HOLIDAY EVENTS
NYC Christmas Tree Lightings:
November 28, 2025: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
November 29, 2025: Park Slope Christmas Tree Lighting
December 2, 2025: Bryant Park Christmas Tree, The Seaport, Tavern on The Green
December 3, 2025: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
December 4, 2025: NY Stock Exchange, DUMBO, Central Park
December 6, 2025: Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Bryant Park Winter Village is now open through March 2026, which features ice skating, holiday shopping and dining in Midtown’s winter wonderland. Bryant Park is located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, NYC.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland at 78 South Street, Pier 15, NYC from November 7 - December 30, 2025. Experience a whimsical waterfront Holiday installation along with dining and entertainment options surrounded by Christmas trees, games, and activities for kids and adults alike! Also, don’t miss Santa Claus himself welcoming guests 7 days a week!
Christmas in America Holiday Lane starting November 8 – December 21, 2025 at 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY. This immersive destination invites visitors to walk through spectacular holiday displays, shop festive décor, and snap unforgettable holiday photos — all while supporting the Mount Vernon community and it's completely FREE to enter.
Holiday Under The Stars from November 10 – January 4, 2026 returns bringing festive brilliance to the Upper West Side along with dazzling star shows nightly at 5pm. Visit The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, NYC.
Union Square Holiday Market from November 13 – December 24, 2025 hosts over 100 vendors featuring unique gifts created by local craftspeople, artists and entrepreneurs.
Macys Holiday Square & Holiday Lane: Discover personalized ornaments, festive decor and gifts along with 30+ specialty vendors - located on the lower level at Macy’s Herald Square at 151 W 34th St, NYC. Starting 11/23, you can make your reservation online 6 days in advance to visit Santa.
Where is Santa? Don't miss Santa pictures at Palisades Center! Starting November 15, 2025 at Palisades Center -1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY.
The Train Show at Greenburgh Nature Center from November 15 – December 7, 2025 from 10am – 4pm, Weekends Only at 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY. Run by Yonkers Model Railroad Club, features a special 12 x 18-foot display of model trains traveling through countryside scenes built by Yonkers Model Railroad Club. The display includes detailed features such as a mountain with a train tunnel, ravine, stream, model village, railroad crossings, and much more. The Train Show takes place inside the Manor House and is a fun event for your children. Prices: $5 Members, $12 Adult/Child (children under 2 are free) | $11 Senior (includes Animal Museum admission + train show)
The Third Annual Salvation Army Gingerbread Contest at Stamford Town Center, 100 Greyrock Pl, Stamford, CT, from November 3 – December 17, 2025. Contact Myron Smith (203) 359-2320 for details.
Photos with Santa starting November 9, 2025 at Stamford Town Center, 100 Greyrock Pl, Stamford, CT.
Santa at Ridge Hill starting November 22 – December 24, 2025. Monday-Friday: 11am – 7pm, Saturday: 11am – 8pm, Sunday: 12pm – 6pm. Up on the hilltop… click, click, click! Santa is coming to Ridge Hill. Step into Santa’s North Pole-inspired cottage to capture unforgettable holiday photos with the jolly man himself. To ensure your special visit with Santa, we recommend booking an appointment in advance. While walk-ups are welcome, please note that we cannot always guarantee a visit. For more information: https://ridgehill.com/
Santa and his three LIVE reindeer are returning to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT, from November 28 - December 24, 2025. Bring the kids and the dog to take photos with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa's Workshop.
The Irish Christmas Fair on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 11am to 5pm at The Irish American Center, 297 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY. Start your Christmas shopping with these great vendors. Kitchen will be serving Irish Breakfast, Scones, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Tea, Coffee and much more. For more information Call (516) 746-9392.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 begins at 8pm. Watch live on NBC or Peacock or in person at Rockefeller Center between 49th and 50th Streets in Manhattan.
Bronx Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, 2025 from 4-6 pm at Ciccarone Park on Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY. All are welcome to meet Santa, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy Italian cookies and rich hot chocolate.
Festival of Lights: Santa in the Park in Park Slope. Make holiday crafts and take a family photo with Santa on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11am to 2pm at Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Ave, Brooklyn. Event is Free for all ages.
Riverdale Presbyterian Church Holiday Fair on Saturday, December 5, 2025 from 10am to 2pm at 4765 Henry Hudson Parkway West, Riverdale, NY. Unique Holiday gifts, Christmas wreaths, handmade treasures and Holiday Food Drive.
Stony Brook Village 46th Annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 7, 2025 from 12pm to 6pm. Free and open to all, this community celebration will bring music, performances, and heartwarming holiday cheer to the village. At 2 p.m., Santa will arrive to greet children and will be available for photos until 4:45 p.m. For more information call (631) 751-2244.
