Queens Holiday Events & Queens Holiday Things To Do
Christmas Tree Lightings, Hanukkah Menorah Lightings, & Kwanzaa Candle Lightings in Queens
August 17, 2026 / Astoria Neighborhood / Long Island City LIC Neighborhood / Sunnyside Neighborhood / Woodside Neighborhood / Jackson Heights Neighborhood / Corona Neighborhood / Flushing Neighborhood / Jamaica Neighborhood / Queens Neighborhoods NYC / Queens Things To Do Holidays / Queens Buzz NYC. TMP.
NOTE. In 2025 we added an Update Log at the beginning of the listings, so it's easier for you to stay abreast of changes / updates / new additions.
Be sure to visit our Queens holiday markets page, as it contains related holiday events with a shopping element to them.
For links to holiday events and markets in all five boroughs of NYC scroll down to the bottom of this report.
How The Queens Holiday Events Page on this Page are Organized
These holiday events in Queens are first organized by Date in our New Update Log, and then organized with more detail as follows:
0. See NOTE above as we first show the events in order of dates they occur and secondly by neighborhoods as follows.
1. BY NEIGHBORHOODS OF QUEENS
2. BY DATE (not always as it depends on when the info comes in)
Watch carefully as some locales have multiple dates, and all dates for a given locale are shown at the time the venue is first listed.
3. ALL OF THESE ARE FREE UNLESS FEES ARE SPECIFIED.
4. Note QUEENS HOLIDAY MARKETS are published on a separate page - the links to which are posted above and at the bottom of this page, along with links to holiday events in other boroughs.
Queens Holiday Lights, Christmas Tree Lightings, Hanukkah Menorah Lightings, Kwanzaa Candle Lightings Background
The holidays are a special time of the year. In ancient times there were harvest celebrations to give thanks and enjoy the bounty after a long growing and harvesting season aka a year of work.
Holiday lighting festivals and ceremonies have been on the rise in Queens in recent years. While some date back many years, most are traditions that started within the past five or ten years.
What does an increase in holiday lightings mean? It means you have ample opportunity to go yourself, or with friends, or to take your kids to one or more of them to learn a bit more about your own culture or the culture of others.
Each lighting is a bit different, as some are community and business-oriented, some are religiously oriented, a few have arts organizations behind them, and some are backed by non-religious cultural organizations. Please feel free to send us a notice of your holiday lighting event if it's not posted herein.
Queens Christmas, Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Holiday Events Begin in Earnest
This is not meant to be a complete list, but rather a list of the holiday lighting events, many of which I’ve attended one or more times since late 2007. The holiday lighting events are organized individually by each Queens neighborhood including Astoria, Long Island City LIC, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Corona, Flushing, Jamaica and Whitestone. Many include the serving of some beverage like hot chocolate and generally something to munch on like cookies.
- Click here for a schedule of the Xmas / Christmas Tree Lightings, Hanukkah Menorah Lightings, Kwanzaa Candle Lightings - Holiday events in Queens - Kwanzaa, Hanukkah & Christmas Queens.
Queens Holiday Events: Candle, Menorah & Holiday Tree Lightings
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa & Christmas Events In Astoria, LIC, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Whitestone & Jamaica
August 17, 2026 / Astoria Neighborhood / Long Island City LIC Neighborhood / Sunnyside Neighborhood / Woodside Neighborhood / Jackson Heights Neighborhood / Corona Neighborhood / Flushing Neighborhood / Jamaica Neighborhood / Queens Neighborhoods NYC / Queens Things To Do Holidays / Queens Buzz NYC. TMP. Continued.
Note that these events are free unless otherwise noted.
- Click here for our report about the Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas holiday markets in Queens - Holiday markets in Queens, Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Flushing and Jamaica.
NEW EVENTS WILL BE ADDED WEEKLY
Starting in mid / late October - We Update Weekly
PAY ATTENTION TO THE DATES / YEARS.
STARTING MID / LATE OCTOBER 2026 - WE'LL BE UPDATING WEEKLY THRU THE END OF THE YEAR
UPDATED WEEKLY THRU THE HOLIDAYS
Only Asterisked markets have been updated to 2026
Pay attention to the dates / year.
