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7 Holiday Get-Together Ideas for Large Groups in New York City

Ahoy New York Food Tours Pasta Tasting Taste Mulberry Street

Planning a holiday or Christmas event?

Christmas, Hanukkah and the holidays are right around the corner so you may be planning a fun, memorable get-together with friends, family or co-workers. Here are 7 holiday get-together ideas for large groups in New York City. This includes great ideas for holiday staycations with friends, fun family holiday outings, company Christmas parties and more. Be sure to check out our NYC foodie gift guide too!

Go to the Amaze Light Festival

Amaze Light Festival Citi FieldP.C.: amazelightfestival.com/

One of our favorite things to do during holidays is to see all the Christmas lights around New York City. This year the Amaze Light Festival will fill Citi Field with jaw dropping holiday light displays and light shows and it is a good way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. There will also be food, music, rides, and holiday shops including a candy shop and a toy shop named Zing’s Toyporium. This festive event ends on January 8, 2023.

See the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Costumed Stilt Walker

Every year the Bronx Zoo lights up for the holidays and it has become an annual tradition for us. At this holiday event, you can find beautiful animal lanterns, animated light shows, ice carving demonstrations, costumed stilt walkers and more. This event also ends on January 8, 2023. Similarly, there is also the New York Botanical Garden Glow and Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Join Us on a Food Tour of New York City

Ahoy New York Food Tours Doyers Street

The holidays are the perfect time to visit New York City and there is no tastier way to explore NYC than an Ahoy New York food tour! We have two fun food tours, Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest and Taste Mulberry Street – A Culinary Journey. Both tours explore historic landmarks in Lower Manhattan and feature many delicious tastings including both small off the beaten path shops and popular restaurants. We also offer private food tours, and it is a great holiday outing idea for both families and companies alike.

Rent a Igloo and Ice Skate in Bryant Park

Bryant Park Ice Skating

There is so much to do at Bryant Park’s Winter Village. An example of a day at Bryant Park can include renting igloos which includes food and drinks, ice skating on one of the most famous rinks in NYC, curling and even bumper cars. All these activities are very popular so be sure to plan in advance.

Have a Holiday Feast at a NYC Restaurant

C Di Palo Burrata Salad and BreadP.C.: yelp, Mich M.

There are so many top-notch restaurants in New York City, and we can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the holidays than through food. Some restaurants we recommend for a huge holiday fest that also have private rooms include Bacaro (136 Division St), C. Di Palo (151 Mott St) and Freemans (Freeman Alley). Follow our food blog for more yummy recommendations!

Get Tickets to the Iconic Christmas Shows

Rockettes Toy Soldiers Christmas SpectacularP.C.: wikipedia, Bob Jagendorf

When you think about iconic Christmas shows in New York City, two immediately come to mind, the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes and the New York City Ballet’s, The Nutcracker. Both are fun for all ages and are a great idea if you looking to plan something indoors to avoid the cold.

Check Out the Gingerbread NYC: Great Borough Bake-Off

Gingerbread NYC Great Borough Bake OffP.C.: instagram, museumofcityny

Finally, the Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off at Museum of the City of New York (1220 5th Ave) sounds like a ton of fun. It will feature gingerbread houses from bakers across New York City. Plus, for the children, there is even a holiday themed scavenger hunt. This event runs until January 8, 2023.