Holiday events and cultural experiences happening from December 20 through December 31, 2025

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve offers a wonderful opportunity to explore New York City with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting guests, reconnecting with loved ones, or visiting from out of town, this festive stretch of days is filled with inspiring exhibitions, joyful musical performances, and special programs across the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions.

We’ve curated a selection of standout events taking place from Saturday, December 20 through Wednesday, December 31, 2025, making it easier to find memorable experiences that capture the magic of the season.

Brooklyn Museum

Gallery Tour: A Few of Our Favorite Things

A curator-led tour featuring highlights across the museum’s collection and current exhibitions.
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission
Available on:

Saturday, December 20,
Sunday, December 21,
Wednesday, December 24,
Friday, December 26,
Saturday, December 27,
Sunday, December 28,
Wednesday, December 31

Pop-Up Talks: Monet and Venice

A short, engaging talk offering new insights into Monet’s Venetian works and the inspiration behind them.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Pricing: Included with Museum Admission

xhibitions On View

Explore a rich lineup of exhibitions, from contemporary photography to historic milestones and bold abstraction.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions

  • Everyday Rebellions: Collection Conversations

  • Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens

  • Monet and Venice

  • Oliver Jeffers: Life at Sea

  • Brooklyn Abstraction: Four Artists, Four Walls

  • Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200

  • Christian Marclay: Doors

Caramoor

An Amarcord Christmas

An elegant holiday concert by the acclaimed vocal ensemble Amarcord, filling the season with luminous harmonies and timeless music.
Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed

Holiday Rosen House Tours

Step inside the historic Rosen House and explore its festive seasonal decorations and rich history.
Multiple dates throughout Christmas Week
Pricing: Ticketed

Dates:

Holiday Tea Musicale

A refined holiday tea accompanied by live chamber music inside the enchanting Rosen House.
Select dates
Pricing: Ticketed

Dizzy’s Club

Tammy McCann: Merry Christmas Baby

Vocalist Tammy McCann brings soulful artistry to holiday classics in this intimate jazz club setting overlooking Central Park.
Thursday, December 18 and Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam

A festive and interactive introduction to jazz for families, featuring joyful singing, dancing, and live performance.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed

  •  

Big Band Holidays

A cherished annual tradition with swinging holiday arrangements performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists.
Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025
Pricing: Ticketed

The New York Historical

Designing Women Market

A curated shopping experience highlighting women-led brands and makers. While the main event peaks earlier in the season, selected artists continue to be featured through December.
Pricing: Free to browse

Exhibitions On View

A robust lineup of exhibitions spanning history, art, culture, and design, offering something for every interest during the holiday week.
Pricing: Museum Admission
Learn more: https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions

  • The Gay Harlem Renaissance

  • Declaring the Revolution

  • Stirring the Melting Pot

  • New York, New York: The Elie and Sarah Hirschfeld Collection

  • The New York Sari

  • Turn Every Page: Inside the Robert A. Caro Archive

  • Gallery of Tiffany Lamps

  • Meet the Presidents and the Oval Office

  • Audubon’s Birds of America

  • Objects Tell Stories

  • Fashion Forward: The Bill Cunningham Archive

  • A Shot in the Arm: New York City Gets Vaccinated

  • Erie Canal 200th Anniversary

  • The Guggenheim Fellowship at 100

  • Creating Kosher Chop Suey

  • Circulating Control: Women’s Book Battles, 1880–1930

Poster House

The Future Was Then: The Changing Face of Fascist Italy

An evocative look at graphic design and political identity in early 20th-century Italy.
Pricing: Museum Admission

Blazing a Trail: Dorothy Waugh’s National Park Posters

A vibrant celebration of one artist’s iconic poster designs that helped define the visual identity of America’s national parks.
Pricing: Museum Admission

Wave Hill

Winter Solstice Pub Night

Celebrate the winter solstice with seasonal drinks, live music, and views of the Hudson River and Palisades.
Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Pricing: Ticketed

Holiday Tea at Wave Hill House

A festive afternoon tea served in the historic Wave Hill House, offering a restorative holiday experience.
Friday, December 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Pricing: Ticketed

Your guide to the best cultural events in NYC this holiday season

December in New York City is one of the most magical times of the year. The city comes alive with holiday lights, festive performances, inspiring exhibitions, and special programs that invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate. Whether you are planning a family outing, looking for a unique date idea, or browsing for holiday activities, our cultural partners offer some of the most exciting things to do across the five boroughs.

These beloved institutions feature exceptional public programming, and many also offer members-only benefits that make a thoughtful and meaningful holiday gift. If you are searching for something special for the culture lover in your life, consider giving the Gift of Culture and treat them to a full year of exploration and inspiration.

Below is your curated list of the top events happening across our partner locations this December.

