What’s Really Happening in NYC This December 2025? Find Out Inside

New York City in December is expected to be a very busy month with various big galas, holiday gatherings, arts events and family-oriented celebrations from the early days of December to New Year’s Eve. The people living in the city and the tourists will be able to enjoy culture, community programs, and seasonal traditions in every borough.

The first day of the month will be Dec. 2 when three huge evening fundraisers will take place at the same time.

At the New York Cares Gala held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, the community service group, which has been offering services for many years, is going to display its activities in food support, public school programs and volunteer management. Thomas R. Nides will receive the recognition for his contribution to the organization. After that, the reception, dinner and the “NYC After Dark” event will take place that night, with Sara Bareilles as the performer.

Cipriani 25 Broadway is the venue of the UNICEF Gala 2025, a night that honors the people who support the cause of global child welfare. Sofia Carson takes over the hosting duties, while Leon Bridges and Amanda Gorman are among those performing.

And on the same day, Socrates in the City holds its Black Tie Christmas Gala at the Union League Club, which is the continuation of its public conversations with philosophers and cultural thinkers for 26 years. The event will be featuring a dinner, a live auction and the celebration of the guests John Lennox, Alice von Hildebrand, Dick Cavett and Peter Thiel.

Elsewhere at the Seaport, a gathering of a different kind is welcoming families to come outside. The Holiday Tree Lighting is the event that runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with music from The Doo Wop Project, Dueling Pianos and Brooklyn Drumline, and also featuring Santa meet-and-greets.

The day after, Dec. 3, AILEY marks the beginning of the New York City Center season with the Opening Night Gala, where the Director Emerita Judith Jamison will be the special guest. Samara Joy and Melissa White are the two lucky ones to perform before the guests of the Ziegfeld Ballroom get to enjoy dinner.

On December 4th, the American Museum of Natural History Museum Gala not only offers a meal but also a musical performance and a chance to roam the museum's halls after hours. The event's proceeds go to research, exhibitions, and educational programs.

The next day, Dec. 5, the Unite to Fight Hunger: New York Gala gathers support at Cipriani Wall Street. The program is anchored by stories from global hunger-relief projects, including the presentation of the Tom Moran Seeds of Hope Humanitarian Award to Jon Ledecky.

Theater, Sportsstars, and Philanthropy

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be performing its Red Bucket Follies on December 8-9 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. It comprises theatrical numbers that are part of the raising funds across the Broadway houses.

On December 8, sports fans also get a different type of star-studded evening at Pier 60. SBH is hosting its Team of Heroes Gala, which will be attended by athletes from the major New York teams. Artist Charles Fazzino will be present to sign the artwork produced for the event.

Events in Art, Dance, and Classical Music

The Met Fifth Avenue is having the Art & Artists Gala on December 10. It is a fundraiser for acquisitions and museum programming supported by Tiffany & Co.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be dedicating one of its shows at the New York City Center to Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA) on December 11. Tickets bought through DRA will include a pre-show reception.

The Met Opera will present its seasonal staging of “The Magic Flute,” an abridged English-language production directed by Julie Taymor. This will start on the same day and continue through January 3.

Life’s WORC will have its annual gala at the Garden City Hotel on December 12, followed by Joan Osborne’s DylanoLOGY LIVE at Adler Hall the next night.

Hanukkah, Family Days and Holiday Concerts

The city is lit up with Hanukkah events starting from Dec. 14. At the 92NY, the children become a part of the celebration with the Israeli Dance Troupe Parparim. The Jewish Museum next door hosts a Hanukkah Family Day with art activities, live music, and access to the international menorah collection.

On Dec. 15, Earth, Wind & Fire is performing at Beacon Theatre with their whole collection of hits for one night only.

Two days later, on Dec. 17-18, Andrea Bocelli is at Madison Square Garden, carrying on his long-standing custom of holiday season appearances.

Outdoor Learning and Neighborhood Traditions

For those who want to get away from the crowd and enjoy nature, Urban Park Rangers will lead the birding event titled Winter Waterfowl: Solstice Edition at Bush Terminal Park on Dec. 21.

That morning, the Museum at Eldridge Street will present a retelling of the Hanukkah story and conduct craft activities for children.

During the day, the Merchant’s House Museum will present a classic play “A Christmas Carol” performed by Summoners Ensemble Theatre King in the Victorian house for the holidays.

Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve

On Dec. 22, animal companions of owners are welcome for Santa’s Pet Photo Night at Kings Plaza.

Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem celebrates Christmas Day Gospel Celebration twice on Dec. 25.

Carnegie Hall’s Christmas Night Opera Gala, featuring singers such as Sondra Radvanovsky, Thomas Hampson, Asmik Grigorian, Nadine Sierra, Brian Jagde, and Anita Monserrat, is scheduled for Dec. 27.

As the month of December comes to an end, Gotham Hall will welcome New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec. 31 with an exquisite dinner, an open bar, and a wild party within the stunning landmark that offers night views of the city.

Classic Harbor Line sets sail from Chelsea Piers at 10 p.m. for its New Year’s Eve Cruise where the guests will be able to see the fireworks, enjoy a jazz trio and sip champagne on the Manhattan and Manhattan II.