Who wants to spend Christmas in New York? It seems that every great Christmas movie or memory of ours is somehow associated with New York City. We asked all our Manhattan friends what to do at Christmas time in NYC, and they gave us excellent suggestions to get us into the Christmas spirit. We made our list, checked it twice, and with a hot chocolate in hand, off we set off to explore the Christmas displays and famous shows of the Big Apple during the holidays.
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New York City Christmas Itinerary
Get ready to explore our Christmas in New York itinerary, from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to famous department stores adorned with decorations to Bryant Park Winter Village, we’ve rounded up the top attractions for holiday fun to help you decide where to start your New York City Christmas vacation.
The Christmas season is a magical time of year, and the city that never sleeps certainly comes to life during the holidays. There are so many things to do in NYC at Christmas, particularly in midtown Manhattan, where department stores are decorated with Christmas trees and lights as Christmas carols blast from the speaker. Christmas performances are in full swing, and skating rinks are packed with people celebrating the holidays. These are the top things to do in New York at Christmas to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
1. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Celebration is an institution dating back to 1932. If you plan to catch just one show during the holidays in New York, The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the one to see.
I was expecting to see 90 minutes of women kicking their legs high in the air in “A Chorus Line” style, but there’s a ton of budget, thought, and fun energy that goes into the show.
There are singers, figure skaters, a 3D screen showing Santa’s adventure, complete with Santa Claus himself, and a group of shorter and more diverse male and female dancers backing up the actual Rockettes.
I was sure my New York friends were going to tell me I was nuts when I told them we booked a ticket for the Radio City Christmas Extravaganza to see teh Radio City Rockettes. It turned out that everyone said, “Go see the Rockettes!”
- Book your night at Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Christmas Spectacular today before it sells out!
- We have also booked a backstage tour included with our New York Pass of Radio City Music Hall which is awesome. You even get to meet a Rockette and see the secret room where Walt Disney and Judy Garland hung out.
2. The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center
If you want to see another Christmas show in New York, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is performed by the New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Center. I have seen so many shows on TV mentioning the Lincoln Centre that I felt giddy stepping foot on the complex.
Besides the ballet, you’ll find the Opera House and Geffen Hall, where the New York City Philharmonic plays.
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3. Christmas Markets
You can’t have a proper New York City Christmas without visiting the an NYC Christmas Market. If you want a guided experience of seeing the holiday markets, do not miss this Christmas Lights and Markets Tour. We loved it!
We visited our first Christmas Markets during a river cruise of Europe a few years ago, and since that time, they have been sprouting up everywhere around the world. New York City has markets all over town from uptown to downtown. You can do all your holiday shopping in one NYC Christmas trip.
4. Grand Central Terminal
We visited several holiday markets including the indoor market at Grand Central Station (a New York City tourist attraction unto itself).
Grand Central Terminal’s Annual Holiday Fair is New York City’s longest-running indoor holiday fair showcasing 36 local-artisan vendors and small businesses offering one-of-a-kind products across a variety of categories. It takes place in the beaux-arts Vanderbilt Hall for a truly curated shopping experience.
The most popular is probably the Union Square Holiday Market, where we randomly ran into a friend in this gigantic city! And the lovely Columbus Circle Holiday Market. We went to them all and loved each minute! But our personal favorite is the Bryant Park Winter Village.
Check out our best Christmas Gift ideas for people who love to travel
5. Bryant Park
Why was Bryant Park our favorite place in New York for the holiday season? Well, for one, there is an ice skating rink and you can skate here for free!
Bring your hockey or figure skates along, and you can go ice skating at Bryant Park. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are $20. The arena is surrounded by Christmas stalls selling ornaments, arts and crafts, and, of course, hot apple cider to keep you warm.
There’s a great Christmas tree here as well, which we actually enjoyed more than the tree at the Rockefeller Centre. Located near the New York Public Library, you can enjoy the outdoors and head inside the iconic library to warm up.
6. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
You cannot go to New York at Christmas without witnessing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It would be like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Once the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony happens, you know New York is ready for holiday cheer. This year, it is a massive Christmas tree from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
In 2024, the Rockefeller Tree will arrive on Saturday, November 9th, and will stay until the end of January 2024. If you want to be there for the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony it takes place on December 4th, 2024.
7. Rockefeller Center Ice Skating
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree dominates the square, and there is nothing more romantic than going ice skating or just watching the talented skaters.
