family trip to new york for christmas

The ultimate NYC Christmas itinerary for 1, 2 and 3 days

Nothing compares to Christmas in New York City. Millions of twinkling lights adorn the buildings everywhere, providing the perfect background for cheery holiday shows, iconic experiences, and some of the best shopping in the world. We think your itinerary should reflect this magic. So, we compiled the only NYC Christmas itinerary you’ll need to see the best of the city.

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If you have limited time you’ll be especially pleased. We’ve included an itinerary for a day trip for those with only 👉 1-day to see the city at Christmas ! There is also a 👉 2-day itinerary and 👉 one for three days .

My tip: This is my complete guide to Christmas in NYC .

Best Places to Stay in New York City during Christmas

If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, be sure to check out my article on the most beautiful hotels in NYC at Christmas time . They are beautifully decorated and you are guaranteed to get into the Christmas spirit!

Table of Contents

1 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary

If you only have one day in NYC for Christmas you’ll want to focus on as many of the city’s iconic Christmas sights as you can, while including the must-see borough of Brooklyn. This means an early start and a detailed game plan (don’t worry, we’ve included both a map and a handy list of all the places mentioned at the end of each section to help with your plan of attack!).

1 Day in NYC at Christmas: Morning – One World Observatory and Holiday Village at The Oculus

With only a day to explore NYC, the only way you’ll see all of the city’s famous buildings is through one of the sky-high observatories. We recommend the One World Observatory as it opens a full hour before the Empire State Building , therefore freeing up more of your time. It also helps that for Christmas, the observatory has been transformed into a mountainside Onederland complete with cozy red and white sleighs, a faux fireplace, and cozy gingerbread decor. Be sure to bring your camera!

After your bird’s eye views of NYC’s best sights, take a five minute walk to the nearby bird-shaped Oculus building for some of the city’s best shopping and a nostalgic Holiday Market. Booths serving everything from locally baked goods to scented candles and surrounded by Christmas trees and snowy scenery bring true holiday cheer as you end your morning.

My tip: These are the best holiday markets in NYC

1 Day in NYC at Christmas: For Lunch

For lunch we suggest the historic Gansevoort Market Food Court onsite at the Oculus, or the local favorite for salads, Sweetgreen, which is right next door.

My tip: These are the best Christmas restaurants in NYC

1 Day in NYC at Christmas: Afternoon–Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Holiday Market

For the afternoon of your 1 day NYC Christmas itinerary, you’ll want to squeeze in some Brooklyn sights. Luckily, the Oculus is within walking distance to the famous Brooklyn Bridge . Take the 40 minute walk across the historic bridge to Brooklyn where you’ll spend the afternoon staring in awe at the best views of the Manhattan skyline you’ll find in all of New York. Don’t worry if it’s too cold to take the walk. It’s easy to hop on a train to Brooklyn right from the Oculus. Or, if you prefer, you can take a guided bus tour of the area ( THIS is the best tour in my opinion ).

Once you get to the Dumbo neighborhood on the Brooklyn side of the bridge, you’ll want to find the iconic Manhattan Bridge spot on Washington Street for the perfect selfie with the Manhattan Bridge in the background. Or head to the Brooklyn Bridge Park on the edge of the river for breathtaking views. We also recommend stopping for hot chocolate at Jacques Torres ’ (yes that same Jacques Torres from Netflix’s popular Nailed It series) and the very artsy Dumbo Holiday Market.

1 Day in NYC at Christmas: Dinner

For dinner, we suggest the tantalizing Christmas menu at the upscale River Cafe (reservations usually required) or any of the fantastic restaurants at the 1 Hotel . For budget options, Dumbo has a Shake Shack and an excellent pizza place run by locals on Front Street.

1 Day in NYC at Christmas: Evening- Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Rockettes Christmas Show

As the sun disappears, New York City reveals why no other place compares at Christmas. Buildings come alive with lights, music fills the air, and the energy changes. The Rockefeller Plaza Area is the best place to take it all in. Head to the Rockefeller Tree to see one of the world’s tallest Christmas trees. Nearby, find the Saks Fifth Avenue building for a heartwarming light show . As you walk, you’ll pass holiday windows, fairly lights everywhere, and projections to warm your heart. Don’t miss DIOR (59th corner 5th Ave.), Bergdorf Goodman (5th Ave corner 58th St.), the Cartier Building (5th Ave corner 52nd St.) and the FOX News Christmas Tree (6th Ave corner 48th St.)).

When you’ve had your fill of holiday cheer, walk a few minutes to the Radio City Music Hall to end your day with the must see Rockettes Christmas Show .

As promised, here’s a handy list of your one day NYC Christmas Itinerary stops. We’ve also added a map for reference!

Things To Do on Your Christmas Day Trip to NYC

• Wonderland at the One World Observatory
• Holiday Village at the Oculus
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Dumbo Holiday Market
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
• Rockettes Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall

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2 Day Itinerary to NYC at Christmas

If you are coming to NYC for two days this Christmas or you are planning your Christmas weekend in NYC, this itinerary is for you. You’ll want to spend a day and a half exploring Manhattan and the evening of the second day exploring some fantastic Christmas lights in Brooklyn. Here’s how to do it!

2 Days in NYC at Christmas: Day 1

Morning- empire state building, macy’s christmas windows.

Start the first day of your 2 day NYC Christmas trip with a visit to the historic Empire State Building for views of every famous building in New York. Plan to spend about an hour and a half to two hours getting to the cheerfully decorated viewing decks and taking in all the sights. Look out for Central Park, the Statue of Liberty , the Brooklyn Bridge, and more. Go prepared to snap photo after photo!

After leaving the Empire State Building, walk two minutes west to 34th Street where you’ll find Macy’s Holiday Windows, a local Christmas tradition in New York City. Admire the Christmas stories visually depicted in each window of the beloved department store while you mingle with local families out for some fun. When you’re done, this is a good area to get some shopping done as there are many budget stores in the area.

For lunch, Rib No 7 is a good option for a more upscale experience. The whole Herald Square area is also home to many casual eateries so you’ll have your pick of options on every block you pass.

Afternoon – Morgan Museum and Bryant Park’s Winter Village

After lunch, you’ll be walking up to the picturesque Bryant Park (about a 8 minute walk from Macy’s). But first, since you have two days, we thought you could spare an hour or two to stop at one of NYC’s more manageable museums!

History buffs and book lovers will especially appreciate the treasures in the Morgan Library and Museum . Fine art, mostly with historic or academic significance, and rare books, are the highlights of this museum. But truly, anyone will appreciate the rarities in the private collections of J.P. Morgan who this museum is named for.

After leaving the Morgan, head up to Bryant Park where every Christmas, the green space transforms into a Christmassy Winter Village . Spend your afternoon wandering through delightful booths where leather goods, fashion, jewelry, Christmas ornaments and more can be bought for yourself or your loved ones. We also recommend trying out the skating at the ice skating rink right next to Bryant Park’s life-size Christmas tree.

My tip: These are the best ice rinks in NYC

For dinner, you can try some light fare at The Lodge in Winter Village or head to the Grill , also in Bryant Park, for a more substantial meal to get you ready for your evening.

Evening- Times Square, Balanchine’s Nutcracker Ballet

Times Square is one of those bucket list places you’ll want to see on your two day Christmas trip to NYC. With dizzying lights, neon billboards, and foreign sounds and smells, it’s a sensory overload any time of year. But Christmas sees the lights going into overdrive and it’s truly a spectacular sight. Spend your evening walking around and taking in the electricity in the air. Look out for famous characters like the naked cowboy, and do spend some time sitting at Duffy Square just inhaling it all.

When you’re done, head west towards the river to end the first day of your 2 day NYC Christmas itinerary with the Nutcracker Ballet, a holiday classic even New Yorkers rush to see every year.

2 Days in NYC at Christmas: Day 2

Morning- rockefeller center and christmas tree.

No Christmas trip to NYC is complete without seeing the larger than life Rockefeller Tree and Center. Start your second day admiring the tree early in the morning when it’s not too crowded. After taking in the colorful lights sparkling on the tree, head to the nearby Channel Gardens in Rockefeller Center for even more lights in the form of sparkling angels standing like guards to the garden’s water features. If you look up while sitting in the gardens, you’ll also see the Saks Fifth Avenue light show! After you’ve had your fill of sparkle, you’ll want to walk along Fifth Avenue to take in the Holiday Windows of the area.

My tip: These are the best holiday lights and decorations in NYC

Rockefeller Center is home to such a delicious array of dining options that we would recommend eating there. Here are your dining options .

Afternoon–Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair

After spending so much time outside, you’ll welcome the warmth of the Grand Central Terminal, just a ten minute walk away. But Grand Central is more than just a warm place to escape New York’s brutal winter. The Terminal is home to elegant shops and restaurants year round. But come Christmas, one of the city’s best Holiday Markets add to the charm. While you stroll through the tastefully decorated Market, look up for the famous paintings on the Terminal’s ceilings. And stop by the Campbell to have a shot of whiskey or a cocktail from their unbelievable collection.

My tip: These are the best Christmas markets in NYC

Grand Central houses some of the city’s best restaurants. We recommend The Oyster Bar or Tartinery for a more casual dinner.

Evening – Birdland Jazz Club and Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

Come evening you’ll be leaving Grand Central and walking to the off-the-beaten-track Birdland Jazz Club for one of their early evening Christmas shows. With red decor and Christmas cheer everywhere Birdland is perfect for losing yourself in some soulful music.

After the hour-long Christmas show, it will be the perfect time to head out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn for what is arguably the best display of residential Christmas lights in New York. Admire home after home decked out in red, blue and white lights and surrounded by holiday ornaments. With the homes going to lengths to outdo each other, you’re in for a real treat! Getting to Dyker Heights can be challenging so we recommend a guided bus tour to make it easier.

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Here’s a quick list of all things you can do if you have 2 days in NYC for Christmas

Things to do on a 2 day nyc christmas trip.

• Empire State Building
• Macy’s Holiday Windows
• Morgan Library and Museum
• Bryant Park’s Winter Village
• Times Square
• Nutcracker Ballet
• Rockefeller Christmas Tree
• Rockefeller Center-Channel Gardens
• The Peninsula Hotel
• Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
• Birdland Jazz Club
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary

With 3 days in NYC for Christmas you’ll be able to see the most quintessential NYC sights and to head to a few in the outer boroughs for a deeper experience!

3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary: Day 1

Morning- central park and the tavern on the green christmas tree.

More movies than can be counted have taken advantage of the magical settings all over Central Park. When Christmas comes around, some of these sites get elevated into what can only be described as fairy tales. This is where you’ll start your 3 day Christmas trip to New York City.

Enter at the Harlem Meer entrance at 110 Street to see the park’s floating Christmas Trees. From there wander over to the Charles A Dana Center for more holiday lights, or head up further in the park (between 57th and 59th St.) where a romantic horse carriage ride in a carriage decked out in holiday finery can be booked with add-ons like chocolates and roses (pre-booking during the holiday season is highly suggested)! Ice skating at Wollman Rink should also be part of your plans for this morning ( My tip: These are the best ice rinks in NYC ).

And even if you don’t plan on eating there, we recommend stopping at the movie famous Tavern on The Green to see their Christmas tree and holiday decorations.

Speaking of eating, we highly recommend eating in Tavern on The Green for lunch. Or head outside the park to one of the nearby Le Pain Quotidien locations for something more casual.

Afternoon – Origami Tree at The Museum of Natural History and Columbus Circle Holiday Market

After spending a full morning outside, head to the first floor of the nearby Museum of Natural History to see their unusual origami Christmas Tree. Every year the tree has a different theme, but the themes are always related to the natural world. Past origami decorations on the tree have included dinosaurs and bugs. While there you may also want to check out the fantastic exhibitions in the world class museum. After, end your afternoon at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market where everything from holiday foods to jewelry can be had.

For dinner, head to 53rd and 9th where a local favorite for inexpensive but delicious meals, Poulette , is located. Or, walk up to Bar Boulud for a more upscale experience.

Evening- Times Square and a Broadway Christmas Play

Ending your day with a broadway show is a very New York thing to do. Before heading to one of the excellent holiday plays on Broadway, stop at Times Square for a stunning array of holiday lights and flashing billboards. The area is touristy, but no visit to New York City is complete without seeing it at least once.

My tip: These are the best broadway shows during the holiday season !

3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary: Day 2

Morning- santa claus at top of the rock and rockefeller center.

Since New York City is the city of skyscrapers you really can’t visit and not see the most iconic ones. Day 2 of your Christmas itinerary starts with Rockefeller Center’s Top of The Rock Observatory where you’ll have less lines and an easier time getting up and down. After admiring the lighted Empire State Building and all the other icons, head to the Top Of The Rock Shop for ornaments or stop to snap a pic with Santa Claus.

Once downstairs on the street again, head to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree , another of the city’s popular holiday sights you don’t want to miss. It will be too early for the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, but you can sit in the Channel Gardens where the illuminated angels and twinkling trees will bring some much needed warmth in the cold. This whole area is NYC’s holiday central, so head to the Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue, stop at the magical skating rink just below the Christmas tree, and be sure to take photos of all the twinkling installations along the way. If this sounds like a lot, you can also book a guided Holiday Tour of the area to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

After being outside for much of the morning, you’ll want to head inside to any of Rockefeller Center’s well loved restaurants for lunch.

Afternoon- Radio City Music Hall and A Rockettes Show

For your afternoon, take the short walk from Rockefeller Center to Radio City Music Hall for a backstage tour or to see an early afternoon showing of The Rockettes Show, a NYC Christmas institution that will have you dancing to the entertaining holiday selections.

My tip: These are the best Christmas shows in NYC

After your early show, try the famous Del Friscos for an unforgettable dinner. Or Toloache for something more spicy.

Evening- Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

New York City’s gardens all celebrate Christmas in a big way. This evening you will spend a few hours exploring this major one out in the Bronx . Give yourself an early start to get to it as Bronx is a good distance away from where you’ll likely be staying in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Once there, prepare to be awed by a miles long light show that transforms the garden’s wintery plants with thousands of fairy lights and illuminated installations every evening.

After taking in the lights, explore the miniature renditions of New York City’s buildings and the trains chugging around them in the onsite train show. If you’ve never seen a Holiday Train Show, this one is highly recommended.

3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary: Day 3

Morning- shine bright light show at hudson yards and winter lights at the high line.

It takes a lot to impress local New Yorkers and the Christmas lights at Hudson Yards have managed to do that. You’ll be ending your 3 days NYC Christmas trip with a bang by joining them at this dazzling light show at Hudson Yards . Walk through a forest of twinkling trees for a magical experience. Head inside the mall for millions of lights everywhere and a suspended hot air balloon also adorned with fairy lights. Whatever you do, do not forget your camera or phone!

After leaving Hudson Yards, head to the nearby High Line Park for a modern take on holiday lights. High Line Park’s reflective holiday lighting installations are as inventive as the first-of-its kind park and sure to have you smiling.

The famous Chelsea Market is close by. We suggest having lunch in one of their excellent eateries!

Afternoon – Holiday Harbor Cruise.

This afternoon you’ll be heading from Chelsea Market up to Chelsea Piers where you’ll be winding down your trip with a relaxing Holiday Harbor Cruise around New York City. See the city from the comfort of a well decorated yacht where you’ll be served cocktails or hot chocolate and dinner, depending on the cruise you choose.

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As most of the holiday cruises come with dinner, we suggest having dinner on your boat.

Evening-North Pole Express Bus Tour

For your last night, you’ll be going all out and taking a festive North Pole Express ride through Manhattan for a tour of the city’s best Christmas lights. End your NYC Christmas trip singing carols, meeting Santa, and listening to Christmas stories aboard a festive bus with people who all came to New York to enjoy the magic of the city.

It’s the perfect end to your time in New York City!

Everything You’ll Do on Your Three Day NYC Christmas Itinerary

3 days in nyc at christmas: day 1.

• Central Park Holiday Lights
• Tavern On The Green Christmas Tree
• Museum Of Natural History Origami Tree
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market
• Times Square Lights
• A Holiday Show on Broadway

3 Days in NYC at Christmas: Day 2

• Top Of The Rock Observatory
• Rockefeller Center
• Radio City Music Hall Tour
• Rockettes Show
• New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show

3 Days in NYC at Christmas: Day 3

• Shine Bright Light Show at Hudson Yards
• Winter Lights at High Line Park
• Chelsea Market
• Christmas Harbour Cruise
• North Pole Express Bus Tour

My NYC Christmas itineraries for an amazing time

New York City is truly the best place on earth to spend Christmas at. Use these itineraries to help you see everything that’s special about the city and I guarantee you won’t miss a thing!

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I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

• The Perfect Christmas in New York Itinerary for 4 Days

Immortalized in classic movies, hit TV shows, and dozens of novels, New York is one of those places we all dream about visiting at least once. The city is packed with stunning art deco buildings, massive malls, and an endless sprawl of museums, galleries, and theaters.

I’ve already published a complete guide on how to see NYC in 4 days . However, if you’re heading to the city during the holiday season then you’re going to want to refer to this alternative Christmas in New York itinerary instead.

The following guide takes into account the best places to see Christmas decorations in New York, where to get the best city views in winter, and the lowdown on activities that are only possible to experience in New York during Christmas. Let’s get started!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to New York during the holidays?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences at Christmas in New York

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Bus Tour (the prettiest lights in all of New York, you simply can’t miss this experience)
• Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes (the nr. 1 Christmassy show in the city, make sure to grab your tickets in advance as they sell out fast)
• Magical Christmas Lights Horse Carriage Ride (the most romantic experience)
• Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise (top-rated cruise in New York)
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Entrance Ticket (my favorite observatory in NYC)

Best Places to Stay in New York in December

• The Peninsula New York (the most festive luxury hotel)
• Lotte New York Palace (home to the iconic Christmas tree)
• Hyatt Centric Times Square (great mid-range hotel with epic views)
• MOXY NYC Times Square (amazing affordable hotel with the best location)

Planning to visit a handful of attractions? You can save a lot of money by purchasing a New York City Explorer Pass ! You can choose from over 90 attractions and you can also customize your card to include 2-10 attractions so it’s really flexible.

Overview of Your New York Christmas Itinerary

Breakdown of your 4 days in new york in december.

• Day 1: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Window shopping on 5th Avenue, Top of the Rock, Times Square, Christmas decorations around Radio City, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Revisit Rockefeller Center and the Christmas decorations
• Day 2: Holiday displays at Macy’s on 34th St, Empire State Building, Winter Village at Bryant Park, New York Public Library, Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
• Day 3: Central Park, Chelsea Market, High Line, Vessel, The Edge, Hudson Yards
• Day 4: Financial District, One World Trade Center at 9/11 Memorial, Oculus, Brooklyn Bridge, Time Out Market, Pebble Beach

Map for your Christmas in New York itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit during this Christmas in New York itinerary.

I marked your 4 days in New York with different colors – I used blue for the first, yellow for the second, green for the third, and red for the fourth day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your Christmas in New York Itinerary

Rockefeller center christmas tree.

Kick off your Christmas in New York itinerary bright and early at the most quintessentially festive part of the city, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

The Rockefeller Center is a complex of towering Art Deco buildings known for its incredible observation deck, the Top of the Rock, which we will come to shortly. But before ticking that off your list I recommend that you visit the Christmas tree before the crowds gather.

It’s really important to come early if you want to visit this iconic place in peace because later on, it gets insanely crowded.

By waking up early, you admire and get some photos of the massive Norway spruce that comes in at a whopping 79 feet (24 meters) height with a width of 46 feet (14 meters) and is adorned with colorful bulbs.

If you feel like it then you can also have a go at ice skating on the pop-up rink that sits at the base of the tree. Tickets for The Rink start at $20 US per person and it is advisable to book them online in advance. The Rink is open daily, from 9 am – 12 am.

Window shopping on 5th Avenue

Take a wander along the elegant 5th Avenue so that you can admire and snap some photos of the epic Christmas decorations that light up all the storefronts at this time of year.

The shops located on 5th Avenue are extremely expensive so for the purpose of this NYC Christmas itinerary I’m listing this step as window shopping but if you’re looking to treat yourself (or loved ones back home!) you will need to factor in additional time to browse indoors.

The Rockefeller Center backs onto 5th Avenue so my recommendation is that you make your way across the street to Saks Fifth Avenue and head towards Central Park.

