Free Things to Do On The UWS in December 2023

December is such a great time of year to be in New York. It’s a magical experience as the city goes all-out with festive decorations. Iconic landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue are adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and elaborate window displays. You can feel the excitement “in the air” as you walk the streets, view all the holiday displays, and see people hustling about doing their shopping. From catching the Christmas show at Radio City to taking in the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, there are many opportunities for you and your family to enjoy the holiday season. Along with the many events and pageantry around the city, there are wonderful free things to do on the Upper West Side this December.
Give some of them a try!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Get into the holiday spirit and visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. The aisles are full of over 100 artisans and designers selling their own unique wares. These include special foods, handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and much more. The market will run from November 28th to December 31st, 2023 (closed Christmas Day). Hours are: Monday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It closes at 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Fordham University Festival of Lessons and Carols – Dec. 2, 2023, 7:30 p.m.

This annual celebration with the sixty-voice University Choir is a select mixed ensemble comprised of students from Fordham University’s Rose Hill (Concert Choir) and Lincoln Center (Chamber Singers) campuses. The event takes place at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street (corner of Columbus Avenue).

Magical Lights and Live Music

The Lincoln Center will kick off the holiday season with live music and family fun on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Join them at Dante Park, Broadway & West 64th Street at 4:30 pm to enjoy the festivities, including audio-reactive lighting. The interactive installation will hang from the London Plane trees and flicker to the beat of the music. The Kaufman Music Center’s Student Chorus will be on hand to put you in the holiday spirit.

American Folk Art Museum

This is New York City’s only museum dedicated to folk & self-taught artists.  Since 1961, the Museum has celebrated the creativity of individuals whose talents have been fostered largely through personal experience rather than formal training. Drop-ins are welcome, and advanced ticketing is encouraged before a visit to the Museum. Admission is always free. Wednesday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Located at 2 Lincoln Square (at Columbus & W. 66th Street)

Riverside Park Bluegrass Jam – Sundays in December

If you are a music lover looking to spend a tranquil Sunday afternoon in the park listening to some darned-good-free music, try this. Riverside Park at 102^nd Street any Sunday afternoon from 2-5 p.m. Slow jam music that is 90% Bluegrass is on display, a gift of local musicians. There is a real sense of community at this weekly event, in what feels like a beautifully relaxed and inviting setting.

NYC Grand Holiday Bazaar – December 3rd, 10th & 17th

New York City’s largest curated weekly market is open all year round, with hundreds of regular and seasonal vendors. From vintage goods to artisanal foods, there is something for everyone. The indoor and outdoor markets are located at 100 W. 77th Street (at Columbus Ave.) from 10:00 – 5:00 pm. Profits support local NYC public schools.

Light Show at Saks 5th Avenue – Now through early January 2024

If there is one sight guaranteed to stop busy New Yorkers and out-of-towners in their tracks, it’s the Saks Fifth Avenue Annual Light Show. This festive show unites and delights scores of pedestrians on neighboring sidewalks as they crane their necks to get a look at the front of the Saks building (611 5th Avenue between 49th & 50th Streets). The light show has thousands upon thousands of LED lights dancing on the building, and these are perfectly synchronized to holiday music. The show lasts under 5 minutes and repeats several times an hour. It is spectacular and well worth a look. Saks also has terrific holiday window displays.

Manhattan School of Music

The Manhattan School of Music is a private music conservatory in New York City. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition, as well as a bachelor’s in musical theatre.

MSM Saxophone Ensemble – Sunday, Dec. 3rd @ 7:30 p.m.

MSM Symphony and Jazz Orchestra – Wednesday, Dec. 6th @ 7:30 p.m

MSM Jazz Repertory Orchestra – Tuesday, Dec. 12th @ 6:00 p.m.

All shows at Neidorff-Karpati Hall – 130 Claremont Ave. (off 122nd St. between Broadway & Riverside)

Self-Guided Walking Tour – Lesser Known (but Popular) Places to Visit

The journey starts at Congregation Shearith Israel on West 70th & Central Park West (America’s first Jewish congregation) with stops at such spots as the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument, Pomander Walk, and West Side Community Garden, before ending up at Alice’s Tea Cup. To learn more about these locations visit Lesser Known (but popular) Places to Visit on the Upper West Side.

Begin the Tour

1. Congregation Shearith Israel – 2 W. 70th & Central Park West
2. Septugusimo Uno Park – W. 71st Street (between Amsterdam & West End Avenue)
3. Eleanor Roosevelt Monument – 72nd Street & Riverside Drive
4. Levain Bakery – 167 W. 74th Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.)
5. Westside Community Garden – 89th Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.)
6. Pomander Walk – 265 W. 94th Street (between Broadway & West End Avenue)
7. Joan of Arc Statue – Riverside Drive & 93rd Street
8. Murray’s Sturgeon – 2429 Broadway (between 89th & 90th Streets)
9. Westsider Books – 2246 Broadway (between 80th & 81st Streets)
10. Alice Tea Cup – 102 W. 73rd Street (between Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.)

Community Blood Drive – Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023

Help fellow New Yorkers by donating blood. Donating blood is safe, easy, and vital to those who need it, and every donation can save three lives. Stop by at 61 West 62nd Street (David Rubenstein Atrium) from 1:00 – 7:00 pm. This is your chance to help your fellow New Yorkers in need; sign up to donate blood today. To schedule your appointment go to the New York Blood Center.

Enjoy live musical performances by The Juilliard School from 1:00–3:00 pm and 4:00–6:00 pm.

Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza

The tradition of the Rockefeller Christmas tree dates back more than 90 years to 1931. This year’s tree is an 80 ft.-tall, 12-ton Norway Spruce from Vestal, New York, a town 186 miles northwest of midtown Manhattan. Join the crowds for what always feels like something unique, magical, and spectacular.

Jazz + Wednesdays – Dec. 6th & 20th, 2023

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., jazz guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guests play standards from the American Songbook. American Folk Art Museum is located at 2 Lincoln Square. Limited seating is available and advance registration for museum admission is recommended. Capacity for this program is limited. Please note that there is no standing room for this concert. Admission is always free.

Broadway Under the Stars: Shucked, Chicago & The Lion King – December 7th & 14th, 2023

Back for another year is the Broadway Under the Stars series at The Shops at Columbus Circle. This free concert is open to the public and will take place on Thursday, December 7th & 14th from 5:00 -6:00 p.m. Attendees get an upfront performance of some of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed shows. Located on Level 2, this series will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Congregation Shearith Israel Tour – Wednesday, December 13th

Individuals and groups who are vaccinated are welcome to attend a free, guided tour on the second Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am, led by a member of their clergy or a trained docent. Tours generally last 45 minutes. The synagogue is often called The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue. It is the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, having been established in 1654 in New Amsterdam by Jews who arrived from Dutch Brazil. Located at 2 W. 70th Street (and the corner of Central Park West).

NYRR Striders Walking Group

NYRR Striders is a FREE walking and fitness program that offers physical activity for older adults looking to get active, stay fit, and improve their health. December 7, 14, 21, 28th. Meet on 85th & Central Park West at the entrance to Central Park by the benches – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.