Events, Parties, and Things To Do in NYC for December 2024 (with Free Events!)
While the city is dripping in holiday spirit, December is a great time to celebrate and give back. Here’s a variety of events to make your December in New York City one to remember, from light shows to dinner with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
Music for Medicine 2024
Music for Medicine Benefit. Image: Open Medical Institute.
What is it: Hosted by the American Austrian Foundation, Salzburg Weill Cornell Seminars, and the Open Medical Institute, this benefit supports global healthcare education. Taking place at the Metropolitan Club, NYC, the evening features a world-class performance by members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside dinner and live and silent auctions. Proceeds aid the Open Medical Institute’s mission to empower medical professionals worldwide.
Why go: Experience the magic of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in an exclusive setting while supporting a vital cause. This is an opportunity to directly impact global healthcare while enjoying an elegant evening of music, fine dining, and meaningful connections. It’s perfect for philanthropists, music aficionados, and advocates for global health equity.
What is the Open Medical Institute?
To improve local healthcare and keep doctors in their home countries after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991, the American Austrian Foundation and the Open Society Foundations teamed up with Weill Cornell Medicine to create what is known today as the Open Medical Institute. The program is designed to give doctors the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care back home.
What’s involved: Cocktails, concert, dinner, and auctions.
Dress code: Cocktail attire.
Monday, December 2, 2024 from 6:00pm onward at The Metropolitan Club. Information and tickets here.
The UNICEF Gala
Salma Hayek attends The UNICEF Gala. Image: UNICEF USA.
What is it: Coinciding with Giving Tuesday, The UNICEF Gala, presented by The 72 Fund and sponsored by the Dr. Simi Foundation, is UNICEF USA’s premier national celebration of its humanitarian mission. Held at Cipriani Wall Street, the event highlights UNICEF’s global work in over 190 countries, ensuring children’s rights to health, education, and safety. The evening includes performances by The Beach Boys and Fernando Varela, plus a program hosted by Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez.
Why go: As one of UNICEF USA’s most important fundraising opportunities, this gala celebrate’s UNICEF’s deep global impact with a star-studded evening in NYC. This year’s gala will feature an opening by the Broadway Youth Ensemble Choir and a DJ set by AMRIT followed by awards and dinner. Past attendees like Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Selena Gomez attest to the organization’s social impact. UNICEF USA, founded in 1947, has honored leaders like David Beckham and Priyanka Chopra for advancing children’s rights while also recognizing the grassroots commitments of UNICEF workers on the ground, all around the world.
What’s involved: Reception, dinner, awards presentation, live auction, and live performances.
Dress code: Formal.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 6:00pm onward at Cipriani Wall Street. Information and tickets here.
Sip & Shop at Hudson Yards, Presented by Mastercard
Hudson Yards. Image: Karen Sterling via Hudson Yards.
What is it: Already decked out in over two million lights for the holiday season, the ultimate one-day shopping event of the season is at The Shops at Hudson Yards. This limited event offers shoppers exclusive shopping deals, giveaways, live music, a bar by Champagne Pommery, and VIP access for all Mastercard cardholders.
Why go: Shop like never before with exclusive deals and benefits at countless shops at Hudson Yards. Enjoy special discounts, complimentary gifts, and unique in-store experiences from top brands like Aesop, Faherty, MUJI, and Piaget. Wander through wonderland while savoring delicious bites and beverages, including half-off wine at Mercado Little Spain and a $5 peppermint milkshake at Van Leeuwen.
Deals include 40% off Kate Spade sale items and 20% off at Faherty and Rudsak, along with complimentary gifts with purchase at Aesop and Kiehl’s. Enjoy private shopping experiences at Marc Jacobs and complimentary engravings at Jo Malone London, with plenty of other treats in store.
What’s involved: Exclusive shopping experiences in an opulent location.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at The Shops at Hudson Yards. Information here.
American Australian Association’s 2024 NYC Holiday Party
American Australian Association’s 2024 NYC Holiday Party. Image: American Australian Association.
What is it: Hosted by the American Australian Association, this festive soirée offers an Australian twist on holiday celebrations in the heart of NYC. Founded in 1948, the American Australian association works to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Australia through programs in culture, education, and business. The organization hosts events throughout the year, with the holiday party being a seasonal favorite.
Why go: Celebrate the season while immersing yourself in the flavors of Australia. Sample snacks, sip on exquisite wines presented by How to Drink Australian wine club and Legend, enjoy craft gin cocktails featuring spirits from Tasmania, and groove along to live entertainment. Plus, take a chance in the holiday raffle for Australian-themed prizes. This event is perfect for wine lovers, Aussie enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique holiday experience in the city.
What’s involved: Wine tasting, live music, food, gin cocktails, whiskey, and a holiday raffle.
Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 6:00pm until 9:30pm at a rooftop location. Information and tickets here.
New York City Tourism Foundation Gala
New York City Tourism Foundation Gala. Image: Matthew Papa via New York City Tourism Foundation.
