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This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to New York
New York’s cultural calendar is always a thrill, and this winter season is no different. Below are our picks of the best in art, music and dance — as well as holiday markets and ice rinks — to transport you through the colder months.
Ice-skating
Glide into the New York winter at any of the many ice rinks opening up around the city. Iconic spots include the Rockefeller Center, where you can skate under the glow of its famous Christmas tree, Bryant Park (free if you bring your own skates) and the Wollman Rink in Central Park for a cityscape view. Until March 2025
Holiday markets
Browse stalls selling artisan goods, hot drinks and street food at one of New York’s festive markets. Alongside the ice rink and art-print shops in Bryant Park (until January 5), tuck into The Truffleist’s viral cheesesteaks or sip a velvety hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed. Another culinary highlight is the Union Square Holiday Market (November 16–December 24), which with 185 stalls is the largest in the city and offers everything from bao buns to Nutella-stuffed bombolini. And to stock up on vintage gifts and take in views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Flea (every Saturday and Sunday) curates special holiday editions.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The “Wooden Soldier Fall” alone is worth a ticket to the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular, as the dancers slowly descend to the floor like dominoes — an iconic feat of teamwork in a choreography that is more than 90 years old. In this family-friendly extravaganza directed and choreographed by former Rockette Julie Branam, 36 of the world-class dancers twirl, tap and famously high-kick in perfect synchrony. Singers, Santa Claus and a tutu-clad teddy bear are all part of the fun too. From $60, until January 5; rockettes.com/christmas
Carols in the city
Sing along to carols in some of the city’s most beautiful churches. See the Cathedral of St John the Divine in full festive splendour at its annual Christmas concert (December 14), with the Great Organ making its much-anticipated return. For Midnight Mass, head downtown to Trinity Church Wall Street, or try your luck in the lottery draw at St Patrick’s Cathedral by the Rockefeller Center. The Cathedral of St John the Divine tickets, from $55; stjohndivine.org
‘The Magic Flute – Holiday Presentation’, Metropolitan Opera
In what has become a much-loved annual tradition, Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to the Metropolitan Opera for the holiday season. This colourful English-language staging will enchant families, newcomers to opera and regulars alike. From $35, December 12–January 4; metopera.org
‘Flight into Egypt: Black Artists and Ancient Egypt, 1876–now’, The Met
Flight into Egypt explores how Black artists and other cultural architects have engaged with ancient Egypt over the past 150 years through sculpture, visual art, music, literature and more. This multisensory approach to forging a unifying identity for the Black diaspora will, in a first for the Met, include live performances on select days. Until February 17; metmuseum.org
New York City Restaurant Week
Dining-out bargains (by NYC standards) are back in the new year. For three glorious weeks, you can enjoy prix-fixe lunches, brunches and dinners across the five boroughs, with more than 600 restaurants taking part. Italian, Mediterranean, Ethiopian, Chinese — the possibilities are vast. Bear in mind that it excludes Saturdays (Sundays are optional for participating eateries). It’s best to check with the restaurant beforehand and book in advance to guarantee a table. January 21–February 9; nyctourism.com
The Winter Show, Park Avenue Armory
The world’s top experts in fine and decorative arts converge under one roof at this leading art, antiques and design fair. Vetted rigorously, the paintings, furniture, jewellery and ceramics represent the highest standards of quality. All proceeds from ticket sales go to East Side House Settlement, a community-resources organisation in the Bronx. January 24–February 2; thewintershow.org
New York Fashion Week
Where fashion vanguards gather to shape culture and set trends on a global stage. Established and emerging US designers will showcase collections for next autumn/winter, exhibiting both ready-to-wear and luxury creations. Expect top-tier innovation from some of the biggest names in the fashion world and rub shoulders with celebrities and international media. If you can’t score an invite, there’s always street-style scoping and people-watching galore outside the venues. February 6–11; nyfw.com
‘Edges of Ailey’ at the Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum is celebrating the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey. The first large-scale exhibition dedicated to the visionary choreographer includes visual art, rarely seen archival material and performance footage. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is also in residence for one week each month, taking over the museum’s third-floor theatre for more than 90 performances. Until February 9; whitney.org
Winter season, New York City Ballet
Expect debuts, revivals and tributes at the New York City Ballet this season. To mark the birth centenary of the late Maria Tallchief, the first Native American prima ballerina, there are three choreographies by her first husband, George Balanchine in which she danced: Scotch Symphony, Sylvia: Pas de Deux and Firebird. Justin Peck and Alexei Ratmansky will also premiere new works, alongside classics such as Swan Lake, Divertimento No 15 and The Cage. January 21–March 2; nycballet.com
Share your tips for New York this winter in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter
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