New York tends to take the cake when it comes to Christmas celebrations. Famous tree lightings are watched around the nation, the Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square is the epicenter of holiday shopping, and Santa is seemingly on every corner. But this year, we’d like to highlight a few hyperlocal seasonal ongoings in the neighborhoods right around Lex Hotel. It’s cold out—so you may as well opt to stay close to your cozy accommodations.

Stroll just a few blocks to Madison Square Park (not Madison Square Garden!) to check out a holiday tree tradition that’s recurred every year since 1912. The lighting ceremony and celebration take place on the evening of December 5, but you can enjoy the spectacle all month long.

On December 17, head to Flatiron Public Plaza for the “23 Days of Flatiron Cheer: Solstice Celebration” from 4 to 8 pm. This free celebration is sponsored by the National Museum of Mathematics and the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership. Celebrate the season of lights with a life-sized kaleidoscope, and enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and a prize wheel.

The Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership also offers free historic walking tours on Sundays. These occur year-round, but each Sunday during the month of December they will be holiday-themed. Tours start at 11 am at the tip of the Flatiron Building at 23rd Street just East of Fifth Avenue. No advance registration is required.