NYC’s Can’t-Miss Events This Holiday Weekend (Dec. 18 – 21, 2025) | SPARK Top Picks

Jerry Seinfeld is at the Beacon Theatre, NYC. Photo courtesy of Beacon Theatre

Chris Botti, Jerry Seinfeld, Megan Hilty, a funkadelic Christmas concert, masterful gingerbread houses and a nostalgic train ride — here are our SPARK NYC Top Event Picks to brighten your holiday weekend.

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Jerry Seinfeld at the Beacon Theatre
Saturday, Dec. 20 (and Jan. 9–10, 2026)
Beacon Theatre, Broadway at 75th Street, NYC
msg.com

Jerry Seinfeld is at the Beacon Theatre, NYC. Photo courtesy of Beacon Theatre

Jerry is back at the Beacon — and New York City is better for it. He doesn’t need to be doing standup anymore, but guess what? He still loves his craft. His observational humor and unmistakable delivery still deliver. When will he perform in the Hamptons? C’mon, Jerry — your Hamptons hood awaits.

Chris Botti at the Blue Note New York
Dec. 18–Jan. 4, shows at 7 and 9 p.m.
Tickets start at $88.98, plus $20 food and drink minimum
Blue Note Jazz Club, 131 W. Third St., NYC
bluenotejazz.com

Christ Botti in residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club, NYC. Photo courtesy of Blue Note

Botti has a way with a trumpet, and he’s back for his highly anticipated annual holiday residency at the Blue Note. This marks his 21st year at the jazz club — his “home away from home.” A world-renowned trumpeter, Botti often draws surprise guest appearances, whether from the audience or hopping onstage. One thing we do know: where Botti will be for the holidays — smack dab in the Village, doing his thing.

Megan Hilty and the New York Pops: A Place Called Home
Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19–20, 8 p.m.
Carnegie Hall, 57th Street and Seventh Avenue, NYC
carnegiehall.org

Steven Reineke by Larry Busacca, Megan Hilty by Tony Matula.

Broadway and television star Megan Hilty joins the New York Pops and Essential Voices USA for a joyous evening of holiday classics and spirited carols, led by music director and conductor Steven Reineke.

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Through Jan. 5, 2026
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, NYC
rockettes.com/christmas

Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. Photo courtesy of Christmas Spectacular

There is nothing more magical during the holidays in NYC than seeing the Radio City Rockettes take the stage for the annual Christmas Spectacular. Fan-favorite routines like the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, dazzling costumes and the legendary kick line make this a treat for all ages. This year, immersive sound technology — inspired by The Sphere in Las Vegas — ensures a full audio experience throughout the 6,000-seat Art Deco hall.
Click here to read our feature on 85-year-old former Rockette Patty DeCarlo Grantham, who lives in Sagaponack.

Everett Bradley’s Holidelic, With Special Guest Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Friday, Dec. 19
Doors open at 6 p.m.; showtime at 8 p.m.
Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St., NYC
VIP reserved: $75; general admission: $47; standing room: $37, plus $20 food and drink minimum
sonyhall.com

Everetty Bradley HOLIDELIC at Sony Hall, Dec. 19, 2025. PHoto courtesy of Sony Hall

There’s talent and energy — and then there’s Everett Bradley. The Grammy-nominated singer and percussionist brings his Holidelic show, a high-voltage celebration of ’70s and ’80s funk lore told through inspired originals and reimagined classics. Think Father Christmas of funk. Come for the groove, stay for the message of love and diversity.

Holiday Under the Stars: Shops at Columbus Circle Light Show
Through Jan. 4, 2026
The Shops at Columbus Circle, 59th Street and Broadway, NYC
theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com

Shops at Columbus Circle Light Show. Photo courtesy of Shops at Columbus Circle

Shop, stroll and soak in the sparkle — all without braving the cold. Every 30 minutes from 5 p.m. to midnight, more than 300,000 twinkling lights and 44 illuminated stars transform the Great Room atrium into a kaleidoscope of color. Check the website for special performances and events.

Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bakeoff 2025
Through Jan. 19, 2025
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Ave. at 103rd Street, NYC
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Gingerbread NYC: The Big Borough Bakeoff at the Museum of the City of NY. Photo courtesy of Musueum of City of NY

The fourth annual Gingerbread NYC showcases edible works of art by professional and amateur bakers from across the five boroughs. This year’s theme, Iconic New York, celebrates the city’s places, buildings and spirit. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award as judges hand out multiple themed prizes.

Holiday Nostalgia Rides
Sundays in December
New York Transit Museum
nytransitmuseum.org/holiday-nostalgia-rides

Holiday Nostalgia Rides on NY subway trains. Photo courtety of NY Transit Museum

Step aboard a beautifully restored vintage subway car from the 1930s — clean, festive and full of charm. Rides run every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing from Second Avenue–Houston Street on the uptown F line and from 96th Street–Second Avenue on the Q line. Free with subway fare. Bring your top hat.

Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck
Through April 5, 2026
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street, NYC
metmuseum.org

The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck at The Met Museum, NYC. Photo courtesy of The Met

This first major exhibition devoted to Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) introduces more than 60 works by an artist revered in Nordic countries but little known elsewhere. Her restrained, emotionally powerful paintings reflect a lifetime of perseverance amid personal struggle. A must-see — as is the Man Ray exhibit at The Met.