If you love all things Christmas, then you must visit New York at Christmas time. It’s a bucket list experience that everyone needs to do at least once in their life.
The city truly transforms into the most magical and festive wonderland – you can’t help but feel cheer and have a sense of childlike wonder.
While there are tons of fun things to see and do anytime of the year in NYC, during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the city is full of holiday-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Plan to spend at least 2-4 days in Manhattan. This will give you enough time to do most of the Christmas things on this list, along with some of NYC’s major tourist attractions.
Yes, it will be cold and busy. The holiday season is one of the busiest times in New York City, so be prepared for more crowds than usual, especially in December.
But let me assure you, Christmas is one of the best times to visit NYC. Despite the cold weather and crowds, the city is popular at this time of year for a reason. All the festive attractions truly make it the most enchanting winter experience!
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Table of Contents
Where to stay in New York at Christmas
Since this is one of the busiest times to visit New York, you’ll want to book your hotel accommodation in advance to get the best selection and price.
I recommend staying right in Manhattan during Christmas because that’s where the majority of holiday-related activities are happening.
During my first trip to New York during Christmas, I stayed outside of the city and instantly regretted it. It was expensive to commute into the city each day and we spent the majority of our trip commuting back and forth.
My favorite areas to stay in New York City are near Bryant Park, Times Square, Lower East Side, and SoHo. These are the best spots to easily get to everything on this list.
St Regis New York
The St Regis is one of the best luxury hotels to stay at in New York at Christmas time because it’s located in Midtown Manhattan alongside the Fifth Avenue shopping district.
Each year, the hotel gets a holiday makeover, and kids can even take part in a gingerbread decorating workshop in December.
The Plaza
The Plaza is a quintessential holiday hotel that was featured in the popular movie, Home Alone 2. It’s located in the best area of New York to experience all things Christmas near Central Park and Fifth Avenue.
It’s also great for families because they have an excellent Children’s Concierge to help plan activities.
Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace is a luxury hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. The hotel transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas time with lavish holiday decorations, twinkly lights, Christmas trees, and a holiday-inspired menu at its restaurants.
The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula New York is a luxury historic hotel located in Midtown East, close to MoMA, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center.
The hotel has one of the best holiday displays in the city and goes all out with garland, lavish ornaments, winter flowers, and Christmas trees.
Ritz-Carlton Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton is located near Central Park and transforms in a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. From the hotels’ Park View rooms and suites, you can check out a beautiful view of the skaters.
The Langham
The Langham is located on Fifth Avenue, between the Empire State Building and Bryant Park. This festive hotel is perfect for those who want to celebrate the holidays in central Manhattan.
They offer a “Nutcracker Land of the Suites” package, which includes tickets to the Nutcracker ballet in NYC, a luxury car service to and from the show, a beautifully adorned Christmas tree in your suite, and more holiday-themed gifts.
The Mark Hotel
The Mark Hotel is located in the Upper East Side, which is perfect for those who want to celebrate Christmas in New York but get away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Midtown Manhattan. It’s near the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park.
The Standard East Village
The Standard East Village is a luxury hotel located in Lower Manhattan, near Greenwich Village, NoHo, SoHo, and the Lower East Side. It’s perfect for those who want to stay in a trendy neighborhood near Christmas pop-up bars and tasty restaurants.
The hotel transforms into a Christmas haven during the holidays with its highlight being the Winter Garden.
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental hotel is located in the heart of all things Christmas near the Columbus Circle holiday market and boasts incredible views of the skyline and Hudson River.
Budget-friendly hotels
While staying at a hotel that goes all out for Christmas can definitely enhance your trip to New York, there are tons of other hotels available in every budget. Below are some of the best budget-friendly hotels in NYC.
- YOTEL New York Times Square
- Pod Times Square
- Solita SoHo Hotel
- Millennium Downtown New York
- Hotel 32 32
Best things to do in New York at Christmas
There are tons of different holiday-themed activities to do in New York City during Christmas. Below is a list of both free and paid things to do in the city to suit everyone’s taste.
For shows and experiences, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance to get the best price and avoid disappointment before your chosen date is sold out.
Experience the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one of the most iconic Christmas shows to see in New York. It stars The Rockettes, which are famous for their kickline.
