5 Ways to Celebrate the 2020 Holidays Safely in Central Park

5 Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit in Central Park

Relax and take advantage of these suggested safe holiday activities in 2020!

  1. The Origami Holiday Tree - From November 25th to January 10th, you can visit the American Museum of Natural History to lay eyes on the cherished Holiday Origami Tree. A favorite of New Yorkers for more than 40 years, you can see this brilliant display by reserving a timed entry ticket for entry between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Read more about the health and safety guidelines at AMNH.
  2. Hot Chocolate and Busker Music - Thanks to the many musicians who play for us in Central Park, you can be sure to come across your very own holiday concert. Grab a hot chocolate before heading into the park and wander in any direction.
  3. Ice Skating at Wollman Rink - What could be more iconic than skating in Central Park? Perhaps this will be the year you try it for yourself! Hours and ticket prices vary. They are open on holidays and even until 11 PM on Christmas! Check here for health and safety guidelines and here for public session hours. Lasker Rink, located mid-park near 107th Street in the park, will be open for public skating on November 21st, weather permitting. Holiday hours are available.
  4. Central Park Holiday Classic Run - A 5 mile race through Central Park will keep you fit through the holidays. Held on the morning of December 19th. Click here for more details.
  5. Horse & Carriage Ride - Pretend you're in a movie, or a fairy tale, or have gone back in time. Riding in a horse drawn carriage has a way of lifting your spirits and imagination while you get to tour the park. This is a great outdoor activity featuring added safety measures with everyone in mind.
  6. Bonus - Walk on over to the Shops at Columbus Circle to see their Holiday Under the Stars display. The installation can be seen from every floor and features 14 ft stars that light up and create a dazzling light show that can be viewed daily every half hour from 5:00 PM to midnight. 
  7. Bonus #2 - Run the Thankful Turkey Half Marathon. Throw on your running shoes and Tom or Tina Turkey mask for the NYC Turkey Trot, which has gone virtual. Pick a distance — the Thankful Turkey half-marathon, 10K or 5K — and then a route, such as the two laps and change around Central Park for the half-marathon. Submit your results between Thanksgiving Day and Nov. 29 to earn your medal.
  8. Bonus #3 - The New York Historical Society on Central Park West welcomes back the Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection exhibit from Nov 27 through Feb 21. On view: toy train engines and stations from the 1800s to the 1950s, including the Blue Comet: a mini version of the New Jersey Central express train that shuttled vacationers and gamblers between New York and Atlantic City in the 1920s and ’30s. Timed-entry tickets required, and capacity is limited to 25 percent.