Event Dates
From: Sunday, October 27, 2024
To: Thursday, January 2, 2025
Christmas in New York 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and by “it” we mean Christmas in New York!
Christmas in New York 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and by “it” we mean Christmas in New York! Just a few weeks after all the Halloween events wrap up, the city and the best New York attractions turn into an illuminated winter wonderland, decked out with Christmas trees, holiday windows and Christmas lights. Even the most tourist-averse New Yorkers have to admit that it’s a pretty spectacular sight.
- Over 5 million visitors head to NYC between Thanksgiving and New Years, so there’s plenty of opportunities to bump into new guys or meet old friends and have a very queer Christmas in the big apple. Book your hotel well in advance. Check out these best rates for hotels close to the best markets.
The Markets
- New York’s seasonal markets offer the best decorations, food and winter activities to get you in the Christmas spirit. If department stores with their holiday windows leave you cold, spend your winter at a holiday market.
- NYC’s best holiday shopping spots have everything from ice skating to vintage goods for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. Stay through dinner as you snack on grub from the city’s best food trucks, and make sure not to miss the tree lightings.
Christmas Tours
- Take a two hour tour of the best of the Christmas markets with insider tips and advice on how to get the most out of a Christmas Trip to NYC!
- Or take a 6 hour private VIP tour complete with driver and guide.
Here are the top holiday markets of the season.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
- Sunday October 27th 2024 to Thursday January 2nd, 2025 – Not only is there free ice skating on Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink (bring your own skates!) but also more than 125 holiday shops, including a bunch of new kiosks and eateries. And after you shop and skate, warm up at spacious rink-side restaurant Celsius.
- Discover the best hotels in Midtown West, close to the park.
Union Square Holiday Market
- November 16th – December 24th 2024 – If there’s one alfresco shopping event worth braving the cold for, it’s this one. This European-style winter market boasts more than 150 local and national vendors hawking an impressive selection of handcrafted gifts, ranging from jewelry and accessories to leather goods and artwork.
- Check out the brew-your-own beer kits from the Brooklyn Brew Shop; handmade, monogrammed stuffed animals from Hazel Village; and wooden puzzles and board games from Kubiya Games.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 – 20:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 20:00, Sundays 11:00 – 19:00, closed on Thanksgiving
- Stay at the Hyatt Union Square, a perfect location for exploring with really comfy beds and 24 hour gym.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- November 28th – December 31st 2024 – Central Park is a favorite holiday destination, both for its natural splendor and for the Columbus Circle Holiday Market in its southwestern corner (right near the entrance). The fair comes back this season, bringing goodies and gifts for all ages from more than 100 vendors.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 20:00, Sundays 11:00 – 19:00
- Stay at the Courtyard New York Midtown West, with spacious rooms (when compared to other NYC hotels), great breakfast options and close to all the festive fun.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
- November 13th – December 24th – It’s hard to imagine a more romantic excursion than going to a Christmas market in Grand Central—gawk at the swirls of constellations on the roof inside, then check out the towering, bejeweled tree to get a new meaning of “bright lights, big city”.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 19:00, Sundays 11:00 – 18:00 closed on Thanksgiving
- Consider the Concorde Hotel, perfectly located in Midtown East close to the markets, with large rooms, great in room amenities, an excellent gym and friendly staff.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- First Light – Wednesday December 4th, 2024 – Midtown – between 48th and 51st Streets.
- The tree will be lit daily from 6am-12am. On Christmas Day, the Tree is lit for 24 hours and on New Year’s Eve it is lit from 6am to 9pm.
- Every Christmas, thousands of New Yorkers (and tourists) travel to the bright and brilliant nexus of town: the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Christmas & The City, New York Store
- Open every season of the year, stock up on unique Christmas ornaments and delicious hot chocolate at Christmas & The City.
Christmas Pop Up Bars
- Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting.
- With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.
Holiday Windows in NYC
- Nothing says Christmas in New York quite like the world-famous window displays. With this holiday-themed walking tour, don’t miss the best displays decked out to celebrate the season.
- See the celebrated Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, stop at department store windows adorned with seasonal decorations, and see Radio City Music Hall—home of the beloved Radio City Rockettes.
Gay Christmas Events in New York
Hell’s Kitchen has show-stopping drag queen performances and multiple options for a night out, but so does West Village (or Greenwich Village) or Bushwick and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Our advice, spend one night to each one of these neighborhoods and try different parties on the same night. Move around and find your flow!
This list will be updated as events are confirmed.
- A Drag Queen Christmas – Awaiting Dates – Rochester, New York – Kodak Center with some famous Christmas lip syncing queens.
