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.
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!”
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.
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This post is in partnership with IHG Rewards, but as usual, all views of our experience are our own.