Welcome to the best things to do in New York City at Christmas!
The holiday season is an exciting time to be in New York City, with the city coming alive with festive decorations, lights, and events.
There’s nothing quite like experiencing NYC in the winter months.
From ice skating in Central Park to visiting the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, there’s so much to see and do during this magical time of year.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas, so you can make the most of your visit and soak up all the holiday cheer that this city has to offer.
Let’s dive in.
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1. Visit Rockefeller Center
A visit to Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic things to do in New York City at Christmas!
The enormous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been an NYC staple since 1931, and every year its lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season.
Is any trip to New York City at Christmas complete without stopping by this stunning tree?
Of course, ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center is another must for every NYC Christmas bucket list.
Here, you’ll find stunning 360-degree views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks.
While you’re here, you might want to round off your visit with a trip to the Top of The Rock, the famous observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York
Hours: Open all day daily from the end of November through mid-January. The ice rink itself opens on November 6th and will be open daily from 9:00 am to 12:00 am.
Price: Free to see the tree, $15-$35 for ice skating admission, $15 for skate rentals
How to Get There: Take the M50 bus to E 50th street and walk from there. It’s also a short, 10 minute walk from Times Square.
Related: New York Instagram Captions
2. Admire the 5th Avenue Window Displays
One of the biggest holiday traditions in New York is strolling the glitzy stores on Fifth Avenue, and admiring all of their spectacular Christmas window displays.
According to local lore, this tradition started over 150 years ago, in the windows of Macy’s Herald Square.
Since then, the tradition has grown to embody the spirit of Christmas in New York.
Today, some of the best window displays can be found at:
- Macy’s
- Saks 5th Avenue
- Cartier
- Bergdorf Goodman
- Bloomingdale’s
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Hours: The window displays are open 24 hours a day.
Price: Free
How To Get There: It’s only half a mile away from Times Square, so you could walk for 10 minutes or take the M-50 bus.
3. Watch The Christmas Spectacular
Another tradition that has become synonymous with Christmas in New York City is The Christmas Spectacular.
This musical holiday stage show, starring the Radio City Rockettes, started in 1933.
It’s been presented annually ever since, at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.
The 90-minute show features over 140 performers, and combines original music, singing, dancing, comedy, and traditional holiday scenes.
Address: Radio City Music Hall at 1260 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY
Hours: The show is around 90 minutes long and runs from November through early January, with performances sometimes daily at 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:00 pm.
Price: Tickets range in price from $49 to $225 per person. You may also be able to purchase discount tickets through TodayTix and Groupon.How To Get There: It’s just a short, 7 minute walk from Times Square.
You can reserve your tickets ahead of time on their website.
4. Explore Bryant Park Winter Village
With a twinkling Christmas tree, holiday market, and a 17,000 square-foot ice skating rink, the Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.
Admission to the rink is free, which is rare in New York City!
You just need to bring your own skates, or pay for skate rentals.
After you finish on the ice, warm up with a festive drink at The Lodge Bar next door.
Then, head to the Holiday Shops for a European inspired open-air market with over 170 vendors.
Each of the Holiday Shops are nestled in custom-designed, “jewel box” kiosks, and offer local crafts, sweet treats, festive gifts, and more.
Address: 35 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Hours: The rink is open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: Around $22 per hour to rent a pair of skates.
How To Get There: It’s a short walk from Times Square.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
5. Visit Macy’s Santaland
Even though Macy’s is included in the Fifth Avenue window displays, I’ve included it as its own activity because it has something extra special!
Macy’s iconic Santaland is a holiday wonderland that comes alive every year, covering the entire eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square.
This is one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas with kids.
Santaland features a 13,000-square foot Christmas village with twinkling lights, an enchanted forest, Santa’s workshop and more.
At the end, you’ll get to meet Santa, chat about your holiday wishlist, and snap some photos.
Address: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Hours: Macy’s opens at 10:00, and closes at 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 10:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Price: Free
How To Get There: It’s only half a mile away from Times Square, so you could walk for 10 minutes or take the M-50 bus.
Related: 29 Best Christmas Vacations In The USA
6. Explore Central Park
A visit to Central Park is a must for any trip to NYC, especially in December.
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience Central Park when it snows, and it transforms into a winter wonderland.
This picture-perfect scenery is the stuff of movies!
For ice skating with beautiful skyline views, head to Wollman Rink.