This route takes you past the magnificent St.Patrick’s Cathedral as well as the likes of Cartier, Harry Winston, Prada, and Louis Vuitton which are each kitted out with stylish holiday decorations.

Conclude your walk at the Pulitzer Fountain which is currently transformed into an arctic wonderland complete with icebergs, skateboarding penguins, and ice skating polar bears.

The walk takes around 10-15 minutes in one way but factor in time to window shop and capture any photos you want before the street gets busy.

Walk the same way back to the Rockefeller Center to continue this Christmas in New York itinerary.

Top of the Rock

An essential on any New York itinerary, the Top of the Rock offers one of the best aerial views of the city skyline as you can see everything from the Empire State Building to the vast Central Park from its three observation platforms. Two of the trio are entirely outdoors which makes for amazing photos.

I’ve visited all 5 observatories in New York (some of them multiple times) and I must say, even though Top of the Rock is one of the oldest ones, it’s still my favorite one!

I think this one has the best location among all the observatories and although the Empire State Building is more famous, you can see the Empire State Building from here which is a nice bonus. If you’re looking for the best Instagram spots in New York , definitely don’t miss it!

Although you can purchase “unscheduled” tickets it is much safer to secure an exact time slot in advance because New York in December is heaving with other tourists. You can buy tickets for the Top of the Rock online .

General admission is $40 US but you can upgrade your ticket if you’d like. The attraction is open daily, 9 am – 12 am.

Times Square

Marking the heart of the theater district, Times Square is plastered with huge billboards, advertisements, yellow cabs, and New Yorkers going about their daily business.

Although Times Square doesn’t actually change much during the holiday months – besides festive ads – it’s still worth swinging by while you’re in the area. 

Times Square is a 10-minute walk from the Rockefeller Center.

Christmas decorations around Radio City

Radio City is one of the most iconic music venues in the city and is touted as the Showplace of the Nation. Every year the music hall hosts the Christmas Spectacular, a flashy dance show performed to a festive backdrop.

Radio City Music Hall is currently decorated with its own tree and there are a bunch of other installations dotted around the venue capturing the essence of New York during Christmas.

While you’re here you can pop across the road to see the sculpture of six giant candy canes as well as the Christmas Balls Fountain outside Chase Bank.

A short walk down 6th Avenue will take you to the Fox News building where you can visit the All-American-themed Christmas tree. You might want to visit these before dark to get some photos and then return after the show tonight when they’re all lit up.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

If you want to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for yourself, now’s the chance! If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a very famous annual music holiday stage show featuring the Radio City Rockettes.

Catching the show is undoubtedly one of the most festive things to do in New York in December ! The show lasts for 90 minutes with no intermission and it features around 140 performers and a bunch of different acts.

There are 2-4 time slots during the day subject to when you are organizing your Christmas in New York itinerary but it’s more exciting to catch an evening show.

I recommend either booking for the 5 pm show and having dinner afterward or catching the 8 pm show after you’ve eaten.

It’s important to book your tickets at least a few weeks, but rather months in advance as the show is really popular and they often sell out. Prices vary depending on the date, time slot, and seats you choose.

According to the recommendations, you need to arrive at Radio City around an hour before the show begins and they state that if you don’t arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime, you won’t see the first few acts.

We arrived an hour earlier and the crowd was already huge outside. We had to wait around 10-15 minutes outside and then they let everyone in at the same time so it was super crowded. Based on this, I wouldn’t recommend arriving an hour earlier, rather 20-30 minutes earlier, so you can avoid the huge crowd.

It’s also important to know that photography during the show is not permitted so it’s best to leave your camera at your hotel. Oversized bags are also prohibited and there are no lockers, so it’s best to pack as light as possible and not to bring any backpacks.

After seeing the show, you can return to the Rockefeller Center and the Christmas decorations on the 5th and 6th Avenues to see what they look like in the dark. It will be harder to take photos at night but it’s worth popping back to see them twinkling under the night sky. 

Whether you see the early or late show, it makes sense to have dinner in this area to avoid having to rush around. If you want to splash out, then reserve a table at the Capital Grille , which specializes in steak and seafood in an upscale environment.

Another option is the Haven Rooftop , which offers some of the best views in this part of town. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant and Dos Caminos are more affordable alternatives with excellent quality and generous portions.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to make reservations in advance! These restaurants are popular all year round but since this is one of the most touristic areas in New York, around the holidays it gets even more crowded so it’s practically impossible to get a table without a huge waiting list.

Day 2 of Your Christmas in New York Itinerary

Holiday displays at macy’s.

Macy’s on 34th Street is the flagship of the department store chain and claims to be the largest store of its kind in the world. If you’re headed to NYC on a shopping trip then this will be on your list already but it’s also one of the most impressive tributes to Christmas in New York.

The theme of the 2021 display is a little blue reindeer called Tiptoe who learns to fly. Interestingly, the installation does not feature any merchandise. Visit first thing so that you can check out the story of Tiptoe before the street gets busy. 

Empire State Building 

As the world’s most famous skyscraper and New York’s ultimate icon, the Empire State Building is another one of the best observatories in NYC and an essential sight for your travel itinerary regardless of the time of year you visit.

During this time of year, the observation deck is bedecked with trees and decorations making this a magical addition to a Christmas in New York itinerary.

The Empire State Building does not actually open until 9 am but it’s worth getting there a bit earlier to have a mooch around.

Tickets to the landmark depend on which observation decks you want to visit but admission to the 86th floor starts at $44 US. You can reserve your tickets online . 

The Empire State Building is a 5-minute walk from Macy’s.

Winter Village at Bryant Park

The Winter Village is a seasonal pop-up that occupies the urban park right off 6th Avenue. As this is essentially a hub of food stalls and places to buy gifts and souvenirs, you can make this your lunch stop for the day.

There is also an ice rink in case you fancy a second round of skating in New York during Christmas. If you’re traveling on a budget then this is the only free ice skating rink in the city, making it one of the best free things to do in New York in December.

You’ll need to pay for skate rentals if you don’t have your own and it’s helpful to reserve your slot in advance due to the popularity of the venue.

The Winter Village is a 10-minute walk from the Empire State Building.

New York Public Library

The stunning beaux-arts building that houses the New York Public Library backs onto Bryant Park so you can make this the next stop on your Christmas in New York itinerary. If you think the exterior is beautiful, just wait until you see what’s inside!

Easily one of the most captivating libraries in the world, the New York Public Library (also known officially as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) is decorated with frescoes, vaulted ceilings, and colonnades.

During the holiday season, you get to see the lobby Christmas tree. Remember to check out the much-loved lion statues that guard the entrance as well.

The New York Public Library is open to all and is free to visit. The opening hours may vary, you can check their website for current opening hours.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 

For the final stop of the day, you’ll need to venture out of Manhattan to Brooklyn where you’ll find the Dyker Heights neighborhood.

Dyker Heights takes the holidays to a whole new level and it’s one of the most impressive spots of this New York Christmas itinerary. Pretty much every house is draped with fairy lights, bows, and wreaths while trees, angels, nutcrackers, and other figurines grace the front yards and lawns.

The entire district is aglow with decorations but the impressive parts this year were on 83rd and 84th Street between 10th Avenue and 13th Avenue.

Sunset is usually around 4.30 pm in New York in December so I recommend hopping on the subway by 3 pm at the latest. You can access the D line at 42 St-Bryant Park subway station and alight at 71 St then walk the rest of the way.

The journey takes one hour so this gives you enough time to catch the last half an hour of light. 

As the district is so popular with New Yorkers and Yuletide tourists, there are even tour buses that you can join which will ferry you around the neighborhood and make sure that you see all the most impressive streets.

If you would rather join a guided tour, check out this Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Bus Tour !

Spend as long as you want here roaming the neighborhood and taking photos to your heart’s content. Once you get hungry, the wider Brooklyn area is teeming with international restaurants or you can head back directly to Manhattan to have dinner.

Day 3 of Your Christmas in New York Itinerary

Central park .

Connecting the Upper West with the Upper East sides of Manhattan, it’s hard to miss Central Park while celebrating Christmas in New York.

This massive park encompasses 843 acres of land and is just as popular with residents as it is with visitors so it’s a great spot for some people watching. 

As it’s too cold to linger at this time of year, you’ll want to wrap up warm and take a brisk walk to the park’s most picturesque winter spots.

My tip is to alight at 81 Street – Museum of Natural History subway station and then start your exploration at Belvedere Castle, located in the central-northern part of the park.

This historic fort dates back to 1869 and could be a contender for the most beautiful castles in Europe . It’s set on Vista Rock and overlooks the Turtle Pond, offering the best vantage point in the park.

Straddling Central Park Lake, Bow Bridge is considered one of the most romantic places in New York. It provides a unique perspective of the city and is a great spot for photographers and couples to get some shots.

Continuing south you’ll reach the gorgeous tiles and fountains of Bethesda Terrace, often frequented by musicians and street performers.

Yet another option for ice skating addicts who want to tick another venue off your list, the Wollman Rink is situated in the southeastern corner and presents an amazing view of Midtown Manhattan while you glide over the ice.

Off-peak tickets start at $15 US ($25 US during peak hours) and skate hire is $10 US. You can purchase them in advance online .

The last festive spot that I need to mention is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, a pop-up located in the southwestern corner of the park.

Vendors flog all types of gifts ranging from lanterns and candles, Christmas decorations and holiday treats to goodies for your pets! If you need to tackle your holiday shopping then this is a great shout to score some special gifts. 

Chelsea Market

You might find something to eat at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market but if nothing takes your fancy then you can make a pitstop at Chelsea Market for lunch. It’s convenient for the next calling point on this Christmas in New York itinerary and offers an astonishing array of food options.

Located in the Chelsea neighborhood, the enclosed market is packed with stalls where you can purchase fresh produce, artisanal goods, and meals made to order.

Chelsea Market is open daily, 7 am – 10 pm, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so if you don’t eat there today you can always return at a later time.

It takes an hour to walk to Chelsea Market from the holiday market so you can save time by taking the subway from 59 St-Columbus Circle and alighting at 14 St / 8 Av.

The High Line, an elevated walkway, is one of the coolest things to do in New York whatever season you visit.

It was fashioned from a former railroad that was slated for demolition until the local community intervened in 2003 with a genius idea to transform it into the city’s quirkiest public garden that also bridges Chelsea with the Hudson Yards development.

The walkway spans around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) in length and it takes 30-45 minutes to walk the full route which ends at Hudson Yards, the next stop on your Christmas in New York itinerary.

It’s free to access the High Line although you can make a donation online if you feel generous.

The High Line is a 5-minute walk from Chelsea Market and will take you directly to the next attraction on this NYC Christmas itinerary.

Your next couple of sights to explore are located in the shopping mall, Hudson Yards, which is beautiful at this time of year thanks to its plentiful holiday decor.

Make a beeline for the Vessel, a remarkable honeycomb-shaped structure that measures 150 feet (46 meters) and comprises 16 floors of connected staircases. 

Usually, you can visit all 80 landings and experiment with vantage points, although at the time of writing only the base level is open. However, it’s still worth paying a visit to see it and admire all the beautiful Christmas trees that cover the area around it.

Now it’s time to score the perfect yuletide sunset on your New York City Christmas itinerary.

Suspended 100 floors above Hudson Yards, the Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and offers incredible 360-degree views over NYC that rival those you get from the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building.

The platform sticks out from Hudson Yards and features a glass floor and angled walls that create the feeling that you are floating in the sky. During the holiday season, the observation deck is furnished with Christmas trees and decor that enhances the experience. 

General admission to the Edge starts at $36 US however you can upgrade your ticket. Definitely snap up your tickets in advance especially if you want to coincide your visit with the sunset.

An alternative option for the daredevils out there is to challenge yourself to the City Climb which gives you the opportunity to scale the outer edge of the tower.

Secure in your harness, you can then lean out to over the streets below, from 1,200 feet (365 meters) in the air. Tickets for the City Climb start at $185 US and again, advance booking is mandatory.

Hudson Yards 

After checking out the Vessel and the Edge, you can spend the rest of your evening strolling around Hudson Yards and tracking down all the holiday lights.

Beyond the shops (convenient if you want to do any more shopping during your Christmas in New York itinerary) and parks within the complex, the wider neighborhood is interesting to see and you can walk across to the riverside if you want to get photos of the Hudson River. 

If you want to have dinner in the shopping mall then there are tonnes of places to eat, ranging from American grills to international restaurants and beloved chains.

You’ll probably find an option that does walk-ins but if you want to eat at one of the most prestigious outlets, such as Wild Ink or Estiatorio Milos , definitely reserve a table in advance and specify if you want a table with a view.

Day 4 of Your Christmas in New York Itinerary

Financial district.

New York’s Financial District occupies the southernmost tip of Manhattan Island, in Lower Manhattan. Just take the subway to Wall Street and from there you can roam the streets at leisure, seeing the likes of the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. 

Be sure to head to 11 Wall Street where you can take in the giant Christmas tree which is placed here every year. If you happen to stay in accommodation nearby, you can visit Zuccotti Park at nighttime to see the pretty fairy lights that adorn the trees.

Otherwise, it’s still a pleasant place to pass by or have a quiet moment on the way to the next destination on your New York City Christmas itinerary.

One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial

Standing in tribute to the near 3,000 people who lost their lives as a result of the terror attacks, the 9/11 Memorial is a somber but important place to visit during your trip to NYC. This heartbreaking place is always busy with locals and tourists paying their respects.

Built in 2011 on the site of the former World Trade Center complex, the memorial comprises pools, monuments, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum.

The memorial grounds are open daily, 8 am – 8 pm, and are free to visit, whereas the museum is open Wednesday to Monday, 9 am – 7 pm, and charges apply. General admission costs $33 US or $53 US with a guided 60-minute tour.

It does take at least 3 hours to get around the full exhibition in the museum and although it was one of the best museums I’ve ever visited, I would still recommend saving it for your next New York visit.

You simply don’t have enough daylights in New York in December so if you want to visit this museum, you will have to cross something else from this itinerary.

The Oculus is an airy and modern shopping center that sits adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial and is illuminated with Christmas cheer and spirit during the winter months.

You can take a wander around to do a spot of window shopping, grab a coffee or bite to eat, and admire the grandiose Christmas decor. It’s a beautiful example of modern architecture to investigate even if you’re not looking to buy anything.

Brooklyn Bridge

On a par with the Golden Gate Bridge and London’s Tower Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge ranks highly as one of the world’s most photogenic bridges.

It’s only a short walk from the shopping center so you can navigate your way across the Financial District and take a stroll across the East River.

If you visit New York during Christmas, you might catch some snowfall over the bridge!

Construction on Brooklyn Bridge started in 1869 and was headed up by the chief designer, John A. Roebling, later assisted by his son. The hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge registers 1,595 feet (486 meters) and is accessible to pedestrians as well as vehicles.

Brooklyn Bridge is a 10-minute walk from Oculus and it will take around 30-45 minutes to cross it, subject to how many stops you take to survey the view and take pictures.

Time Out Market

Welcoming you to the Brooklyn district, the Time Out Market sits on the banks of the East River within the Empire Fulton Ferry Park.

It’s worth checking the place out for yourself and perhaps having a drink here although, to be frank, I wouldn’t recommend eating at the market. The food available is pretty expensive and not the best quality; you’ll find better options in the Oculus or in the Brooklyn area.

However, the atmosphere is fun, the views are great, and you can have a look at the restored carousel that dates back to 1922. Pop up to the rooftop terrace which is free to visit and you’ll get unparalleled views of the bridge and Manhattan.

Pebble Beach 

Conclude your New York Christmas itinerary with a dreamy sunset from Pebble Beach, a rocky bay at the base of the Manhattan Bridge. This spot provides outstanding views of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan, especially during the night, and is a fantastic place for taking photos of the skyline.

It’s just a few minutes walk from the Time Out Market.

Dinner 

Assuming you took my advice and skipped the food at the market, you can tuck into a scrumptious final dinner in New York on the Brooklyn side. Nearby, I can vouch for either Westville Dumbo or Juliana’s.

Westville Dumbo is a laid-back joint offering health-conscious meals with a menu that caters to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Options range from organic trout to turkey burgers and nutritious salads. They have excellent cocktails too and the best drink during the winter months: mulled wine!

Meanwhile, Juliana’s is hotly contested to be the best pizza place in NYC. Pizzas are prepared in the coal ovens and the menu covers all your favorites and options to customize with extra toppings.

Useful Info for Visiting New York in December

Prepping for your NYC Christmas itinerary requires some additional prep so below I’m sharing all the practical info you need to know if you’re planning to visit New York in December.

What is the weather like in New York in December?

Located on the northeast coast of the US, it has to be said that New York winters can be bracingly cold and that the city is prone to strong winds.

The average daytime temperature in New York in December is around 43ºF (6ºC) while evenings may drop below 32ºF (0ºC). On a warmer day, you might surpass 50ºF (10ºC) but that’s still going to feel chilly.

Snow is most likely to fall in the city during December – on average it snows 1-3 days this month – so if you’re lucky you might get to see some during your stay.

What to pack for Christmas in New York?

As I mentioned in the previous section, it does get really cold in New York in December, so it’s important to stash your bag with warm items that you can layer up. I will share all my outfit details below under my photos but generally, these are the items you can’t miss.

• Winter coat: Having a thick winter jacket is a must if you want to spend Christmas in New York! I love my wool-blend red coat (here is a similar one ) and it’s perfect for warmer days or fancier events. For chillier days or long night outs, I would recommend having a thicker puffer coat .
• Sweaters: Needless to stay, the key for staying warm in New York in December is layering! Make sure to pack sweaters that you can wear with both skirts and pants so you can save some space in your suitcase.
• Cute Christmas sweaters : I know we all love Christmas sweaters! They are usually really warm and look amazing on photos, so you can’t go wrong with them. I love this red Christmas sweater with reindeers and also this grey reindeer version from Tipsy Elves.
• Hats: Having a cozy beanie is a must in the winter monhts. If you want to have the cutest outfit, try this beanie hat with double pom pom ears – it definitely won’t go unnoticed!
• Scarves: Scarves not only keep you warm but they can make your whole outfit! I love this red plaid scarf because it’s super soft and looks really festive at the same time.
• Gloves: It’s important to protect your hands outside, especially if you’re planning to use your camera or phone a lot. These fleece lined gloves look really cute and as a bonus, they have touch screen parts! If you prefer a more elegant item, check out these super soft leather gloves (with full-hand touchscreen!).
• Boots: You can expect to see either some rain or snow during Christmas in New York so it’s important to have waterproof boots . For prettier outfits, I recommend packing a pair of black over the knee boots .
• Festive dresses: These come in handy if you want to eat any fine dining restaurants or visit some fancy bars, and if you want to take some beautiful photos at the best Christmas spots in New York . You can never go wrong with a classic long sleeve black dress or a sparkly sequin wrap dress !

When will Christmas decorations be up in New York?

The famous NYC Christmas decorations usually pop up as early as the start of November but it’s not until around Thanksgiving that the city really comes to life with its festive installations.

For example, the legendary Rockefeller Christmas Tree is lit in a large-scale public ceremony on the Wednesday evening that immediately follows Thanksgiving.

Around this time and the end of November, more trees and decorations appear. By early December, all the major department stores and malls are fully decked with their decorations.

If you want to make sure you find all the best Christmas decorations in New York, check out my in-depth guide about the best NYC Christmas photo spots !

Where to stay for Christmas in New York?

If you are planning your NYC Christmas itinerary based around visiting all the best New York holiday photo spots then you’ll want to stay in or as close to Midtown Manhattan as your budget permits.

Midtown Manhattan is where accommodation is most expensive however it will save you having to commute and contend with busy subway lines and buses.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget then you can look further out: Lower Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and Upper West Side all offer somewhat more affordable hotel stays.

Make sure you book your accommodation as early as possible to secure a place at a decent rate. Alternatively, you can try to nab a last-minute deal but this is a little risky. 

For more comprehensive information on where to stay in New York, remember that you can consult my detailed NYC neighborhood guide . If you want to take your vacation to the next level, check out these incredible  NYC hotels with the best views !

If you’re in a hurry, here are my top three hotels.

