The 7 Most Magical Christmas Carol Events In NYC — Some Are FREE And Start Next Week!

Ding, dong! It’s that time of year again. The streets of NYC are already coming alive with twinkling lights, holiday markets, and the sound of Christmas carols echoing through the city. Whether you’re in the mood for caroling walks or want to *fa la la la la* at the city’s most charming venues, we’ve rounded up a list of places to hear carols this December. Best of all, some of these plans are free so you can soak up the spirit without spending a dime. 1. Songs of the Season ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The New York Philharmonic’s Take a Breath series and The Art of Wellbeing come together with the NewYork-Presbyterian hospital on December 6 at 1:00 pm for a free performance open to all ages. The event is guided by members of the Philharmonic and The Unsung Collective . Held at the Clark Studio Theater, this event celebrates community singing so everyone can join to sing their favorite carols. 📍*165 West 65th Street* 2. Candlelight Christmas concerts --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On select dates this December, Brooklyn’s **St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church**and Sony Hall in Manhattan’s Theater District are hosting string tributes that celebrate beloved carols like “12 Days of Christmas”, “O Christmas Tree” and “Joy to the World”. The spaces will be decorated with thousands of candles, baubles and tinsel , spreading festive cheer all through Christmas. 📍 *157 Montague St and 235 West 46th St* Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings December 18, 2025 18:30 + more dates St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church From $35.20 - Before: ~~$44.00~~ 20% Discount Buy tickets Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings December 21, 2025 20:45 Sony Hall From $38.70 - Before: ~~$43.00~~ 10% Discount Buy tickets 3. Washington Square Christmas Eve Caroling --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the annual Washington Square tree lighting ceremony comes another much-anticipated event near the Arch—the Christmas Eve caroling, of course! The Rob Susman Brass Quartet and song leader Linseigh Green will start performing at 5:00 pm and everyone is invited to sing along to their favorite carols. Even if you don’t know all the words, the Washington Square Association will give out songbooks so everyone can join in. 📍*Washington Square Park* 4. Gloria! --------------------------------------------------------- Church of St. Ignatius Loyola hosts another festive event on December 14 and 21 at 3:00 pm to celebrate the magic of the holidays. The concert includes interpretations of Bach’s *Cantata 191 Gloria * in excelsis Deo, as well as familiar carols like“O Come All Ye Faithful”, “The First Noel”, and “O Holy Night” for everyone to sing. 📍*980 Park Ave* 5. Unsilent Night ------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsilent Night has become a Christmas tradition for many New Yorkers. Since 1992, people have met in Washington Square Park to hear a massive chorus, not of carolers but of boomboxes ! Led by composer Phil Kline, on December 14 at 5:45 pm , everyone will meet up in Washington Square Park, simultaneously play one of four pre-recorded tracks from any device that amplifies music (you can bring your own boombox), and about an hour later end the walk in Tompkins Square Park. 📍*Washington Square Park* 6. Greenwich Village Caroling Walk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Another spot to hear your favorite Christmas carols is in the heart of Greenwich Village. On December 20 at 2:00 pm , the West Village Chorale invites everyone to join them for their 51th annual Caroling Walk, where you can hear and sing all your seasonal favorites. It’s great for the whole family and it’s free . Christmas sweaters are encouraged! 📍*25 Carmine St* 7. Voices of Ascension ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These candlelit concerts take place at the Church of the Ascension every December, where carols and seasonal music are performed at the church’s sanctuary. The Voices of Ascension Chorus is guided by Dennis Keen, with Kevin Cobb on the trumpet and Daniel Beckwith on the organ. You can also dedicate a candle to your loved ones or whoever you feel needs it the most this holiday season. 📍 *Fifth Avenue at 10th St* Source: https://secretnyc.co/christmas-carols-concerts-nyc/