This is truly a bucket list show to experience during December. It’s a family-friendly activity, the costumes are visually stunning, the choreography is incredible, and it’s holiday-oriented.
PRO TIP: When you buy your tickets early, this will help you get the best seats at lower prices. Prices usually increase about 10 days before the show and throughout the month of December.
If you want to get an up close view of the Rockettes, select Orchestra seats. If you want to have a good view of the Great Stage, then get tickets located in the First Mezzanine. If you want to view the Rockettes and Great Stage from above, then find tickets in the Second Mezzanine.
If you have the time, consider taking a Radio City Music Hall Tour. This will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Radio City Music Hall and you’ll even get to meet one of the famous Rockette performers.
Get into the holiday spirit on a sightseeing cruise
A fun way to see the New York skyline is to take a holiday yacht cruise.
Aboard this 1920s-style yacht which is fully decked out in Christmas decorations, you can enjoy delicious hot cocoa, cookies, and Christmas songs performed by a live band.
You’ll also get a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or beer to sip on while you sail past Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Financial District.
Dyker Heights Christmas lights
If you love Christmas lights, you’ll definitely want to head to Dyker Heights to see their incredible light display. This is one of the most beloved NYC attractions during Christmas.
The most popular way to see the Dyker Heights Christmas lights is by joining an organized tour. It’s a bit of a trek to take public transportation to Dyker Heights (which is about 45 minutes to 1 hour by train).
With an organized bus tour, you’ll get comfortable roundtrip transportation. This will give you plenty of time to hop off the bus and follow your tour guide through the neighborhood.
Plus, you’ll stop at Brookyln Bridge in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights, where you can enjoy the view of the Manhattan Skyline before heading back to the Christmas market at Byrant Park.
PRO TIP: The best time to see the lights is between mid-December through New Year’s Eve. Visit between dusk and 9:00pm, as most homes turn their displays off after 9:00pm.
Harlem Gospel Celebration Concert
The Harlem Gospel Celebration Concert is the perfect way to take in authentic gospel music during the holidays.
You’ll find yourself foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and signing along to the best Black gospel music of the season. This is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
Go on a Christmas Market tour
New York City has several Christmas markets that are worth checking out during the holiday season. You can check them out on your own, or join a guided walking tour for an in-depth experience.
Union Square Holiday Market
The biggest and most popular one is the Union Square Holiday Market. There are about 200 stalls that offer unique gifts, tasty treats, and holiday-style beverages.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
This is similar to the Christmas market at Union Square, where there are tons of stalls and something for everyone to enjoy.
Grand Central Terminal
This holiday market is located inside Grand Central Terminal. They have over 70 merchants which offer gifts and souvenirs.
It’s not as traditional as the Union Square or Columbus Circle Christmas markets, but if you want to head indoors to warm up, this can be a good choice.
Bryant Park Christmas Market
Here you’ll find 125 shops that look like little boutiques. It’s known as a “winter village”, where you’ll find handcrafted items, local food, and much more. After exploring the shops, you can even go ice skating or people watch by the rink.
Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center
Even if you’ve seen the Nutcracker before in your hometown, George Balanchine’s choreography makes every minute of the two-hour production worth your time when visiting New York City.
The cast features more than 125 children, vibrant sets, and 150 stunning costumes. A fan favorite is the giant Christmas tree, which grows to a full height of 41 feet.
PRO TIP: Tickets usually go on sale starting in September through January. The best seats are in the Orchestra, and in the front of the First and Second Rings.
Bronx Zoo holiday lights
During the evenings, you can check out the immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows at the Bronx Zoo.
PRO TIP: Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. It typically takes about 2-3 hours to check out their light displays, shopping, and holiday activities.
Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens
The Holiday Train Show is one of the best Christmas activities for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll enter a winter wonderland to find enchanting train displays which are amazing to see during the day or at night.
PRO TIP: Despite being in the Bronx (a 20-minute ride from Grand Central Terminal), this is a popular holiday destination, so expect large crowds 1 to 2 weeks before Christmas.
The best time to go is when they open at the end of November and after the holiday season.
Ice skating at Wollman Ice Rink
While you can go ice skating at the rink outside Rockefeller Center, it can be expensive and busy. Instead, head over to Central Park which has one of the best ice rinks in New York City.