What is it: The New York City Tourism Foundation Gala honors outstanding leaders who have championed the city’s tourism industry. This year’s event celebrates the foundation’s 25th anniversary and recognizes honorees Melba Wilson, Fred Dixon, and Alan Steel, with the latter receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Funds raised will support cultural tourism programs across the five boroughs.
Why go: Already breaking visitor records after the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in NYC is booming thanks to the visionary leaders shaping New York’s tourism legacy. This event supports local cultural organizations while recognizing those who are truly pushing NYC tourism forward. NYC Tourism as an organization has been responsible for iconic city-wide events such as Restaurant Week and Broadway Week. Past honorees at this important event include NYC legends like Anna Wintour and Danny Meyer.
What’s involved: Cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation, and live auction.
Dress code: Cocktail attire.
Monday, December 9, 2024 from 6:00pm onward at The Plaza Hotel. Information and tickets here.
Big Apple Film Festival 2024
Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF). Image: Big Apple Film FestivaL.
What is it: The Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF) is a premier film festival dedicated to spotlighting the best of New York City’s independent film community alongside exceptional works from around the world. Featuring screenings, awards, and appearances by acclaimed filmmakers and actors, BAFF honors the creative talent driving the indie film industry in the Big Apple, featuring screenings and programming such as networking hours and panel discussions.
Why go: This festival is a cinephile’s dream, where attendees can rub shoulders with rising talent. This years, must-see films include the picturesque period work Appalachian Dog, Muneeb Hassan’s culture-crossing All the Men I Met but Never Dated, and the timely sci-fi film Generation Hack. Past alumni of BAFF include Hollywood legends like Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Jesse Eisenberg, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Many BAFF films have gone on to major streaming platforms, theatrical releases, and even Oscar consideration.
What’s involved: Screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, screenplay competitions, and awards ceremony.
Now until December 12, 2024, with screenings and events daily at Look Dine-In Cinemas, 657 West 57th Street. Information, schedule, and tickets here.
FREE EVENT: Pieces Bar’s 31st Anniversary Celebration
Pieces Bar celebrates 31 years. Image: Leyda Luz.
What is it: Pieces Bar, a cornerstone of queer nightlife in NYC, celebrates 31 years in the West Village with a holiday bash. Join for a glamorous soirée hosted by drag queen Bootsie LeFaris with plenty of special guests. Expect show-stopping performances, an electric crowd, and a night of dancing to toast this iconic queer space’s legacy.
Why go: This is more than a party—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and joy. With its legendary drag stage and a history of fostering queer culture, Pieces has launched careers and created font memories, counting Bob the Drag Queen to Monét X Change among those who have played its stage. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pieces or a first-timer in this queer-forward space, this event is your chance to revel in NYC’s LGBTQIA+ history.
What’s involved: Drag performances, cocktails, and dancing.
Dress code: Fabulous and festive attire encouraged.
Thursday, December 14, 2024, from 11 PM onward at Pieces Bar, 8 Christopher Street, New York, NY. Information here. Free to attend.
Gems: ZAROLAT x Christiane Büssgen Dinner
Gems: ZAROLAT x Christiane Büssgen Dinner. Image: Christiane Büssgen.
What is it: A one-night-only dining experience blending culinary artistry and creative storytelling, ZAROLAT founder Zeynep Arolat is collaborating with designer and chef Christiane Büssgen present "Foods for Thought," a five-course dinner inspired by Turkish traditions but reimagined with unexpected twists. Set in ZAROLAT’s stunning DUMBO studio, this family-style feast is about more than food—it’s about sparking meaningful conversations in a uniquely artistic environment.
Why go: This event offers a rare chance to experience culinary experimentation in an inspiring space that fuses design, architecture, and art. You’ll be surrounded by ZAROLAT’s exclusive collection of global art and design objects while enjoying a communal dining experience unlike any other. It's a perfect evening for anyone who craves food with a story and a creative edge. The chef for the night, Christiane Büssgen, recently published The Silver Table Book, a document of her ingredients and meals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s involved: Welcome drink and five course dinner with an optional wine pairing.
Dress code: Modern.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 6:00-9:00pm at ZAROLAT, 140 Plymouth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Information and tickets here.
Tianyu Lights Festival
Tianyu Lights Festival. Image: Tianyu Lights Festival.
What is it: For the first time ever, The Tianyu Lights Festival lands in NYC for a dazzling celebration of Chinese lantern artistry in time for the holiday season. Blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, the festival features magical forests, glowing dragons, and an interactive experience, Koda’s Adventure. This is an enchanting holiday event for all ages with thousands of lights along with live music, live dance, bottle painting, and more.
Why go: Experience breathtaking lantern displays crafted by master artisans, engage in immersive games, and discover interactive installations that transport you to the Amazon rainforest. Special themed nights, like Twinkle Tails Night on December 18th, invite guests to bring their pets for treats and souvenirs.
What’s involved: Wander through vibrant light sculptures, play games with panda bears, and dance to the glow of hand-painted lanterns. Adopt a pet through the festival’s partnership with North Shore Animal League and receive free tickets!
Now thought Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 5:00pm-10:00pm at Citi Field. The festival will be closed on December 9, December 16, December 20, 2024, January 6, and January 13, 2025. Information and tickets here.
