Christmas in NYC is easily one of the most magical times of the year to visit! As a local, it is honestly one of my favorite times to visit, even if it is busy. So, if you’re looking to cross off some of the best Christmas things to do in NYC, this guide has you covered on the top Christmas attractions you won’t want to miss!
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1. Visit Rockefeller Center for Christmas
One of the best Christmas activities to enjoy in NYC is at Rockefeller Center. Known for being one of the most famous Christmas Trees, you really can’t miss this spot.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree tradition started in 1931 with a 20-foot tree. Now, you can expect an 80+ foot Christmas Tree to grace Rockefeller Center with thousands of Christmas lights and a stunning star topper.
Every year, an annual tree lighting ceremony happens right after Thanksgiving. Countless proposals and shared kisses happen under the tree, making it also quite romantic. The tree stays lit every day from 5 AM – 12 AM, and then 24 hours on Christmas Day.
Additionally, let’s not forget the opportunity to skate under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree at the Rink! If you have children, you can also stop inside FAO Schwarz, the iconic toy store.
Local Tip: Try to avoid visiting Rockefeller Plaza during the weekends. Later at night also tends not to be as crowded.
2. Enjoy the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Probably one of my all-time favorite Christmas Markets in the city is at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park.
They have a beautiful Christmas Tree, indoor and outdoor food stalls, and an ice skating rink that is less crowded and more affordable than Rockefeller Center. You are also right next to the New York Public Library, the Empire State Building, and Grand Central Terminal.
If you’re feeling fancy and festive, consider even renting out one of the “Cozy Igloos.”
It’s free to explore, but I can’t promise you won’t feel inclined to purchase some Christmas goodies.
3. See The Christmas Lights at the Hudson Yards
You can never go wrong with seeing Christmas Lights while visiting, and, in my humble opinion, seeing the light decorations at the Hudson Yards is one of the best places to do it.
The whole inside of the shopping mall will be decked out with Christmas lights. I particularly love the hanging, dazzling air balloon decorations. Plus, it gets super cold during Christmas time here, so it’s nice to enjoy some attractions in the warmth! Best yet, it is free to experience these Christmas lights.
While in the area, you can also consider going to the top of the Edge Observation deck, which offers one of the best views of the city.
4. The Nutcracker New York City Ballet
If you have any interest in theatre or love the Nutcracker, experience the George Balanchine Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. This screams Christmas, and what better place to experience it than in NYC? Plus, this is another great way to join the festivities without freezing your butt off!
Tickets are already on sale, and since this is beyond popular, getting tickets ASAP will be important if you want to attend.
5. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Ok, so I said the Hudson Yards have the best Christmas lights in Manhattan; however, Dyker Heights has some of the best Christmas lights that are done by homeowners! If you’ve never heard of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, just imagine the most over-the-top Christmas decorations on private homes.
Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that gives locals and tourists something to be cheerful about, all at their own expense. It is completely free to walk down the streets, although most out-of-towners take a tour bus.
If this is the type of Christmas festivity you have been searching for, you can get all the deets on how to visit them here!
6. New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise
Enjoy Christmas in the city from a new perspective on a Holiday Cruise! This cruise is decked out in Christmas decorations, listen to live jazz, sip on hot cocoa, and see some of the city’s top landmarks!
They offer several tours throughout the day, so you can enjoy the city during the day or lit up at night!
Address: Classic Harbor Line, 62 Chelsea Piers, Pier 62
7. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Another iconic Christmasy event to enjoy is seeing the Rockettes at Radio City! This holiday-filled experience has been a tradition since 1932 and a favorite among both locals and tourists to enjoy!
Watch them kick and dance the night away at Radio City Music Hall starting November 17th. Similar to the Nutcracker, you will want to secure tickets in advance!
Because this is an indoor activity, you shouldn’t have to worry about weather messing up your night either!
8. Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
For a wintry wonderland Christmas experience, you should head over to the Wollman Rink to go ice skating. This is the same magical ice skating rink that the film Serendipity was filmed in, and it is located right in the heart of Central Park!
If the weather plays out right, you may even get to be in Central Park with snow for your Christmas holiday! If I am being honest, we don’t really get much snow in December, but hey, you never know! That is the magic of Christmas, right?
So, as you may have guessed, this centrally located ice skating rink will be busy, but not as busy as Rockefeller Center. Also, the prices are more reasonable than the Rink at Rockefeller Center!
To save time, I suggest booking your time slot online ahead of time. Early in the morning and weekdays tend to be less crowded!
Admission: Starts at Adults: $15; Children 2-12: $10 – Price for adults ranges from off-peak days to prime days.
Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 10 AM – 2:30 PM; Wednesday – Thursday 10 AM – 9 PM; Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 10 PM; Sunday 10 AM – 9 PM
9. Join the Santacon Parade
Visiting during Christmas is all about getting in the Christmas Spirit, right? So, why not join in on the fun of the Santacon Parade?! This parade is really designed for adults, although they mention Santa’s in training are allowed to come with an adult.
The main reason is that it involves getting dressed in your best Santa costumes and visiting all the participating bars! This Christmas event usually happens on the second Saturday of December.
10. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Another incredible Christmas event is the Saks 5th Avenue light show. Located right across the street from Rockefeller Center, you can literally turn from looking up at the Christmas tree to watching the magical light display that is on the front of the department store.
The show starts after sundown and repeats every 10 to 15 minutes. Best yet, this is a completely free Christmas event to enjoy.
11. Walk Down 5th Avenue During the Holidays
Visiting the Department Store holiday windows has been a coveted experience for years, and thousands of people come to see them. Macy’s started the tradition back in 1889, and now it is one of the best parts of visiting New York during the holiday season.
So, as you may have guessed, some of the best window displays to see will be lined down 5th Avenue. Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier are all classics around the 5th Ave. area. This is also a great free thing to do during the Holiday season.
12. Upper East Side Christmas Decorations
Speaking of decorations, some other places to see lovely Christmas decorations will be on the Upper East Side around Central Park. These multimillion-dollar brownstones do a fantastic job getting into the Christmas spirit, and while I don’t believe they are as good as Dyker Heights, they are closer.
13. Find The Best Christmas Trees
We all know Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the main event, but did you know there are plenty of other really lovely Christmas Trees to visit around Manhattan?
Other great Christmas Trees include the Washington Square Park Tree, the Madison Square Park Tree, the Stock Exchange Tree, and the Bryant Park Christmas Tree.
14. Visit Central Park During the Holiday Season
I know I mentioned visiting the Wollman Rink, which is in Central Park, but Central Park really deserves its own spot on the list, right?! I mean, this is the most iconic park in the city, after all. Plus, this is by far my favorite free thing to do in the city during any time of the year!
So, if you are visiting during the winter holiday, strolling around the park will allow you to encompass all the nostalgia of the Big Apple. I see you, my Home Alone 2 fans.
Central Park is over 800 acres, so to help steer you in the right direction, some of my favorite areas include Bow Bridge, The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, and Empire Rock.
If you’re looking for somewhere to warm up, head to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) or the American Museum of Natural History if you’re traveling with kids!
15. Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
A perfect Christmas event to enjoy with kids is at the New York Botanical Garden to see the Holiday Train Show.
This highly anticipated Christmas tradition features model trains operating through more than 190 replicas of well-known New York City landmarks!
If you visit after the sun goes down, take advantage of their NYBG GLOW, where beautiful Christmas light decorations light up the garden. For the adults in the group, participate in the well-liked Bar Car Nights, which are open to visitors aged 21 and up to enjoy yummy festive drinks.
You can find Tickets closer to Christmas.
16. See Lightscape at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Another great nighttime holiday event to enjoy is at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. They also host their own holiday lights event and have the very Instagrammable arch everyone loves taking photos in.
This is also a great place if you’re looking for something family-friendly.
Tip: This is an outdoors event, so make sure to wear warm layers. You can check out this ultimate winter packing list here.
17. Find the Best Hot Cocoa
What better way to enjoy Christmas time in Manhattan than to try some of the city’s best hot chocolate?! It is up for debate who actually has the best hot chocolate, so I will let you decide that for yourself, but some great places to start include:
- Serendipity 3 for their frozen hot chocolate
- Levain Bakery
- Angelina Paris NYC (traditional Parisian hot Chocolate)
- S’mores N’more Hot Cocoa
- Dominique Ansel Bakery, SoHo
18. Enjoy a Holiday Bar
In the “city that never sleeps,” the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Continue your night at some of the most festive holiday bars! You’ll truly feel like they have decked the halls just for you! It is important to note that these bars are usually busy, so if you can make a reservation in advance, do it.
Or, just expect crowds, and don’t be too upset about it!
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
- Rolfs Restaurant (can feel very overwhelming)
- Oscar Wilde (a crowd favorite)
- Frosty’s Christmas Bar
- Miracle on 9th Street Pop-up Bar
- The Greens at Pier 17 (pop-up holiday cabins that need to be booked in advance)
- Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth Rooftop (popular Igloos with the Empire State Building view)
- The Lavaux Wine Bar (Swiss Chalet that needs to be booked ahead of time)
19. Visit the Christmas Markets
It goes without saying that the Christmas Markets are one of the main events when visiting during the holidays, and there are a handful to choose from! My favorite holiday market is at Bryant Park, which I covered above.
The same company sets up most of the holiday markets throughout the city, so they have the same holiday vibes. These green stalls are designed to imitate a European Christmas Market.
Aside from the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, there is also a market in Union Square and Columbus Circle. There are also two indoor Christmas Markets at the Oculus and Grand Central Terminal, along with some pop-ups.
20. Witness a New York Philharmonic Performance
Last but not least, Holidays with the NY Phil. If I am being honest, I didn’t even know about this holiday tradition until recently, and I am a local! Therefore, you can expect this Christmas event to be a little less touristy.
Enjoying music is required, as you will be enjoying the sounds of the Philharmonic Brass, Percussion, Soprano, Alto, and more, depending on the show you attend. These holiday shows will be happening from December 12th to December 17th.
Last Words
Now, consider yourself prepared to experience some of the best things to do in NYC for Christmas time! Since this city is one of my favorite places to write about, you will find a ton of other guides linked below that will help you further plan your holiday trip!
Have any questions about this list? Feel free to reach out to me via email/Social DMS, or the comments below!
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