But be prepared, the fees are high and there is a long wait to get on the ice. If it’s not on your Christmas bucket list to skate here, it is at least worth stopping by to see the holiday display at the Rockefeller Center and all of the TV Shows filmed at 30 Rock. Plus, you can use the free public washrooms, have a seat, and warm up with a hot chocolate in the concourse.
If you go to the Rockefeller Center, make sure to go in the morning or later at night; crowds are much less, and you can see the lights displayed on the tree overlooking the famous skating rink.
8. The MET Christmas Tree
If you want to see another beautiful Christmas Tree in New York City, the Met has a long tradition of showcasing a holiday Christmas Tree. The twenty-foot blue spruce is the center of a Neapolitan Nativity scene with angels hovering overhead. You’ll find it in the Medieval Sculpture Hall.
9. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
New York City is known for its holiday window displays during the Christmas season, but Saks Fifth Avenue takes the holiday spirit to new heights. Located on Fifth Avenue, just a hop skip and a jump from the Rockefeller Center, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light show is one of the best free things to see on your NYC Christmas trip.
If you time it right, you could be standing at the viewpoint of the Warner Brothers Tree at Rockefeller Center to watch the show. If you do a complete 180-degree turn from the rink, you’ll see a Saks storefront where their light show plays to dramatic Christmas music at regular intervals once the sun goes down. This is a must-do when you visit New York City at Christmas.
Other stores that get into the Christmas spirit are nearby Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany and Co. Each has elaborate displays and Christmas decorations starting in November.
10. New York Christmas Window Displays
Speaking of Saks Fifth Avenue, the best way to check out the New York window displays is to walk along Fifth Avenue from Central Park. All the storefronts are decorated to the nines. Some were calling for children to interact with the display by hitting buttons and pulling levers. Don’t forget to make a detour to Bloomingdales, a staple of New York located on Lexington Avenue.
11. Macy’s Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is famous for its annual Christmas window displays. Each Christmas, the department store transforms its windows into elaborate scenes filled with Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and animated characters that tell a holiday-themed story.
At Christmas time, Macy transforms into a magical Christmas village where kids can visit Santa Claus or marvel at Christmas trees while listening to Christmas carols. At Christmas time, this village takes over an entire floor, getting you into the Christmas spirit.
The Christmas window displays are unveiled in late November and remain on view until early January. The windows are located along Broadway and 34th Street, and they are free to view.
12. Central Park
Nothing is more romantic than strolling through Central Park at Christmas time with a hot chocolate in hand. You can also go ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This skating rink was opened in 1949 and has been a holiday staple in New York for decades. It is located near the southern entrance of the park, with the stunning New York City skyline as its backdrop.
Wollman Rink transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with festive lights and holiday music. It’s a great place to enjoy the holiday spirit while also getting some exercise. Ice skating at Wollman Rink has become a beloved tradition for both locals and tourists alike.
Many Christmas movies were filmed in Central Park – A Great tour to take is the Holiday Lights and Movie Tour of NYC. You’ll see holiday lights and famous movie sets when you visit NYC.
13. Tavern on the Green
We were excited to visit Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The top hat and tails-clad doorman greeted us with a smile as he let us into the city’s iconic landmark.
But we made the mistake of not making reservations, so we only had the opportunity to browse the gift shop and check out the sitting area by the bar. When we arrived at 2 pm, there was a 90-minute wait for a table.
This is a romantic destination and the setting is beautiful, but do yourself a favor and reserve a table for lunch. With the fire going and Christmas decorations, it is the perfect place to enjoy a hot chocolate after ice skating.
14. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Be prepared for very long lines, though. To get you into the Christmas spirit, the Empire State Building lights up in a festive red and green glow.
Entrance to the Empire State Building is included with your New York City Pass, which gives you front-of-the-line access to New York Attractions. You can also purchase skip the line admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck
15. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Located in the Bronx, The New York Botanical Garden is worth a visit to see the Holiday Train Show. 150 miniature New York City Landmarks span a half-mile track that is meticulously lit with bright lights as model trains move through the miniature city. Get more details here.
There are plenty of things to keep you busy at the gardens during the holiday season, including taking in a Christmas concert, listening to acapella groups, Christmas carols, and poetry readings. Click here to book tickets to the Holiday Train Show
16. A View from Brooklyn
There are many places to get a great view of the New York City skyline, but our favorite is definitely from Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge). This is a spot you recognize from many Christmas movies, where historic buildings lead down narrow streets directly to the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.
