, which sells original framed pieces featuring handmade tiny, brightly colored clay bots in artful arrangements; freshly made crepes from Brooklyn-based company Cuddle Crepes; wooden puzzles made by puzzles lovers, for puzzle lovers from Mosaic Puzzles; and Inti Sänä, a woman-owned silver and stainless steel jewelry made in Queens.

Urbanspace Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open December 2-31. Hours are Monday-Friday 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sun 10am-8pm. The market is closed Christmas Day and closes at 4pm on New Year's Eve. 

For more than 25 years, the Central Park Conservancy has been draping the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in holiday lights, which are illuminated every night during the season. Don't miss the flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer, which light up for the season.

While this display might not get as much attention as some of the bigger light displays, it's an unconventional and under-rated attraction worth a visit.

NYC Ferry fans and holiday fanatics—this is your Super Bowl. The largest ferry fleet, NY Waterway, has just announced its Winter Waterway Holiday Market inside the Midtown Ferry Terminal featuring music, festive food, shopping, crafts and other special activities for kids, including five visits from Santa himself. 

Shop around this indoor market featuring jewelry, candles, clothing and books. When you need some fuel for your shopping spree, enjoy holiday-themed snacks and beverages, available for purchase from over 16 vendors including Cold Stone Creamery, My Mountain Sweets and Glace. Families can also join special events like the opening weekend tree lighting celebration and appearances by Santa (Santa will be there on December 7, 13, 20, and 21). 

The market is now open inside the Midtown Ferry Terminal in Manhattan (459 12th Avenue at West 39th Street). It's free to attend and will be open every Friday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm until December 28. 

A brand new double-decker carousel is set to spin holiday cheer throughout the season in Greeley Square at 33rd Street and Broadway, offering rides through January 6, 2026.

The two-story swirl of lights, music and storybook creatures will spin from 10am to 10pm daily, offering plenty of opportunity to catch a ride before, during or after your holiday shopping. Tickets cost $7/person.

Speaking of shopping: the carousel will be in the perfect location. It will sit just steps from Macy’s Herald Square, where the holidays are already in full swing.