New York City is the home of Broadway, so we know a thing or two about a curtain call. The final month of 2025 is no exception, whether you’re into bright lights, sweet confections, or starting the new year off by breaking a good sweat. Send the year out in style!
1. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Just down the street from Rose Hill, millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals are spread out across six lantern trails at the Bronx Zoo. This year, favorites such as the holiday train have been joined by snow tube slides, an illuminated ice-themed throne, and, in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, virtual snowball throwing!
Through Jan. 4, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
2. Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off 2025
Ever wonder what the Governors Island ferry would look like if it were built out of gingerbread? Or the Statue of Liberty? Winners have been chosen at the Museum of the City of New York’s fourth annual gingerbread baking contest, but visitors can still crown one of the entries with a People’s Choice award. Be sure to look for the Fordham favorite, Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage!
Through Jan. 19, 1220 Fifth Ave., Manhattan
3. New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show
Speaking of landmarks, the 34-foot, two-level train set at the New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery is chock full of whimsical structures traversed by a miniature Metro-North, the Polar Express, and vintage subway cars. Before you head to your platform, swing by for a peek!
Through mid-February, 89 E. 42nd St., Manhattan
4. Broadway Under the Stars
If you can’t get enough of The Book of Mormon or you’re dying to catch more & Juliet, chances are there’s a performance of your favorite Broadway musical on tap this month at the Shops at Columbus Circle. Be sure to stick around after the performances for intimate conversations with the stars, moderated by Broadway alum George Psomas.
Thursdays, 5 p.m., through Dec. 18, 10 Columbus Circle, Manhattan
5. Midnight Run in Central Park
Technically, this is a January event, but you’ll want to get to it (and register) before then, or you’ll miss it. There’s nothing quite like crossing the start line at the stroke of midnight, cheering along with your fellow New Yorkers as you kick off the new year with a lamplit jaunt through the city’s most famous green space.
11:59 p.m., Dec. 31, 72nd Street Transverse in Central Park, Manhattan