From the waterfront here you can snap several different views of the New York City skyline, but the most impressive picture comes from Pier 2 where wooden poles jut out of the water, making for a remarkable foreground. Plus, there is a carousel here that puts you in the festive spirit.
17. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
While in Brooklyn, make your way to Dyker Heights to view the Christmas lights display. The homes in this New York neighborhood get into the festive spirit by having Christmas professionals design their lights starting the day after Thanksgiving.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour has become so popular that there are tours offered out to see the displays from 11th Avenue to Dyker Heights Blvd (aka 13th Avenues) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Check out this highly-rated Manhattan to Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour.
18. Buddy the Elf Tour
It’s been 20 years since Elf starring Will Ferrell took the Christmas holiday season by storm to celebrate, the Elf Movie Sites Tour has opened in NYC! You’ll visit iconic movie scenes such as where Buddy and Santa Claus escaped from the Central Park Rangers on Santa’s sleigh, the Pinebank Arch, the scene of the infamous snowball fight and see Macy’s, Buddy’s North Pole home-away-from-home.
Learn about behind-the-scenes trivia, and be led by a local actor. Be sure to pack your Christmas spirit and your favorite Santa or Elf hat.
19. Christmas Pop Up Bars
To participate in one of New York’s newest traditions, seek out the Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar called Miracle, which serves holiday-inspired drinks in a festive setting.
The bars are typically decked out in Christmas decorations, including Christmas lights, Christmas trees, garlands, and holiday-themed knick-knacks. The menu often features creative holiday-inspired cocktails with festive names like “Jingle Ball Nog” and “Christmapolitan.”
The pop-up bars are usually open from late November until the end of December, providing a festive place for people to gather and celebrate the holiday season.
20. Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve
Times Square for New Year isn’t for everyone, but if it has always been your dream to do it, we say go for it! If you are in town on December 31, visit Times Square for New Year’s Eve. Times Square on New Year’s Eve is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, but it can be a challenging experience due to the large crowds, cold weather, and long wait times.
If you want a good view, you should plan on arriving as early as possible. Once you are in Times Square, it can be difficult to leave and come back to your spot. Bring snacks and water. Bathrooms are limited, and I plan on waiting around for a long time.
21. Bronx Zoo Light Show
During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with light displays and animal lanterns. Visitors can stroll through the zoo and enjoy the dazzling lights, live entertainment, and Christmas carols.
The Holiday Lights show runs from late November through early January. The displays are designed to celebrate wildlife. The zoo also hosts live performances, including carols, ice carving demonstrations, and more.
22. New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show
The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery hosts a Holiday Train Show. Departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal, the Transit Museum houses a collection of model trains, including Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets making their way past New York landmarks and onto the North Pole.
The show opens on Thursday, Nov. 14, and runs through February 2025. Open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed on major holidays. Details here.
Where to Stay in New York at Christmas
The best area to stay in New York at Christmas time is Times Square. Sure, it is busy, but you will be in the heart of the action and will feel the Christmas cheer all around you.
The last time we stayed in New York, we stayed at the Intercontinental Times Square. It’s a fantastic property that offers a different, more upscale choice.
We have also stayed at Holiday Inn Times Square. Even though our room was small at the Holiday Inn Times Square, it had all the amenities we needed and a fantastic view of Manhattan.
Read About these Times Square Hotels that we have stayed at. It is a great place to make a home base when visiting New York during the holidays.
Where to Eat in New York at Christmas
Serendipity 3 has attracted famous celebrities since 1954 and has now opened a restaurant in Times Square where you can enjoy its famous for Frozen Hot Chocolate dessert.
Rolf’s German Restaurant is located near Gramercy Park for Christmas decorations. It is decorated year-round and claims to be the most festive restaurant in NYC.
Check out more things to see in Times Square at Things to do in Times Square – A Walking Tour and Nearby Attractions.
Does it snow in New York at Christmas?
It is cold in December in New York, and it can snow. Pack your layers and be prepared for winter weather.
Is Christmas a good time to visit New York?
Christmas is an amazing time to visit New York. Christmas markets are open all around town, storefronts are decorated with colorful lights, and special Christmas performances take place. New York is made for Christmas celebrations.