LUXURY – 1 Hotel Central Park

Offering a restaurant and a fitness center, 1 Hotel Central Park is located right next to Central Park. Each room will provide you with air conditioning, a seating area, and a private bathroom. The on-site restaurant, Jams, features an open kitchen and it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

MID-RANGE – Hyatt Place New York/ Midtown-South

Just a 5-minute walk from the Empire State Building, this Manhattan hotel offers free Wi-Fi and modern rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV. A corner sofa and a refrigerator are included in each room at Hyatt Place New York. A work desk along with coffee-making facilities is also included.

BUDGET – MOXY NYC Times Square

MOXY NYC Times Square offers pet-friendly accommodations and features free WiFi and a fitness center. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and air purification systems and each room has a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar.

Is Christmas in New York worth it?

Did the sound of those temperatures send a shiver up your spine? Crowds and cold weather aside, New York during Christmas is such a magical experience that it’s completely worth it.

Trust me, it’s one of the best Christmas destinations in the USA (if not in the whole world) for a reason!

An influx of cheerful lights, cute decorations, steaming eggnog coffees, and epic city views under the winter sunshine will inspire you to shrug off the cold and ensure that you have an unforgettable time.

I honestly had huge expectations before visiting New York in December and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations in real life!

To make the most of your stay, just make sure that you pack carefully and prepare your route around the city as concisely as possible. Another great tip is to wake up early to visit the most popular sights to avoid the huge crowd.

Planning a trip to New York City?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about NYC. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Hotel guides:

• Top 10 Best Areas to Stay in New York City
• 18 Incredible Hotels with the Best Views in NYC
• 12 Epic New York Hotels with Central Park Views
• 16 Best Hotels in Times Square with a View

Travel guides:

• The Ultimate NYC Travel Guide for First Timers
• How to Spend One Day in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary: How to See NYC in 4 Days
• Best Observatories in New York City: Which One to Visit?
• 32 Amazing Free Things to Do in NYC for Budget Travelers
• 25 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC You Can’t Miss
• 17 Insanely Useful Travel Tips for NYC

Christmas guides:

• 13 Incredible NYC Christmas Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
• 15 Festive Things to Do in New York City in December

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MAGICAL 3 Day New York Christmas Trip Itinerary

Planning a New York Christmas trip itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! There’s an overwhelming amount of festive things happening in the city this time of year (in a good way), but let’s be honest, it can be hard to choose how to pick what to include on your New York Christmas trip!

So, we have this handy itinerary curated by a local who LOVES the holiday festivities.

Sometimes a song puts an image of a place in your head so powerful that it plays constantly in your psyche. One day you visit said place and the fantasy immediately dissolves, leaving you to wish you’d stayed far away, content to wander through your imagination of what it should be.

Well, I’m here to give you some good news. Christmas in New York is JUST AS IT CLAIMS TO BE in the song Silver Bells, and in pretty much every other city-centric holiday carol.

It really is an ephemeral time of year where the city shines and people really are dressed in holiday style, meeting smile after smile. There is a distinctly joyful, bustling energy around town, and the soft lighting of holiday decorations casts a benevolent glow on even the most quotidian of city blocks.

Pop-ups and special events transform ordinary public spaces into communal pockets of revelry and celebration. Concert and performance setlists default to seasonal favorites with friendly singalongs. Free light shows and displays abound, and the smell of roasted candied walnuts from street carts waft through the air.

There’s a reason they were able to convince Susan that Santa is real in Miracle on 34th Street – New York City at Christmas will convince you of the existence of magic. If there’s one time of year I recommend you visit, it’s for a New York Christmas trip, plus don’t miss catching all the best Christmas movies in NYC before your trip too!

This New York Christmas itinerary focuses on a few different key points of interest:

• holiday performances
• light shows
• holiday department window displays
• pop-up markets with seasonal vendors
• meals and snacks at establishments that decorate for NYC Christmas (or simply feel seasonal to winter)
• a few well-decorated Christmas trees in NYC .

We’ve included options for staying in Manhattan, as well as venturing to Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. There are so many holiday adventures that you may want to return year after year, but take this guide as a primer for your first NYC Christmas itinerary. 

Also, something to keep in mind when planning your New York Christmas trip, this is the busiest time of year to be in the city, we highly advise making reservations for all the sit-down restaurants, booking your tickets to shows in advance, and securing your hotels in advance!

And if you find yourself here on the actual holiday, check out our guide to the best things to do in NYC on Christmas Day as certain things may be closed on the actual holiday and our guide covers what’s open!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links

New York Christmas Itinerary

Nyc christmas itinerary: day 1.

Christmas Themed Brunch

You’ve just arrived on your New York Christmas trip of a lifetime, and you’re looking for festive things to do that will immediately put you in the holiday spirit – where should you go first?

Look no further than a brunch at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (13 E 17th St), a cheerful and well-loved pub in Union Square. Lillie’s is a friendly and fun place to dine any time of the year, but is particularly festive during the holiday season – the already cozy yet ornate space gets decked out head to toe in festive adornments that surround you with cheer.

Split a classic Bagel Board (with all of the NYC fixings!) and some mixed berry pancakes with your dining companions in a setting packed to the gills with holiday joy (and if you’re here earlier in the season, it must be noted that they also decorate for Halloween!).

There is also a fantastic Lillie’s location in Times Square (249 W 49th St) with equally gorgeous holiday decor – their weekend menu features brunch, but may be a great fit if you’re not an early riser and are looking to stay in the midtown area. 

*Since Lillie’s only does brunch on the weekends, feel free to adjust this part of your NYC Christmas trip to fit your itinerary!

Bryant Park Winter Village

Next up on your New York Christmas itinerary is the wonderful Bryant Park Winter Village (42nd Street and 6th Ave). Centered around a free (!) skating rink in the center of the park, the winter village features a wide variety of unique holiday vendors selling everything from artisan clothes and jewelry to specialty food and drink.

Shop here for uncommon gifts for your friends and family while you sip on some of the city’s finest hot chocolate!

There are also often pop-up sit-down restaurants and cafes, housed in magical, clear bubble cottages where you can dine with a view of the Empire State Building and midtown Manhattan dressed up in holiday splendor!

As far as Christmas activities NYC has to offer, you can’t beat the joyful energy and bang-for-your-buck of Bryant Park Winter Village!

The Plaza Hotel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Plaza Hotel (@theplazahotel)

While you’re in Midtown and looking for more NYC Christmas options, make your next stop afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel (5th Avenue at, Central Park S), a longtime holiday favorite for visitors and New Yorkers alike.

Open for over 100 years, the Palm Court Room at the Plaza Hotel is an elaborately and elegantly outfitted restaurant year-round, but it truly comes alive during the holiday season. Decorated to the nines in old-school NYC Christmas style, the Plaza serves up a special holiday tea menu that includes classic English tea cucumber sandwiches, ham-and gruyere sandwiches, and chicken salad, as well as a mouth-wateringly tasty selection of luxurious pastries, tarts, and scones. Live out your “Eloise at The Plaza” dreams and lightly caffeinate yourself for the rest of your NYC Christmas itinerary with a relaxing hour at the Palm Court.

Holiday Window Displays

Now that you’ve rested for a bit, it’s time to stroll and check out the legendary NYC Christmas window displays of 5th Avenue, the surrounding shopping area, and Rockefeller Center, all of which are well-loved activities in New York during Christmas!

Start by walking near Bloomingdales on 59th Street, easily recognizable by its retro signage and prominent black and white checkered flooring within. If it’s cold, take a stroll through the store itself, which usually styles the store thoroughly in holiday cheer, but if you prefer to stay outside, the window displays themselves are also artfully fashioned for the season.

Work your way South and West to 5th Ave and 58th Street where the glamorous displays at Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef and Arpels, and Bergdorf Goodman are perennial New York Christmas trip favorites.

Continue downtown past Salvatore Ferragamo and Cartier to Rockefeller Center, where you can not only find one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees (be aware that many others will also be visiting!!), but a variety of great window displays in the immediate Rockefeller center area (Saks 5th Avenue, Tiffany, and LEGO – the LEGO store is brand new, but other locations are known for their year-round magnificent displays, and I expect this location to be no different!!).

Continue further down to 34th Street (and West to 6th Ave.) to the flagship Macy’s at Herald Square (151 W 34th St). In addition to being the centerpiece of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (and kickoff to the holiday season, which Thanksgiving in NYC is also a magical time to visit) Macy’s and its holiday village and window displays are some of the most cherished NYC Christmas activities.

If you are interested in visiting Santa, Miracle on 34th Street-style, be sure to build in time to meet the man of the hour – visiting Santaland is one of the most popular Christmas activities NYC has to offer.

After front-loading your step-count on your New York Christmas trip, you must be hungry! When you’ve finished at Macy’s, pop into the fabled Keens Steakhouse (72 W 36th St). Opened in 1885 , Keens has been serving up USDA prime-grade, dry-aged steaks to delighted New Yorkers for centuries.

Once a mainstay for actors, playwrights, producers, and journalists in the (now-defunct) Herald Square Theatre District, Keens was known as a place to see and be seen, and enjoy top-notch meats and seafood (note that at Keens there are some great vegetable-forward dishes like the wedge and Caesar salads, carrots and brown sugar, roasted seasonal vegetables, and charred shishito peppers – but if you are vegan or vegetarian you may want to try nearby spectacular vegan sushi joint Beyond Sushi instead [134 W 37th St]).

While Keens is not specifically a Christmas-themed restaurant, the James Beard Award-winning haunt has a wonderfully “wintery” vibe and cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere to warm up with Oysters Rockefeller, a Chateaubriand Steak for two, and a few glasses of Pinot Noir making it one of the best steakhouses in NYC to dine at.

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

After you’ve refueled at Keens, head back up 6th Ave. to Radio City Music Hall to see The Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes! The Radio City Spectacular has been an NYC Christmas tradition since 1933, and consistently delights audiences with perennial favorite numbers “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and the Living Nativity (The Living Nativity also features live camels! Who you may see taking a walk break with their handlers on 6th ave!!).

Precise and impressive technical dancing is infused with the sheer joy and excitement of the hardest working performers in show business – making The Radio City Spectacular one of the must-try things to check out on your New York City Christmas trip. You’ll even see Santa again (he moves around town quickly)!

Be sure to book this experience in advance as this is one of the most popular shows and one of the most famous things to do in NYC this time of year!

You can get tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on SeatGeek , and when you add our promo code BROOKLYNGUIDE to your SeatGeek account, you receive $20 off your first ticket purchase.

(We receive a small commission at no extra cost to you)

Night Cap at 230 Fifth

Before you end the first day of your New York Christmas itinerary, be sure to swing by 230 Fifth’s rooftop igloo bar (230 5th Ave), one of the best rooftop bars in NYC and best Christmas bars in NYC ! Enjoy spiced mulled wine, hot chocolate (boozy or as-is!), and apple-pie themed cocktails all in your own private (heated!) bubble looking out onto the twinkling nighttime cityscape.

There are even recurring holiday-themed light shows to watch as you relax and recap your day! Note that the rooftop gets busy, and I recommend making a reservation for your party.

If you walk in and there’s a wait, there are, however, complimentary robes to wear while hanging out on the open rooftop. After you’ve enjoyed a nightcap, head back to your hotel and get plenty of rest for the second day of your NYC Christmas itinerary!

NYC Christmas Itinerary: Day 2

Holiday Themed Breakfast

Good morning! It’s Day 2 of your New York Christmas trip, and we’re starting out in Brooklyn! The first stop on your day’s journey is brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn (348 Wythe Ave), a Williamsburg hotspot serving up mouth-watering hazelnut and brown butter stacks of pancakes, savory shakshuka, comforting grain bowls, and perfectly fluffy egg scrambles.

Sunday in Brooklyn is a fantastic choice year-round but acquires extra splendor during the holiday season when they transform themselves into a cozy ski chalet pop-up known as Snowday in Brooklyn – if you’re up for a brunch cocktail, try a Frost Bite (Mezcal, Gin, Pisco, Green Chartreuse, White Creme De Cacao, Peppermint Oil) and take in the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Holiday Shopping

After you’ve conquered that impossibly beautiful stack of pancakes, walk it off at the Brooklyn Flea (80 Pearl St) – while usually open seasonally through October, they hold a holiday pop-up shop weekends 10 AM-4 PM (I would advise checking their Instagram account for any weather-related changes in hours of operation).

Browse unique vintage finds and artisan, thoughtfully-made goods for even your most hard-to-please friends and family – and don’t forget to pick up a few treats for yourself, too!

Need a snack to sustain you while shopping? Wander over to nearby Dawn’s Til Dusk (33 Main St) for snacks both savory and sweet – I recommend the vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet “Spiky Cupcakes”.

And if by chance you’re in town for more than a few days and are looking to pick up a fresh Christmas tree in the heart of the city, they are available nearby in a seasonal pop-up by 81 Washington Street – several Vermont farms post-up with spruce trees and bottles of maple syrup (a lighter option in case you are just here for a few days and don’t want to schlep a tree around town)! 

Are you still struggling to find that one elusive gift for someone in your life? Fear not, there are more holiday markets ahead on your NYC Christmas itinerary!

Hop on the train or hail a cab to the Union Square Holiday Market (E 14th St), an evergreen favorite option for things to add to your NYC Christmas itinerary. Located around the periphery of the park in the same spot as the Union Square Greenmarket the rest of the year (be sure to check the greenmarket out before or after the holiday season!)

The Union Square Holiday Market has a large variety of crafted gifts, limited edition NYC-themed merch, and specialty foods, not to mention one of the best Christmas markets in NYC !

Support local, independent businesses and delight your family and friends with highly personalized trinkets from your time in the city. 

Christmas Themed Lunch

It’s a fact universally known that shopping makes you hungry – stay in the holiday spirit and take the time to refuel at Rolf’s (281 3rd Ave,), a snug and welcoming German restaurant known for its absolute dedication to the Christmas spirit.

Enjoy schnitzel, bratwurst, potatoes and sauerkraut under a twinkling canopy of holiday lights, ornaments, and a few Kris Kringle statuettes for good measure.

Be aware that a holiday stop at Rolf’s is one of many New Yorkers’ must-visit NYC Christmas spots, so it’s wise to make a reservation to guarantee your spot!

These are not easy to get, so if you don’t get one, consider heading uptown to the original P.J. Clarke’s location at 915 3rd Avenue for lunch. This historic location is one of the few remaining old New York establishments (that dates back to 1884) in this area! Not only do they have some festive decor up, but their burgers and food are fantastic and you’ll be a tad bit closer to your next suggestion on this NYC Christmas itinerary!

Holiday Show at Lincoln Center

After Rolf’s, head back uptown to drop off your gift haul, and then make your way over to Lincoln Center for a matinee of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker (Lincoln Center Plaza). Put on by the world-class New York City Ballet, The Nutcracker is a joyful, effervescent tale ( based on the story by E.T.A Hoffman ) of a young girl and her favorite toy that comes to life (it’s kind of the original Toy Story, IMO!).

Confectionery-themed dances featuring pirouetting candy canes and sugarplums, a sweeping score, and a very speedy runtime make the ballet a perfect afternoon for the whole family, and one of the best Christmas activities NYC has to offer.

The Nutcracker is an incredibly popular holiday outing, so I recommend buying tickets in advance if possible. 

You can get tickets for the Nutcracker on SeatGeek , and when you add our promo code BROOKLYNGUIDE to your SeatGeek account, you receive $20 off your first ticket purchase.

Now that you’ve had a little time off of your feet, jeté down to cocktail hour and dinner at Eataly’s Serra Alpina Rooftop (200 5th Ave). This year-round rooftop transforms into a scene out of a wintry Italian forest, complete with special warm cocktails and constantly updated seasonal fare.

Serra frequently picks a local farm to highlight and cook produce from, and their dishes are a fantastic blend of traditional Italian cooking methods and the flavors of New York and Tri-State area farm goods.

Enjoying handmade pasta in a snow-themed (but heated!) wonderland is certainly one of the most festive places to dine during your New York Christmas trip!

Holiday Pop-Up Bars

After your laid-back dinner it’s time to let loose and rock around that Christmas tree at one of the city’s many holiday pop-up bars in NYC . Bar locations do change from year to year, but the folks at Miracle on 9th Street consistently deliver seasonal magic at The Cabinet (​​649 E 9th St), a lively mezcal-focused cocktail bar that hosts a holiday party with kitschy, 50s-style decor.

The vibe at Cabinet is that of the friendly, reunion-style party that happens when you and all your friends are home for the holidays – catch up with friends in town or make new ones over a “Christmapolitan” (Vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, rosemary, lime, absinthe mist) while you dance it out to “Run Run Rudolph”. 

Did you go to bed last night before hitting up 230 Fifth, or are you looking for one of the clubbier Christmas activities NYC has to offer? Slink downtown to the Après Ski rooftop pop-up at night time hotspot Mr. Purple (180 Orchard St 15th floor).

Mr. Purple teams up with Veuve Clicquot to deliver chic, faux-fur furniture accented snowglobes where you can sip champagne (Veuve, of course) and snack on fondue while wrapped in luxurious blankets surrounded by the delightfully off-kilter signature Mr. Purple decor.

Snowglobes fill up quickly, and it’s best to make a reservation for your party. If you’d rather stay indoors or prefer to walk in, the indoor bar section of Mr. Purple is a glitzy, stylish place year round to get into the holiday spirit and features spectacular views of the city below.

And if you want to fall back into bed directly after your night on the town, staying at the Hotel Indigo (in which Mr. Purple resides) is always an option! Rest up, there are many more activities for your New York Christmas trip itinerary for tomorrow!

Also, our guide to the best Christmas themed restaurants and bars can help you pick other options if you wanted to see your other options!

NYC Christmas Itinerary: Day 3

Somehow we’ve gotten to the last day of your New York Christmas trip – but don’t worry, we’ll pack as much holiday cheer in as possible! Today begins uptown and concludes with a choose-your-own-adventure option to stay uptown or head out to the Bronx! 

In my humble opinion, the NYC Christmas season (and winter in general) is the unofficial season of Baked Goods, so let’s start the day out with a few of the city’s best.

Head to Breads Bakery (1890 Broadway), which among other accolades was named one of the “ 25 Bakeries Around the World You Need to See Before You Die ” by Buzzfeed.

Add a little Chanukah flavor into your NYC Christmas itinerary by trying their pillowy and rich Chocolate Babka (the Cinnamon flavor is wonderful as well!), or try the flaky tenderness of the Palmier cookie.

Looking for savory? Breads offers a tasty Parmesan cookie (filled with parmesan and gouda cheese and topped with sesame and nigella) as well savory pastries like the Spinach Bureka (puff pastry filled with spinach and feta).

If you are a cookie monster, look no further than Levain Bakery (multiple locations, the closest open location to Breads is 351 Amsterdam Ave).

This world-famous joint is known for their massive, baked-just-enough cookies that have crunch on the outside and a melted, gooey core inside.

My personal favorite is the oatmeal raisin – which yes, I know is controversial among chocolate chip fans out there, but please trust me and try at least one oatmeal raisin – I’ve never had a more buttery, perfect cookie of the same kind anywhere else.

And yes, while you’re there you should absolutely try their chocolate chip (and double chocolate) varieties! If you simply can’t eat another cookie but want a little something sweet, Levain is also the perfect place to grab a hot chocolate – their Valrhona hot chocolate is rich and comforting. 

NYC Holiday Markets

You’ve been in the city for three days, and you still haven’t found a gift for your most hard-to-please relative – fear not, I’ve got one more holiday market for you! Check out nearby Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Columbus Cir &, Central Park S) for even more unique gifts and trinkets (from over 100 vendors!) for your loved ones.

Central Park Ice Skating

While you’re in the park, walk over to Wollman Skating Rink to watch (or join!) skaters gliding together, surrounded by beautiful views of the city (830 5th Ave).

Wollman does require admission ($19 for adults, $11 for kids on weekends, with skate rentals available for $10) but even if skating’s not your thing, it’s a nice place to take in the holiday scene and one of the best spots for ice skating in NYC .

Continuing your streak of enjoying Central Park (undoubtedly one of the best places to visit during the holidays and any time of the year!), head over for lunch at Tavern on the Green (Central Park West and W 67th St).

Opened in 1934 (and briefly closed, but revived in 2014!), Tavern on the Green is a classic, Old-New York joint famous for housing gatherings of prominent New Yorkers for decades.