- Bendelacreme & Jinkx Monsoon New York – Awaiting Dates – Brooklyn, NY Kings Theatre – Join Ru Paul Drag queens for some fun Christgasm songs and sketches at the Town Hall Theatre.
- The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – Awaiting Dates – A new run, new show with even more spectacular performances.
Ice Skating in NYC
- Experience New York City on skates with a visit to one of the City’s famous ice rinks, many open-air versions of which are open from late fall to early spring. Central Park’s Wollman Rink comes with killer views of the Manhattan skyline,
while Rockefeller Center’s seasonal rink allows you to skate beneath the famous Christmas tree.- Enjoy some of the most amazing views while skating at the Vale Rink at William Vale hotel in Brooklyn. The ice rink is located on the 23rd floor of the hotel.
The Empire State Holiday Musical Light Show
- A defining feature of the New York City skyline since 1976, the Empire State Building lights have captured the world’s imagination for decades.
- The building maintains a tradition of changing the color of the lights to recognize important occasions, holidays, and organizations throughout the year.
- Take a skip the line tour and enjoy the show.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Nothing says Christmas like Dyker Heights, perhaps the most famous display of lights on the planet.
- Locals have been decorating their homes—personally and professionally—since the ’80s, making it a true NYC winter wonderland.
Christmas Holiday Statue & Skyline Cocoa Cruise
- The 1920s-vintage style motor yacht called Manhattan will be decked out with holiday decorations and steamy holiday beverages.
- On this cruise, you’ll be able to still listen to holiday jams, sip on hot cocoa and people watch the most famous New Yorker there is—Lady Liberty!
Best Christmas Hotels in New York City
We have chosen hotels within walking distance of some of the gay bars, and a short taxi ride to the others.
The New York EDITION Arlo NoMad Hotel Cassa Hotel citizenM Hotel
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Marlton hotel is in the heart of
Greenwich Village close to the gay bars
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Christmas in New York Website
Gay Map of New York
Most of the gay bars are located in the Christopher Street and Time square areas; we have found hotels closes to the gay bars in each area that have the best revues with our hotel partner Booking.com
11 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016
Arlo NoMad is 644 m from Madison Square Park, 322 m from the Empire State Building and 805 m from Herald Square. The access to the Subway Train 6, on 33rd Street and Park Avenue, is 322 m from the property.
Each room at the hotel is sized at 150 square feet and is fitted with a refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV, work desk and complimentary WiFi.
5 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Located in the iconic landmark Metropolitan Life Clock Tower 22 m from Madison Square Park, The New York EDITION offers a Michelin star restaurant and free WiFi access.
Featuring oversized windows and sweeping city views, every room includes photography by Melvin Sokolsky. Rooms offer a 48” flat-screen TV and each room has a private bathroom with custom Le Labo bath amenities.
52 W 13th StNew York, NY 10011
Nestled in Manhattan’s , this hotel is 805 m from New York University and Washington Square Park. Breakfast is served at the property for an additional charge as well.
Boasting elegant 1920s-inspired décor, guest rooms at Walker Hotel Greenwich Village feature leather chairs and cable TVs. Guests are pampered with bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.
103 Waverly PlaceNew York, NY 10011
Located 32 m from Washington Square Park and 141 m from the subway station, this Greenwich Village hotel features a spa and a restaurant. Complimentary WiFi is available.
Washington Square Hotel provides in-room safety deposit boxes, desks, flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. The bathrooms include bathrobes and hairdryers.
300 West 44th StreetNew York, NY 10036
InterContinental is spread across 36 stories and offers accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows offering of the Manhattan skyline, and .
Each room includes flat-screen TV, work station, spa-inspired bathroom with walk-in rain shower, coffeemaker, minibar and hairdryer.
218 West 50th StreetNew York, NY 10019
Located right in the of , this hotel is just 1 minute's walk from and within 5 minutes' walk of and Columbus Circle. and the are within 15 minutes' walk.
A flat-screen and a small refrigerator with free water are offered in 's rooms, which feature a centralized digital system that , music and electronics. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom . Wi-Fi of charge.
232 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning and features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A dishwasher, microwave and fridge
315 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
Furnished Quarters at The Olivia features accommodation 200 m from Madison Square Garden. Complimentary WiFi is provided. All air-conditioned units include a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare meals.
42 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
AKA Central Park offers studio, 1-2 bedroom, and penthouse suites with living areas and fully-equipped kitchens. Amenities and services include a lounge, meeting space, and complimentary WiFi. A minute’s walk away from 5th Avenue
605 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
All units include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. There is also a dining area and a kitchen fitted with a dishwasher and oven. There is a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hair dryer in each unit. Towels are offered.
