Who desires to spend Christmas in New York? It seems that each great Christmas movie or memory of ours is in some way related to New York City. We asked all our Manhattan friends what to do at Christmas time in NYC, they usually 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 through the holidays.
New York City Christmas Itinerary
Get able to explore our Christmas in New York itinerary, from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to famous shops adorned with decorations to Bryant Park Winter Village, we’ve rounded up the highest attractions for holiday fun to allow you to determine where to begin your New York City Christmas vacation.
The Christmas season is a magical time of yr, and town that never sleeps actually involves life through the holidays. There are so many things to do in NYC at Christmas, particularly in midtown Manhattan, where shops are decorated with Christmas trees and lights as Christmas carols blast from the speaker. Christmas performances are in full swing, and skating rinks are full of people celebrating the vacations. These are the highest things to do in New York at Christmas to allow you to plan the right itinerary.
1. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Celebration is an establishment dating back to 1932. If you intend to catch only one show through the holidays in New York, The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the one to see.
I used to be expecting to see 90 minutes of girls kicking their legs high within 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 gaggle of shorter and more diverse female and male dancers backing up the actual Rockettes.
I used to be sure my New York friends were going to inform me I used to be nuts once I told them we booked a ticket for the Radio City Christmas Extravaganza to see teh Radio City Rockettes. It turned out that everybody said, “Go see the Rockettes!”
2. The Nutcracker on the Lincoln Center
If you ought to see one other Christmas show in New York, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is performed by the New York City Ballet on the Lincoln Center. I actually 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.
3. Christmas Markets
You can’t have a correct New York City Christmas without visiting the an NYC Christmas Market. If you would like a guided experience of seeing the vacation markets, don’t miss this Christmas Lights and Markets Tour. We loved it!
We visited our first Christmas Markets during a river cruise of Europe a number of years ago, and since that point, they’ve been sprouting up in all places world wide. New York City has markets throughout town from uptown to downtown. You can do all of your holiday shopping in a single 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 quite a lot of categories. It takes place within the beaux-arts Vanderbilt Hall for a really curated shopping experience.
The hottest might be the Union Square Holiday Market, where we randomly bumped into a friend on this gigantic city! And the beautiful Columbus Circle Holiday Market. We went to all of them and loved each minute! But our personal favorite is the Bryant Park Winter Village.
Check out our best Christmas Gift ideas for individuals who like to travel
5. Bryant Park
Why was Bryant Park our favourite place in New York for the vacation season? Well, for one, there may be an ice skating rink and you possibly can skate here at no cost!
Bring your hockey or figure skates along, and you possibly can go ice skating at Bryant Park. If you don’t have your individual skates, rentals are $20. The arena is surrounded by Christmas stalls selling ornaments, arts and crafts, and, in fact, hot apple cider to maintain you warm.
There’s an incredible Christmas tree here as well, which we actually enjoyed greater than the tree on the Rockefeller Centre. Located near the New York Public Library, you possibly can benefit from the outdoors and head inside the enduring library to warm up.
6. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
You cannot go to New York at Christmas without witnessing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It can be like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Once the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony happens, New York is prepared for holiday cheer. This yr, it’s a large Christmas tree from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
In 2024, the Rockefeller Tree will arrive on Saturday, November ninth, and can stay until the tip of January 2024. If you ought 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 may be nothing more romantic than going ice skating or simply watching the talented skaters.
But be prepared, the fees are high and there may be a protracted wait to get on the ice. If it’s not in your Christmas bucket list to skate here, it’s a minimum of value stopping by to see the vacation display on the Rockefeller Center and all the TV Shows filmed at 30 Rock. Plus, you should use the free public washrooms, have a seat, and warm up with a hot chocolate within the concourse.
If you go to the Rockefeller Center, make sure that to go within the morning or later at night; crowds are much less, and you possibly can see the lights displayed on the tree overlooking the famous skating rink.
8. The MET Christmas Tree
If you ought to see one other beautiful Christmas Tree in New York City, the Met has a protracted tradition of showcasing a vacation Christmas Tree. The twenty-foot blue spruce is the middle of a Neapolitan Nativity scene with angels hovering overhead. You’ll find it within the Medieval Sculpture Hall.
9. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
New York City is understood for its holiday window displays through the Christmas season, but Saks Fifth Avenue takes the vacation spirit to latest heights. Located on Fifth Avenue, only a hop skip and a jump from the Rockefeller Center, the Saks Fifth Avenue Light show is top-of-the-line free things to see in your NYC Christmas trip.
If you time it right, you would be standing at the point of view of the Warner Brothers Tree at Rockefeller Center to observe the show. If you do an entire 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 while 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 very best option to try 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 kids 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 positioned on Lexington Avenue.