Apollo Theater Events

Black Genius Talks: I’ll Make Me A World

December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A dynamic conversation that celebrates Black cultural creativity and innovation. This talk explores how artists and visionaries continue to shape and influence the world.

Apollo Comedy Club

December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Enjoy a night of sharp, energetic stand-up from emerging and established comedians on one of the most iconic stages in New York.

Du’Bois A’Keen

December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Experience the soulful artistry of Du’Bois A’Keen in this intimate performance filled with emotion, storytelling, and powerful musical expression.

Ayana George Jackson

December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Ayana George Jackson brings her soaring vocals and contemporary gospel sound to the Apollo in a concert filled with heart and inspiration.

Finding North

December 14, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A moving theatrical experience inspired by true stories of the Underground Railroad. This production weaves history and performance into a powerful narrative journey.

BAM Events

Les Arts Florissants

December 10 to 14, 2025. Times vary.
The celebrated Baroque ensemble returns to BAM with an elegant program that brings early music to life through masterful instrumentation and beautifully expressive vocals.

Brooklyn Museum Events

Poetry Workshops: Monet and Venice

December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Write and reflect in a creative workshop inspired by Monet’s Venetian works. Participants explore themes of perception, light, and place through guided poetry exercises.

A Close Look (Ages 65+): Monet and Venice

December 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
This relaxed, in-depth gallery experience invites older adults to engage closely with Monet’s paintings and explore their artistic context and techniques.

Beyond Keïta’s Frame: Ernest Cole

December 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A compelling film program that examines the groundbreaking work of photographer Ernest Cole and his documentation of life under apartheid.

Caramoor Events

Rosanne Cash Benefit Concert

December 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join the legendary Rosanne Cash for an intimate benefit concert that supports Caramoor’s arts and education programs. Her soulful voice and storytelling promise a memorable evening.

Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center Events

Tammy McCain: Merry Christmas Baby

December 18 and 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Tammy McCain brings warmth and holiday spirit to the stage with soulful vocals and classic Christmas favorites in the cozy setting of Dizzy’s Club.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Events

Webop Family Jazz Party: A Holiday Jazz Jam

December 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
A joyful, interactive musical experience designed for young children and their families. Sing, dance, and explore the sounds of jazz together.

Big Band Holidays

December 20 and 21, 2025. Times vary.
A cherished holiday tradition featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and guest vocalists performing festive classics with a swinging twist.

The New York Historical Events

Live at the Museum: Raga Music

December 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of traditional Indian classical music performed live in an intimate museum setting.

Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz

December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of 1920s jazz standards performed by exceptional musicians who bring the energy and glamour of the Jazz Age to life.

Live at the Museum: 1920s Jazz Encore

December 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This encore performance offers another chance to experience the lively rhythms and rich sounds of the roaring twenties.

Poster House Events

First Friday

December 5, 2025. Free admission all day.
Explore Poster House for free during this monthly celebration that includes themed tours, hands-on activities, and extended hours.

Third Sunday Always Free

December 21, 2025. Free admission all day.
Enjoy complimentary access to the museum and experience its rotating exhibitions at your own pace.

Wave Hill Events

Winter Haven Opening Weekend

November 30 to December 1, 2025. Times vary.
Celebrate the start of the winter season with special activities, festive displays, and family-friendly moments throughout the gardens.

Winter Haven

December 1 to 31, 2025. Times vary.
Wave Hill transforms into a winter wonderland with creative workshops, nature programs, and peaceful garden walks all month long.

Winter Haven Artisan Market

December 14 and 15, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Shop a curated selection of handcrafted goods and unique gifts from local artisans in a warm, festive environment.

Game Night Social

December 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
A relaxed evening of games, snacks, and community. This social gathering offers a cozy escape during the busy holiday season.

Give the Gift of Culture

Share the joy of discovery with a gift that lasts all year. Explore the Gift of Culture and treat someone to enriching programs, unforgettable performances, and meaningful experiences across New York City.

Explore what’s happening this month across the Bronx—from outdoor concerts and art festivals to family paddles and open mics. Scroll by venue to find your favorite neighborhood spots or discover somewhere new.

Community Paddle at Concrete Plant Park

Date: Sat, Nov 1, 2025 • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Location: Concrete Plant Park, 1370 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY

Description: Free first-come paddling with waves every hour; brief safety orientation provided. Family-friendly.


Bronx Green-Up's Pumpkin Smash 2025

Date: Wed, Nov 5, 2025 • 3:30–5:30 PM

Location: Lehman College Quad, 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx, NY 10468

Description: Give your pumpkins a second life—smash and compost them for local parks and community gardens.


First Friday at The Bronx Museum

Date: Fri, Nov 7, 2025 • 6:00–9:00 PM

Location: The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Description: Free after-hours art and music with DJ BlkShine & HeadCount; all ages welcome (RSVP optional).