Santa Visits New York Irish Center on Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 2pm-4pm at 1040 Jackson, Ave, Long Island City, NY. On this special day, New York Irish Center welcomes children and their families to meet Santa Claus ahead of the big day. Enjoy tea, coffee, and light refreshments, with a free gift for every child!
Snow White by Grand Kyiv Ballet – Friday, December 19, 2025 at 7pm, The Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N Van Brunt St, Englewood, NJ. The ballet Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was created based on Grimm Brothers fairy tale of the same name, but in style it resembles a Disney cartoon and is set to the musical motives of the Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky. This performance will interest not only young audience members, but adults as well. Everyone will be happy to plunge into a fantastic atmosphere that will be filled with dance, fairy tale good humor and acting, bright costumes, decorations and a beautiful love story. For tickets go to: https://www.bergenpac.org/events/detail/grand-kyiv-ballets-snow-white-1
SOCIAL EVENTS
Ancient Order of Hibernians Bronx County Board Annual Dinner Dance, Sunday, November 23, 2025, Rory Dolans, 890 McLean Ave, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Music by Mary Courtney, Marie Barrett & Dessie Groark. Honoring, Denis P. Mulcahy (Project Children), Thomas Beirne (NY State AOH President), Margaret Dixon (Irish Northern Aid). Special Guest Speakers: Kevin Brannigan & Jamie McGoldrick (Creators of the top rated RTE Irish Television Documentary NORAID: Irish America and the IRA). Tickets $100.00. For more information please call: Jack McCarrick 718-597-6327 email: jacksligo@optonline.net or Denis Boyle 917-715-8177 email: boyledenis605@gmail.com Please make checks payable to The Bronx County Board AOH and mail to Bronx County AOH,c/o Jack McCarrick, 314 Quincy Ave, Bronx, NY 10465.
The New York Irish Center’s Young Partners Holiday Gathering: December 2, 2025 at 6pm located at The Westbury, 20 W 38th St, NYC. A festive evening of networking and celebration hosted by the Irish American Partnership. Another year of giving back to students, schools, and communities across Ireland. Bring a friend or colleague for this festive evening! For tickets visit: https://irishap.org/events/young-partners-holiday-ny/
Ancient Order of Hibernians Bronx County Board Annual Dinner Dance, NYCD Emerald Society Christmas Party, Saturday, December 6, 2025, Austin’s Ale House, 82-70 Austin St., Kew Gardens, Queens, NY. Three-hour open bar, delicious hot and cold buffet and wonderful Emerald fellowship. Current members, $75.00 donation (which includes your annual dues), After Dec. 1st donation is $90.00. Guests, family and friends are all welcome, donation $75.00 before Dec. 1st, $90.00 after. Transit nearby at the LIRR Kew Gardens station. To pay by check or Zelle https://form.jotform.com/Emerald_Society/2026-current-member-data-form to pay by credit or debit card: https://form.jotform.com/Emerald_Society/26-current-member-data-paypal-form Contact info@nycdemeraldsociety.org for more information.
Mayo Society of New York Annual Christmas Party, Saturday, December 6, 2025, The Gibbon’s Home, 54-12 69th St., Maspeth, NY, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All are welcome. Non-Members have the option of a cash bar or $40.00 per person. RSVP by December 1st. Maureen Gibbons 917-498-2409 or Kieran McAndrew 917-478-8075.