11. Macy’s Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square in New York City is known for its annual Christmas window displays. Each Christmas, the department store transforms its windows into elaborate scenes stuffed with Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and animated characters that tell a holiday-themed story.
At Christmas time, Macy transforms right 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 a whole 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 positioned along Broadway and thirty fourth Street, they usually 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 also can go ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This skating rink was opened in 1949 and has been a vacation staple in New York for a long time. It is positioned near the southern entrance of the park, with the stunning New York City skyline as its backdrop.
Wollman Rink transforms right into a winter wonderland, complete with festive lights and holiday music. It’s an incredible place to benefit from the holiday spirit while also getting some exercise. Ice skating at Wollman Rink has turn out to be a beloved tradition for each 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 while you visit NYC.
13. Tavern on the Green
We were excited to go to Tavern on the Green in Central Park. The top hat and tails-clad doorman greeted us with a smile as he allow us to into town’s iconic landmark.
But we made the error of not making reservations, so we only had the chance to browse the gift shop and take a look at 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 gorgeous, but do yourself a favor and reserve a table for lunch. With the fireplace going and Christmas decorations, it’s the right place to enjoy a hot chocolate after ice skating.
14. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is open one year a yr, 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 along with your New York City Pass, which provides you front-of-the-line access to New York Attractions. You also can purchase skip the road admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck
15. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Located within the Bronx, The New York Botanical Garden is value a visit to see the Holiday Train Show. 150 miniature New York City Landmarks span a half-mile track that’s meticulously lit with vivid lights as model trains move through the miniature city. Get more details here.
There are loads of things to maintain you busy on the gardens through 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 an incredible view of the New York City skyline, but our favourite is unquestionably 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 on to the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.
From the waterfront here you possibly can snap several different views of the New York City skyline, but essentially the most impressive picture comes from Pier 2 where picket poles jut out of the water, making for a remarkable foreground. Plus, there may be a carousel here that puts you within the festive spirit.
17. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
While in Brooklyn, make your option to Dyker Heights to view the Christmas lights display. The homes on 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 turn out to be so popular that there are tours offered out to see the displays from eleventh Avenue to Dyker Heights Blvd (aka thirteenth 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 have a good time, the Elf Movie Sites Tour has opened in NYC! You’ll visit iconic movie scenes akin to 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 neighborhood actor. Be sure to pack your Christmas spirit and your favorite Santa or Elf hat.
19. Christmas Pop Up Bars
To take part in one in every of New York’s newest traditions, search 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 often open from late November until the tip of December, providing a festive place for people to assemble and have a good time the vacation season.
20. Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve
Times Square for New Year isn’t for everybody, but when it has at all times been your dream to do it, we are saying go for it! If you might be on the town on December 31, visit Times Square for New Year’s Eve. Times Square on New Year’s Eve is on a variety of people’s bucket lists, but it may well be a difficult experience attributable to the big crowds, cold weather, and long wait times.
If you would like view, you must plan on arriving as early as possible. Once you might be in Times Square, it may well be difficult to depart and are available back to your spot. Bring snacks and water. Bathrooms are limited, and I plan on waiting around for a very long time.
21. Bronx Zoo Light Show
During the vacations, the Bronx Zoo transforms right into a winter wonderland with light displays and animal lanterns. Visitors can stroll through the zoo and luxuriate in the dazzling lights, live entertainment, and Christmas carols.
The Holiday Lights show runs from late November through early January. The displays are designed to have a good time 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 group of model trains, including Metro-North, Polar Express, and vintage subway train sets making their well 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 six p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed on major holidays. Details here.
Where to Stay in New York at Christmas
The best area to remain in New York at Christmas time is Times Square. Sure, it’s busy, but you might be in the center of the motion and can feel the Christmas cheer throughout you.
The last time we stayed in New York, we stayed on the Intercontinental Times Square. It’s a improbable property that gives a distinct, more upscale selection.
We have also stayed at Holiday Inn Times Square. Even though our room was small on the Holiday Inn Times Square, it had all of the amenities we would have liked and a improbable view of Manhattan.
Read About these Times Square Hotels that we now have stayed at. It is an incredible place to make a house base when visiting New York through 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 possibly can enjoy its famous for Frozen Hot Chocolate dessert.
Rolf’s German Restaurant is positioned near Gramercy Park for Christmas decorations. It is decorated year-round and claims to be essentially 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 may well snow. Pack your layers and be prepared for winter weather.
Is Christmas time to go to New York?
Christmas is a tremendous time to go to New York. Christmas markets are open throughout town, storefronts are decorated with colourful lights, and special Christmas performances happen. 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 through 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 this stuff to do in New York City at Christmas? Save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.
This post is in partnership with IHG Rewards, but as usual, all views of our experience are our own.
