Things to do on a Sunday in New York

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. 

'Tis the season fors carol and cocoa, and you can do both at the 29th annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park. On Thursday, December 4 at 5:30pm, join your fellow revelers (and Santa!) at the park's Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to kick off an evening of carol singing, seasonal activities and, of course, hot chocolate. As is tradition, the festivities wrap up with the lighting of a flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer. Extra tip: Print out this songsheet so you're prepared for the carols.

This tree lighting may not get the same pomp and circumstance as the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, but we think it's just as beautiful.

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.

This holiday season, take a trip back to school for Columbia University's first ever Lee. C Bollinger Forum's Holiday Market. 

This small but mighty market will host an array of local entrepreneur vendors like Reprise Active Wear, Woofcessories, Botanical Moement, Rouge Hoops, Coleurs, Framiati, Body Vanity, Vicki Finkel, Bos Nourishment, Jillian Trumpet, Bombrey Street Creation, K's European Jams and more. 

The market will open to the public at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum building on Columbia's Manhattanville campus (3207 Broadway, First Floor Cafe Area) from December 1 to December 19. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 12pm-5pm and Friday 4pm-8pm. 

On the day after Thanksgiving, the neighborhood of Dyker Heights undergoes a transformation, as residents along several blocks in this Brooklyn neighborhood festoon their homes with elaborate holiday decorations.

And we're not talking about a Christmas tree or a simple nativity scene: Among the kitschy pieces you might see are life-size reindeer, huge inflatable Santas and snowmen, Christmas carols blaring from loudspeakers and tens of thousands of lights.

See the lights through New Year's Eve.