It’s the frequent site of Broadway opening night parties and fundraising galas, and brims with the energy of socializing New Yorkers and visitors alike. Tavern on the Green comes alive every holiday season with elaborate decorations, the highlight of which is a twenty-foot tree adorned with lights and over two-thousand ornaments that sits perched in the entryway rotunda of the restaurant.

Marvel over the tree and then head in for a delicious holiday brunch of classic New York eggs benedict, brioche french toast, or smoked bacon and scrambled egg pizza! 

Make a reservation for this spot if you want to dine here during your New York Christmas itinerary!

Afternoon Christmas Sightseeing & Activities

After your Central Park brunch, you have two options on your New York Christmas itinerary: stay uptown for the day, or travel to the Bronx for further adventures!

We’ll start with the local option. After you’ve visited Tavern on the Green’s tree, check out another fantastic area tree by heading east to the New York Lotte Palace (455 Madison Ave). This incredibly ornate tree is a favorite for wintertime photo-ops (maybe you can sneak in next year’s Christmas card photo here!).

It can be a popular spot and a bit crowded, so I advise going before it’s dark – the tree is just as spectacular and it will be easier to snag a spot to take photos! The day time is great to get photos too, this is one of the most popular spots for where to take Christmas photos in New York with couples and families!

While you’re over by the New York Lotte Palace, check out nearby King Cole Bar (2 E 55th St) housed in the St. Regis Hotel. King Cole Bar is known for its iconic mural by Maxfield Parrish (commissioned by famous New Yorker John Jacob Astor) and for being the first bar to serve a Bloody Mary (known to them as the Red Snapper).

Additionally, the King Cole bar appears in many iconic New York movies like The Devil Wears Prada, and my personal favorite movie of all time, The First Wives Club (full disclosure that First Wives is not a Christmas movie but it will warm your heart!).

Enjoy a Red Snapper or a wintery and comforting glass of red wine as you relax and recap your morning spent shopping, skating, and dining!

If it’s chilly out and you’re hoping to check out another indoor spot, visit the lights at the Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Cir), one of the most low key and relaxing Christmas activities NYC has to offer.

Wander among the shops under a beautiful series of snowflake light display shows set to Christmas songs that play every afternoon from 4 to 7PM! Pick up a gift or two for yourself while enjoying the soothing lights and sounds of Christmas in the city .

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You’ve officially shopped until you dropped – put your bags down and head for holiday dinner at the Consulate (519 Columbus Ave), a delightful Upper West Side restaurant that highlights the cuisines of different countries with a monthly rotating menu.

The Consulate also offers a permanent selection of French / New American cuisine with dishes like short rib cavatelli, roasted chicken, and mussels. The restaurant is elegantly decorated each holiday season and serves warm seasonal classics to complement the time of year.

Be sure to make a reservation, as the Consulate is popular year-round but is especially popular among locals as one of the best places to enjoy a meal during your New York Christmas trip!

After Dinner Holiday Show

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Let’s cap off your uptown New York Christmas itinerary with one more holiday performance! One popular option is the holiday concert series at hallowed Carnegie Hall (881 7th Ave).

Headliners vary, but generally, most performers and groups end up doing a few holiday classics if showing during December!

Check the website for local listings and ticket information, it’s best to purchase tickets ahead of time. Another great option is to check out the Lincoln Center Holiday Jazz Concerts (in the same building as The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Cir), one of the most joyful Christmas activities NYC has to offer!

Enjoy big-band beats and smooth jazz covers of Christmastime classics in a glass-backed, intimate setting overlooking Central Park and the cityscape on the last evening of your holiday weekend. 

Alternate Afternoon Option for Your NYC Christmas Itinerary

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If you spent the morning uptown and decided that the Bronx wing of holiday festivities is for you, pick up here!

Grab a cab (or take the D train from Columbus Circle to Fordham Road and walk over) to New York’s famous Arthur Avenue . A historically Italian American enclave, this thoroughfare is decked out in holiday cheer and the perfect place to stroll and pick up some rainbow holiday cookies and an espresso (try the Madonia Brothers Bakery at 2348 Arthur Ave, Bronx or the Morrone Pastry Shop 2349 Arthur Ave, Bronx).

There are so many Italian markets (try the Arthur Avenue Retail Market for holiday goods at 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx,) and bakeries that it would be easy to wander until dinnertime, in which case there are plenty of incredible restaurants with holiday fare (some places even serve a seasonal, special Italian “Feast of the Seven Fishes” for the holidays!).

Two Christmas time (and year-round!) favorites of mine are Mario’s (2342 Arthur Ave, Bronx) and Enzo’s (2342 Arthur Ave, Bronx). 

After dinner on Arthur Ave., you have a few options. One of the most famous New York Christmas traditions is to check out The New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd). The lush and verdant gardens transform into a winter wonderland with several holiday programs: The Holiday Train Show and the NYBG GLOW.

The Holiday Train show is an intricate and joyous showcase of amazingly detailed replicas of over 175 New York buildings and train stations – all crafted with natural materials like pine cones, seeds, and acorns.

It’s housed in the (heated!) Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and takes about an hour to enjoy the full exhibit. Advance tickets are required, so be sure to plan ahead if you’d like to check it out!

Another select option is the NYBG GLOW, a glittering holiday light showcase that is one of the best night time activities during the holidays. Wander the illuminated garden grounds on a 1.5 mile stroll with a hot chocolate and snack for a truly peaceful evening. The NYBG GLOW exhibit is available on select dates, be sure to check out the NYBG website to see if a date coincides with your visit. 

Another fantastic Bronx option is the nearby Holiday Light Show at the Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx). This seasonal display is composed of over 260 intricate, animal-themed illuminated lanterns and timed light shows throughout the zoo’s exhibits.

There are also select educational performances which are great for younger folks! I also must shout out the unexpectedly delicious hot chocolate at the Bronx Zoo – it’s great for especially cold evenings! After the zoo, grab a cab back to your hotel and put your feet up after your marathon holiday weekend!

EXTRA TIME on your New York Christmas Trip?

Extra time on your holiday weekend and New York Christmas Trip? Here are a few other fantastic options for your New York City Christmas trip!

If you are up for a slightly longer subway trip outside of Manhattan, be sure to check out Dyker Heights Christmas lights in this beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood! The residential displays here are some of the best Christmas lights in NYC ! 

To get there, take the R train to the 86th Street station or the D train to the 79th Street station. You can also snag a cab, or drive – though be warned, parking is hard to find nearby so the subway may be your best option!

The residents of Dyker Heights have been faithfully decorating their houses in (very) high-wattage holiday style for over three decades from the day after Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve! Lights on 10th-12th Avenue and 83rd-86th streets turn on from dusk and stay on until 10PM.

Be sure to bundle up and bring a warm beverage or pick one up at nearby Twist Coffee (7824 12th Avenue).  Heading to Dyker Heights is one of the most famous places to see holiday lights in the country, but is a full-on adventure in itself – check out our detailed guide of tips and tricks here Dyker Heights Christmas Lights guide .

Another wonderful option if you have an extra day is the Queens County Farm Museum Winter Light Festival (73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens).

Located on the border of Long Island and Queens, the best way to get here is to grab a cab or take the E train to Union Turnpike, followed by a quick jaunt on the Q46 bus.

If you have a car available, there is generally neighborhood parking available, and the Queens County Farm offers event parking.

The Queens County Farm is a fully-functional and colonial-era farm that is a fantastic place to visit year-round, and the holiday season is no exception. The Farm transforms into an illuminated park with elaborate farm-animal, agricultural, and holiday-themed lanterns to wander through.

Advance tickets are required, and the farm runs from November 25th through January 2nd – don’t miss a chance to check it out! 

If you’re looking for more gorgeous holiday displays head to Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan, Hudson Yards around the Vessel and inside the mall, and Industry City in Brooklyn .

New York City offers an infinite number of ways to make cherished holiday memories – you can sleep well at the end of your weekend knowing that while you certainly made the most of your time, many of these experiences and landmarks will reappear like magic every holiday season!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of the best things to do in NYC in December to add to your New York Christmas trip itinerary and plan your next visit soon!

Where to Stay during your New York Christmas trip

There are so many great hotels in NYC with views , themed hotels, and hotels for any style of traveler or budget for your NYC Christmas trip and itinerary.

Also, there are plenty of amazing places to stay in Brooklyn too with incredible views of the skyline and easy to get around from!

These are just a few of the recommended hotels to check out during your stay or use the booking map below to help you find a hotel in the area you want to stay in by budget.

Since the holiday season is an especially popular time to visit the city, we recommend securing your hotel stay in advance!

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

60 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge , a stunning waterfront hotel in Brooklyn with incredible views of the East River, Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Freedom Tower.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge not only prides itself on its sleek and upscale design but its commitment to sustainability, as the hotel is made of reclaimed materials and employs the use of low-energy LED lights, smart heating/cooling, carbon offsets, and an irrigation system that uses reclaimed rainwater for its landscaping. 

In addition to floor-to-ceiling windowed rooms with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River (ask for the Liberty King or Bridge King rooms), hotel guests and visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas from Harriet’s Rooftop Bar (an open-air patio overlooking the water and one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn ), Harriet’s Lounge (a classic cocktail bar with full-walled window views of the bridge and passing ferries), and the Osprey (a New American restaurant specializing in farm-to-table cuisine with views of the verdant hotel patio and Brooklyn Bridge Park).

And until the East River is clean enough to swim in (don’t hold your breath), the 1 Hotel’s rooftop pool is an ideal place to cool off with a cocktail and enjoy the view. Book here.

Refinery Hotel

63 W 38th St, Midtown

One of the most centrally convenient locations for picking where to stay in the city is in Midtown and better yet, getting a room with a view is even better and increases your chances when you’re around this area.

Your secret weapon in planning a New York meetup is the hotel rooftop bar, and Refinery Rooftop at the Refinery Hotel is one of the ideal places to meet among NYC hotels with the best views (if also staying there, ask for a Studio King with Empire Views room for the most direct vista).

The Refinery Hotel is housed in the historic 1912 Colony Arcade Building, and its stylish, industrial fixtures reflect an old-school-meets-contemporary vibe.

The Refinery Hotel features several great food and drink options, with live jazz at lobby bar Winnie’s, ribeye and soft-shell crabs at restaurant Parker & Quinn, and of course, innovative cocktails at the spectacular Refinery Rooftop.

Featuring views of the Empire State Building, the Refinery Rooftop is the perfect place to hold your birthday party or friend meetup, with convenient access to Midtown trains and offices.

Order a round of Empire Palomas (mezcal, pomp & whimsy, simple syrup, grapefruit juice) and toast to a night of celebrating with friends and the New York skyline. Book here.

Beekman Hotel

123 Nassau Street, Lower Manhattan

Hidden away in the heart of the Lower East Side, the Beekman Hotel is a unique landmark that’s been converted to one of the most gorgeous hotels in NYC.

The building itself was built in 1882, it was tragically boarded up in 1940 and left empty for decades. Because of its long hibernation and vacancy the building just sat for those decades almost frozen in time pretty much leaving the entire property restored and untouched.

The luxury hotelier group Thompson Hotels unveiled the Beekman Hotel in 2016 and now it’s one of the most stylish and coolest hotels in NYC.

The heart of the Beekman Hotel is the atrium with a pyramid-topped skylight, which illuminates 9 cascading floors below into the hotel bar. Intricately detailed cast ironwork covers railings and ceilings. In the lobby, you are met with creamy marble, emerald-green pillars, and a Persian rug-wrapped welcome center.

Visit the Temple Court Restaurant with al a carte or 5-course tasting menu, or enjoy the Temple Court on 10- intimate wisteria-covered dining on the West Terrace. Have a drink on a velvet couch in The Bar Room at Temple Court, a Victorian-era bar underneath the Atrium. Book here.

Yes, New York is worth visiting at Christmas. The city’s iconic decorations, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, and festive events create a magical atmosphere. It’s a memorable experience with a unique holiday charm.

To plan a Christmas trip in NYC, start with a list of must-see attractions, book accommodations in advance, and check for holiday events and secure those tickets. Consider making popular restaurant reservations in advance. This is the most popular time of year to visit NYC.

A 3-5 day trip to New York at Christmas is ideal to fully enjoy the festive season. It allows time for major attractions, holiday displays, shopping, and experiencing the city’s holiday magic.

New York at Christmas can be very cold, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 40°F). Dress warmly for outdoor activities, as it’s often chilly with potential snowfall.

New York starts to feel Christmassy in late November with the onset of holiday decorations and events, but the festive atmosphere intensifies in December. Late November provides a milder and less crowded experience, but things go in full swing the first week of December.

About our Guest Author

Sarah Beling is a playwright, New Yorker, and passionate food enthusiast who is always looking for her next meal. You can find her in an NYC park, enjoying a chopped cheese sandwich and reading about NYC’s best new places to eat.

If you found this New York Christmas itinerary helpful consider bookmarking for later or share the love on Pinterest!

Also, if you’re in the holiday spirit and want some great themed gifts check out our guide to the best NYC Christmas ornaments and NYC snowglobes to get someone something special this season! Also, check out the best NYC souvenirs which are the perfect gift any time of the year!

And if you need help planning what to wear in NYC in winter , we have an entire packing list dedicated to this very subject!

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East and Southern US , New York , North America · December 28, 2023

12 Bucket List Things to Do in New York at Christmas

Christmas in New York City is such a magical experience. There is so much to do and see, here is a list of the best things to do in New York at Christmas that you won’t want to miss!

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

12 Things to do in New York at Christmas

Table of Contents

1. watch the rockettes christmas spectacular, 2. go ice skating at rockefeller center, 3. feel like a kid again at fao schwarz, 4. see the window displays on 5th avenue, 5. walk through central park, 6. watch the christmas concert at st. patrick’s cathedral, 7. visit the winter village at bryant park, 8. visit macy’s on 34th street, 9. admire the christmas tree at the new york public library, 10. visit the columbus circle holiday market, 11. eat at a holiday-themed restaurant, 12. stop by grand central terminal.

If you splurge for one activity, make it the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

This Christmas production has been a beloved tradition since 1933 and seeing a show is one of the best things to do in New York at Christmas time.

The 90-minute show has 3D elements, flying frost fairies, a live nativity, elaborate props, and is filled with Christmas magic.

While the show varies each year, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity are two iconic numbers that are included every year. They even have live camels and sheep in the nativity!

Leading up to the opening night, the Rockettes rehearse for 6 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 6 weeks. All their hard work pays off and the precision of the dancers will blow you away.

During peak times, there are up to 4 shows a day. If you are flexible with times, they often offer last-minute discounted tickets for certain shows that aren’t sold out.

While you’re by Radio City Music Hall, be sure to check out Candy Cane Lane and the giant ornaments that decorate the sidewalks nearby.

The 1221 Avenue of the Americas office building across the street also has a beautifully decorated courtyard with a Christmas tree that you can walk through.

One of the most popular things to do in New York at Christmas is ice skating at Rockefeller Center.

Its popularity is due in part to being featured in the movie, Elf , and also because you’ll have the chance to glide under the twinkling lights of the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree.

The price increases during peak days and times, so plan your visit accordingly.

Even if you don’t plan to ice skate, it’s still worth stopping by to see one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world.

Each year, the head gardener at the Rockefeller Center searches high and low for the perfect Norway Spruce to stand in the plaza. It really is incredible to see it in person!

While you’re at the Rockefeller Center, I would recommend booking tickets to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck . It boasts one of the best unobstructed views of the city.

If you are planning to visit multiple tourist attractions in addition to Top of the Rock, the CityPass offers discounted rates for the best value.

Check the calendar for more holiday events at Rockefeller Center, including the Candy Cottage immersive experience, the Apres ski chalets, and visits with Santa.

A few more iconic Christmas trees around the city include the Christmas tree at the New York Stock Exchange, the New York Public Library, the Lotte New York Palace Courtyard, and under the arch at Washington Square Park.

The Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History and the Angel Tree at the MET are also worth seeing, but you’ll need to pay admission to go into the museums.

FAO Schwarz is located at Rockefeller Center and is one of the most iconic toy stores in America.

The store was first founded in Baltimore in 1862 and moved to New York in 1870. It is considered the oldest toy retailer in the US and is worth a visit, especially during the holidays.

You’ll be greeted by toy soldiers at the entrance before being transported into what looks like Santa’s real-life workshop.

The 20,000-square-foot toy store is a fantasyland for kids and for adults who want to feel like kids again!

Be sure to check out the floor piano that was made famous by Tom Hanks’ character in the movie, Big .

There is also a musical clock tower, life-sized stuffed animals, and plenty of interactive displays to keep you entertained for hours.

Jellycat Diner is also a fun newer addition to the store where you can order plushies in the shape of your favorite New York street vendor foods. They’ll even be packaged up in cute little to-go boxes!

One of the best free things to do in New York at Christmas is to admire the window displays at the department stores along 5th Avenue.

I would recommend visiting both during the day and at night for a completely different experience.

Holiday window displays first started popping up along 5th Avenue in the late 1800s and have provided nostalgic Christmas magic for over a century.

The decorations have now expanded to include not only window displays, but the entire exterior of buildings as well. The whole street is decked out with holiday cheer!

One of the best displays is at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Not only do they have ornate window displays, but the Christian Dior & Saks “Carousel of Dreams” is an impressive installation that spans nearly the entire 10-story building.

Every night, from 5-11 pm, there is a free light show at the Carousel of Dreams that runs every 10-15 minutes.

A few more of the best holiday displays can be found at Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton.

For a fun experience during the holidays, or any time of year, book reservations for breakfast at Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue!

Central Park is worth visiting in every season.

In the spring, you’ll find new blooms and a promise of warmer days to come. In the summer, the lawns are filled with families having picnics and outdoor movie showings.

In the fall, the sidewalks are carpeted in golden leaves, and in the colder months the park is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Christmas is especially a great time to visit because street musicians fill the air with holiday music. It’s so magical being serenaded by Christmas music while walking under the tree tunnel at The Mall.

The Bethesda Terrace is also one of the best places to go as you’ll often hear a violin solo of Silent Night and other hymns echoing throughout the arcade.

For a fun holiday experience, you can also go ice skating in the shadow of towering skyscrapers at the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in New York City. Construction of the ornate cathedral began in 1858 and it was completed in 1878.

It is worth stopping by to admire the interior any time, but it is especially worth a visit during the holidays. You’ll find wreaths adorning the columns and a nativity scene on display.

Every December, the church holds a Christmas concert if you are lucky enough to attend. Christmas Eve Mass is also a memorable experience, but you’ll need to reserve tickets in advance.

The Church of the Heavenly Rest also has a Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant that is a beloved tradition.

The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a festive event where you’ll find plenty to do.

It features ice skating, bumper cars on ice, cozy igloos, a curling cafe, visits with Santa, The Lodge rinkside food court, and holiday pop-up shops.

Be sure to stop by the Baked Cheese Haus Raclette food stand.

At this food stand, a wheel of artisanal Wisconsin cheese is heated and then the bubbling melted cheese is scraped onto potatoes or a baguette sandwich.

It is phenomenal and hits the spot on a cold winter day! Be sure to order a cup of hot caramel apple cider to go with it.

There are two different stalls at Bryant Park, one serves the melted cheese over baguette sandwiches and the other serves it over potatoes.

We only tried the cheesy potatoes, but I heard the sandwich is delicious too.

You also have to get hot chocolate from the Max Brenner stall. This thick and creamy Italian hot chocolate is made with melted chocolate blocks mixed with fresh vanilla cream and it is to die for!

Max Brenner also has permanent shops in Times Square and Union Square where they serve food in addition to their hot chocolate.

If you are looking for more of the best spots to find hot chocolate in New York, be sure to check out Angelina Paris, an adorable French patisserie with flaky pastries and decadent hot chocolate.

Eat Pretty serves hot chocolate topped with pink whipped cream and decorated gingerbread men.

Glace offers a s’mores hot chocolate creation that is topped with toasted homemade Italian marshmallow fluff.

If you’re looking for the real Santa Claus, head to Macy’s at Herald Square. According to the movie, Miracle on 34th Street , this is where the real Santa resides.

Santa has been visiting Macy’s in New York for over a century and has been delighting children every holiday season since.

Every year, he ushers in the holiday season as the grand finale of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade before heading to Santaland on the 8th floor of Macy’s.

Santaland was created in 1977 and has become so popular that you now need to make reservations five days in advance to visit Santa.