UPDATE CHANGE LOG
WEEKLY UPDATES OR NEW ADDITIONS 2026
SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS
PLEASE NOTE. These brief Queens holiday events are in 2026 chronological order. For further details on times, locations and event descriptions, scroll down to the Queens geography / section noted at the end of each event.
November Holiday Events in Queens 2026
- Sunnyside _ Friday, November 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm - Sunnyside Shines Holiday Tree Lighting - under the Sunnyside Arch between Queens Blvd and Greenpoint Avenue at 46th Street in Sunnyside. For details see - https://www.facebook.com/sunnysideshines
- Floral Park _ Fridays & Saturdays, November 14, 15 & December 5, 12, 13 & 19, 2025 from 8 to 11 pm - 18th Century Tavern Night - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For details and $98 / person tickets excluding beer, wine, cider and cocktails - https://www.queensfarm.org
- 2025 _ As of 11.23.24 Nothing Posted / Ditto 11.21.25 _ OLD _ NOTE DATE / YEAR _ Thursday, November 30, 2023 - Athens Square Park tree lighting in Astoria. See details below.
December Holiday Events in Queens 2026
- Floral Park / Little Neck _ Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 10 am to 8 pm - Joy on the Farm - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. A full day of traditional holiday activities including a holiday market, a hayride, Christmas carolling, a Christmas tree lighting and more. For $11.50 tickets or $6 per hayride tickets and details scroll down or see - https://www.queensfarm.org/2024-public-events/
- Flushing _ Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 12 noon to 5 pm - Winter Wonderland - at the Queens Botanical Garden at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing. Music, crafts, festive shopping includes a lantern walk to the tree lighting. For $6 tickets and details see - https://queensbotanical.org/event/winter-wonder-2/
- Sunday, December 14 - Monday, December 22, 2025 - Hanukkah - the Jewish festival of lights is celebrated in all five boroughs of NYC. Happy Hanukkah.
- Multiple Weekends _ Floral Park _ Fridays & Saturdays, December 5, 12, 13 & 19, 2025 from 8 to 11 pm - 18th Century Tavern Night - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For details and $98 / person tickets excluding beer, wine, cider and cocktails - https://www.queensfarm.org
- Floral Park _ Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm - Winter Wonderland - at the Queens County Farm - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. For details and $12 / person tickets see - https://www.queensfarm.org
- Jackson Heights _ Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 7 - 10 pm [UNCONFIRMED] - A Queens Holiday Caroling / Sing-Along tradition that begins at Cassidy's Ale House at 75-02 31st Avenue in Jackson Heights. Free. It's not organized by the pub, and it's uncertain if the originator is still involved, but it's possible the tradition carries on ... That said here's the location information - https://www.instagram.com/cassidysalehouse/
- Floral Park / Little Neck _ Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 1 to 2.30 pm - Gift of the Magi Reading - at the Queens County Farm at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Floral Park. An outdoor reading [so dress warmly] of a magical story written by O. Henry, one of America's greatest, unheralded authors. For free tickets [$5 suggested donation] details see - https://www.queensfarm.org
- MULTIPLE WEEKS _ Flushing _ Thursday, Friday, Saturdays & Sundays, December 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 & 22, 2024 - It's a Wonderful Life Radio Play - at Queens Theatre - at 14 United Nations South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. For $29 tickets and details see - https://queenstheatre.org/events/theatre
- Thursday, December 26, 2024 - Animal Meet & Greet & Winter Wildlife - Seasonal Changes - at Alley Pond Environmental Center. For details see - https://www.alleypond.org or use the MCAL link below.
Click here for the Queens holiday markets this weekend nyc. Click here for Queens holiday events nyc.
- Flushing _ Wednesday thru Sunday, December 25, 2024 thru March 23, 2025 from 5 to 9 pm - Lektrik Festival of Lights - at the Queens Botanical Garden at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing Queens NYC. This display has 40 lamps scenes constructed by 150 artists using silk and steel. Holiday events / things to do in Queens NYC. For $31 / $26 / $21 tickets and details see - https://queensbotanical.org
- Howard Beach Qns _ Saturday December 7, 2024 beginning at 6 pm - Parish Tree Lighting at Our Lady of Grace Church - at 100-05 159th Avenue in Howard Beach in South Queens. For details see - https://www.facebook.com/OLGhowardbeach
- Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 6 to 9 pm - the International Food Expo - will be held at the NY Hall of Science at 47-01 11th Street in Corona [in FMC Park]. Proceeds benefit the Queens Together Food Pantry. For details and $100 tickets see - https://expo2024.queenstogether.org
- LIC _ Sunday, December 10, 2023 beginning at 3.30 pm / tree lit at dusk - Holiday Event & Tree Lighting at Frank Ottomanelli's in Long Island City. LIC Queens.