It’s been around since the early 1950s, but you may recognize Wollman Rink from the popular movie, Serendipity.
PRO TIP: Purchase your tickets in advance and try to visit at an off-peak time to save money and avoid the crowds.
Try the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity
You’ll find tons of holiday-inspired treats all over NYC, but the most popular one is the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3.
This restaurant was featured in the movie, Serendipity, and is famous for its whimsical décor, celebrity sightings, and over-the-top desserts.
It is a bit of a tourist trap, but their frozen hot chocolate is delicious. Be prepared to wait for a table during the holiday season. The best times to visit are at 3:00pm on weekdays and late at night (11:00pm).
Sip on gourmet hot chocolate at Jaques Torres
If you’re looking for a quieter place to enjoy a rich and delectable hot chocolate, then look no further than Jaques Torres in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
It’s a lovely candy and chocolate shop where you can purchase homemade chocolate treats, ice cream sandwiches, cookies, and hot chocolate (of course).
See the lights at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is a high-end mall on Manhattan’s West Side, near the infamous Vessel. Its stunning light display has over two million twinkling lights and evergreen trees.
If you’re feeling brave, you can head up to the Edge, which has NYC’s highest ice skating rink located in the indoor sky deck.
Listen to a Christmas concert at St. John The Divine
St. John The Divine is over 120 years old, and even though it’s not fully finished, it’s the largest cathedral in the world. This historic landmark hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas concerts of the season called, “Joy of Christmas”.
The concert only happens one day a year (usually on a Friday or Saturday in mid-December), so tickets are pretty tough to score.
If this is on your NYC Christmas bucket list, then keep an eye on their website to find out when tickets go on sale.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park features a 17,000 square foot rink, where you can enjoy free admission ice skating, free skating shows, and holiday-oriented events.
This is a great place for all ages to check out at Christmas time. They offer private igloos for rent, where you can enjoy festive drinks and food with family and friends inside.
They also have a lodge bar and food hall with multiple food options, and a European inspired open-air market that features artisans from New York and around the world.
See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is one of the best free things to do during the holidays in New York. This iconic Christmas tree is lit shortly after Thanksgiving, but you’ll be able to enjoy it until January.
If you plan to attend the tree lighting ceremony, aim to get there early (by 3:00pm at the latest) if you want to be in a prime location.
It’s located in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The best view to get a photo of the tree is from the entrance to the Chanel Gardens (between West 49th Street and West 50th Street on Fifth Avenue).
Saks Fifth Avenue light show
This is another excellent free activity to do in New York during Christmas. The Saks Fifth Avenue store transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a spectacular light show and enchanting window displays.
It’s a short walking distance from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, so it’s easy to pair these two activities together.
The 600,000 lights will dance on the exterior of the store to different Christmas-themed songs. The lights sync perfectly to the music, which creates a stunning display. It runs from 5:00pm to 11:00pm every day during the holiday season.
Be a kid again at Macy’s Santaland
While Santa will be making an appearance all over NYC during the holidays, meeting him at Macy’s Santaland offers one of the most magical experiences a kid can have.
If you’re a fan of the Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street, then visiting the Macy’s at Herald Square is a bucket list destination.
The eighth floor of the store is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, Santa’s workshop, festive exhibits, and plenty of photo ops for the whole family.
Because Santa is a busy guy during Christmas time, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance to meet him. It’s free to make a reservation.
Miracle Pop Up Bar
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that you can find across the globe. The original location can be found in NYC, which started in 2014.
Here you can enjoy holiday-themed drinks and snacks while admiring over-the-top Christmas decorations.
The bar is all ages before 7:00pm, so this can be a fun activity for the whole family. At 7:00pm, entry into Miracle becomes 21+.
PRO TIP: If you visit the bar before 5:00pm during Happy Hour, admission into the venue is free.
Have a Christmas meal at Rolf’s
Having a Christmas meal at Rolf’s German Restaurant is considered a bucket list activity for first timers in New York City.
While the food is mediocre at best, the Christmas decorations are the real highlight of this restaurant. From the moment you step into Rolf’s, you’ll love its over-the-top festive atmosphere.
