NYC & Co. invites visitors to reengage with holiday classics in New York

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, invites locals and visitors to enjoy holiday traditions and cultural experiences across the five boroughs. Many of them are in person for the first time in two years.

With the return of spectators at annual events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes, festive shopping at NYC’s iconic department stores, ice-skating rinks, light festivities, cultural performances, winter exhibitions including the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and more, there are endless opportunities for an unforgettable experience this holiday season in New York City.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Date: November 25

Venue: Manhattan

The classic NYC celebration featuring larger-than-life helium balloons, fantasy floats, clowns, performance groups, Broadway’s best musicals, celebrity appearances and more is back in-person for its 95th year.

New balloons will include Grogu; Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist; SpongeBob SquarePants and Gary; Smokey Bear and Sonic the Hedgehog. New floats include Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ Colossal Wave of Wonder, 1-2-3 Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues & You!, and Snoopy’s Doghouse. The Parade will begin at 9am, at 77th Street and Central Park West.

NYC & Company has compiled a list of hotel offers to watch the parade from the comfort of a hotel.

Lighting of the Largest Menorah in Brooklyn

Date: November 28-December 5

Venue: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

The Largest Menorah in Brooklyn has been towering over New York since 1985 and is a must on everyone’s calendar, Jews and non-Jews alike. Every night of Chanukah, thousands celebrate with the accompaniment of live music and hot latkes for all. Special gifts are distributed to every child. Making this a family celebration and a must on everyone’s calendar. With the assistance of a 60 foot boom lift, Rabbi Shimon Hecht, accompanied by community leaders, philanthropists and special guests light this humongous Menorah.

TLM is a leading symbol of Chanukah, publicly reaffirming the celebration of our freedom, inspired by the Maccabean victory of right over might and light over darkness. The Menorah lighting celebration and concert are all free of charge.

The Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza will light the largest Hanukkah Menorah each of the eight nights, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: December 1

Venue: Midtown Manhattan

There’s something special about every moment you spend at Rockefeller Center. From the historic art and architecture to the observation deck, you can experience New York in a way that can only happen here.
The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center has been a tradition for more than eight decades, lighting up Rockefeller Plaza each holiday season. The lighting ceremony will feature performances and classic Christmas songs by soon-to-be-announced artists, and be on view through early to mid-January.

New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop

Date: December 31–January 1

Venue: Times Square, Manhattan

Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. The Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will sparkle in Times Square all season, but its descent on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds.
At 11:59 p.m. the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to countdown the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams. The event, watched by millions of viewers in in NYC and around the globe, will welcome spectators back in-person this December.

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