KWANZAA IS 12/26 - 1/1/2026
BEGINNING MID / LATE OCTOBER 2026 - NEW EVENTS ADDED WEEKLY.
ONLY ASTERISKED EVENTS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO 2026. Pay Attention to Dates / Years.
- CLICK this link to view this and other current & upcoming:
WORK IN PROGRESS. Beginning Mid / Late October 2026 we'll be adding new events every week until the end of the year.
ONLY ASTERISKED EVENTS HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO 2026. WATCH THE DATES / YEARS.
CLICK this link to view details of this and other current & upcoming Queens holiday markets & shops QNS NYC.
I.
Astoria Christmas & Holiday Events - Holiday Lightings Astoria
Also see Long Island City LIC or CLICK Astoria holiday markets in Queens
I don't see anything for 2023
In 2023 the property was sold after multiple government giveaways. They discontinued this website and possibly the Xmas tree lighting. Previously, in 2022, they announced the holiday event on fairly short notice.
Kaufman Arts District Holiday Tree Lighting Event Astoria
OLD _ NOTE DATE _ Monday, December 12, 2022 beginning at 4 pm
Description. This Queens holiday event includes carols sung by the singers from the Astoria Performing Arts Center and ornaments provided by PS 166 students at the Riis Settlement House and Our World a nearby charter school. This is an Astoria holiday tree lighting event.
Location. At 35th Avenue & 34-12 36th Street next to the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria.
Contact. www.kaufmanartsdistrict.com
In the past, prepandemic, there were holiday events hosted by https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerConcertSeries
http://www.redeemerconcerts.org / https://www.redeemer-astoria.org/
II.
Corona Kwanzaa, Christmas & Holiday Events - Queens
Also see Jackson Heights or CLICK Corona holiday markets in Queens
Effective November 29, 2023 - Corona Market is back Wednesdays thru Sundays - Details coming including reduction of vendors and changed operational times
Discontinued _ Corona Plaza Holiday Celebration Queens NYC
OLD _ NOTE DATE / YEAR _ Friday, December 4, 2015
Description. The festivities include Santa, entertainment, refreshments and tree lighting in Corona Plaza. This Corona holiday tree lighting, Christmas celebration, was a collaboration of QEDC & Queens Museum & Friends of Corona Plaza.
Location. Corona Plaza holiday tree lighting event and Latin cultural Christmas celebration and market at Corona Plaza at 103rd Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
Contact. NA
III.
Flushing, Forest Hills, Elmhurst & Glendale Hanukkah, Christmas & Holiday Events
Tree & Menorah Lightings or CLICK Flushing holiday markets in Queens
Queens Theatre - Flushing Holiday Events & Things to do Queens NYC
Performance of 'A Christmas Carol' in Queens - Holiday Things To Do in Flushing
1. Friday, December 15 thru Saturday, December 23, 2023 beginning at 7.30 pm all days except Sunday 12/17 & Saturday 12/23 when there's a matinee at 2 pm [closed Monday & Tuesday 12/18 & 19/2023]
2. Friday, December 22, 2023 beginning at 8 pm - Nacimiento by Ballet Nepantla
Description.
1. Charles Dickens story 'A Christmas Carol' is adapted by Tom Mula and performed the Titan Theatre Company. Tickets cost $27 at website url below.
2. Nacimiento is a world premiere of a new work that explores the birth of the mestiazje with the introduction of Christianity and Christmas in the New World. It explores pre-colonial rituals and the impact that colonization had upon them. The final act explores the celebration of Christmas in modern times in Mexico.
Location. The Queens Theatre is located next to the Unisphere / Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Contact. https://queenstheatre.org
Queens Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland - Holiday Events in Queens NYC
Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 12 noon to 5 pm - Winter Wonderland
Also check the Queens Member Events Calendar for additional events
Description. Winter Wonderland. They describe the event as follows, " ... live musical performances, a menorah, tree lighting, holiday crafts, selfies with Santa, and sales at the QBG Shop and outdoor Holiday Market! Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Hot Chocolate Bar for purchase. Performances: The Opera Collective from 1:30 to 2:30 pm & The Jolly Holidays carolers from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Admission $3 / $7.
