Our Holiday Tree is lit, skating is underway at Winterland Rink, festive treats are popping up on restaurant menus, and the stores are rolling out the year’s best gifts and our favorite holiday music. Yes, things are getting decidedly festive here in the Seaport District. Here’s where you can get into the spirit of the season around the neighborhood.

THE TREES

You’ll find our towering holiday tree on the cobblestones at Fulton and Water Streets. Looking for one of your own? Head to Seaport Square between Piers 16 and 17 for our Tree Farm at the Seaport, open through December 23^rd (weekdays 2pm–9pm; weekends 10am–9pm).

Find the perfect Christmas tree to take home and when you mention your local Lower Manhattan school, we’ll donate $10 per purchase to support our neighboring students at the school.

THE SKATING

Two words: Winterland Rink. If you don’t know it by now, it’s time to check out our outdoor rooftop ice-skating rink at Pier 17. This year’s rink is bigger than last year’s and is still the best place to catch the most breathtaking views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC skyline as you glide along on the ice. You can warm up after your skating session with seasonal food and beverage offerings available on The Rooftop, and if you loved your experience, consider purchasing a Season Membership so you can take advantage of unlimited skating throughout the winter (there’s a VIP option, too.) 

Our Winterland site has everything you need to know to #SkatetheSkyline, from skate admissions and rentals to memberships, Skate School instructional classes for all ages, and special Neighborhood pricing. And stay tuned to Pier 17 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for updates on the latest special events, featuring some very familiar faces on the ice throughout the season.

THE FESTIVITIES

The neighborhood officially kicked off the festive season on December 2^nd, with the Seaport District’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, but there’ll be more celebrations throughout the month, including the chance to Skate with Santa at Winterland at Pier 17 on December 8 and December 15, between 10am–1pm.

On December 22, between 3pm–5:30pm, join us, along with Chabad of Wall Street and the JLE to celebrate Chanukah with a Menorah Lighting at The Rooftop at Pier 17. The celebration includes musical performances, Chanukah crafts, traditional holiday fare and a host of family fun. Guests can also enjoy skating to Chanukah Music; rink entry is $18 for residents of Lower Manhattan, which includes free skate rental, skating and all activities.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind setting for your holiday photos and a sure-fire way to make your Instagram feed shine? Head to the Heineken Riverdeck on Pier 17 and snap away beneath our new Winterland Arch. Beautiful in the day time and otherworldly at night, the arch has the added bonus of a little something called the Brooklyn Bridge as its backdrop, making for some truly spectacular photos. Don’t forget to tag us — @pier17ny or @seaportdistrict.nyc — when you post the results!

THE FOOD

Delicious, festive food can be found through the District all month long, including Cobble & Co., R17, Malibu Farm, Bar Wayō, and The Fulton. With perfect perches on the waterfront at Pier 17 and gorgeous wintry views, the latter four spots are ideal for holiday celebrations of all sizes. The Fulton will be offering special prix-fixe holiday menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. If you celebrate the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, it’s hard to think of a better place in New York City to enjoy a seafood meal on Christmas Eve than at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first seafood restaurant.

THE SHOPPING

’Tis the season of giving, and our retailers are in the full swing of things, rolling out cozy winter looks and accessories, and gifts for everyone on your list. Shop for your most stylish friends and family members at 10 Corso Como, Cynthia Rowley, Scotch & Soda, and SJP and warm up as you peruse the shelves of McNally Jackson in search for the perfect book or stationery gift. You can also pick up stylish beauty gifts from the curated boutique at PrimpNYC or the latest grooming goods at our neighborhood barbershop, Fellow Barber—perhaps when you swing by for a blowout or beard trim to prepare for your holiday parties. Check out more local shopping in the neighborhood here, and don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself.

Happy Holidays and we hope to see you here in the Seaport District throughout the season!