THE THREE KINGS & THEIR QUEENS

Date: Sat, Nov 8, 2025 • 8:00 PM

Location: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

Description: A high-energy celebration from producer David Maldonado—classic hits and powerhouse performances.


Foliage Frolic Weekend

Date: Sat–Sun, Nov 8–9, 2025

Location: Wave Hill

Description: Peak-color weekend with themed walks, crafts, and kid-friendly activities across the gardens.


Beeswax Candle Making

Date: Sat–Sun, Nov 8–9, 2025 • 12:00–4:00 PM

Location: Wave Hill, Mark Twain Room

Description: Drop-in workshop to roll and decorate autumn-themed beeswax candles; space is limited.


Bronx Brewery Trivia Night

Date: Thu, Nov 13, 2025 • 7:00–9:00 PM

Location: The Bronx Brewery – South Bronx, 856 E 136th St, Bronx, NY 10454

Description: Weekly Thursday trivia—grab a team, a pint, and bragging rights. (Check venue calendar for any schedule changes.)


Jose Alberto “El Canario” Concert

Date: Sat, Nov 22, 2025 • 5:00 PM

Location: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

Description: “Los 50 de El Canario” — a 50th-anniversary salsa celebration from the multi-Grammy winner.


The Pelham Bay Super Hike

Date: Sat, Nov 22, 2025 • 11:00 AM

Location: Pelham Bay Park

Description: Urban Park Rangers lead a long trek through forests and coastal habitats; registration opens Nov 10.


Hip-Hop Turkey Trot 2025

Date: Thu, Nov 27, 2025 • 9:00 AM

Location: Soundview Park, Bronx, NY

Description: 5K Thanksgiving run celebrating the Bronx’s hip-hop roots with a course through Soundview Park on the Bronx River Greenway.


Thanksgiving week in New York City is filled with festive fun, cultural gems, and cozy experiences for every mood and age group. Whether you’re hosting family or exploring the city with visiting friends, there’s something for everyone — from art and live music to design, mindfulness, and nature walks. Here’s your guide to some of the best ways to celebrate gratitude, creativity, and connection this Thanksgiving week.

Brooklyn Museum

A cornerstone of New York’s cultural scene, the Brooklyn Museum offers art, history, and storytelling across eras and mediums. This Thanksgiving week, explore inspiring exhibitions, join guided gallery tours, or enjoy a special film screening celebrating creativity and cultural identity.

Featured Events & Exhibits:

  • Gallery Tours: A Few of Our Favorite Things

    • 📅 November 22–23, 26, 28–30 | 1–2pm

    • View details

    • Take a guided look at beloved works from the museum’s collection — perfect for first-time visitors or longtime fans.

  • Beyond Keita’s Frame: Finye (The Wind)

    • 📅 November 23 | 2–4pm

    • Film info

    • A moving film celebrating creativity and cultural identity, expanding on the themes in Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens.

  • Monet and VeniceExhibit info
    Step into the shimmering world of Claude Monet and experience his luminous depictions of Venice.

  • Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200Exhibit info
    A celebratory exhibition highlighting two centuries of creativity, innovation, and artistic dialogue.

  • Rubin Museum Tibetan Buddhist Shrine RoomExhibit info
    A serene, contemplative space offering a moment of calm amid the holiday rush.

These are just a few highlights from the museum’s extensive lineup this season — visit the Brooklyn Museum website to explore the full schedule of exhibitions, films, and tours.

Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center

For a soulful evening in the city, head to Dizzy’s Club, where the energy of live jazz sets the tone for celebration. From legendary performers to rising stars, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of Thanksgiving festivities.

Performances:

  • Mary Stallings Featuring The Aaron Goldberg TrioTickets
    Jazz royalty brings timeless standards and soulful vocals.

  • Future of Jazz OrchestraTickets
    Discover tomorrow’s greats in this vibrant showcase of young talent.

  • David Amram 95th Birthday CelebrationTickets
    Celebrate a music legend in a night of tributes and collaboration.

  • Herlin Riley and FriendsTickets | More dates
    New Orleans rhythm meets New York swing — pure joy on stage.

  • Tammy McCain: Merry Christmas BabyTickets
    A jazzy, heartfelt kickoff to the holiday season.

Poster House

At Poster House, design lovers will find fascinating insights into art, propaganda, and visual storytelling. Thanksgiving week features accessible, in-depth tours of one of their most powerful exhibitions — available both in-person and virtually.

Events:

  • In-Person Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: The Changing Face of Fascist ItalyEvent info
    An inclusive, guided exploration of how design reflected and shaped history.

  • Virtual Vibrant Verbal Description Tour: The Changing Face of Fascist ItalyEvent info
    Join the conversation online from the comfort of home.

