Christmas in Times Square: Rockefeller Tree and Holiday Markets Near Aura Hotel
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 2026
The tree arrives at Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, November 7, 2026, and the lighting ceremony takes place on Wednesday, December 2 from 7pm to 10pm. Viewing runs daily from 5am to midnight through December. On Christmas Day the tree stays lit for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve viewing ends at 9pm.
From the hotel, walk north on Sixth Avenue to 49th or 50th Street: 0.3 miles, 6 to 8 minutes. In peak holiday hours both streets close to traffic and become pedestrian zones, which makes the walk easier and the taxi drop-off harder. Walk.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bank of America Winter Village opened on October 23, 2026 and runs to February 28, 2027. The Holiday Shops close on January 3, 2027. Shops are open 11am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 8pm at weekends, with more than 170 stalls around the rink.
Bryant Park is two blocks south: walk down Sixth Avenue to 42nd Street, 3 to 4 minutes. It is the closest market to the hotel and the easiest one to visit twice.
Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
Vanderbilt Hall hosts the Holiday Fair from November 9 to December 24, 2026, Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm, closed Thanksgiving Day. It is 0.4 miles east along 44th Street, 8 to 10 minutes on foot, and it is indoors, which matters in December.
Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square runs November 12 to December 24, 2026, Monday to Friday 11am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm. It is 1.5 miles south: take the B, D, F or M from 42nd Street-Bryant Park two stops to 14th Street-Union Square, about six minutes.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle runs December 1 to 31, 2026, Monday to Saturday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 7pm. It is 0.8 miles north: the N, Q, R or W from Times Square-42nd Street one stop to 57th Street-7th Avenue, or a 15 minute walk.
Skating at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park
The Rink at Rockefeller Center runs daily sessions from 9am to midnight. Pricing changes through the season, so check the current rate when you book a timed slot; entry and skate rental are priced separately. The Bryant Park rink is free if you bring your own skates, with rentals available on site, and it operates 8am to 10pm daily. Both need a timed session booked in advance during December.
Eating and drinking after the lights
Gatsby’s Landing and The Long Room are the two dining rooms on West 44th Street, steps from the hotel and a short walk back from the tree in the cold. Reserve for dinner on lighting night and weekends well ahead, since these are the busiest streets in the city in December. See where to eat near Times Square for the full list within walking distance.
Getting here and planning the week
Aura Hotel Times Square is at 120 West 44th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. Rockefeller Center is an 8 minute walk, Bryant Park 3 minutes and Grand Central 10. If you are arriving by air, see getting to the hotel from JFK, LGA and Newark, and for show nights read where to stay for a Broadway show.
Rooms, suites and penthouses are available through the holidays, including pet-friendly and accessible rooms. Check current offers or contact the hotel for dates around the lighting.