Even with reservations, you can still expect to wait for 1-1 1/2 hours to sit on Kris Kringle’s lap.

Macy’s is still worth visiting during the holidays, even if you don’t visit Santaland.

The Macy’s on 34th Street at Herald Square is the brand’s flagship store. It is the largest department store in the US with 11 floors and over 1 million square feet of retail space.

It’s one of the best places to go holiday shopping in New York!

It was built in 1902 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Be sure to ride the historic wooden escalators between the 2nd and 9th floors that were installed about a century ago.

The Macy’s holiday window displays are also an iconic part of Christmas in New York and can’t be missed!

They even had some fun interactive ones when we visited, like this sing-a-long window display.

The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building adjacent to Bryant Park was constructed in 1895 and is a treasured historic landmark.

As you step into the main lobby, you’ll be greeted with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and garland hung on the marble staircase.

Be sure to stop by the Treasures permanent exhibition where you can see over 200 rare items in the collection.

The exhibition room is free to visit and some of the treasures include the original Winnie the Pooh and Friends, an early copy of the Bill of Rights, a lock of Beethoven’s hair, Charles Dickens’s writing desk, a copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, and so much more.

You’ll also notice that the iconic lion statues outside the library have wreaths adorning their necks.

These lions were named “Patience” and “Fortitude” by the city mayor during the Great Depression as a reminder for New York residents to stay strong.

Columbus Circle hosts a fun European-style holiday market with plenty of stalls selling local goods, souvenirs, food, and sweet treats.

It’s a great place to buy unique Christmas gifts and sample some holiday foods.

You can order a bowl of cacio e pepe where the steaming hot pasta is tossed inside a hollowed cheese wheel.

And be sure to get a cup of hot cocoa and a warm apple cider donut.

I would recommend the hot chocolate at Hudson Cabin and No Chewing Allowed.

The Shops at Columbus Circle is an indoor mall next to the market that is also decked out with Christmas lights.

You’ll find colorful giant glass stars hanging from the ceiling with lights that are synced to music.

On select evenings during the holiday season, you can even catch a free Broadway Under the Stars event on the 2 nd floor balcony.

While many of New York’s restaurants have some sort of Christmas decor, certain restaurants and bars are known for going all out during the holidays.

A few of the most popular ones include Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, Papillon, Oscar Wilde, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, and Rolf’s Bar.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to make reservations as tables book up far in advance during the holidays.

Stop by Grand Central Terminal to see the Main Concourse decked out with holiday cheer and bustling with holiday travelers.

You’ll also find a holiday fair located inside Vanderbilt Hall. This is the longest-running indoor fair in the city with 40 local vendors.

Be sure to stop and see the holiday train show at the New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store located in the Shuttle Passage just off the Main Concourse.

A few more of the best things to do in New York at Christmas:

• Empire State Building:  Channel your inner Buddy the Elf at the Empire State Building. Book tickets to the observation deck and enjoy the S’mores N’more holiday-themed hot chocolate bar. Other holiday events include a screening of Elf at the Empire State Building, visits with Santa, holiday photo ops, and more.
• The Plaza: This ritzy hotel has been featured in several holiday movies including Home Alone: Lost in New York , and Eloise at the Plaza . The hotel is generally only open to guests and residents during the holiday season, but you can make reservations for Afternoon Tea at The Plaza for a fun holiday splurge.
• Union Square: Union Square hosts a holiday market with over 180 vendors, and has been ranked as one of the best holiday markets in the US.
• Glide at Brooklyn Bridge: Go ice skating under the Brooklyn Bridge then warm up with a cup of white hot chocolate or hot apple cider at the nearby Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. The ice cream shop is housed in a restored 1920s Fireboat House. Be sure to stop and take a ride on the historic Jane’s Carousel as well.
• Times Square: Take in the sights and sounds of Times Square and stop by the NYE Wishing Wall. Here, you can write your wish for the new year on a piece of confetti that will rain down on Times Square at midnight on New Year’s Eve. You can also reserve tickets for Frosty’s Christmas Pop-up Bar at Times Square.
• Hudson Yards: Shine Bright at Hudson Yards is one of the best Christmas light displays in the city with over 2 million twinkling lights. You can also go ice skating high above the city at The Edge Ice Rink, visit Santa’s Secret holiday speakeasy, go shopping at the holiday pop-up market, see The Vessel covered in lights, and take photos with Santa.
• New York Botanical Garden: Reserve tickets in advance for the Holiday Train Show, NYBG Glow, and Bar Car Nights at the NYBG in the Bronx.
• Cocoa and Carols: Take a festive holiday cruise along the Hudson River.
• Santacon: Santas of every kind take over the city on the 2 nd Saturday of December each year for this fun and festive event.
• Stone Street : This cobblestone pedestrian-only street is one of the oldest streets in the city. During Christmas, you can find pop-up holiday shops, bars, and festive decorations.
• Dyker Heights: Take a bus tour to see one of the most extravagant neighborhood light displays in the city!
• Watermark at Pier 15: Get in the holiday spirit at Santa’s Winter Wonderland , a holiday pop-up experience right on the waterfront.
• The Nutcracker Ballet: Book tickets to see a production of the beloved Nutcracker ballet at Lincoln Center.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Lightscape is a fantastic walk-through holiday light display located at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
• Winter Whirl: Go roller skating at this holiday-themed roller rink located inside the Shops at the Oculus.

I hope this guide will help you discover the best things to do in New York at Christmas, happy holidays!

*Click the button to download and print this guide to take with you on your trip!

If you are planning to visit upstate New York, here are some guides you might like:

• 10 Amazing Things to Do in Niagara Falls
• 8 Things to Do in Thousand Islands New York
• 7 LDS Church History Sites in Palmyra New York

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NYC At Christmas (or anytime): How To Have the Best Family Trip

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: May 12, 2021  - Last updated: November 13, 2023

Initially the thought of doing New York City at Christmas with kids felt a bit daunting, and we travel A LOT. Once we started planning and accepted that NYC can’t be done all in one trip, particularly with kids, we started to get excited…

Our goad with doing NYC over the holidays was to experience the iconic sights and holiday vibe that New York is famous for. I’d say we accomplished it! From seeing the sights of historic Lower Manhattan to taking in a Broadway show, we did it all. And here’s how you can do it too… on a budget!

Getting Around New York City with Kids

Even with the amazing subway system in NYC you’ll still walk a lot. If you’re visiting NYC at Christmas with kids, you’ll need to be sure everyone has good, warm walking shoes and warm jackets, hats and gloves. New York in winter is really freaking cold, and because you’ll be walking so much, you’ll need to be prepared.

Doing the NYC Subway with Kids

We arrived in Manhattan via Penn Station from JFK and rushed through the crowds of New Yorkers on the way to the Number 1 train to head downtown. We opted for the unlimited ride Metro Cards since we’re in NYC for five days and will be riding the subway a lot.  Once on the train we told the kids to hold on and away we went! They totally dig the subway and ride it like pros.

Tip: keep your kids IN HAND as you go through stations because there are a lot of people moving very quickly and it’s easy to get separated. NYC at Christmas has a lot of extra people and EVERYONE is in a hurry.

Staying at the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District

After flying into Newark (EWR) and then riding the train into the city, we arrived at the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District. We got off the subway at the Rector station and right around the corner from it was out hotel! Upon arrival they provided us with a goody bag of drinks and snacks (perfect because the kids were hangry) and put us up on the 44th floor.

Note : the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District is the tallest of the brand… in the world. It’s actually really cool and we had a great view to Ellis Island and could watch the Staten Island Ferry.

Book the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District here!

Our room was very nice with enough room for the four of us, but it was not so big that we just wanted to lounge. It’s NYC, so small rooms are a given. Really though, our room was perfect for us and the staff was really helpful, both in fixing out reservation (wrong room type) and helping us make Christmas in NYC happen.

They got our reservation switched around for us so we had a room with two beds, they checked up on us, they held our Christmas presents we had delivered and then they gave me supplies to wrap gifts in the lounge area after the kids went to bed. They were awesome.

Also, there is lots of great dining in the immediate area near the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District, including great NY pizza and a really cool restaurant/beer garden called Clinton’s Hall that we enjoyed.

Other Budget NYC Hotels We’ve Stayed At

I’m such a sucker for brand loyalty. I love having consistent experiences, so every time I go to NYC, whether it’s with the family or for work, I stay at an IHG property. Besides the Holiday Inn Financial District my other two picks are both IHG hotels: EVEN Hotels and Holiday Inn Express.

EVEN Hotels are known for their on-property gyms and in-room fitness solutions, but they are also very nice and one of the more spacious NYC hotels I’ve stayed at.

Book the EVEN Hotels NYC Time Square here!

Holiday Inn Express in NYC is great because the always include breakfast (sometimes that’s super helpful when you’re traveling with kids) and they are consistent with amenities and conveniently located.

Book the Holiday Inn Express NYC Chelsea here!

Our NYC Bucketlist Things to Do

NYC at Christmas is just as fun and busy as you would expect it to be. Just because it’s busy doesn’t mean that you need to skip the fun things to do and top tourist sights.

We set the day aside to hit the big NYC holiday sights. After riding the subway from the Financial District to Grand Central Terminal, we strolled along Park Ave and then up 5th Avenue. We checked out all the Christmas trees and window displays, we watched people skate in Rockefeller Center, we got pretzels and walked through Central Park. It was so much fun! It was also so very freezing cold that we sought warm refuge in the subway.

Our NYC bucketlist with kids is organized by neighborhood: Uptown, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan. Midtown is the busiest neighborhood in NYC at Christmas, so heading up or downtown is a great way to escape the crowds.

NYC CityPASS: the Best Money-Saving New York Tip

New York City was the first place we ever used a CityPASS. I’ve seen then advertised a million times and for lots of locations, but never did we get one. Doing NYC at Christmas, we new that things would be busy and that we wanted to be sure to do everything we wanted.

The NYC CityPASS is good for nine (9) days from its first use, so if you are going to be in New York for a while, you can space out your activites.

Get your NYC CityPASS here!

Included with the NYC CityPASS (from their website):

• Empire State Building 
• American Museum of Natural History 
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art 
• Top of the Rock Observation Deck   OR    Guggenheim Museum 
• Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island  OR    Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises 
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum  OR    Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum 

The savings if you were to do one of each of the options is over $90 USD (2021 prices) so it’s totally worth it.

Visiting the American Museum of Natural History

I’ll say it upfront: we did not get to meet Dr. Ross Geller. It was heartbreaking, but still awesome.  We used our NYC CityPASS for entry into the American Museum of Natural History.  If you don’t have a CityPASS admission is by suggested donation.

But OMG, we’ve been to the Denver Museum of Science and Nature , the La Brea Tar Pits and more and this was for sure the best collection of dinosaur bones and displays we’ve seen. The real show-stealer: the titanosaurus. OMG.  Huge dinosaur!

Beyond the dinosaurs the Museum of Natural History is really awesome. It’s very different from what I expected. It’s very similar to the Academy of Arts and Sciences in San Francisco, but different. The Museum of Natural History is really truly focused on teaching the story of earth from start to present day, and it’s done in an incredible way. From the Big Bang to dark matter via the planetarium, there’s so much to discover. Can’t wait to return!

Tip :  allot three hours to explore the Museum of Natural History with or without kids. You never know how much you a craving to learn until you’re smack dab in the middle of a science paradise.

Ice Skating in Bryant Park During Christmas in NYC

Ice skating at Bryant Park needs to be on your NYC at Christmas plan. It’s iconic and so much fun.

We waited for what seemed like forever because we were so cold, but we got to rent skates and try ice skating with the kids in Bryant Park. It was just what we’d hoped it would be. There was music playing, an awesome Christmas Tree, hot cocoa… It was just what you picture when you think about skating in NYC during the holidays.

Here are our tips for having an easy, fun ice skating experience in NYC:

• Go early in the day
• Budget for $20+ per person for skate rentals
• Bring gloves for holding onto the rail or if you’re on the ice
• Be patient with kids, being a physical support who’s also calm and fun

Winning tip : skate backwards if you can while teaching kids to ice skate. You can face them and make them feel more confident, and watching their faces helps you gauge how they’re doing and where their struggling or afraid. It’s so much easier than just holding hands. </p>

Going to Top of the Rock / 30 Rock and Midtown

So, why did we do Top of the Rock instead of the Empire State Building when we visited NYC at Christmas? We wanted to get the view of New York City that INCLUDES the Empire State Building. It was so beautiful and so cold.

Here’s how you visit Top of the Rock in NYC:

The whole production of getting to the Top of the Rock was a bit much, but it’s NYC and everybody wants to hit the Top.  We accessed Top of the Rock with our CityPASS , which was a huge value, as on its own going to the Top will cost a family of four $120 or so.

• Get a CityPASS to save money on most of the big things you’ll want to do in NYC
• Arrive at the Top of the Rock entrance on 50th and get in line
• When you get to the ticket counter you can either accept the next available time slot OR you tell them when you want to come back

Tip : we got tickets for sunset and came back before dinner. It was cold but the colorful sky and the view were incredible.

Times Square and Broadway: a touristy must

We had no intentions of visiting Times Square because it’s that pit of tourist despair… But we did and it was actually much cooler that expected. Between the incredible advertising screens and the Broadways show signs, we were twirling and snapping pics. The kids were seeing the spectacle that is out-of-place super heroes and Sesame Street characters.

Seeing the Lion King on Broadway

We’ve seen our share of shows but nothing compares to the day you take your kids to a Broadways show and you watch them be completely enamored. The Lion King on Broadway is incredible. We enjoyed it so much that when we left we actually looked for tickets online to see if we could squeeze in one more showing while we’re in NYC. The performance was amazing and the kids loved the dancing.

Parent tip : allow yourself to cry if you must. Something about hearing and seeing the Circle of Life unfold before you… and then watching Mufassa die… it’s all too much and it’s amazing.

Besides the fact that I’m a mess when we get to have special moments with the kids, we’ve got some tips to share for having your first Broadway experience with children.

• Tip 1 :  arrive early to have time to chill out and check out any cool merch
• Tip 2 :  get your pics done before the curtain rises because you can’t snap pictures during the performance
• Tip 3 :  bring ear plugs if you have a kid who’s sensitive to noise. We were worried that we’d actually have to leave mid-show, but we were in Row G and made it all the way with complete happiness!

Iconic Meal at Katz’s Delicatessen

  This spot, Katz’s Delicatessen, is amazing. From salami hanging everywhere to the crazy busy counter lines, it was a sight to see. It was a combination of spectacle and actual NYC. Dinner was really good with the kids enjoying their food of choice, hot dogs, and us have lox and pastrami. Overall, it was a great experience and totally different from any Christmas activity we’ve ever done.

Note : you can get your order to go or sit down, but either way you need to know what you want and how you want it. They move fast and you need to move fast too.

Exploring Wall Street and Lower Manhattan

When we were first booking our NYC holiday adventure with IHG Rewards points , we landed on the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District. We were initially excited about the location of our hotel because it’s so close to the dock where you board the boat for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island , as well as the Staten Island Ferry , but after just a few hours in Manhattan it turns out that the location is actually awesome for more reasons.

We’re a few blocks from the Trinity Church (think  National Treasure and hidden passages), Alexander Hamilton’s grave, the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and more. Wandering the streets at night was really cool and exactly what I needed to be reminding of why NYC is so cool.

Exploring of Wall St with the kids is always fun, and let’s just say the art and architecture are a hit with kids and dads. The bonus of visiting NYC at Christmas and wandering Wall Street in the morning through is, for sure, getting to sit in Trinity Church and listen to choir practice. It was wonderful.

Museums and National Park Sites in Lower Manhattan

After breakfast we headed down to get our tickets for the Statue of Liberty. If you didn’t know, it’s a hallofaloo like none other. As soon as we had our dates for NYC confirmed we tried to book our reserved tickets but it was too late… so we planned to get them same day.

While we could’ve done it, the security and ticket lines were too long, so we used our CityPASSes to get our tickets and go back first thing the next day so that we only had the line to board our boat to wait in. Besides the ticket fiasco, we had more happening in Lower Manhattan. We went through the small museum at Castle Clinton National Monument and learned a bit about how Manhattan has changed shape over the years.

Then we went to the National Archives at the old Customs House… where we found the National Museum of the American Indian. Part of the Smithsonian network of museums, there is no admission charge and it’s fascinating. There is a really wonderful collection of artifacts and pieces from countless tribes around the USA and South America. There was also a large section of modern Native art.

Following some history, art and architecture, we popped up to Federal Hall National Memorial : the site of George Washington’s swearing in as President, site of the first Congress and so much more. It was neat to explore and learn more about NYC’s history in the founding of the United States, but it wasn’t a huge hit with the kids. Oh well, we’ll visit again when they’re older and understand better.

Family friendly beer garden style dining: Clinton Hall

I love finding fun dining options with the kids. Right across from our hotel, the Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District, we found the coolest place with the best kid atmosphere. Clinton Hall is a beer garden/hall the not only has great beer, but great food. And fun.

There is a really cool heated outdoor patio area with oversized Connect Four, Chess, Jenga, putt-putt and more. It was the play time the kids were needing. The food was delicious too, with fun and interesting burgers. Good prices for NYC.

Seeking out bagels. …and some tips.

New York is known for a few different food, one of which is NY bagels. Being our first breakfast in NYC we immediately went looking for bagels. One of our friends had a recommendation for the Wall St area and we headed right for it:  Leo’s Bagels. 

Yes, they were delicious and they we totally different when compared with bagel shops at home in Seattle. First off, delish; secondly, here are our tips:

• when ordering for smaller kids, DON’T get NY bagels toasted because they are intense to bite into.
• when ordering for adults… if toasting the bagel, prepare for a shredded mouth-roof
• BIG TIP :  if you say “Two regular coffees…” you’re going to get a disaster in a cup, aka coffee with cream and sugar. “Regular” coffee does NOT mean black coffee. Huwhatttt?!?!?!

We’ve got more New York City fun to share, including how to enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge and fun free things to do around Manhattan. If you have any questions about visiting NYC at Christmas, about planning a trip to New York with kids, or anything about Lower Manhattan (my favorite neighborhood), send us a note or leave a comment!

Darla Irvin

Thursday 27th of April 2023

I am planning on bringing my granddaughter and her mother in December. We will be celebrating her 16th birthday. I cannot put together an itinerary. We do not want any museums with the exception of 9/11. Could you please guide me. Thank you

Monday 1st of May 2023

You don't want any museums? Well, that's what we do when we go to NYC. We're not heavy consumers that want to just shop, so when it comes to sightseeing in NYC, it's all centered around museums. Is there a problem with museums? Literally the historic and icon sites of NYC are all associated with museums, including the Statue of Liberty...

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Best New York City Christmas Activities With Kids

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Experience the magic of New York City when you try these Christmas activities with your kids! Nothing beats the holidays in the Big Apple, from the tree at Rockefeller Center to the twinkling lights of Central Park. Iconic landmarks become even more incredible, whether you’re ice skating in Bryant Park or watching a show at Radio City Music Hall. Yes, it will probably be cold, and possibly very crowded. But it’s worth it to experience the season at least once, especially with your children! However, with all there is to do, it can feel a little overwhelming to some parents. Luckily, we’ve simplified the process for you. So, if you have your heart set on visiting New York City in December, stay tuned for advice on how to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s our list of the Best New York City Christmas Activities For Kids! 

Best Christmas Activities in Manhattan for Kids

Manhattan is the center of most of the action in New York City, so it’s unsurprising it also has some of the best Christmas in New York activities for families! From shopping in Little Italy to browsing Christmas markets, here are our favorite suggestions for families looking to go to New York for Christmas ! 

Plus, don’t forget to purchase all of your tickets for the best things to do year-round in NYC with kids ! It can be helpful to have everything secured in advance of your departure date to ensure availability.

RELATED : Exciting 5-Day NYC Itinerary With Kids of All Ages

Shop for Christmas Ornaments in Little Italy

Need some last-minute gifts, decorations, or other holiday goodies? Luckily, shopping in Little Italy is one of the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! On Mulberry between Grand and Hester Street, you’ll find Christmas In New York , a two-floor, all-year-round holiday superstore. It’s the perfect place to shop for ornaments, Christmas lights, and anything else you may need.