Grand Council of United Emerald Societies Irishman of the Year Dinner, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Antun's of Queens Village, 96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens, Village, NY, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Guest of Honor Patrick J Ryder, Commissioner Nassau County Police Department. Aide to the Grand Marshal, NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2026. Tickets $130.00 per person, table of 10 $1300.00. For more information on purchasing tickets or journal ads visit https://gcues.org/2026-irishman-of-the-year/
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Concert Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble Tuesday, March 17, 2026 8 PM Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue, New York, NY, Stern Auditorium, Perelman Stage. Legendary fiddler Martin Hayes leads a wide-ranging, family-friendly concert celebration on St. Patrick’s Day, featuring an exciting variety of special guests, traditional sean-nós singing and dancing, and modern takes on Irish traditions. Tickets available here: https://www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2026/03/17/martin-hayes-and-the-common-ground-ensemble-0800pm
BOOKS/READINGS
16th Annual PoetryFest on December 5th through December 7th at The JL Greene Theatre Irish Arts Center, 726 11th Avenue, Hell's Kitchen, NYC. Take part in the “literary revelry” (New Yorker) of our longstanding festival of verse! The venerated poet Vona Groarke gathers writers from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and North America for a weekend of readings and conversations, starting with Friday evening’s much-loved Favorite Irish Poems launch event celebrating Irish poetry across the ages. All events on Saturday and Sunday are free. Tickets for the Friday launch event, Favorite Irish Poems, are $25–65 (inclusive of fees). For tickets visit: boxoffice@irishartscenter.org
Luke: Intro to His Gospel and to Jesus' Call to do Justice, Three Volumes, an E-Book by Joseph E. Mulligan, S.J. (Nicaragua) Fr. Joe's interpretation of the Gospel of Luke in relation to contemporary realities. As his own growth in understanding of the human Jesus has brought him to a deeper love for Him and a more serious desire to try to follow Him, he hopes his reflections may help readers to enjoy a more personal friendship with the Lord. To read the book email joemullj@gmail.com
You, me the Irish Music and a Grand Cup of Tea: Eileen Flynn Cronin traces the story of her family and relates some of their experiences, as well as her own experiences growing up Irish-American. Some of these folks travelled across the sea to raise their families in New York, and specifically in that awesome, magical, mystical place known as “The Bronx”. While the circumstances and experiences described herein were unique to her family, this is a shared story of many Irish men and women, and immigrants in general, making their way in, and helping to build the great country known as the United States of America. Purchase here: https://app.thebookpatch.com/BookStore/you-me-the-irish-music-and-a-grand-cup-of-tea/a5589f24-6006-4cd6-b9d0-5c5a9ef930cd Don’t miss her newest book: A Tinker’s Tale From Ireland to the Bronx The life of a tinker is the life of a traveler. You will find that my people are the subject of many stories. Although loving and kind, they have a bit of the devil in them. With plenty of laughter and song, they can fix anything. https://app.thebookpatch.com/BookStore/a-tinkers-tale-from-ireland-to-the-bronx/dea45e91-6cb3-4bc2-9c77-a78892cd21f2
EIIC Book Club – The Emerald Isle Immigration Center located at 4275 Katonah Ave., Woodlawn; Bronx, NY hosts a book club at 1pm, on the fourth Wednesday of month. See www.eiic.org or call 718-324-3039.
MASS AND SPIRITUAL EVENTS
The Sunday Mass is available on the following TV Channels; Channel 5, WNYW-TV 5:30 a.m.; WLNY Channel 10/55 9 a.m.; The Net (formerly The Prayer Channel) on Time Warner Channel 97 and Cablevision Channel 30 @ 6 pm on Saturday.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral:
- Young Adult Mass Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 7:30pm
- Christmas Eve Family Mass December 24, 2025 at 5:30pm (Livestreamed)
- Midnight Christmas Mass with Timothy Cardinal Dolan at 12am (Tickets Required)
- Jubilee Year opening mass: Sunday, December 29, 2025 at 10:15am
LANGUAGE/MUSIC/DANCE CLASSES
Bergen Irish Set Dancing Lessons at the Bergen Irish Association, 41 Omaha St., Dumont, NJ, Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Gerald Kennedy holds Irish Set Dancing lessons. Young, old, novice and experienced, all are welcome. Learn many dances including known sets: Kilfinora, Claddagh, Merchant, Clare Lancers plus many more. Admittance $10.00. For more information call 917-769-9925.
Flynn Irish Dance Tiny Tots 3-4 years old Pre-Irish Dance & Movement Class, Tuesday and Thursday, 10-11 am or 12-1 pm at the Aisling Irish Center, 990 McLean Ave, Yonkers. To register please email: bridget@flynnirishdance.com
Saffron United Pipe Band holds beginner and advanced beginner bagpipe and snare drum lessons at the AOH St. Patrick's Division 2 Hall, 27 Locust Ave, Babylon, New York, 11702 starting at 10am Sundays. Email pmsupb@gmail.com for more information.
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Katonah Ave., Woodlawn offers Irish language classes on Mondays for beginners (9:30am) and advanced (10:30am). For further information call (718) 324-3039 ext. 101.
Irish Language classes for adults and children are now available at the New York Irish Center, 1040 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, Queens, NY. For more info. Email: info@NewYorkIrishCenter.org Family discounts available. Visit our website for all our upcoming events www.NewYorkIrishCenter.org 718-482-0909.
Irish Language classes at all levels are available at Glucksman Ireland House Details, (212) 477-6177 or po2@nyu.edu
Gerry Tobin School of Irish Language – Free Irish language classes are held on Wednesday evenings at the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Hall, 27 Locust Ave., Babylon, NY. For more information call 631-521-1227 or email: FreeIrishClassesLongIsland@gmail.com or visit website http://www.scoilgaeilge.org
Philo Celtic Society – The 20 Month Strategy for the Irish Language is now available from The Philo-Celtic Society at http://philo-celtic.com/20-month-strategy-for-the-irish-language.html
Classes at Irish-American Assoc. of NW Jersey – Classes include Irish language, harp, set dancing (group dancing for adults), knitting. Headquarters located at 352 Richard Mine Road, off Rt. 15 North, Rockaway Township. For starting dates etc. please contact Jack Regan at ajhack1@aol.com or call 201-321-6706.