Location. At 43-50 Main Street in Flushing Queens NYC.
Contact / Tickets. https://queensbotanical.org
In 2023 / 2024 this Holiday Event Moved to Queens County Farm - See Below
The Amaze Lights Festival
OLD _ NOTE DATE / YEAR _ November 11th, 2022 through January 8th, 2023
Description. A light show / interactive exhibit.
Location. At CitiField in Flushing
IV.
Jackson Heights Hanukkah, Christmas & Holiday Events
Also see Corona or CLICK Jackson Heights holiday markets in Queens
A Queens Holiday Caroling / Sing-Along in Jackson Heights
Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 7 - 10 pm [UNCONFIRMED]
Description. This Queens Christmas caroling event happens regardless of weather. They're celebrating their 14th anniversary [established 2009] and recommend dressing warmly and bringing a flashlight or well protected candle. All are welcome but people aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Ann 10a - 12n. Holiday caroling events in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens NYC.
Location. Meet in front of Cassidy's Ale House at 75-02 31st Avenue and 75th Street in Elmhurst / Jackson Heights.
Contact. Tel - 718.424.6549 | https://www.facebook.com/events/10th-annual-jackson-heights-winter-caroling-sing-stroll/1426636640904001/
In the past, prepandemic, Hanukkah events were organized by http://jhtikvah.wordpress.com/ Tel - 718-569-1887 or email kehillat.tikvah@gmail.com. One of the events was in collaboration with the Folk Music Society of New York, website www.folkmusicny.org.
In the past holiday choral events were hosted by https://www.facebook.com/Jackson-Heights-Community-Chorus-1617678375110623/
In the past classical / chamber music concerts were performed by https://www.queensconsort.com
In the past they did Christmas tree lightings at CC Moore Park, prior to the renovation, which began in May 2019 and was completed in August 2021.
V.
Jamaica & the Rockaways Kwanzaa, Christmas & Holiday Events
Tree & Kwanzaa Lightings or CLICK Jamaica holiday markets in Queens
* Rockaway Holiday Tree Lighting & Rockaway Holiday Kids Parade
Holiday Tree Lightings in South Ozone Park in Queens NYC
OLD _ NOTE YEAR _ Friday, Saturday & Sunday, December 3, 4 & 5, 2021 from 4 pm - 10 pm
Description. Returning for the 7th year. Hope NYC organized a kids parade the past seven years at 142-82 Rockaway Blvd in Jamaica. On Friday the tree lighting is at 7 pm. On Saturday the free toy giveaway begins at 5 pm. And on Sunday the kids parade begins at 5 pm.
Location. At Hope Holiday Village at 142-82 Rockaway Blvd in South Ozone Park in Queens.
Contact. https://www.hopenyc.com | FB - https://www.facebook.com/Hopenyc | Tel - 718.848.2810
VI.
Long Island City LIC Hanukkah, Christmas & Holiday Events
Also see Astoria or CLICK Long Island City LIC holiday markets in Queens
Holiday Event & Tree Lighting in Long Island City Queens NYC
Sunday, December 10, 2023 beginning at 3.30 pm / tree lit at dusk
Description. A holiday tree lighting on the East River at Frank Ottomanelli's restaurant. Festivities include face painting, ornament making, photos with Santa, and food and drink specials. Organized by the Hunters Point Park Conservatory, the PS / IS 78Q PTA and Frank Ottomanelli's on the Water in LIC Queens.
Location. At 52-10 Center Blvd between Borden and 54th Avenues in Long Island City Queens NYC.
Contact. FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/372530809525850/
The photo at right was taken many years ago, at a forerunner to this event.
Long Island City Holiday Celebrations in Queens
December 2023 - Holiday Ambiance
Description. This Long Island City bar has an outdoor courtyard and a wood burning fireplace and a holiday drink menu.
Location. At the LIC Bar at the corner of Vernon Blvd and 46th Avenue in Long Island City.
Contact. https://www.licbar.com |
VII.