Everything is reasonably priced, including some stunning, handmade ornaments. Plus, the store even offers a customization service (with a coupon for first-time shoppers!), so you can take home a personalized memento from your trip too. Real bargain hunters can also find good deals at other shops in nearby neighborhoods such as Chinatown. Once you’re done in Little Italy, consider visiting the Pearl River Mart , Canal Street Market, or the Essex Market for seasonal food from around the world! 

Rent strollers, bassinets, and car seats in New York City by using BabyQuip.

Browse a Christmas Market 

Take your Christmas shopping to the next level by visiting one of New York City’s many holiday-themed markets! Spread across the city, they’re the perfect place to experience the season in full swing. Brave the cold winds with a warm cup of cocoa in your hands as you explore the Union Square Holiday Market . Local craftsmen display their best handiwork of the year, accompanied by some amazing artisanal food.

Or, get lost in the stalls of the Columbus Circle Christmas Market , located near Central Park West at 59th Street. Open through Christmas Eve, it similarly showcases a range of jewelry, home goods, and great food. Of course, the Grand Central Holiday Fair is another classic. Browse the shops, grab a sweet treat, and escape the cold inside a quintessential NYC attraction! 

Embark on a Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise

Get into the holiday spirit on a Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise! Families can hop aboard a 1920s-style yacht from late November through December. This twist on a typical Circle Line Cruise is a great way to see some of the most famous landmarks in the city, except with a Christmas theme! Dress up in your best holiday attire as you circle the New York Harbor in this decked-out, decorated boat, featuring a beautiful tree and illuminated displays.

Along the way, you’ll get a great view of the Manhattan skyline, and a glimpse at the Statue of Liberty. A friendly guide will provide a brief narration to give you a tour, and then you can listen to Christmas music while you indulge in hot cocoa and holiday cookies. For parents, alcoholic beverages such as wine and champagne are also available. Meeting locations vary, but boats usually depart from Chelsea Piers. 

RELATED : Best Family Resorts Near NYC For A Winter Getaway

Meet Santa at Macy’s

Macy’s Santaland is without a doubt a must-see, and one of the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! Dating back over 100 years, this holiday tradition is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Starting late November, you can make a reservation online to meet Santa on the 8th floor of Macy’s in Herald Square, which will be lavishly decorated for the season. Meander through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village, with twinkling lights, an enchanted forest, and so much more!

After you make your way through the eye-popping decorations, kids can present Santa with their holiday wish list. Be sure to snap lots of photos, though there’ll also be professional ones you can purchase afterward. Since this is such a popular activity, we suggest making your reservation way in advance to guarantee your spot. Tickets are easiest to obtain during the weekdays. 

Encounter Santa Elsewhere in the City

Macy’s 8th Floor may be one of the most famous places to meet Santa in NYC, but it isn’t the only one! Younger kids may prefer to meet Santa at Stella 34 Trattoria. Located on the 6th floor of Macy’s, this cozy Italian restaurant offers a special Breakfast With Santa with views of the Empire State Building . From Thanksgiving up until Christmas, little ones can munch on cookies, pancakes, and other treats while parents drink mimosas. Then, take a picture with Santa and his elves!

If you’d prefer a more festive backdrop, children can also put on their best Eloise impression at The Plaza Hotel. It hosts an annual Santa meet-and-greet, framed by the beauty of its iconic Christmas tree! Looking for more places to meet Santa in NYC? Try Breakfast With Santa at Bergdorf Goodman , visit Green Meadows Farm to take a picture, or go ice skating with Santa at Brookfield Place!

Go Sledding in Central Park

If you’re lucky enough to experience a snowy Christmas in New York , you should definitely go sledding! Central Park is a great place to try it, given its abundance of wide-open spaces and hilltops. In fact, this is one of the best things to do in NYC during Christmas for families .

One particularly popular spot is Cedar Hill , located between 76th and 79th Street on 5th Avenue. There are two areas here separated by a walkway, but the lower portion is great for beginners since it’s not too high. If you have an adventurous kid in your family, you could head to the top portion for an even faster ride down! Another more popular sledding hill is Pilgrim Hill, though we also suggest this for older, more active children. Located by 72nd Street and 5th Avenue, it can get pretty crowded on weekends, so arrive early! If you don’t have a sled with you, buy one from Target or DIY one. 

Visit a Museum

New York City museums are always a great place to visit, but some are extra special during the holidays. If your kids love art, a trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must. Every year, this spectacular institution becomes even more incredible, thanks to its amazing Christmas tree! It’s an especially great time to visit if you’ve never been because you can take in the enormous collection with a bit of festive cheer. You’ll find the marvelous Christmas tree in the Medieval Sculpture Hall , standing at 20 feet tall!

Then, history lovers should also make a trip to the American Museum of Natural History . Every year starting around Thanksgiving, the museum showcases its special Origami Holiday Tree . Marvel at the 1,000+ origami pieces forming a 13-foot, multi-colored curiosity! Certainly, this is one of the best things to do in NYC during Christmas for families ! Looking for more museums to cover your itinerary? Add a few of the Best Museums In NYC By Age For Families .

Finally, don’t forget to secure The New York Pass by Go City for your family too!

Explore Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a destination within itself all year round, but especially during the holidays! For one, it hosts the Bryant Park Winter Village. Open from the end of October through January, it’s one of the longest-running holiday events in the city – and the most popular for families too! Browse over 150 shopping stalls selling holiday goodies at a fair price, from decorations to handmade crafts and more.

Then, kids can rent some skates and take advantage of the free ice skating rink! Parents will appreciate all the different rinkside food and drink vendors, so they can cozy up with a festive cocktail while little ones play. You can even reserve an igloo to keep warm! Bryant Park also holds an annual tree lighting, usually around the first week of December.

Pro Tip : Check if you need timed reservations to skate at Bryant Park ahead of time so that you don’t miss experiencing one of the best things to do in NYC during Christmas with kids !

RELATED : Where To Go Ice Skating In NYC With Kids

See the Rockefeller Tree

The Rockefeller Center Tree is truly New York City’s Christmas centerpiece. So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it’s one of the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! Families who are in town in early December should set aside time to see the tree lighting, as it’s the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. However, even if you miss the lighting, you can still see this ginormous tree in all its glory until January. It’s open from 6 AM to midnight every day, framed by beautiful statues and other decorations. Expect lots of crowds regardless of when you visit, especially at night. Of course, since you’re in the area, you can also maximize your visit. Nearby, you’ll find an ice skating rink the whole family can enjoy. Then, check out the shops on 5th Avenue , take kids to FAO Schwarz, or see a holiday show! 

Other Places to Go Ice Skating 

What better way to celebrate Christmas in New York than with a spin around the ice? Luckily, there are plenty of places to go ice skating in New York City with kids! Of course, Bryant Park is a famous one we’ve already mentioned. But families can also visit:

• The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is indoors, so it’s an ideal place to escape the crowds and the cold weather.
• The Rink at Brookefield Place , near the Freedom Tower, is open from late November through the winter.
• Wollman Rink near 59th Street for a quintessential New York skating experience. If you’re around for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting , be sure to stop by to see the park illuminated with beautiful colors! 

Watch the Radio City Rockettes

Want a break from the cold? Buy tickets to watch an entertaining performance by the Radio City Rockettes! Widely known around the city (and the world) as one of the best Christmas shows in NYC , you can catch these talented dancers in action at Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street and 6th Avenue. See how many kicks you can count during the 90-minute show, though you may lose track considering how dynamic the dances are! Kids will love all the bright lights and energy of the performance, but keep there’s no intermission if they get finicky.

Though the calendar is always evolving, tickets go on sale as early as November. During December, there are shows daily at 2 PM, 5 PM, 8 PM, and sometimes even additional ones at 11 AM on weekends. Be sure to grab yours early, because it’s a highly coveted event! Certainly, this will be a highlight when spending Christmas in New York with kids .

Enjoy Another Holiday-Themed Performance 

Want to experience Christmas shows in NYC that aren’t The Rockettes? New York City has plenty! Children will love seeing Mickey, Minnie, and more of their favorite Disney characters at Disney On Ice. Shows run through January at the Barclays Center . Families can also see a classic Christmas play featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol, which is playing on Broadway during the Christmas season. Then, with nightly (and sometimes afternoon) performances, more mature kids can see The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center from November through January. Other holiday shows with shorter runtimes and select dates include A Charlie Brown Christmas Live , where little ones can watch Snoopy, Charlie, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang!

Take a Holiday Tour

Families who want to sightsee with a Christmas twist will love the North Pole Express. Hosted by TopView, you can cruise through Manhattan in a decorated double-decker bus, keeping warm with blankets, hot cocoa, and funky winter hats. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic holiday spots like Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park. It’ll be equally educational and entertaining, complete with Christmas carols, storytelling, and more fun facts.

As a plus, you’ll even enjoy a special appearance from Santa and other Christmas characters as they hop aboard and help you navigate the city! Be sure to bring your Christmas list, a camera, and maybe even some warm pajamas for the upper deck. There are two ticket packages available, one lasting 45 minutes with minimal character interactions and another for over an hour with lots of interactions. Both depart from 6th Avenue between 47th and 48th Street. 

Indulge in a Holiday Treat

Dessert tastes even sweeter during the holidays! Families looking to indulge in a Christmas treat will love the variety New York City offers. Lines form out the door at the famous SoHo stronghold Dominque Ansel,   known for its decadent, French desserts. During the holiday season, the bakery releases its special Christmas cereal, featuring chocolate, mini-merengue, and more delicious add-ons!

Or, head to Baxter Street to visit the Dough Club , located inside Taiyaki NYC.   Every Christmas, this Japanese dessert spot releases special holiday-themed donuts, cutely decorated and all! Bien Cuit , which has multiple locations throughout the city, also releases a limited-time-only bûches de Noël , aka a chocolate dessert originating in Europe. Of course, you can’t beat the classic dessert spots in New York, holiday-themed or not. Check out Max Brenner for all things chocolate, Serendipity 3 for frozen hot chocolate, or Spot Dessert Bar for s’mores cookies!  

Marvel at the Beautiful Window Displays

Walking around New York City to check out the holiday window displays is a beautiful (and free!) activity for families. One of the best places to do this is along Fifth Avenue in Midtown, where you will find displays at major department stores. Near Herald Square, you’ll find Macy’s, which puts on a world-famous window display every year. It’s also lavishly decorated inside, so be sure to stop in for a peek!

Saks Fifth Avenue is another must-see, since this flagship store goes all out every year for Christmas. Kids will surely be dazzled by all the LED lights! On Third Avenue and 58th Street, you can pass by Bergdorf Goodman, then make your way to Bloomingdales at 59th Street . Since most of these are near other Christmas attractions, you can make it a two-for-one with a visit to nearby Rockefeller Center, for example. 

Best Christmas Activities in Brooklyn for Kids

Families who have time to venture out should consider visiting Brooklyn during the holidays. Keep reading for the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! 

RELATED : Best Ski Resorts Near NYC For Families (All Under 3 Hours)

Stroll By the Lights at Dyker Heights

Hardcore Christmas fanatics should jump at the chance to visit Dyker Heights . It’s a little bit outside of the main tourist activities in New York, with the nearest stop being 79th St on the D Train. However, it’s absolutely worth it to see the fun, over-the-top decorations! From Thanksgiving through December, this ordinary Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a glittering, winter wonderland. From life-size Santas to sleighs, snowmen, and even Christmas carols blaring from outside speakers, it’s truly an immersive experience.

You’ll see most of the best decorations between 83rd and 86th Street along 11th, 12th, and 13th Avenue. The evening is the best time to visit, but most houses close their lights at 9 pm. Though some tours come here, we suggest taking the train and walking, since traffic is usually backed up for miles during December. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment! 

Check Out Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Lights illuminate Manhattan throughout the Christmas season, but did you know you can also experience some in Brooklyn? Open through January, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is hosting Lightscape , an after-dark, colorful spectacular! Walk through enchanted trails illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights as you make your way through the gardens. Kids will love all the open space to run around, plus the artwork is really cool too.

During your visit, you’ll pass the Winter Cathedral Tunnel, Fire Garden, Field of Light, and more amazing displays, including works by local artists. Christmas music will be playing the whole time to amplify the holiday cheer, and you can even enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Reservations are timed, so remember to reserve your tickets beforehand. Spaces are limited since this is one of the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! 

Best Christmas Activities in Staten Island for Kids

Staten Island may seem like an unexpected holiday destination, but families can still find plenty of fun here. Keep reading to learn more about the best New York City Christmas activities for kids! 

Looking for a family-friendly and fun tour in NYC to treat your kids? Check out the best options on Viator .

Engage Your Senses at Escape the Winter Lantern Festival

Escape into a colorful world of flashing lights, holiday music, and more family fun at the Winter Lantern Festival. This Christmas attraction has multiple iterations throughout the boroughs, but the most popular takes place at the SIUH Community Park in Staten Island. It runs from late October through January, so you should save time to fit it into your schedule! First, you’ll be able to explore illuminated paths filled with fascinating sculptures. See everything from pandas to Chinese dragons, reindeer, and more. In fact, there will be more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns on display, all handmade by local artisans!

Then, you can take time to explore the various food vendors to grab a bite to eat. In the process, you can enjoy a live DJ, projection mapping, and other family-friendly activities. Buy your tickets now, as they tend to sell out.

Best Christmas Activities in the Bronx for Kids

Though the Bronx may seem like an unexpected holiday destination, there are actually several things to do with kids during the holidays! Here are two of our favorites. 

RELATED : 11 Unique NYC Restaurants and Dessert Spots to Visit With Kids

Appreciate the Bright Lights at the Bronx Zoo

If you have time for the Bronx Zoo during your trip, you can’t miss the Holiday Lights. Available for select dates from late November through January, this holiday extravaganza is perfect for kids of all ages. Watch the zoo come alive with LED sculptures of various animals, lighting your path through the “Forest Of Color”. There are over 250 lanterns depicting 30+ animal species, so we’re sure your kids will find their favorite! Remember to keep an eye out for the stilt walkers, as well as other costume characters.

During the experience, you can also enjoy holiday music, ice carving competitions, and other festivities. Not to mention all the sweet treats, like hot cocoa and marshmallows. When you want to test your animal trivia, the Wildlife Theater hosts holiday-themed puppet shows. Kids can even take a trip on the special holiday train to circle the property! 

Attend the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden

If you have a train lover in your family, don’t miss the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden ! Located in the Bronx and accessible by the Metro-North, this annual event runs from late November through mid-January. Though it’s a bit out of the way, it’s worth the trip to see the look on your kids’ faces! Watch as model trains travel through detailed displays of New York’s most famous landmarks, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and beyond. Best of all, they’re made from unconventional, natural materials, like cinnamon sticks, berries, and leaves.

Depending on when you visit, you can also catch GLOW , an outdoor experience complete with twinkling lights, ice sculptures, and cheerful music. You won’t have to worry about the weather either, since the Holiday Train Show is inside and outside there’s a cozy fire pit! Don’t miss this when visiting New York for Christmas with kids !

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this list of the Best New York City Christmas Activities For Kids! Christmas is certainly a special time in New York, so if you can set aside some time for a visit, we highly recommend it. From the bright lights to holiday decor, there’s truly nothing else like it. Enjoy your visit to New York for Christmas as a family! 

RELATED : Best Family Hotels In New York City With A Pool (Includes 1- to 3-Bedroom Suites!)

Top 20 Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals In NYC | Vrbo

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Christmas in NYC With Kids: 12 Bucket List Experiences

Jul 19, 2016

See recent posts by Traci L. Suppa

It’s hard to beat New York City as a winter vacation destination during the holiday season. An already endless supply of entertainment options becomes even more so, with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade , Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular , ice skating in Central Park and more. Even storefront windows become an attraction! Planning a trip to NYC for Christmas? Add these bucket list experiences to your itinerary.

1. Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular

The first thing you should put on your itinerary is the  Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular . It’s the ultimate holiday experience in New York City!

2. Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

The holiday season kicks off with the tree-lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center . This year’s event, which will take place on December 4, is free and open to the public.

3. Ice Skating

With tall buildings as a backdrop and holiday music filling the air, ice skating becomes a bit more magical in New York City during the holidays. And there’s more than the famous ice skating in Central Park and Rockefeller Center! You can also go ice skating at The Rink at Bryant Park , among dozens of other rinks throughout the city.

Tip: If you decide to visit The Rink at Rockefeller Center , know that it’ll be crowded, day or night. The challenge of getting on the ice is the wait, as each session is 90 minutes. However, you can make advance reservations online  and arrive just before your session begins.

4. Broadway

Any time you visit New York City is a good time to see a show on Broadway ! Not sure which one to see? These are some of our favorite Broadways shows for kids .

5. The New York City Ballet 

The New York City Ballet presents  The Nutcracker at the David H Koch Theater. Matinee and evening performances take place on select dates in November and December.

6. Holiday Movie Tour

Want to see where Buddy the Elf stayed with his dad in New York City, or where Kevin McAllister reunited with his mom in Home Alone II: Lost in New York City ? Book the Holiday Lights & Movie Sights Tour with On Location Tours.

7. Holiday Window Displays

Department store windows at several iconic retailers get decked out every year, usually beginning Thanksgiving and running through the new year. The displays are more about telling stories than selling clothes , and can be quite colorful, with music, moving parts, and other special effects. The sidewalks in front of the windows get crowded, especially on weekends and weekdays in the early evening, so consider leaving the stroller behind.

Best Window Displays

• Barneys (Madison Avenue between 60th and 61st streets)
• Bloomingdale’s (Lexington Avenue between 59th and 60th streets)
• Lord & Taylor (Fifth Avenue between 38th and 39th streets)
• Macy’s (Broadway between 34th and 35th streets)
• Tiffany & Co. and Bergdorf Goodman (Fifth Avenue between 57th and 58th streets)
• Saks Fifth Avenue (Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets)

8. Christmas Markets

There are, of course, many shopping options in New York City. But during December, the holiday markets are a special treat. Here, you can find unique gift items, including toys and other kid-friendly treats. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park is the largest of the markets, with a European feel. Other markets are presented at Union Square (which includes a kids’ craft studio), inside Grand Central Terminal , and in Columbus Circle .

9. Santaland at Macy’s 

Step inside a whimsical winter wonderland at the famous Macy’s in Herald Square, where Santa Claus awaits good boys and girls. Santaland will be open Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, 2019.

10. The Plaza Hotel

The ultimate hotel to stay at during your holiday visit to New York City? The Plaza Hotel! This is where Kevin McAllister stayed in Home Alone II: Lost in New York City (suite 411, to be exact). Be sure to order ice cream from the room service menu like Kevin did!  The Plaza Hotel is also home to the precious Eloise Suite, one of the most adorable kid-themed hotel rooms .

11. New Year’s Eve in Times Square

If you’re staying through New Year’s Eve, watching the ball drop in Times Square is the quintessential New York event, but it’s not an ideal or appropriate place for young children. Rather than standing for hours in the crowded, cold streets, consider hotels or other venues in Times Square where you can watch through the windows, such as the New York Marriott Marquis , the DoubleTree Guest Suites Time Square , or the Hyatt Times Square New York .

12. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn 

Dyker Heights puts Clark Griswold to shame! This neighborhood in Brooklyn features fantastical holiday displays that will wow your kids. The best part? It’s free! Bundle up and walk around or better yet, drive around while you listen to holiday music and sip hot cocoa.

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October 10, 2023 By Lyndsay

Your Perfect New York City Christmas Itinerary for 2024

• 1.1 Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
• 1.2 Christmas Cruise on the Hudson River
• 1.3 Top of the Rock
• 2.1 Visit Rockefeller Center
• 2.2 Watch the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
• 2.3 Admire the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue
• 2.4 Marvel at the amazing view from the Top of the Rock
• 2.5 Enjoy The Nutcracker from the New York City Ballet
• 2.6 Visit the Christmas Markets in New York City
• 2.7 Take a Christmas tour of New York City
• 2.8 See the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
• 2.9 Jump on the vintage train on Sundays
• 2.10 Meet Santa at Macy’s Santa Land
• 2.11 Visit the New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
• 2.12 Lace up your ice skates at an ice skating rink
• 2.13 Head to IFC Theaters to watch It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen
• 2.14 Explore Christmas at The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park
• 2.15 Catch a Christmas show on or Off-Broadway
• 2.16 See the Christmas tree and Menorah on Wall Street
• 2.17 Enjoy the Hudson Yards Christmas lights
• 2.18 Take a holiday tour in a luxury limousine
• 3.1 Holiday dinner at a gorgeous restaurant
• 3.2 Cozy up at a festive rooftop bar
• 4.1 Lotte New York Palace
• 4.2 The Peninsula Hotel
• 4.3 The Algonquin
• 5.1 Prepare for the crowds
• 5.2 Learn how to navigate the city by walking and the subway
• 5.3 Make reservations in advance
• 5.4 Plan a budget, and stick to it
• 5.5 Dress warmly
• 6.1 Day 1 – Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue
• 6.2 Day 2 – Christmas Tours and Santa Land
• 6.3 Day 3 – Holiday Markets, Hudson Yards, and Broadway
• 6.4 Day 4 – Endless Possibilities
• 7 More Resources for Your Christmas in New York Itinerary
• 8 Your New York December Itinerary: Wrap-Up

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”

There’s just something extra-special about New York City at Christmas time.