Afterwards, if you’re looking for more holiday cheer, make your way to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
To snap some beautiful pictures, make sure to stop by Gapstow Bridge, Bow Bridge, or Bethesda Terrace.
7. Enjoy the Christmas decor at Rolf’s
Rolf’s is a cozy German restaurant and bar, famous for its elaborate holiday decorations.
While the place may be small, its holiday cheer packs a punch, as it decks out to the nines!
Along with the elaborate decor, Rolf’s serves a hearty menu influenced by German and French culture.
They also offer a wide selection of festive holiday cocktails, and plenty of draft beers.
Keep in mind that around the holidays, Rolf’s is one of the most popular, and Instagrammable, places in New York City.
So it can get pretty crowded, and you’ll probably have to make a reservation well in advance.
In order to offset the crowds a little bit, try visiting at off-peak times, or just stopping for a drink at the bar.
Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Price: Entrees start at $25
How To Get There: Take the 6/R/W train to 23rd Street Station and walk from there.
8. Explore Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is New York’s newest neighborhood, home to shopping, dining, and landmarks like the Vessel.
Every year, the Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards decks out in over two million twinkling lights, featuring a dazzling hot air balloon centerpiece.
While you’re here, stop by Edge, the highest outdoor skydeck in the Western Hemisphere.
This observation deck offers one of the most thrilling views in NYC, with a glass paneled floor and walls, protruding from 100 stories high.
Address: Between 10th and 12th Avenues from West 30th to West 34th Streets.
Hours: The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday-Saturday, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sunday.
Price: Free to walk around
How To Get There: Take the No. 7 Subway from Times Square.
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9. Admire the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
When you think of Christmas in New York, you might initially think of lavish Manhattan.
However, some of the city’s best Christmas lights can also be found in Brooklyn!
Dyker Heights is a Brooklyn neighborhood that boasts spectacular holiday decorations, drawing crowds from all around.
From extravagant lights to life-sized Santas, you’ll find the best decorations from 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue, and from 83rd to 86th Street.
Along the way, you can enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate from local snack stands.
Traffic and parking can be a bit of a challenge here, so I recommend booking a tour to have a stress-free experience.
You can check out the most popular tours on Get Your Guide here.
Make sure to get your tickets in advance!
Admiring the Dyker Heights Christmas lights is one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas, especially with kids.
Address: From 83rd St. to 86th St. between 11th Ave. and 13th Ave, in Dyker Heights Brooklyn.
Hours: Lights come on after sundown (best seen between 5 pm and 9 pm), daily, from late November through early January (if you go after December 25th, it will be a lot less crowded).
Price: Free, unless you take a tour.
How To Get There: Take the D train from Rockefeller Center to 71st Street station and walk from there.
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10. Visit Union Square Holiday Market
Named one of the best holiday markets in the US, the Union Square Holiday Market features over 160 vendors and local artisans.
It’s the perfect place to ring in the holiday cheer, do some Christmas shopping by supporting local businesses, and enjoy some sweet treats and hot cocoa.
It can get pretty crowded, so try visiting on a weekday for a slightly quieter experience.
Address: Union Square Park, 201 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10003
Hours: Open from mid-November to December 24, 11:00 am to 8:00 daily.
Price: Admission is free
11. Admire the Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree
Lotte New York Palace is a luxury hotel, located just a couple blocks away from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.
The hotel’s beautiful courtyard features an immaculately decorated Christmas tree, making it the perfect photo backdrop.
While the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is stunning, the Lotte New York Palace’s tree is widely regarded as more charming and Instagrammable.
Not only that, the iconic Madison Avenue-facing courtyard has served as the backdrop for tons of movies and shows, including Gossip Girl.
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Hours: The tree is open 24 hours a day.
Price: Free to see the tree.
How To Get There: It’s just a short walk away from Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center.
12. Watch The Nutcracker
Does it even get any more Christmas than The Nutcracker in New York City?
This intricate and iconic show has been thrilling audiences all over the world since 1892.
But every holiday season, the New York City Ballet puts on what is essentially the gold standard of Nutcracker performances.
This performance takes place in the David H. Koch Theater, which is part of the Lincoln Center.
Make sure to score tickets well in advance for this extraordinary show!
Address: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Hours: From the end of November through the beginning of January, performances are held almost daily at either 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, or 8:00 pm. The first act is roughly 49 minutes while the second act is 41 minutes.
