One Train Line. Everything You Want to Do.
The 1 train runs the length of Manhattan. From Radio Hotel, two blocks from the station, you can access everything the city does during the holidays.
November events. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place on November 26. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives on November 7. The Union Square Holiday Market opens November 12 and runs through December 24. Major department store Christmas windows are unveiled November 18-19, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. Macy’s Santaland opens November 27 for family visits.
December holidays and celebrations. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony happens December 2 at 10 PM. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes runs through January 4. Holiday markets operate throughout the city, including Bryant Park’s Holiday Market. Additional Christmas tree lightings occur at Wall Street (December 3) and Washington Square Park (December 10).
Ice skating. The Rink at Rockefeller Center remains open through March. Wollman Rink in Central Park offers another option, along with other rinks throughout the city.
Holiday shows and Broadway. The Nutcracker performs throughout December at multiple theaters. Broadway shows book up fast during the holidays, but availability still exists if you plan now. Holiday concerts happen throughout the city all season long.
Shopping and holiday windows. You’ll find Fifth Avenue holiday displays, department store windows, Upper West Side shopping, and downtown boutiques. Everything is two train stops away, so you’re not limited by where you’re staying.
Hanukkah (December 14-22, 2026). The city celebrates Hanukkah with several signature events. Grand Army Plaza hosts the lighting of the world’s largest menorah each night of the festival, a stunning tradition that draws crowds from across the city. Wollman Rink in Central Park presents “Chanukah on Ice,” featuring Jewish music, complimentary kosher food, and a hand-carved ice menorah. The Jewish Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Hanukkah lamps—over 1,000—with special holiday programming throughout the season. South Street Seaport offers free “Chanukah on Ice” festivities with skating, live performances, ice menorah carving, and a lighting ceremony. For dining, classic NYC restaurants like Katz’s Delicatessen and Barney Greengrass feature traditional Hanukkah menus with latkes, brisket, and other holiday specialties.
New Year’s Eve (December 31). Whether you want Times Square, downtown bars and restaurants with views, midnight runs, or rooftop parties, everything is accessible from one subway line.
For families gathering during Thanksgiving or Christmas, Radio Hotel serves as your comfortable base for the season. You can visit the tree lighting together, grab dinner, catch a show, or explore holiday markets as a group. The 1 train connects you to everything the city offers without requiring complicated logistics or multiple hotels. Come back to your room to rest, recharge, and gather before heading out again.