It’s one of the best places to visit during the holiday season, and for a good reason. Many movies and songs have been made about how romantic the season is in the City.

If you’re looking for things to do in New York City for Christmas, here’s your guide to creating a perfect New York City Christmas itinerary for you and your family. 

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Editor’s Choices: Things to do in NYC at Christmas

Christmas spectacular at radio city music hall.

With an average of 4.8 stars from more than 60 reviews, watching the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall needs to be on your Christmas in NYC itinerary.

Christmas Cruise on the Hudson River

Taking a Holiday Statue & Skyline Cocoa Cruise on the Hudson River in a 1920s-style yacht is one of the most unique New York trips at Christmas.

Top of the Rock

With an average of 4.5 stars from more than 3,150 reviews, you need to experience the magnificent view from Top of the Rock this Christmas in NYC!

The Best Things to do in New York City for Christmas

Visit rockefeller center.

As far as NYC winter activities go, is there anything more iconic than visiting Rockefeller Center for things to do in New York City for Christmas?

When you walk into the plaza, you’ll be met with the incredible views of flags from all over the world, waving in the wind, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Centered below the tree, you’ll find Prometheus’s famous statue, watching over the ice skating rink.

There’s not really a time of day that you can be in Rockefeller Center without significant crowds.

While early mornings will probably be the least crowded in front of the Christmas Tree, you’ll be met with a group of people standing outside of the TODAY Show studios, the NBC morning show that shoots right in the Center.

And the later in the day you venture into Rockefeller Center, the more and more people you’ll find.

Pro Tip : While you’re in Rockefeller Center, make sure you add FAO Schwarz to your New York Christmas vacation, an iconic New York City toy store. The larger-than-life store features experiences like the famed floor piano–featured in the movie  BIG  with Tom Hanks–to hosting classic toys and toy brands your parents and grandparents loved. Make sure to ask the famous life size toy soldiers to take a Christmas photo with you !

Or, you can catch a live stream of the tree from 8 a.m. – 12 a.m. EST any day at the Rockefeller Center website⁠.

Watch the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

One of the most quintessential experiences on any Christmas in New York itinerary might be watching the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall featuring The Radio City Rockettes.

From moments like Santa Claus flying high above New York City and the Rockettes’ famous Parade of the Wooden Soldiers performance to new songs, you’ll really never see the same show twice.

Watching the Christmas Spectacular is really one of those can’t-miss experiences for your New York City Christmas itinerary.

If you’re interested in theater history, schedule a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall to get an inside glimpse into the magic behind the production.

Fun Fact : If you’re wondering–yes, the animals in the Christmas Spectacular are real! If you happen to be out and around Radio City Music Hall either late at night or early in the morning, you might catch a glimpse of handlers walking the camels, sheep, and donkeys that are featured in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular .

Once you’ve finished at Radio City Music Hall, head across the street from the entrance on Sixth Avenue to take pictures with larger-than-life Christmas ornaments!

Admire the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue

Although classic department stores like Lord & Taylor and Barneys have closed in the past few years, there are still several department stores along Fifth Avenue that go all out for the holidays.

Across from Rockefeller Center and the famous Christmas tree, start your New York City Christmas itinerary walk along Fifth Avenue to admire the window displays Saks Fifth Avenue .

Every year, Saks has a full 5 minute light show on its storefront every 10 minutes, featuring music, stunning lights, and an epic new storyline each year.

Once the light show ends, walk across the street to the Saks Fifth Avenue storefront and admire their window displays.

Christmas window displays at the department stores along Fifth Avenue is a historic practice.

It’s said that the tradition started in 1874 when R.H. Macy arranged scenes from  Uncle Tom’s Cabin  by Harriet Beecher Stowe with porcelain dolls in the department store’s front holiday windows to attract customers.

Obviously, it worked!

Once you pass Saks, you’ll come upon St. Patrick’s Cathedral , all decked out and in its holiday splendor.

Make sure you head inside and catch a glimpse of the largest Catholic church in North America before continuing up Fifth Avenue to admire the window displays at stores like Cartier , Harry Winston , Louis Vuitton , and Bergdorf Goodman .

When you finish your walk up 5th Avenue, you will reach Pulitzer Square.

In front of you will be Central Park, and to the left will be another New York Christmas itinerary icon– The Plaza Hotel .

You might recognize The Plaza from famous movies like  Sleepless in Seattle ,  Plaza Suite , and the Christmas movie  Home Alone 2: Lost in New York . 

You’ll find  Sleepless in Seattle  and many more on my list of favorite films that feature New York City.

Marvel at the amazing view from the Top of the Rock

So you’ve seen the Christmas view of Rockefeller Plaza on the ground, but what about from above?

Head to the Top of the Rock , the observation deck on top of 30 Rock, the famed NBC Studios building, to take in the sights of the City from above.

You’ll have unbelievable panoramic views of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the ice skating rink, and Central Park. 

While you’re at the top, make sure you grab a drink at Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room, Top of the Rock’s upscale bar. 

If you’re interested in visiting several major sites in addition to the Top of the Rock, check out my guide on comparing New York City passes to see if one is right for you.

And if you want to visit an observation deck, but maybe not Top of the Rock, check out my guide to the best observatories in New York City .

Need some gift-giving inspiration this holiday season? Check out my guides on the best travel essentials for women , travel gifts under $20 , zero-waste travel essentials , and great gifts for friends going abroad !

Enjoy The Nutcracker from the New York City Ballet

If you love the classics, there’s nothing like watching The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet.

Each year, the troupe expands from its 90 dancers to include an additional 125 children, 40 stagehands, and more than 60 musicians to perform the iconic ballet at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

From its choreography by George Balanchine to its extraordinary visual effects, it’s a genuinely dazzling production on par with any other show you’d find in New York City.

Visit the Christmas Markets in New York City

If you’re interested in finding some really unique gifts, make sure you add a visit to one of the New York City holiday markets to your New York City Christmas itinerary.

There are Christmas markets and holiday villages in every borough of the City, showcasing items and foods from all different shops and stalls local to the metropolitan area. 

Although the most well-known holiday villages in New York City are the Bryant Park Winter Village and the Union Square Holiday Market , there are holiday shopping villages all over.

You can even go to indoor Christmas markets at the Oculus or the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Market!

You’ll find some really unique gifts sold by local artisans and shops from all around the five boroughs.

I always make sure to include at least one gift for my holiday giving from one of the shops at the holiday villages. It’s a great way to be festive and shop local. 

Pro tip : While you’re visiting the Bryant Park winter village, make sure you stop by the New York Public Library next door. The building is beautifully decorated for the holidays each year, and it’s a great place to sneak away for a restroom!

And don’t forget about long-term New York City Markets. Markets like Artists & Fleas–which has a few locations around the City–Smorgasbord in Brooklyn and Grand Bazaar on the Upper West Side all go all out with holiday spirit.

You’ll find additional vendors and local artisans with their holiday wares.

Take a Christmas tour of New York City

There are tours for everything in New York City, but especially at Christmas!

Movie tours showcasing filming locations for plenty of holiday movies , holiday-themed boat tours on the Hudson River , and walking tours of Rockefeller Center are only a few of the incredible things to do in New York City for Christmas.

For an in-depth look, head over to the guide of my favorite Christmas tours in New York City.

See the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights

New York City is a little different than other areas of the country. Most people live in apartments; they don’t often have their own front lawn to decorate in the Christmas spirit.

However, that’s not quite the case in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

In this area of the City, families do have their own front Lawns to decorate for the Christmas spirit.

And do they ever!

The tradition of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights began in the 1980s when a woman named Linda Spata moved into the neighborhood.

She decided to carry on the holiday decorating tradition her mother had started, and it paved the way for the whole area to take part.

If you’re interested in seeing the spectacular holiday displays yourself, you can either take the subway out or hop on a bus tour. 

You can take either the Brooklyn-bound R train to 86th Street or the Brooklyn-bound D train to 79th Street, and walk to 13th Avenue, or Dyker Heights Boulevard, to the Dyker Heights Christmas lights neighborhood.

If you feel like you need a little bit more help, though, here’s my guide to navigating the New York City subway .

I promise that using New York City public transportation is pretty easy, and it’s something you definitely should experience while you’re here.

If you want a more guided experience or you don’t want to figure out your way there yourself, many companies offer tours out to Dyker Heights specifically to see the Christmas light displays. Some of them will even pick you up in front of your hotel.

Jump on the vintage train on Sundays

Have you ever wondered what riding on a vintage subway car was like?

While you can go look at and learn about the New York City subway through the ages at the New York Transit Museum, if you’re here during the holiday season, you can ride one for the price of your MetroCard.

Every Sunday between Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the MTA and the New York Transit Museum partner together to run the Holiday Nostalgia Rides.

The holiday subway train consists of several vintage subway cars from the 1930s.

Since the holiday train only runs a few times during the season, make sure to plan for a pleasure ride based on the train’s schedule available on the New York Transit Museum’s website.

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Meet Santa at Macy’s Santa Land

They say the REAL Santa is sitting in Santa Land at Macy’s in Herald Square. 

Step onto the top floor of the 34th Street department store to be transported to Santaland .

While the tradition of the real St. Nick visiting Macy’s began in the 1860s, since the mid-1970s, Santa has had a permanent home on the 8th floor.

When you arrive to check this off your NYC Christmas list, you’ll wind your way through interactive exhibits before stepping on the Santaland Express train that will take you right to Santa.

If you want to make sure you see Santa, you need to book a reservation in advance.

Time slots are booked out well in advance, and if you try to show up and wait in line on the same day, you might have to wait hours, or you might be turned away.

You can head to Macy’s website to make reservations for the Santa Express Lane.

Visit the New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show

For the past 29 years, the New York Botanical Gardens has hosted its Holiday Train Show.

Model trains move through a tiny replica of New York City made with natural materials, complete with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many others. 

While you’re there, you can also explore the gardens themselves and view GLOW, a new outdoor exhibition that illuminates the Botanical Gardens’ landmarks.

You can learn more about the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Experience here .

Lace up your ice skates at an ice skating rink

If you’re looking for a classic wintertime date in NYC , ice skating is the way to go. It’s a fun activity that everyone can enjoy, and you can get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air.

These are my favorite skating rinks in the city:

• The Rink At Rockefeller Center
• The Rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village 
• The Rink at Brookfield Place
• Wollman Rink in Central Park
• Winterland at Pier 17
• Vale Rink at The William Vale ( Booking | Hotels ) in Brooklyn
• LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
• Abe Stark Rink at Coney Island
• Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fun Fact : The Rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the only ice rink in NYC with free admission (just pay for your skate rentals!)

Head to IFC Theaters to watch It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen

You can see the classic film It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen down in Greenwich Village.

The IFC Center shows classic and independent feature films, and is located right off of the A/B/C/D station at West 4th street. During the holiday season, they show the 1946 movie many times.

First enjoy a great dinner downtown at Solaro , an Italian restaurant around the corner, before watching James Stewart’s iconic performance as George Bailey. 

Explore Christmas at The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park

A magnificent museum called The Cloisters is located in Upper Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, which takes visitors back to Medieval Europe.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s museum houses more than 5,000 works of European art dating from the Byzantine period to the early Renaissance and was constructed in the medieval European monastery style by architect Charles Collens.

The halls are adorned with historic Medieval ‘Christmastide’ decorations each year to celebrate the season.

Garden staff and volunteers work for weeks handcrafting the locally-sourced holiday furnishings, including evergreen trees, holly, ivy, and other plants used to celebrate Christmastide, the 12-day Medieval festival between the Nativity and the Epiphany. 

This is an amazing place to explore during the year, but if you have ever wondered what a Medieval holiday celebration would have looked like, this is the place to go.

You can see the architecture and learn about the era when you wander through the holiday halls.

Catch a Christmas show on or Off-Broadway

When I was a New York-based actor, watching a Broadway production happened to be my absolute favorite thing to do at this magical time of year!

Every year during the holiday season, performance schedules change to accommodate the influx of visitors who want to see a show–which is great for you, because there are more showtimes than usual!

You can check out Playbill’s list of Broadway performance times (updated weekly) to find something that works for your schedule, or check out the production’s website online to see their holiday showtime calendar in advance.

Pro Tip : If you aren’t sure which Broadway show you want to see, visit the TKTS Booth and ask! In Times Square, you’ll find them under the red stairs, but they also have a location at Lincoln Center and South Street Seaport. There, you can find a selection of Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets between 30-50% off the price you’d pay at the box office. 

You can also read my whole guide on the best ways to buy Broadway tickets and tips for attending a Broadway show for more tips!

See the Christmas tree and Menorah on Wall Street

In front of the New York Stock Exchange in the Financial District, you’ll find another one of New York City’s Christmas trees.

Visit the Wall Street tree and Hanukkah Menorah before wandering into Federal Hall, the site of the first Congress and where George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States.

The building that stands there today was a U.S. Customs House.

Enjoy the Hudson Yards Christmas lights

The newest private development in New York City, Hudson Yards is located on 11th Avenue, between West 28th and West 38th streets.

It’s considered the northernmost part of the High Line and offers unique views of the Hudson River and Jersey City. 

At Christmastime, The Vessel is adorned in twinkling lights, bringing a festive glow to the complex.

Then inside the Shops at Hudson Yards (one of my favorite indoor activities in New York City ), you’ll find additional holiday decorations among the many interactive stores.

Take a holiday tour in a luxury limousine

If you’re celebrating the holiday season in style, you need to check out this NYC Holiday Lights Tour by Limousine .

Meet your driver at your hotel lobby or any preferred spot in Manhattan to start the day.

Your guide will show you some of the city’s wonderful holiday decorations, such as Dyker Heights’ Christmas lights and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

Enjoy the unique chance to explore New York City’s festive atmosphere in a luxurious fashion!

You can find more New York City limousine tours here .

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Where to Eat for your New York City Christmas Itinerary

If you’re interested in my full list of the best restaurants in NYC that decorate for the holiday season, you can find it by filling out the form here .

Holiday dinner at a gorgeous restaurant

Just like the storefronts, many restaurants totally transform for the winter holidays. Rolf’s German Restaurant on 22nd Street and 3rd Avenue is one of the most popular Christmas dining experiences in New York City.

While the restaurant changes its decorations according to each season, it really goes all out decorating for Christmas. 

Another favorite is Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, either on West 49th Street or East 17th Street.

When you walk inside at any time of year, it feels like you are transported to a modern take on a Victorian dining room.

But, step in during the holiday season. You’ll find garlands, wreaths, and ornaments hanging all over the restaurant.  

Cozy up at a festive rooftop bar

Enjoying the city skyline from a rooftop bar is one of my favorite New York City summer activities , but you can also add it to your NYC Christmas bucket list !

There are many rooftop bars throughout the City, each with its own way to keep you warm.

230 Rooftop has igloos each winter, SERRA by birreria at Eataly Flatiron transforms into a chalet in a winter wonderland, and Bar 54 becomes another igloo haven right in the heart of Times Square.

Grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the chilled winter air!

Where to Stay for 4 Days in New York in December

If you’re committing to a full-on New York City Christmas vacation, there are a few different hotels that go all-out decorating for the holidays.

I have a complete guide on my favorite choices all around NYC if you’re interested in learning more.

Lotte New York Palace

• Location : 455 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
• Rating : 8.4 Stars out of 400+ reviews
• Price : $$$$
• Book Lotte New York Palace now

Lotte New York Palace ( Booking | Hotels ), located on Madison Avenue and East 50th Street, hosts a 30-foot Christmas tree each year, and garlands, colorful lights, and ornaments adorn the hotel.

They also host events throughout the holiday season for guests, like holiday-themed happy hour specials, Story Time for Christmas classics, cookie decorating, and carols.

“The whole atmosphere in the hotel was one of comfort and luxury, made even more special by the beautiful Christmas decorations. All the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. We were allocated a corner room, which had a fantastic view down 51st Street.” –Michael (Lotte New York palace Review )

The Peninsula Hotel

• Location : 700 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
• Rating : 8.8 Stars out of 600+ reviews
• Book The Peninsula now

At 700 Fifth Avenue, The Peninsula Hotel ( Booking | Hotels ) is just steps away from the Fifth Avenue stores’ bright lights and Rockefeller Center.

The hotel’s decorations are aligned with its signature “Stories from the Tree” theme incorporating six character ornaments, including the Gingerbread Man.

You can read  The Gingerbread Man’s Tale , the hotel’s featured story, on its website.

“The Peninsula Hotel is a Premier property in New York City. Every aspect of your visit is attended to. The staff, the rooms and the facilities are superb. For Christmas, the lobby was decorated with a beautiful tree and there were nightly Carolers performing. There was a holiday candy shop for the children. The gym, spa and pool are exceptional.” –James (The Peninsula Review )

The Algonquin

• Location : 59 West 44th Street, Manhattan
• Rating : 7.8 Stars out of 70+ reviews
• Price : $$$
• Book The Algonquin now

Just outside Times Square, The Algonquin ( Booking | Hotels ) is another excellent hotel beautifully decorated for the holidays, perfect for your New York City Christmas itinerary.

The hotel first opened in 1902 but rose to prominence after World War I when it became a haven for writers and artists to meet and discuss.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Dorothy Parker, and Edna Ferber are just a few of the incredible writers that met for lunch at the hotel daily. 

Now, the historic hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

You’ll find ornate decor, enhanced at Christmastime with a large Christmas tree in the lobby and garland throughout.

 “It is a place with character and the location is fantastic if you’re aiming to stay midtown. Breakfast is very good and the restaurant staff is outstanding. Saturday Jazz was a nice surprise for us.” –Norma (The Algonquin Review )

Tips for your New York City Christmas Itinerary

Prepare for the crowds

If it feels like the City is packed at any time of year, it feels even more crowded in the winter, when tourists come from all over the world to be part of the holiday cheer.

Leave yourself more time than you expect to get somewhere.

If Citymapper (my favorite subway app) says it’ll only take 45 minutes to arrive wherever you’re going, leave an hour or so ahead of time instead. 

Learn how to navigate the city by walking and the subway

To make the most of your New York Christmas trip time, you need to learn how the city works to get around quickly and effectively.

Thankfully, I have two guides to help you out!

The first is on how to understand NYC streets . Manhattan is laid out like a grid, with a defined system.

The second is on how to navigate the NYC subway . The metro runs 24/7 all throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx, and it also has its own defined system.

Again, Citymapper is my favorite subway app, and Google Maps is my favorite app for saving landmarks, restaurants, other points of interest, and giving walking directions.

Once you understand both systems, you’ll be moving across the city in no time at all!

Make reservations in advance

Everyone is coming to New York City for their holiday vacation to experience the same things you want to, but there are limits to how many times or spaces are available per day.

Make sure you make reservations for restaurants and excursions in advance to ensure you’ll be able to do what you planned in your New York City Christmas itinerary. 

Plan a budget, and stick to it

To be honest, New York City is expensive, and there might even be surge pricing during the holidays for major attractions and things to do in New York City for Christmas.

When you live here, you get used to the prices, but your dinner bill might cause a bit of sticker-shock the first few times.

Make sure you create a budget and stick to it for your trip.

A helpful way to stay within your budget is to take advantage of the many free activities in New York City or to plan your New York City Christmas itinerary around free museum hours in NYC .

I have guides to both of these topics, and they really make a difference for your bottom line.

Dress warmly

Among the magic, you need to know that it’s really, really cold in NYC in the winter.

