Holidays on the Upper West Side: A Festive Guide to Columbus Circle

The holidays are quickly approaching, and Columbus Circle is getting ready to become one of New York City’s most festive corners. From the annual Holiday Market and ice skating in Central Park to twinkling lights, live performances, and seasonal programming at The Shops at Columbus Circle, the neighborhood offers plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, planning a festive outing with friends or family, or simply wantto experience some of New York’s favorite seasonal traditions, Columbus Circle puts shopping, dining, entertainment, and holiday activities all within easy reach. Here’s your guide to some of the best things to do around Columbus Circle this holiday season.

Credit: Urbanspace Markets

Shop the Holiday Market at Columbus Circle

Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, ornaments, accessories, and other unique gifts while enjoying the atmosphere of the season at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, the market brings together artisans, designers, specialty food vendors, and gift makers in a festive outdoor setting. Check the Holiday Market’s website for current hours and dates.

Experience Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle

For holiday shopping in a warm and festive setting, head to The Shops at Columbus Circle. The center brings together fashion, beauty, home, food, and specialty retailers, making it easy to find gifts for everyone on your list.

The holiday experience extends beyond shopping with The Shops’ Holiday Under The Stars programming, featuring choreographed holiday light shows with 44 illuminated stars and 300,000 twinkling lights filling the Great Room. These shows take place daily every 30 minutes from 5PM-midnight throughout the holiday season. Stay tuned for more information on this year’s programming.

Credit: Wollman Rink

Go Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

Few things feel more like winter in New York than skating in Central Park. Just a short walk from Columbus Circle, Wollman Rink offers the chance to lace up your skates with views of the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

The rink is a fun option for families, couples, groups of friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a classic New York winter activity. Families can take advantage of skate aids and children’s programming, while more experienced skaters can simply enjoy a few laps surrounded by the cityscape. The 2026–27 ice-skating season is scheduled to run from October 24^th, 2026 – March 16^th, 2027. Check the rink’s full schedule and reserve tickets ahead of your visit.

Credit: Lincoln Center

See George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® at Lincoln Center

For another classic holiday tradition, make your way to Lincoln Center for a performance of The Nutcracker®. The beloved ballet brings the magic of the season to the stage with elaborate sets, costumes, music, and dancing.

Make the occasion even more festive by planning a pre-show bite at The Shops at Columbus Circle. Stop in for a quick meal or drink before heading to the performance, making it easy to combine holiday dining, shopping, and entertainment in one outing.

Credit: Jazz at Lincoln Center

Catch the Big Band Holiday Show at Jazz at Lincoln Center

For another musical take on the season, check out the Big Band Holiday Show at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The annual holiday performance brings the sounds of a big band together with seasonal favorites for a festive night of live music. Pair the show with dinner, drinks, or some holiday shopping at The Shops for a full evening of seasonal entertainment. Check the Jazz at Lincoln Center calendar for performance dates, times, and ticket information.

From holiday shopping to ice skating, seasonal performances, and festive programming, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season around Columbus Circle. Explore at your own pace and make the most of the holidays with a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and classic New York experiences—all in the heart of the Upper West Side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do for the holidays near Columbus Circle?

Popular holiday activities around Columbus Circle include visiting the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, shopping at The Shops at Columbus Circle and experiencing their Holiday Under the Stars programming, ice skating at Wollman Rink, seeing The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, and attending the Big Band Holiday Show at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Where is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market?

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located at the southwest corner of Central Park, directly beside Columbus Circle and steps from The Shops at Columbus Circle. The seasonal outdoor market features artisan gifts, specialty foods, and other holiday finds.

Can I go ice skating near Columbus Circle?

Yes. Wollman Rink is located in Central Park near the southeast corner of the park and is a short walk from Columbus Circle. The 2026–27 skating season is scheduled for October 24, 2026, through March 16, 2027. Check the rink’s schedule and ticket availability before visiting.

What is Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus Circle?

Holiday Under the Stars is The Shops at Columbus Circle’s signature seasonal celebration, featuring 44 illuminated stars and 300,000 twinkling lights in the Great Room. Choreographed holiday light shows run every 30 minutes from 5 PM to midnight. Seasonal programming also includes experiences such as Broadway Under The Stars, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop Holiday Jazz Jam.

Where can I see The Nutcracker near Columbus Circle?

The Nutcracker is performed at Lincoln Center, just a short distance from Columbus Circle. Consider enjoying a pre-show bite at The Shops at Columbus Circle before heading to the performance.

What holiday shows can I see at Jazz at Lincoln Center?

Jazz at Lincoln Center presents its Big Band Holiday Show as part of its seasonal programming. The performance takes place at Frederick P. Rose Hall at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. Check the current Jazz at Lincoln Center schedule for performance dates and ticket information.

Where can I shop for holiday gifts around Columbus Circle?

The Shops at Columbus Circle offers fashion, beauty, home, food, and specialty retailers, while the Columbus Circle Holiday Market features artisan gifts, handmade goods, specialty foods, and seasonal finds. Visiting both gives shoppers a mix of established retailers and unique market discoveries.

How can I get to Columbus Circle?

Columbus Circle is easy to reach by subway, bus, taxi, or on foot from nearby neighborhoods. The 1, 2, A, B, C, and D subway lines all serve the Columbus Circle area, making it a convenient destination for visitors coming from other parts of Manhattan and beyond. Once you arrive, many of the neighborhood’s holiday attractions are within walking distance

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