Price: Tickets are between $89 and $280 per person.
How To Get There: Take the 1 train to 66th street and Lincoln Center station and walk from there.
Related: 31 Magical Things To Do In Chicago At Christmas
13. Take a holiday cruise
For Christmas festivities in New York from a unique vantage point, add a holiday cruise to your bucket list!
Classic Harbor Lines offers sightseeing tours year round, but they jazz up their repertoire around the holidays with festive-themed sails.
They offer three holiday excursions to choose from:
- Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise
- Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise
- New York City Lights Holiday Cocoa Cruise.
Each cruise takes place on a vintage, 1920s-style yacht decked out in holiday decor.
You can stay cozy at your private table in the heated interior, and take in the Manhattan skyline from large windows and skylights.
Or, you can step outside to the viewing deck while you stay warm with complimentary hot cocoa.
Either way, enjoying the holidays on the water is one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas for families and groups.
You can read more about the Holiday Yacht Cruise here on Get Your Guide.
Address: Departs from Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers.
Hours: The cruise is 1.5 hours long with most departures at 2:00 pm.
Price: $64 per person. Book your tickets now, spots fill up fast.
How To Get There: Take the A/C/E train to 18th Street/8th Avenue Station and walk from there.
14. Witness the Holiday Train Show
For over 30 years, Holiday Train Show has created a miniature winter wonderland, housed in the warmth of New York Botanical Gardens.
This popular display features over 25 model trains, zipping through over 175 scaled New York landmarks.
Not only that, all of the NYC architecture is recreated using leaves, bark, seeds, berries, and other natural materials.
This attraction is truly fascinating, and a testament to the creativity of its artists.
Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10458-5126
Hours: The show typically runs daily from the last week of November through the last week of January. Times vary but they are typically open 9:30 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Price: Tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors (65+)/students with valid ID, $18 for children (2-12), and free for anyone under 2. Book your tickets now!
How To Get There: Take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd. Station. From the station exit, take the B26 bus east to the Botanical Garden’s Mosholu Entrance.
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15. Go ice skating
Ice skating outdoors, under twinkling holiday lights is one of the essential things to do in New York City at Christmas.
This is a must, whether you’re on romantic couples trip, or a fun family vacation.
Some of the best Christmas ice skating rinks in NYC include:
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
- Wollman Rink
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
16. See the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
The Bronx Zoo is one of the best places to visit in New York City at Christmas because it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The zoo hosts its annual event called “Holiday Lights,” where you can stroll through the zoo and admire thousands of twinkling lights, ice sculptures, and animated light displays.
You can also see some of the animals that are more active during the colder months, like the Amur tigers and snow leopards.
The Bronx Zoo’s “Holiday Lights” is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the magic of the season.
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York,10460
Hours: Holiday lights come on at 4:30 pm but tickets can be purchased for 3:00 pm (great if you want to see the animals), 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 8:00 pm time slots.
Price: $39.95 for adults, $24.95 for kids (3-12), and $34.95 for seniors (65+).
How To Get There: Take the 2 train to the Pelham Parkway station and take an Uber from there.
17. Visit Grand Central Holiday Fair
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is a beloved holiday tradition in New York City.
Located inside the iconic Grand Central Terminal, the holiday fair features over 40 vendors selling unique gifts, home decor, and other holiday-themed items.
You can browse the stalls, listen to live music, and take in the festive atmosphere of the terminal.
The fair is open from mid-November to Christmas Eve, making it the perfect destination for holiday shopping in the heart of the city.
While it’s one of the more touristy Christmas markets in NYC, it gets bonus points for being indoors.
That means it’s a great way to escape the cold on a blistering day.
Address: Grand Central Terminal
Hours: Open Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Free
How To Get There: Take the S train (aka the shuttle) from Times Square to Grand Central and you’ll find this market upstairs.
18. Stop at Ralph’s Coffee Truck
Ralph’s Coffee Truck, an extension of Ralph Lauren’s Ralph’s Coffee brand, is a super cute and festive mobile café.
Decorated in the brand’s signature green and white, the truck serves coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries.
Located in Atlas Court in Rockefeller Center, it provides a cozy, Instagrammable respite from the 5th Avenue crowds.
During the holiday season, Ralph’s Coffee Truck is a quintessential New York experience, capturing the city’s festive and classic spirit.