Ridgewood Holiday & Christmas Tree Lighting Events - Queens
CLICK here for Ridgewood holiday markets in Queens
Ridgewood Property Owners & Civic Assn Christmas Carols
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 7 to 8 pm [plus] - Holiday Caroling Concert & Celebration
Description. This Queens Christmas concert event includes the traditional holiday caroling. Carols [maybe Polish & Romanian - not sure]. Holiday events and things to do in Ridgewood Queens / Brooklyn NYC.
Location. At Ridgewood Presbyterian Church at 59-14 70th Avenue in Ridgewood Queens / Brooklyn NYC.
Contact. https://www.rpoca.net | FB - https://www.facebook.com/RidgewoodPropertyOwnersNYC/ | FB - https://www.facebook.com/rpcnyc/
VIII.
Sunnyside Christmas, Hanukkah & Holiday Events
Also see Woodside Section or CLICK Sunnyside holiday markets in Queens
Sunnyside Reformed Church Holiday Event in Queens NYC
Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4 to 6 pm - Holiday Celebration
Description. This is a tree lighting, photos with Santa and some goodies. It doesn't look like there's a market, so far.
Location. At 48th Streeet and Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside Queens NYC.
Contact. https://www.sunnysidereformedchurch.org
IX.
Bayside, Whitestone, College Point & Little Neck
Holiday Events in Queens
Christmas Events in Whitestone or CLICK Whitestone holiday markets in Queens
Queens County Farm Holiday Events & Things to do in Little Neck Queens NYC
1. Fridays thru Sundays, November 17, 2023 thru Sunday, January 7, 2024 - Illuminate the Farm
2. Saturdays & Sundays, December 2 & 3 and 9 & 10, 2023 from 10 am to 12 noon & from 1 to 3 pm - Wreath Making Workshops
3. Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 1 to 2 pm - Gift of the Magi Reading
Description. 1. A light show they describe as follows, " ... a dazzling world of light with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns made by artisans with decades of experience ... interactive experiences such as the Bounce House and Sugar Paintings ... interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures composed of artisan lanterns ...". Tickets are $26 / $21 / $18.
2. Wreath making workshop. Tickets are $38 and include materials.
3. They describe the event as follows: " ... Grab your fleece, hats, gloves, coats and woolies and throw on your winter boots! Queens County Farm Museum will host a special outdoor holiday reading of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi led by acclaimed actor Kevin R. Free ...". This was one of my uncle's favorites and it captures the true meaning of Christmas. Free but rsvps encouraged.
Location. At 73-50 Little Neck Parkway in Queens NYC. Holiday markets and shopping in Little Neck Queens NYC.
Contact. https://www.queensfarm.org/
X.
Woodside Christmas & Holiday Events - Queens
Also see Sunnyside Section or CLICK Woodside holiday markets in Queens
Woodside on the Move - Holiday Event in Woodside Queens NYC
Saturday, December 2, 2023 beginning at 6.30 pm - Toy Giveaway
Description. There's a toy giveaway by Woodside on the Move at local public school PS361 at 39-07 57th Avenue in Woodside. This Woodside holiday event is organized by Woodside on the Move.
Location. This year it's being held at PS 361 at 39-07 57th Avenue in Woodside. Woodside on the Move is located at 51-23B Queens Blvd in Woodside.
Contact. https://www.woodsideonthemove.org | FB - https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideontheMove | Tel - 718.476.8449
Queens Holiday Events & Things To Do NYC
- As noted in the introduction, we have also compiled a list of Holiday markets in Queens, Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, Flushing and Jamaica.
New York City NYC Holiday Shopping & Holiday Events NYC - Related Links
Links to Other NYC Boroughs - Holiday Markets / Holiday Shopping NYC
- CLICK HERE to view a report on Manhattan holiday markets NYC, and here for Queens holiday markets NYC, and here for Bronx holiday markets NYC and here for Brooklyn Holiday Markets NYC, and here for Staten Island Holiday Markets & Shopping NYC.
Links to Other NYC Boroughs - Holiday Events / Things To Do
- CLICK HERE to view a report on & Manhattan holiday events / Manhattan holiday things to do NYC, & Queens holiday events / Queens holiday things to do NYC, Brooklyn Holiday Events / Brooklyn Holiday Things To Do NYC, Staten Island Holiday Events / SI Holiday Things To Do NYC and Bronx holiday events & Bronx holiday things to do NYC.
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