Here you’ll see thousands of Christmas lights, ornaments and icicles, porcelain dolls, holiday wreaths, artificial trees, garland, and other holiday items.
Decorations go up in the early fall and stay up through spring, but Christmas is the most popular time to visit. Be prepared to wait and expect crowds.
Eat at Tavern on the Green
Located in Central Park, Tavern on the Green is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
John Lennon celebrated his birthday here in the late 70s, movies like Ghostbuster (1984) were filmed here, and it’s a popular spot to enjoy a festive dinner during the holidays.
It’s a beautiful place to admire the twinkly lights and the 20-foot Christmas tree in the courtyard, but the food is pretty average. I recommend going earlier during the day and just stopping by for a drink.
5th Avenue holiday window displays
One of my favorite free activities to do during Christmas in New York is to check out all the enchanting holiday window displays along 5th Avenue.
Each year, the department stores on 5th Avenue showcase their incredible window displays, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s Herlad Square, and Bloomingdale’s.
It tends to get crowded along this route, especially on the weekends leading up to Christmas. It’s best to visit early or late in the day if you want to avoid should-to-shoulder tourists.
Other fun things to do in New York City during Christmas
When you visit New York at Christmas, you’ll probably want to check out some of the other popular attractions in the city, such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the view from the top of the Empire State Building.
If you’re planning to visit 3 or more attractions, the best way to save money is to use either the New York Pass or the New York CityPASS.
FLASH SALE! Save up to $170 off the New York Pass. Offer ends September 30th. You have 2 years to activate the pass.
These are prepaid attraction passes where you’ll save up to 50% off vs. paying for individual tickets. There’s no reason to pay full price to visit museums and attractions when you can easily use one of these passes.
Below are the top attractions that are worth visiting in NYC. As always, I recommend booking your tickets in advance since most places tend to be busier during the holiday season.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers an in-depth look at the September 11th attacks through artifacts, testimonials, and first-hand accounts. Here you can explore the permanent collection, foundation hall, and the pavilion.
How to get your tickets: You can buy your tickets online in advance, or if you’re using the New York Pass or New York CityPASS, you’ll need to wait in line to receive a time slot. (Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays).
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least two hours to experience every exhibit in the museum. If you’re visiting as a family, keep in mind that the historical exhibition may not be suitable for children under the age of 10.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the fourth largest museum in the world (by floor area) and the largest art museum in America.
Here you can see art that covers 5,000 years of world culture, including Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat, the Temple of Dendur (which is the only complete Egyptian temple in the Western Hemisphere, and the French rooms from the Hôtel de Varengeville.
How to get tickets: Save time by skipping the ticket line and purchasing your tickets in advance online.
Since it’s one of the busiest museums in the city, the best time to beat the crowds is to visit on weekday mornings (right after it opens) or in the evenings (after 4:00pm).
PRO TIP: While you can certainly explore the museum on your own, you can avoid getting lost in the vast galleries by joining an organized tour.
This can be an excellent way to get a deeper understanding of all the ancient artifacts and highlights of the museum.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings in New York City and was rated the #1 attraction in the USA in 2023.
How to get your tickets: Reservations are required to visit the Empire State Building, so you’ll need to purchase your tickets online in advance.
If you’re using the New York Pass or New York CityPASS, you can book your spot through the Go City reservation portal.
PRO TIP: Early in the morning (when it opens) is the best time to visit if you want to beat the crowds, especially on weekdays.
Another good time to visit is between 12:00pm and 2:00pm when the mid-morning rush is over.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is intended to commemorate the lasting friendship between France and the United States. It represents hope, freedom, and justice.
How to get your tickets: You can buy your tickets online or reserve your spot using the New York Pass or New York CityPASS.
This attraction is extremely popular and gets booked up fast, especially during peak travel season. I recommend booking your ticket as soon as possible. This guarantees your spot on the ferry and won’t have to worry about long lines.
PRO TIP: The earlier in the day you book your tickets, the better. Early ferry times means smaller crowds, shorter wait times, and you’ll have more time to explore.
Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock has three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer unobstructed views of the city skyline.
How to get your tickets: To save time, you can purchase your tickets online and select your preferred date and time slot.
If you’re using the New York Pass or New York CityPASS, You’ll need to wait in line to receive a time slot.