Wave Hill

Nestled in the Bronx overlooking the Hudson, Wave Hill offers nature, art, and mindfulness in perfect harmony. This Thanksgiving week, the gardens come alive with gratitude-themed activities and creative family fun.

Events:

  • Family Art Project: Tiny TerrariumsSaturday session | Sunday session
    Create miniature worlds inspired by nature’s beauty.

  • Tree as Medium: Ursula Endlicher, sTo Len, Sam Van AkenEvent info
    A multidisciplinary exploration of trees as creative collaborators.

  • Gratitude WeekendEvent info
    Reflect on the season with workshops, walks, and wellness activities.

  • Gratitude Sound MeditationEvent info
    A restorative sound experience to center the spirit.

  • Family Art Project: Grateful for TreesEvent info
    Craft nature-inspired art celebrating gratitude and growth.

  • Garden Highlights WalkEvent info
    Guided tours of seasonal plantings and scenic views.

Keep Exploring

Whether you’re in the mood for world-class art, live jazz, or peaceful garden walks, New York City offers endless ways to celebrate Thanksgiving week with meaning and joy. Explore, connect, and make memories with the people who matter most.

Exciting Events Around New York – November 2025

As autumn deepens and the air turns crisp, Great Performances continues to celebrate the rich cultural landscape of New York City. From inspiring concerts and art exhibitions to family-friendly performances and intimate dinners, our partner venues offer countless ways to embrace the beauty of November. As the exclusive caterer for many of these institutions, we’re proud to share some of the events that remind us why this season—and this city—are so special.

Apollo Theater

  • Apollo Comedy Club – November 6, 2025
    Enjoy an evening of laughter at the Apollo’s signature stand-up series featuring emerging and established comedians in an intimate setting.
  • Hang Time
    Join host Bob Sumner for a night of conversation, music, and storytelling celebrating the Apollo’s deep cultural roots.

Asia Society

  • Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat in Concert: Deep Roots, Fresh Leaves
    Experience the enchanting harmonies of Iranian sisters Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat as they blend Persian classical traditions with contemporary sounds in a moving performance about defiance, hope, and sisterhood. (See also: Music Workshop with Mahsa and Marjan Vahdat: Songs of Defiance, Hope and Sisterhood the day before.)
  • Elena Moon Park and Friends: Rabbit Days and Dumplings
    Beloved children’s musician Elena Moon Park returns with a joyful celebration of folk songs from East and Southeast Asia. Families can extend the experience with the Rhythm and Song Making with Elena Moon Park workshop the previous day.

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)

  • Sing for Hope Family Jam
    A lively, interactive concert where families can sing and dance together, celebrating music’s power to connect and uplift communities.
  • Best of BAMkids Film Festival: Ages 6–8
    Enjoy a curated selection of short films from around the world designed to spark imagination and laughter in young audiences.
  • FOR REAL
    An inventive stage performance that blends theater, movement, and storytelling to explore authenticity and the search for truth in modern life.

Brooklyn Museum

Caramoor

  • Christie Dashiell presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
    A mesmerizing evening of jazz vocals as Christie Dashiell brings her soulful sound to Caramoor in a performance co-presented with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
  • Poiesis Quartet
    The award-winning string quartet performs an exquisite program that bridges classical repertoire with bold, contemporary works.
  • The Arcadian Wild
    Blending bluegrass, folk, and chamber music, this Nashville-based trio delivers intricate harmonies and heartfelt storytelling in an intimate concert setting.
  • Rosanne Cash Benefit Concert
    Legendary singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash takes the stage for a special benefit performance supporting Caramoor’s music and education programs.

Jazz at Lincoln Center

  • Cyro Baptista at 75: A Banquet for the Spirits
    Celebrate Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista’s 75th birthday with an exuberant performance blending jazz, world rhythms, and improvisation.
  • Steve Miller
    Rock icon Steve Miller joins Jazz at Lincoln Center for a unique concert fusing blues, rock, and jazz influences in a rare live appearance.
  • Journey Through Jazz: The Mighty Negro Spirituals
    The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis explores the deep roots and enduring influence of the spiritual in jazz and American music.

Poster House

Wave Hill

  • Fall Terrace Party
    Celebrate the season surrounded by autumn color at Wave Hill’s annual fall gathering featuring live music, cocktails, and scenic views of the Hudson River.
  • Fiery Fall Sunset Yoga
    Unwind and reconnect with nature during an outdoor yoga session timed perfectly with the vivid colors of sunset over the Palisades.

From soulful concerts and interactive family jams to art tours and culinary pop-ups, November at our partner venues offers something for everyone. Great Performances is honored to collaborate with these institutions to make every event—and every season—an experience to savor.