10 Ways You Can Enhance Your Holiday Trip to NYC with Central Park

Discover these lesser-known holiday activities that bring the season to life in Central Park.

New York City draws millions as a top holiday hotspot, with festivities, shopping, entertainment, and cuisine spanning all five boroughs. But—we have it on good authority that Santa's favorite spot is Central Park!

Discover these standout holiday highlights:

1) Sing along at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Tavern on the Green.

Tavern on the Green throws a free Christmas tree lighting bash in their courtyard each year, featuring live music, performances, complimentary snacks, and drinks. The tree remains lit all season!

2) Cap off a crisp Central Park walk with holiday shopping and other festive events at Columbus Circle.

Discover unique gifts at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, then immerse yourself in the enchantment of Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle—complete with live performances, light shows, seasonal decorations, family-friendly activities, plus shopping and dining options.

3) Experience ice skating at Wollman Rink (southeast corner) and the new Gottesman Rink at Davis Center (north end).

Enjoy ice skating with stunning NYC skyline views at these two Central Park rinks, plus catch seasonal events and special performances. There are also cozy igloo tents and premium VIP experiences.

4) Admire the Holiday Flotilla on the Harlem Meer.

Each year the Conservancy holds the Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting for the whole family that includes, carols, refreshments and a visit from Santa. The dazzling lights, including the flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer, last throughout the holiday season.

5) Cozy up on a horse and carriage ride through Central Park and beyond!

Indulge in a classic horse-drawn carriage ride—a quintessential New York experience perfect for holidays with loved ones. It's a special treat during the busy holidays, and some rides even include a stop at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!

6) Visit the holiday light display at Pulitzer Fountain.

Gaze at a spectacular display of over 5,000 feet of holiday lights and more at Pulitzer Fountain, located at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Central Park. 

7) Join the New Year's Eve run from Road Runners and enjoy the fireworks!

Kick off the new year with the NYRR Midnight Run, complete with music, dancing, fireworks, and festive runners.

8) Take a walk through the North Woods winter wonderlands.

Wander into an NYC escape and uncover the snowy magic of the North Woods.

9) Meet the man who wrote the famous New Year’s song about remembering old friends and "old times".

Be sure to tip your hat to the statue of Robert Burns on New Year's Eve and thank him for writing Auld Lang Syne. The Literary Walk, at the southern end of the Mall, is where you'll find The Greatest Scot.

10) Marvel at several distinctive Christmas trees shimmering with lights throughout the season.

Spot these one‑of‑a‑kind holiday trees adorned festively in and around the park.