Sean Nós Dance Classes are held at the Irish Heritage Society of Milford Clubhouse, 131 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, CT. For more information call 203-876-9973.
RADIO and ONLINE CONTENT
106.7 Lite FM is the primary Christmas radio station, broadcasting a mix of classic and contemporary holiday music 24/7 during the season.
Christmas FM Ireland – This Irish station streams holiday music online and worldwide year-round, often with Irish-specific programming during the holiday season. Visit https://christmasfm.com/
It's Good To Talk Podcast - John D. Healy www.johndhealy.com Hundreds of topics to choose from including music, history, and the story of Mother Hubbards Restaurant. For more information Call 646-468-3463 or email jh4news@yahoo.com
Irish Stew Podcast – www.irishstewpodcast.com The podcast for the Global Irish Nation featuring interviews with fascinating influencers proud of their Irish Edge. If you're Irish born or hyphenated Irish, this is the podcast that brings all the Irish together.
The Irish Show with Ken & Anna airs over WKNY 1490 AM every Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m. Listen live at www.wkny1490am.com on Sundays.
WHPC 90.3 FM presents “Full Irish”, Saturday 11 a.m. Host Gary Power brings you everything Irish from Bono to Sharon Shannon, Chicago to Cork, & D.C. to Dublin. It’s Traditional Irish Music & Irish Rock from both sides of the Atlantic.
WFUV 90.7 FM presents the following programs: Sunday 7-8 a.m.“Thistle and Shamrock” with Fiona Richie, 8-11 a.m. "A Thousand Welcomes" with Kathleen Biggins, Ceol na nGael is broadcast from Noon to 4 p.m.
Raidió Failte is now available worldwide on the internet. Details www.raidiofailte.com and press 'Eist' or 'Listen' to hear Belfast's only Irish language radio station. The first Irish language station in the North of Ireland includes music, Gaeilge, Scottish, folk, traditional and world music as well as news, chat, language lessons and craic.
WRHU 88.7 FM The Long Ireland Show, hosted by Eileen Cronin airs on Saturdays from 2-5pm on WRHU 88.7 FM Radio Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. featuring county interviews, trivia and Irish music. Call in (516) 463-9748. Emerald FM, hosted by Kathleen Shortis airs on Saturdays from 5-7 pm, “New Generations Irish & Irish American music & pop culture. That’s How I Spell Ireland hosted by Kevin Westley on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. More info at www.wrhu.org
The "Voice of Erin" radio show is broadcast online www.radioerin.com
Ireland Calls "Ireland Calls" a music and news summary from Ireland is co-hosted by Tommy Smyth and Treasa Goodwin and is broadcast on Saturdays at 6 pm over WVOX 1460 AM. Now available on the internet, log onto www.wvox.com and click on listen live.
High Country Celtic Hour A nationally produced program of Irish music hosted by Joe Bly and Kate Marie from Carson City, Nevada Sundays 9 am, at 89.5 WSOU Seton Hall Radio. Details, (973) 761-9768.
Brendan Daly hosts WVKR, 91.3 FM, live Irish radio, www.IrishRadioNY.com Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Voice of Ireland, a weekly program of Irish culture and song from WRSU 88.7 FM and streaming at https://wrsu.rutgers.edu/ every Sunday at 5:00p.m. Hosted by Michael Callaghan, Jack McCullagh and Joe O'Sullivan.
SERVICES
The Aisling Irish Community Center located at 990 McLean Ave. Yonkers, NY, weekly schedule of classes and events are available on our website at www.aislingcenter.org or call 1- 914-237-5121; E-Mail: info@aislingcenter.org. Main office hours as follows: Mondays 9:00am – 5:00 pm. Counseling Services available. Please call 914-237-5121 or email communitroutreach@aislingcenter.org
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Katonah Ave., Woodlawn, offers knitting classes on Tuesdays at 10am. Wool and needles are provided and finished products are donated to local charities and nursing homes. Details, (718) 324-3039 ext. 101.
The New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, NY, offers free services and events also classes in Irish dancing, music and language. For details, (718) 482-0909. www.newyorkirishcenter.org
Emerald Isle Immigration Center For details of services offered at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center Woodside (59-26 Woodside Ave., Queens) and Woodlawn (4275 Katonah Ave., Bronx) call (718) 478-5502 for Woodside or http://www.eiic.org and (718) 324-3039 for Woodlawn.