783 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036
Hell's Kitchen's Newest LGBTQ+ Cocktail Bar, It’s a “one-stop shop” literary-themed multiplex The Dickens now open for dinner and drinks and dancing over 4 floors.
The venue boasts six different spaces to grab a cocktail, including a first floor cocktail bar and restaurant; low-key hangout The Genie’s Lounge; moody, stylish party venue at the whiskey-themed Dark Room; dance floor Discoteca; and a top-notch rooftop at the Margarita Market.
554 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001
New York's premier gay leather bar.
139 East 45th Street New York, NY 10017
Uncle Charlie’s is an all-inclusive gay piano bar & lounge located in Midtown East, New York City.
THE MAIN BAR A welcoming area with plenty of comfortable bar seating, plus several banquettes with table service on selected nights.
THE PIANO LOUNGE A separate room where our stars shine.
OUTDOOR PATIO A true rarity for New York! An outdoor patio for smokers, or a place to relax with a quiet conversation under the stars!
114 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
The First All Male Bar To Open After The 1969 Stone Wall Riots.
With slightly rickety wood tables and chairs, TV's tuned to normal shows and Major Sport Events rather than music videos, and a big bulletin board covered with ads and local event flyers. Don't expect any sort of dress-up from the patrons, either: T-shirts, non-designer jeans, and lots of baseball caps predominate with our Eclectic,30-and-up, Bear, Cub, Otter & Hipster Crowd who often sport beards. Friendly to a fault, Old school Cruising and actual Conversations, No Attitude Atmosphere
405 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Gay cruising bar can be lots of fun
236 East 58th Street New York, NY 10022
Welcome to The Townhouse of New York, a premier gay gentleman’s piano bar. Fun Gay bar worth a visit
2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10027, United States
Gay bar with a dark, intimate vibe offering pizza & wings, plus beer & signature cocktails.
100A 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, United States
Buzzing gay bar offering beer, cocktails, drag shows, happy-hour drink specials & dancing.
80 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Classic gay hangout offers piano bar upstairs & a basement level for dancing, music & mingling.
185 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Rockbar - NYC's favorite spot for Bears!
714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
A gay bar Serving you craft cocktails, elevated bar snacks, & unique entertainment in Hell's Kitchen
992 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, United States
A small, friendly gay lounge with a neighborhood vibe & weekly events like drag-queen karaoke.
53 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
The Historic, Legendary Landmark & Birthplace of the Gay Rights Movement
This bar is part of gay history and is responsible for many of the rights we now take for granted and has been going strong for over 50 years, a must visit when in New York
369 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
NYC Gay heaven Premier NYC venue on two floors; streetside + backyard patio
The Ritz Bar Lounge is one of the hottest gay bars at Hell's Kitchen with a lot of famous drag queens and the hottest dances and realy good DJs
382 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Unapologetically sexy. An LBGTQ+ Phenomenon. A cult following. Over its 44-year history, The Saint At Large has retained its reputation for cutting-edge innovation and staging.
Its biggest event, THE BLACK PARTY, held every Spring in New York City, is considered the father of all large circuit events
61 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
THE DUPLEX, New York City's world famous cabaret and piano bar, is located in the heart of West Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
The ever popular DUPLEX boasts a piano bar with open mic and live music every night of the week, an upstairs bar featuring drag performances, DJs and music videos, and an intimate off-Broadway cabaret theater, all hosted by New York's friendliest staff.
697 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
Cool gay bar hosting some of the best drag performances and performers in the city
753 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
A gay bar with Retro athletic club decor, hot men and good music
793 9th Avenue, between, 52nd W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Wild West-themed, cash-only gay bar with cowboy decor, country-&-western music & dancing barmen
159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
New York’s oldest Gay bar
THE neighborhood gay bar in the village. An institution. Strong drinks, good food
599 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
The Spot Bar NYC is an LGBTQ+ bar located in hells kitchen Manhattan serving the gay community with entertainment and cocktails.
859 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Rise is one of hell's kitchen's favorite gay bar, Daily Happy Hour Specials and Nightly Entertainment. Come out for some fun and keep it going with our DJs, Drag shows, Karaoke and more
8 Christopher Street New York, NY 10014
Friendly bartenders serve up the most fun for the least money in this historic neighborhood bar. We are proud to feeature drag shows every day of the week!
115 Christopher St #1, New York, NY 10014, United States
The Hangar Bar is a Gay man's bar on the historic Christopher Street popular with African Americans
447 East 14th Street New York, NY 10009
The Phoenix, originally established as The Bar in 1999, rose from from the ashes after a fire devastated the mainstay dive watering hole. The Phoenix has a strong tradition of catering to a diverse and trendy crowd, and has become a gay institution in the east village.