19. Get cozy at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment is a unique and festive bar, whose original location is in the heart of Times Square.
(There’s now a second location in Union Square.)
The interior of the bar is decorated with ornate, Victorian-era details and vintage fixtures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for the holiday season.
In addition to the stunning decor, Lillie’s offers a menu of delicious food and creative cocktails, making it a great spot to gather with friends or family during the holiday season.
The bar often features live music or other special events during the Christmas season, adding to the festive ambiance.
Address: 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Hours: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 1:00 am on weekdays, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 2:00 am on weekends
Price: drinks start at about $9, and entrees around $20
How To Get There: Located in Times Square.
20. Stroll through West Village
Strolling through West Village is one of the best things to do in New York City year round, but it’s especially magical at Christmas.
This charming neighborhood is known for its picturesque streets lined with brownstones, unique shops, and cozy cafes.
During the holiday season, the streets are beautifully decorated with lights, wreaths, and garlands, making it an even more enchanting place to be.
I recommend spending a morning taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood, admiring the Christmas decorations and enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
For a hit of nostalgia, make sure not to miss the iconic Friends Apartment Building.
Address: The Friends Apartment is located at 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
21. See the Brookfield Place luminaries
Admiring the Brookfield Place luminaries is one of the best free things to do in New York City at Christmas.
Brookfield Place is a shopping center in Lower Manhattan, known for its Winter Garden Atrium which features a stunning glass roof and waterfront views.
The luminaries are a dazzling display of over 600 LED lanterns suspended in the Atrium, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
You can walk around and take in the intricate designs and patterns of the lanterns.
The luminaries are free to view and are typically on display from November to January.
This holiday attraction is a must-see for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit in New York City.
Not only that, it’s right by the Statue of Liberty, so you could easily see both on the same day.
Address: 230 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Price: Free
How To Get There: Take the 1/2/3 train to Chambers Street and walk to the mall from there.
22. Admire the Empire State Building’s Tower Lights
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and its Christmas lights display is truly a sight to behold.
The lights are switched on every year in late November and continue through early January, featuring a festive color palette of red, green, and white.
The Empire State Building’s lights have become a beloved holiday tradition in the city, signaling the start of the holiday season and creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of Manhattan.
From afar, the building looks like a giant, illuminated Christmas tree, making it a must-see attraction during the holiday season in NYC.
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Hours: starts at 8:00 pm
Price: Free
How To Get There: Take the N/R/W train to Herald Square and walk from there.
23. Check out St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a beautiful and historic landmark in New York City, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
This neo-Gothic style cathedral was completed in 1878, and is one of NYC’s most recognizable sites.
Even if you’re not religious, it’s a cultural icon and architectural marvel that can be appreciated by anybody.
During the holiday season, the cathedral is adorned with festive decorations, including a magnificent Christmas tree and a beautiful Nativity scene, adding to the magical atmosphere of the city.
It’s located on Fifth Avenue, right across the street from Rockefeller Center, so it’s an easy stop while you’re in the area.
Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Price: Free
How To Get There: Take the M train to 53rd Street station and walk from there.
24. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel
Afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel is a long-standing tradition that’s been enjoyed by guests for over 100 years.
During the holiday season, the hotel transforms into a winter wonderland, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a swanky cup of tea.
Afternoon Tea is held in the Plaza’s restaurant, The Palm Court.
The ambiance of the Palm Court is unmatched, with its soaring ceilings, grand chandeliers, and plush seating. Afternoon Tea is a set menu, and you order per person.
Each order comes with a pot of tea and three courses of light bites.
The food consists of small sandwiches, scones, and other sweets arranged on a three-tiered tray.
The overall experience is both elegant and festive, making it one of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas.
Address: The Plaza Hotel
Hours: 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Price: starts at $95 per person, and $79 per child 12 and under
How To Get There: It’s just a short walk from Central Park and Fifth Avenue.
25. Have Christmas Dinner at Tavern on the Green
If you need a place to eat on Christmas Day, head to Tavern on the Green, a famous restaurant located in Central Park.
This iconic restaurant has been around since the 1930s, and is a popular dining spot for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
On Christmas Day, they offer a four course prix fixe menu that features hearty holiday-inspired dishes.
Make your reservations well in advance, because they book up quickly.
Address: W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
Hours: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends
Price: $135 per person for adults, $65 per child 12 and under
How To Get There: Located in Central Park.
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