This holiday season, the Bronx is giving Manhattan a run for its money. With the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo all lit up, there’s no shortage of festive activities up there. If you’ve just moved to The Bronx or haven’t made your way up north in a while, now’s your chance to discover a whole new side of the neighborhood. Here’s your go-to guide for the best holiday happenings in the Bronx.
Attractions and Activities
- New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY): All aboard for one of Manhattan’s most enchanting holiday traditions. Each year, model trains glide through replicas of New York City landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge—all meticulously crafted from plant parts. It’s a must-see for train enthusiasts, the festive, and anyone with a soft spot for all things miniature.
- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY): Join Jack Skellington and his crew at the New York Botanical Garden for over 8,000 square feet of installations, 3D-printed sculptures, and interactive video projections. But be quick—this smoke-filled spectacle of light, sound, and animation only lasts through November.
- Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY): As the sun sets, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with millions of lights and wildlife lanterns. Six trails leading to over 100 different species of plants and animals will glow up in this immersive walkthrough. In 2024, this family-friendly event will see new additions, like interactive glowing walls, 12-foot light-up trees, and illuminated flowers.
- Christmas House of the Garabedian Family (1605 Pelham Pkwy N, Bronx, New York): The Garabedian Family’s Christmas House has been a Bronx legend for decades. Over the holiday season, this family home becomes a festive landmark, cranking up the holiday cheer with Nativity scenes, Blockbuster-era promo figurines, carousel horses, and dozens of costumed mannequins. The house has had its on-and-off years—but will 2024 see the lights come back on?
- Van Cortlandt Track Club’s Lettuce Run Turkey Trot (Van Cortlandt Park): Every Thanksgiving, the Van Cortlandt Track Club hosts this 5K fun run to support the Friendly Fridge BX, an organization dedicated to food rescue and the Bronx’s first community fridge. Lace-up your sneakers and sign up before November 28th—race day!
Shopping
- Cosenzas Fish Market (2354 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY): Celebrate Christmas the Italian way. Many Italian families honor the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Cosenza’s, located in the heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy, is the perfect spot to stock up on fresh, delicious seafood for your holiday spread.
- The Mall at Bay Plaza (200 Baychester Ave, Bronx, NY): This Co-op City shopping mall is packed with festive fun, from a Santa photo experience on Level 3 to a Christmas Winter Wonderland Toy Distribution event and the annual Tree Lighting ceremony.
Food and Drink
- Little Italy (2396 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY): Looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Head to Little Italy where there are plenty of gourmet Italian treats to go around. While you’re shopping, you may even come across The Jolly Holidays, a Victorian caroling group. For the full holiday experience, time your visit with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ciccarone Park. Think holiday tunes, Italian cookies, and mugs of hot chocolate.
- Charlies Bar & Kitchen (112 Lincoln Ave, Bronx, NY): Tucked inside the historic Clock Tower—once a piano factory—this New American restaurant and cocktail bar is a great spot to ring in the new year and avoid the Manhattan price tag and pretension. Every year, they host a NYE extravaganza complete with hors d’oeuvres and champagne at midnight.
Moving during the holidays—or really, anytime in New York—is no easy feat. That’s where Metropolis Moving comes in. Let the experts handle the hard work, while you focus on what really matters: settling into your new neighborhood and enjoying the holiday season.