225 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, United States
Energetic gay bar offering DJs, drag shows & more in an industrial-chic atmosphere.
322 East 14th Street New York, NY 10003
Nowhere bar is a beloved neighborhood gay dive that has been serving the east village since 2003
1742 2nd Ave store, New York, NY 10128, United States
Local gay bar offering a range of cocktails, happy hour specials & live entertainment
59 Grove Street New York, NY 10014
Marie's gay bar offers Live Sing-a-Long Showtune Piano Bar
355 West 52nd Street New York, NY 10019
Open Everyday. Four- time winner "New York's Best Gay Men's Bar" with Drag shows and events
167 8th Avenue New York, NY 10011
GYM SPORTS BAR NYC's PREMIER Gay Sports Bar Established 2005
343 West 46th Street New York, NY 10036
Don't Tell Mama is a veritable nightlife mall with four individual spaces: a piano bar, a restaurant and 2 separate cabaret showrooms.
Don’t Tell Mama – The story
DTM started as a Piano Bar Cabaret. Established in 1982, Don’t Tell Mama Piano Bar and Cabaret is world famous as a New York Entertainment Landmark. The origin of the name Don’t Tell Mama is the title of a song by John Kander & Fred Ebb from the 1966 Broadway Musical “Cabaret”.
281 West 12th Street New York, NY 10014
Definitely a neighborhood gay spot where people love it. Non expensive drinks it's a chill spot where great conversations happen
37 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011
Gay bar that has two levels, several pool tables, brick oven pizza, beer on tap, many plasma screens and an outdoor patio
86 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
Atmosphere is friendly. The bartenders are great! The drinks were really good...no skimping on the alcohol. All in all a fun gay bar
656 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036
Hell's Kitchen's longest running neighborhood gay bar, now celebrating 30 years of unpretentious fun!
275 West 22nd Street New York, NY 10011
More "Best Bar" Awards than any NY Gay Bar—The Village Voice,
Recommended Hotels in New York By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in New York that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The New York EDITION
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Iconic Metropolitan Life Clock Tower
- Close to the gay district
- Oversized windows, city views
- Located in iconic clock tower, offers Michelin star restaurant, free WiFi, rooms with city views and photography.
CitizenM 4 Star
Times Square
- 4 Star – Heart of Manhattan, Near Times Square
- Close to the gay district
- Flat-screen TV, free water
- Right in Manhattan’s heart, minutes from Times Square, Central Park, and major attractions, modern amenities in rooms.
Arlo NoMad
4 Star, Luxury
- 4 Star – Close to Madison Square Park
- Close to the gay district
- Refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV
- Near Madison Square Park and Empire State Building, offers compact, efficiently designed rooms with essential amenities.
InterContinental
4 Star, Location
- 4 Star – Views of Manhattan Skyline
- Close to the gay district
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-inspired bathroom
- Across 36 stories, offers rooms with Manhattan skyline views, Broadway Theater District proximity, and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Video Of Christmas in New York
Highlights of Christmas in New York City
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in New York
New York City is incredibly diverse, and LGBTQ+ communities can be found throughout the city. These neighborhoods, however, are particularly renowned for their vibrant gay scenes and welcoming atmospheres. Enjoy exploring the Big Apple
Hells Kitchen | Midtown Manhattan
Photo: Hell’s Kitchen is home to some of New York’s most popular gay bars.
- Situated in Midtown Manhattan, Hell’s Kitchen is a thriving gay neighborhood. It offers a mix of trendy restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
- Many Broadway theaters are located in this area, making it convenient for theater enthusiasts.
- The neighborhood also hosts the annual Drag March and boasts a diverse range of bars and clubs.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Hells Kitchen
Chelsea
Located on the west side of Manhattan home to the popular Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards and host of the annual NYC Pride March.
East Village
With a bohemian atmosphere, offering a mix of trendy bars, clubs, and performance spaces and a younger edgier scene.
Greenwich Village
Birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, offering a unique mix of charming streets, quirky shops, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Williamsburg
Happening hotspot in Brooklyn and home to some of our top gay parties and events, easily accessible via the subway.
Other Events in October
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Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 16:43:462024-10-29 16:31:57Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights
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admin2014-11-03 19:16:412024-10-07 14:05:23Munich Gay Oktoberfest
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Andrew Stevens2022-02-18 12:41:442024-12-20 12:52:33Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara & Day of the DeadLatest Gay Travel News
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