PRO TIP: To avoid crowds, aim to visit on a weekday and try to arrive early in the morning to get a timed ticket.
The best views are right before sunset, which allows you to get both daylight and twilight views.
See a Broadway show
For many people, a trip to NYC is not complete without attending at least one Broadway show. There’s a wide range of genres across plays and musicals, so there’s a show available for any taste.
If you plan on going to a Broadway show, I always recommend reserving and planning ahead, especially during peak travel season.
How to get tickets: You can book your tickets online or visit the theatre’s box office when you arrive in New York and buy them there.
Some popular shows include Aladdin, the Lion King, MJ: The Musical, Wicked, Hamilton, and the Book of Mormon.
PRO TIP: For last-minute tickets, TKTS booth can be a great option if you’re not too picky about which show you want to see.
Weekend shows (especially Saturday night) are the most popular times to see a Broadway show.
American Museum of Natural History
Located in the Upper West Side neighborhood, the American Musem of Natural History is one of the largest and most innovative natural history museums in the world.
How to get tickets: Reservations are required to visit this museum. You’ll need to buy your tickets online to reserve your spot. It’s super popular and gets booked up fast.
If you’re using the New York Pass or New York CityPASS, you can select your date and time for the American Museum of Natural History on their official website.
PRO TIP: The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays if you want to beat the midday rush. Plan to spend 3-4 hours here exploring the museum.
The guided tours are worth it if you want to get a deeper understanding of the exhibits, but you can also tour the museum on your own.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a multi-sensory immersive art experience curated by Kenzo Digital.
On the 93rd floor, you’ll enjoy incredible vantage points of New York from their open-air terrace and indoor lounge nearly 1,100 feet above Manhattan.
How to get tickets: Reservations are required to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. You can buy tickets online to reserve your preferred date and time slot.
PRO TIP: To get the best views, aim to go one hour before sunset. You’ll want to dress appropriately to avoid unwanted exposure on the glass and mirrored floors. This means avoid wearing skirts or short dresses.
Edge
The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It’s suspended in mid-air, which will make you feel like you’re floating in the sky.
How to get tickets: You can buy your tickets online in advance to reserve your date and time slot.
Or if you’re using the New York Pass, you can check it out for free. You just need to scan your pass and proceed through security.
PRO TIP: If you visit at Christmas time, you can also go ice skating at the highest skating rink, located on the indoor sky deck.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade Center.
You’ll ride the SkyPod elevator up to the 102nd floor where you can enjoy amazing 360 views for up to 45 miles in every direction.
How to get tickets: You can buy your tickets onlinein advance.
If you’re using the New York Pass or New York Sightseeing Pass, you can visit any kiosk to scan your pass and reserve your entry in the next available time slot.
PRO TIP: The shortest wait times for the observation deck are mid-morning or in the evening.
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the best and largest in the world. Here you can check out modern and contemporary art, architecture and design, painting, drawings, sculptures, photography, prints, films, and electronic media.
How to get tickets: You can buy your tickets online, or if you’re using the New York Pass, you can reserve the time and date for your visit through their website.
Booking timed-entry tickets in advance is highly recommended.
PRO TIP: Middays and afternoons tend to be the quietest times to visit the museum. It’s open until 5:30pm Sunday through Friday and until 7:00pm on Saturdays.
What to wear in New York in winter?
I’ve been to New York City several times during the winter months and the biggest lesson is to be prepared for the cold weather and to wear layers.
Many of the free and holiday-themed attractions take place outdoors, so it’s inevitable that you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.
When you dress appropriately for New York winters, you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip. Below are some items that want to include on your New York packing list.
- Winter coat
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Hats, gloves, scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Wool socks
- Backpack or side bag
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it to see all the festive window displays, Christmas trees, and holiday lights in New York City. This is a magical destination to spend Christmas.
How many days do you need for NYC Christmas?
To see the best of what NYC has to offer at Christmas time, plan to spend 3 or 4 days exploring the city. This will give you enough time to do some of your bucket list holiday activities
What is New York known for Christmas?
New York has become a classic holiday destination mainly due to Hollywood films. It’s known for ice skating in Central Park, the festive window displays along 5th Avenue, the lighting the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, and watching the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