What is there to do on an NYC Christmas Trip?
There are so many things to do in New York during the holidays, like Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Light show at Saks Fifth Avenue, Christmas Markets, and the Christmas lights of Dyker Heights.
Enjoy all these things to do in New York City at Christmas? Save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.
Plan more of your New York City travels:
- 6 Tips to Make the Most of NYC Photography – by James
- Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
- 3 Perfect hotels in Times Square
- Fun Facts about New York
- Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- 33 Best Things to Do in New York
- New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York
This post is in partnership with IHG Rewards, but as usual, all views of our experience are our own.
New York is stunning at Christmas. Been there for 2 Christmas’s and loved it. It is cold, but so wonderful.
Hello!
I absolutely loved reading your post on spending Christmas in New York! As someone who’s been lucky enough to visit the city during the holidays, I can definitely agree with how magical everything feels. The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is truly one of the best holiday experiences in the city. I remember being absolutely mesmerized by the Rockettes and the incredible performances. It’s an absolute must-see!
Also, Bryant Park holds a special place in my heart. Ice skating surrounded by twinkling lights and the holiday market is something you just can’t find anywhere else. Your post brought back so many warm memories, and I can’t wait to return to New York next Christmas. Thanks for sharing this amazing itinerary – it’s definitely going on my list for next year!
This guide to Christmas in New York City is fantastic! It captures the magic of the season perfectly.
Amazing blog, really well written, please keep on writing blogs like this.
Great photographs.
I hope I can visit NY once in my life.
Thank you for this amazing article.
It is my dream to visit New York City, I hope this dream comes true in future.
Thanks for sharing this information.
The photographs are eye-catching. I will definitely visit New York at least once during Christmas.
Thank you for this amazing article.
What a amazing photography you shared. have a wonderful Christmas
Such an awesome article and especially the photo’s were awesome 😉 Can you travel to New York for London? I wanted to spend my Christmas in New York but due to this situation i couldn’t but looking forward for a 2021 Christmas in New York
All of these ideas are good! Thank you very much for that)
I get a bit homesick after reading blogs like this although I can’t complain when I am living in Bali. i want to thank you guys for posting so much stuff through the years. Stay safe while you’re in the Big Apple.
This year is not good for all of us, but we will always celebrate our holiday time. Merry Christmas
Previous year I was in New York but this year I really miss christmas celebration in new york. Mostly Central Park. Thanks for reminding this christmas
congratulations and merry christmas
Thank you so much for sharing the great celebration of new york city. I am enjoyed a lot so much.
Being a traveler I would love to have these gifts.These are absolutely great.There are many things in the list which are pretty useful while traveling.Thank you So Much for the wonderful Article and for sharing such beautiful pictures.
Keep Blogging!!
Beautiful view..
Thanks for sharing..
FYI for anyone going this weekend…the Rockefeller tree will not be lit until 12/4. I’m bummed I’m going to miss it!!
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Central park beautiful views of the city. Thanks for share
Thanks so much for the tips on a great Christmas trip to New York! Definitely putting it on the 2020 “Must-Do” List.
Awesome!
I spent last Christmas in NYC and I must say, it’s one of my favourite places to spend Christmas in! It’s everything I expected. Your list includes a few things I didn’t get to do, so this means I must go back for another Christmas and tick some more things off 🙂
Newyork is one of the best destinations to enjoy Christmas. There are so many things to do in New York during Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
very informative post, I just got many information abut New York City what can I do there in Christmas Day.
Really, interesting list. I would love to go on every one of them 🙂
I think yoga retreat would be a great addition to this awesome list
I love what I saw yes I’m planning a couple of trips and yes I feel good now that’s just the beginning……too much love in the air.9/17/2019
Quite remarkable indeed. Looking forward to more useful posts like this one.
I wish my city had all those decorations (christmas trees decorated in public and all the christmas lights and garlin) and all that type of fun (ice skating and other things). Too bad my city hates Christmas; (None of the people where I live have Christmas Spirit expect for me). Although I do get snow so yay :)?
Dozens of prominent veterinarians and equine experts have examined and affirm the safety, good health, contentment, and strictly followed regulations applied to New York City’s Central Park Carriage Horses. Over 140,000 unemployed, high maintenance, and unwanted American horses end up in Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses every year. Even Buck Brannaman of the “Horse Whisperer” fame has studied the dynamics of the carriage wheels, the street surfaces, the horse’s shoes, etc, and asserts the comfort and safety of the carriage horses. A horse’s body language doesn’t lie, but some radical animal rights extremists do.
All great ideas but all of the misinformation about the carriage horses is disheartening. Don’t believe Radical Animal Rights wackadoodle and yes, that def includes PETA.
Because you listened to Jane Velez-Mitchell, you missed THE most historic NYC attraction: a carriage ride through Central Park. I doubt Jane has even been inside a carriage horse barn in NYC, but I have. The horses certainly have room to lie down and sleep, in a comfortable, secure setting. They are fed and have any medical needs (including dentistry and podiatry) checked on and cared for. The carriage rides are reasonable, since the price is not per person, but per carriage- 2,3,4 people. If you stay at the Plaza, you can arrange for the carriage to pick you up and even feed carrots to the carriage horses! Central Park was built in the 1800’s, meant to be seen from a carriage or from horseback. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a carriage ride. Don’t believe the lies spread by ignorant people.
It’s too bad this article had to fall for the biased ignorance of PETA apologist Jane Velez Mitchell concerning the Carriages in Central Park. (PETA’S single animal “shelter” has an 85+% kill rate, among the highest in the country) The carriage horses have one of the highest levels of oversight and legal protection in the world. They have nearly 150 pages of regulations governing them, are inspected hundreds of times a year, and are in daily contact with the NYPD mounted units. They are the safest ground transportation in the city. Those who actually know and understand working horses, including the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the New York State Veterinary Society and dozens of independent vets and horse people have endorsed the industry. And yes, the horses can lay down! Efforts to ban the carriage horses we’re laughed out of the city council for lack of evidence. PETA’s bizarre mission is to eliminate ALL domesticated animals (“Better dead than fed”) and cannot be trusted as an accurate source of information.
This is the best travel tips I ever read. I love traveling too
I would love to spend the holidays in New York at least one time.
Great discussions are happening here! NYC looks like a dream city for visitors from all over the world. This article definitely create holiday mood! Stunning! Appreciate and i would share it with my friends!
This is the best travel tips I ever read. I love traveling too
Que lugar maravilhoso!!
Wonderful Christmas……….Wow!! What a amazing photography you shared. Great article and blog post.
For sure!!!
Greatest city!!!
I just love this place in christmas
I went to NY last Christmas
Best christmas in the whole world
I love Christmas in NY!
New York is the best place to spend Christmas.
Great post
There is nothing better than spending Christmas in New York
I would love to spend the holidays in New York at least one time. Where would be the first thing to check out there?
I have heard that Christmas is celebration in New York was on it’s high and as I missed this year’s but I don’t want to miss it in the upcoming year. Thanks for sharing this post.
I would love to spend holidays in New York
Love New York wl always be. Stunning pictures. Very informative. Keep Sharing.
wow, nice blog… amazing Christmas.
I would love to spend the holidays in New York at least one time. Where would be the first thing to check out there?
Nice!!!
Very Nice…
I was also on christmas market this year but only in Hungarian capital the Budapest. There was also some nice things but here on the pictures I can see New York is another city as well.
New York city is one of the best destination of Europe to enjoy Christmas. its really amazing place to enjoy at this time and you shared best things to enjoy here and great photos you shared of that beautiful place.
It’s on my list to visit it 🙂
Christmas in New york city is always special. Each Christmas celebration goes on with excitement. I’m very excited for Christmas 2017 !
This picture is amazing!
Great photo of the skyline over the water is amazing!
Beautiful! Our goal is Thanksgiving and Christmas in NYC this year with our kids! We’ve just had our first ever cold Christmas in China, but without snow!!! 🙁 Fingers crossed we hit NYC in 2017
I love the photo of the skyline over the water is amazing!
This last photo is amazing!
Wonderful Christmas……….Wow!! What a amazing photography you shared. Great article and blog post. I am appreciate your time and efforts. Glad to find your post. Thanks for sharing it…
The picture of NYC from Brooklyn is amazing!
Makes me hungry for a real Christmas, unfortunately where I live it’s 20 degrees celsius during winter so no white Christmas for us ;(
Amazing christmas!
Looks absolutely fabulous! I love the photo of the skyline over the water.
I won’t make it to NYC for Christmas, but I’ll be there in late January. NYC in winter is great cause you can avoid being outdoors and still have a million awesome things to do.