The daily temperature averages are a high of 44°F and a low of 31°F–and you need to factor in additional wind chill and possibly even snow.

Your best bet is to wear layers as the temperature tends to fluctuate.

It’s a must to wear winterized, waterproof boots and thick socks if you’re going to be on your feet outside all day.

When it snows in NYC , there’s no shortage of puddles and slushie sidewalks, and it will ruin your trip if you have to walk around with cold wet feet.

You also need gloves , a hat , and a scarf .

Fortunately, if you happen to forget any of these items, you can always stop in any shop or purchase some from street vendors.

As always, keep an eye on NYC’s weather forecast as you’re packing for your trip, and try to plan accordingly in advance!

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Sample 4 Days in New York at Christmas Itinerary

Day 1 – Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue

Drop off your bags as you check into your hotel! Get ready and go outside to start enjoying your New York Christmas vacation.

Start by visiting the iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, and head up to Top of the Rock for another perspective.

Then, walk uptown on 5th Avenue to enjoy the Saks Fifth Avenue lights show and go window shopping through all of the holiday displays.

Stop off at one of my favorite free sites in NYC, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the city and home to the Archbishop of New York.

Once you arrive at the southeastern corner of Central Park, you can either head into iconic The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel for afternoon tea or an elegant dinner, or walk into Central Park to go skating at Wollman Rink. 

If you’re interested in seeing a late show, grab tickets to the 8 p.m. production of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. 

Day 2 – Christmas Tours and Santa Land

Today is all about holiday tours and experiences! Depending on what time you’ve pre-booked seeing Santa at Macy’s Santaland, that will determine what tour you can take today.

I highly recommend a walking tour, so you can learn more about the city’s historic sites along with the holiday splendor.

After Santa Land, you have three different options to spend your evening.

Take a Christmas cruise on the Hudson River to have dinner and see the city from a new perspective, head to Dyker Heights for the dazzling light displays, or visit the IFC Center to enjoy It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen.

For your New York City at night activity , finish your evening enjoying a drink from a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building.

Day 3 – Holiday Markets, Hudson Yards, and Broadway

Are you ready to shop ‘til you drop?!

For day 3 of your New York in December itinerary, you need to visit the Bryant Park Winter Village to start, but there are several other holiday markets and NYC winter festivals you can check out throughout the city for gift shopping and souvenirs.

Columbus Circle, Union Square, Grand Central Terminal, and the Oculus also have great holiday markets or you can head over to the Brooklyn for Winterfest at the Brooklyn Museum, Smorgashboard, or Artists & Fleas.

Once you’ve finished running around the holiday markets, stop back at your hotel to drop off your shopping before heading to Hudson Yards.

If you want to add some more walking into your day, start at the bottom of the High Line in the Meatpacking District above the Whitney Museum and walk up until you reach Hudson Yards.

Enjoy The Vessel all decorated before heading inside the Shops at Hudson Yards–for more shopping.

Once you’re all shopped out, enjoy a nice dinner at a beautifully decorated restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, like Becco’s or Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, before attending a Broadway show.

Day 4 – Endless Possibilities

Maybe you’re a history lover who’s dying to see The Cloisters at Christmas?

Or, you love model trains and are desperate to get to the New York Botanical Gardens for the Holiday Train Show ?

Better yet, do you want to wander around downtown to see the Christmas tree and Menorah on Wall Street before taking the free Staten Island Ferry to Empire Outlets and Snug Harbor, with a view passing the Statue of Liberty? 

While you might not have time to do everything, your NYC in December itinerary is best spent today visiting the iconic sites you’ve always dreamed of seeing in New York City or experiencing one of the incredible holiday sites of the city before checking out of your hotel and heading home.

More Resources for Your Christmas in New York Itinerary

• Are you visiting New York City this winter with your significant other?  Be inspired by my list of the best winter dates all around NYC.
• Trying to find a perfect hotel for your Christmas trip? Here are all the best places to stay in New York City during the Christmas season.
• Interested in taking a holiday-themed tour?  Check out my list of the top Christmas tours throughout the five boroughs.
• Are you hoping to see snow this Christmas season? Find out here if it snows in New York at Christmas .
• In charge of planning your complete Christmas itinerary?  I have a full guide on how to spend your time in NYC this Christmas.
• Trying to find some other wintery activities? Check out my list of awesome winter activities in New York City.
• Looking for more ideas this holiday season?  Take a look at my complete New York at Christmas bucket list.

Your New York December Itinerary: Wrap-Up

There are so many things to do in New York City for Christmas, it’s truly one of the most incredible places to be during the holiday season. What do you plan to add to your NYC Christmas itinerary?

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The Ultimate Guide to Spending Christmas in New York City: A VERY NEW YORK CHRISTMAS VACATION

Spending Christmas in New York City is something that everyone should do at least once.  Almost every holiday movie ever is set in New York – for a very good reason.  It is a magical time of year in a magical city and there are many ways to experience Christmas.

Are you planning a Christmas trip to NYC ?  I love New York City (well, I live here!) and truly believe it’s the best city in the United States to visit.  It’s great any time of year, but New York at Christmas is especially magical.

It can be overwhelming, though. You may be thinking about taking a New York Christmas trip, but aren’t quite sure how to spend Christmas in New York or exactly what to do in New York during Christmas. Read on to discover the best ways to spend Christmas in NYC.

No time now to read about spending Christmas in New York City? Pin it and save it for later:

Please note this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at zero cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full  Disclosure  for more information. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Where to Stay in New York

If you are going to visit New York in the coming year, giving one of the many incredible experiences you can have in NYC is the perfect holiday gift.  Check out my guide to 25 experiences in New York that make great gifts .

This NYC Christmas Time Guide is very detailed. If you’re going to be visiting New York during Christmas time and aren’t sure what to do in New York for Christmas, I recommend reading it through in details. However, if you have something specific in mind, you can skip straight to a section you are interested in:

• Self-guided tour of the Christmas New York holiday window displays 
• Guide to visiting Christmas NYC Santaland
• Guide to all the best New York Christmas time holiday markets
• List of the best New York City Christmas time holiday shows
• Guide to seeing the Dyker Heights lights
• Self-guided tour of the best New York Xmas trees
• Details on the Christmas New York City train shows
• Guide on the best skating rinks in New York at Christmas time
• The festivals of lights held in New York on Christmas
• Church services held in New York for Christmas
• Practical information for your New York Christ mas vacation
• FAQs: NYC at Christmas time

Here are my top things to do in NYC at Christmas (and all the details you need to plan your NYC Christmas trip):

1. The Ultimate NYC Holiday Window Walking Tour

Touring the New York Christmas windows of the major department stores is one of the highlights of the holidays in New York.  Do you want to see all the Christmas store windows in New York?  Here is the 11-stop itinerary I always follow.

Duration:  Approx. 3.5 hours, taken slowly.  Note: this can easily be done in reverse.

You can take this self-guided tour, but if you’d prefer to have a knowledgeable guide show you around, you can book a 1.5-hour guided walking tour here .

i. Macy’s on Herald Square Holiday Windows

Macy’s is often the most Christmassy of all of the windows, so it’s a good place to start. 

The theme changes each year, but the Macy’s windows always have a nice mix of puppetry and screens to create the magic. The theme is often connected to the recurring holiday theme of “Believe”.

Have extra time? Live out your Miracle on 34 th Street fantasies and start your visit at Macy’s Santaland ( see below ).

Have even more time?  Macy’s is one of the best places in New York City to do your Christmas shopping.  The store is decorated beautifully and there are often good sales.  You might want to come back and do your shopping later, so that you don’t need to carry it around.

Location : Corner of 34 th Street and 6 th Avenue

How to get to Macy’s NYC herald Square store

The easiest way is to take the subway.  There are several options:

• A, C, E (blue line) to 34th Street/Penn Station: Walk one block east on 34th Street to 7th Avenue
• 1, 2, 3 (red line) to 34th Street: Exit on 7th Avenue and 34th Street
• B, D, F, V (orange line) and N, Q, R, W (yellow line) to 34th Street/Herald Square: Exit on Broadway for Macy’s main entrance.

ii. Bryant Park

Not a store window, but it’s barely a detour and is a great place to break up the Christmas windows tour.  In summer, Bryant Park hosts an outdoor movie festival every Monday, but in winter, it turns into a holiday wonderland. 

There is a great ice skating rink ( see below for more details ), a holiday market and a pop-up bar where you can stop for a hot chocolate with marshmallows, or something stronger to fortify yourself against the cold.

It opens October 27, 2023 and remains open until early March 2024. They also have igloos and a Curling Cafe as well as bumper cars on ice!

Cozy Igloos

Rent your own cozy igloo and enjoy seasonal refreshments. They can accommodate up to 8 people. There are 90-minute sessions. Packages start at $125 (starting November 9, 2023)

Get more information and make reservations here.

Curling and Cafe

Another igloo option is the Curling Cafe. Try your hand at (iceless) curling and enjoy seasonal refreshments. 90-minute sessions (off peak) and 75 minutes (peak times) include your own dedicated curling lane, so you can play in between eating and drinking.

There are small package (1-4 guests) and large packages (5-8 guest). Packages include:

• Carafe of hot chocolate or hot apple cider
• Crispy french fries
• Chicken tenders or sliders or cheese board or mac & cheese
• Additional food and beverage options are available a la carte

Find more information and make reservations here

Bumper Cars on Ice

Starting in January 2024, you can bump your family and friends around in ice-bound buumper cars. Tickets roll out daily for dates two weeks in advance.

Bryant Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the people watching.  The beautiful beaux art New York Public Library building makes the perfect backdrop for the Bryant Park tree and all the festive fun.

There is also a very nice public restroom near the north east corner of Bryant Park that often makes a very useful stop.

Location : 6 th Avenue between 40 th and 42 nd Streets

 iii. The lions outside the front of the New York Public Library

The lions have gazed out at the 5 th Avenue crowds since 1911.  They have names – Patience is on south side of the Library’s steps and Fortitude is on the north side.  They always have an enormous wreath around their necks for the holidays. 

The wreaths used to be real, but the sap was starting to affect the stonework, so now they are artificial – but it still makes a nice photo stop.

Location : 5 th Avenue between 41st and 42nd Streets

iv. Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is ‘Christmas Central’ in NYC.  It is a magical – albeit crowded – place, with the enormous real tree taking center stage.  The tree is covered in lights and topped with an enormous crystal star. 

At its base is the golden statue of Prometheus and the iconic skating rink ( see below for more details ).  In the lane leading from Fifth Avenue to the skating rink, a water feature lined with angels blowing trumpets, and smaller trees covered in golden baubles create the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Location : 5th Avenue between 49 th and 50 th Street

v. Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows and Light Show

Across the street from Rockefeller Center, on the other side of Fifth Avenue, is Saks Fifth Avenue.  The whole 10-storey facade of the iconic store is used for a spectacular holiday light and music show.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York light show times

The show lasts a couple of minutes and happens every 10 minutes between 5:00pm and 11:00pm between late November and the beginning of January.

The windows are often themed around a Broadway show or popular children’s story.  They’re usually not actually Christmassy, but are festive and always beautifully done. In 2023, though, they were inspired by Christian Dior, who sponsored them.

Bonus: pass St Patrick’s cathedral in the next block on 5 th Avenue between 50 th and 51 st Streets

vi. Cartier

Although this is not a department store, the windows, typically featuring the Cartier cat, are often beautiful and worth a quick stop. The windows aren’t decorated every year, but the building itself is always decorated for the holidays.

Location : Fifth Avenue between 51 st and 52 nd Street

vii.  Louis Vuitton

The windows always have some kind of display, plus the building itself is usually heavily decorated for the holidays in the same theme as the windows.

Location : 5 th Avenue between 52 nd and 53 rd Streets

viii.  Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows

This is the grandest of all the holiday windows.  They are an over-the-top cornucopia of excess and beauty. 

They are never overtly Christmas-themed, but always feature fashion surrounded by the most incredibly detailed displays you have ever seen.  Each year has an overall theme and then individual themes for each widow. 

Location : Fifth Avenue between 57 th and 58 th Street

i x. “The Fifth Season” Installation

The Pulitzer Fountain in front of the Plaza Hotel is usually decorated by the Fifth Avenue Association for the holiday season.

Some years they have elaborate displays with artificial icebergs and polar animals. Other years, they have Christmas trees surrounding the fountain.

x. Park Avenue Holiday Trees

2.5 mile (4 km) stretch of Park Avenue is lined with Christmas trees.  From the first Sunday in December, the Park Avenue Christmas lights are all along the middle of Park Avenue from 97th Street to 48th Street.

xi. Bloomingdales Holiday Windows

Bloomingdales’ theme changes each year, but often has some interactive element that is fun for kids, features local artists, and/ or highlights a recent movie.

Location : Lexington Avenue between 59 th and 60 th Streets

The NYC Holiday Windows self-guided tour ends (or starts) here. The 4,5,6 (green line) trains stop right here at the Lexington Ave/59 Street station.

There are several other guided tours of New York’s holiday lights . Top picks are:

• 3-4-hour walking tour of the holiday lights with a professional guide. BOOK IT HERE
• 45-minute tour of the Christmas lights highlights in a pedicab . BOOK IT HERE
• 3.5-hour private tour of the NYC holiday lights in a limousine (up to 4 people). BOOK IT HERE
• 6-hour private tour of the Christmas lights with driver and guide (up to 6 people). BOOK IT HERE
• 1-hour tour of the holiday lights in a horse drawn carriage . BOOK IT HERE

2. Macy’s Santaland

Visiting Santa at Macy’s Santaland in New York City is a highlight for kids, but requires some coordination.

Where is Macy’s Santaland located?

Santaland is on the 8th Floor of Macy’s Herald Square.  151 West 34th Street (Sixth Avenue at 34th Street). There are plenty of subway stations near Macy’s:

• B, D, F, V (orange line) and N, Q, R, W (yellow line) to 34th Street/Herald Square: Exit on Broadway for Macy’s main entrance

Reserving a time slot for Macy’s Santaland

Santaland is open between late November (just after Thanksgiving) and December 24.   You need to book a time slot to visit Santa. 

Time slots that are available vary day to day, but can be clearly seen online.  You can book a half-hour timeslot here up to 5 days on advance starting November 19.  It’s free – but online reservations are necessary. 

The time slot you book is the time you can join the line.  Wait times vary, but they are typically shorter during the week than on the weekend.

How much does it cost to visit Macy’s Santaland?

Nothing.  It’s free.

Santa Express Lane

Friday-Sunday, you can book a Santa Express Lane pass, which gets you straight to Santa when you arrive in the time slot you booked, skipping the village and scenery.  There’s then a separate express line.

The Santaland experience – what to expect

A trip to Macy’s Santaland is more than just a visit to see Santa.  There is a train, village and much more to keep you entertained while you wait, and friendly elves to answer your questions.

• After the ticket window, view holiday window vignettes from Miracle on 34th Street and board the Macy’s Santaland Express.
• Winter wonderland. Travel through villages and snow scenery with igloos, ice sculptures, poinsettias and lights.
• The Enchanted Forest, where animals decorate a tree.
• The Rainbow Bridge.
• The Lionel Trains Industrial City. A large display with six train sets around a tree.
• Santa’s Workshop. See Santa’s sleigh loaded with presents and reindeer relaxing in a stable nearby.
• Santa’s home. Meet Santa!   NOTE: African American and Spanish speaking Santas are available – tell an elf on arrival and they make sure you are in the right line.

Photos at Santaland

Professional photos are available, but are completely optional.  Ask an elf and they will usually take your photo with your cell phone or camera. 

Photo packages start at $39.99 and you can see the picture on the display immediately after it’s been taken.  You get a ticket and take that to the shop to buy your pictures if you want them. 

Options include prints, Christmas ornaments with your photo on them and CDs with your photos.

3. NYC Holiday Markets

Holiday shopping is one of the highlights of any trip to New York City, and there are several cool holiday markets at which to shop.  Most of them are outside, so bundle up.

i. Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is the largest and best of the holiday markets in NYC.  It is open late November (November 16, 2023) to December 24 every day except Thanksgiving. There are well over 100 stalls selling a range of crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more. 

There are plenty of handmade goods that make great souvenirs of your trip to New York, as well as great gifts.  Allow at least a couple of hours to wander slowly through all of the stalls.  It gets crowded.

• Monday – Friday 11:00am-8:00pm
• Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm
• Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm
• Closed Thanksgiving and closes at 4:00pm Christmas Eve

Location: South end of Union Square

ii. Bryant Park Holiday Shops

You can spend hours at Bryant Park, admiring the tree, having a drink, ice skating and shopping. The Bryant Park holiday shops (Bank of America Winter Village) are usually open late October to early January (they are open October 27, 2023 – January 2, 2024). 

There are almost 200 stalls selling artisanal foods, Brooklyn crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry and more. 

This is outside, so rug up.  You can warm up with a drink at the outdoor café/ bar area, at the cozy popup bar near the ice-skating rink, or in the igloo cafes ( see above ).

• Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm

iii. Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair

Grand Central Terminal is always worth a visit – it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City. 

For the holidays, a Grand Central Holiday Fair is set up in Vanderbilt Hall in the terminal from November 13 to December 24, 2023.  There are about 40 stalls selling crafts, toys, clothing and other gifts.  It’s inside!

Monday through Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm

December 24: 10:00am to 6:00pm Closed Thanksgiving Day

Location : 42 nd Street between Lexington Ave and Vanderbilt Ave.

iv. Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open November 28 to December 31, 2023. You can buy toys, crafts, jewelry, accessories, food and drink here.

• Monday-Saturday: 11:00am to 8:00pm
• Sundays: 11:00am – 7:00pm
• Christmas Eve: 11:00am – 4:00pm

Location : Columbus Circle (near the southwest corner of Central Park)

*** A fun option it to take a 4-hour tour of four holiday markets and some holiday windows .  Book the holiday markets tour here . ***

4. Holiday Shows

No trip to NYC for Christmas would be complete without seeing a holiday show.  There are several iconic Christmas shows to see when you visit NYC:

i. Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Rockettes perform precision dancing in this NYC Christmas classic.

There are classic scenes that are in the show every year such as the wooden soldier fall, in which the line of dancers fall like dominoes in slow motion; live camels, sheep and a donkey to re-enact the nativity, a double-decker NYC bus covered in dancing Rockettes, modern projections and movies, and, of course, Santa.  

Kids (and kids-at-heart) will love it.

Times : The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs from November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024.

There are up to five shows a day: 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 8:00pm OR 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, 10:00pm depending on the day.  The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.  Ticket prices range from $57 to $452+depending on the day, session and seat.

** BOOK TICKETS FOR THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR HERE **

You can extend your holiday fun by combining the show with a self-guided tour of nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral.   Book the combined tickets here .   

Another option is combined tickets for the Christmas Spectacular and a holiday windows tour. Book the Rockettes show and holiday windows tour tickets here .

Location : Radio City Music Hall on 6 th Avenue between 50 th and 51 st Streets

ii. The Nutcracker

The New York City Ballet performs the classic The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center every year.  It is a spectacle with over 90 dancers and a huge Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet (3.5 m) to 40 feet (12 m) – quite a sight!

Times : The Nutcracker runs from November 24, 2023 to January.  Performances are (mostly) Tuesday – Sunday evenings with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (this varies slightly, so check with their box office for exact dates and times).

Ticket prices start at $215.

Location : David H Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, 70 West 63rd Street (between Columbus Ave and Broadway)

iii. A Christmas Carol

For something completely different, the Merchant House Museum has a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in the parlor of this 1830’s house.   The performance is November 28 – December 24, 2023 .

As an additional option, on select days, you can reserve a spot to join Charles Dickens in the house’s kitchen for mulled wine, cider, and traditional Dickensian Christmas food. 

Ticket prices range from $45 to $115 depending on day, time and seat.

Location : 29 East Fourth Street (between Lafayette Street and Bowery)

iv. A Broadway Show

OK, so this isn’t specific to Christmas, but seeing a Broadway show is kind of a holiday tradition – and something everyone visiting New York should do.

Find out how you can get cheap Broadway tickets .

5. Dyker Heights Christmas lights

The crazy Christmas lights of Dyker Heights are increasingly famous and a definite must do when you visit NYC at Christmas.  

Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn in which many of the residents try to outdo each other with over-the-top Christmas decorations.  This includes lights, inflatables, statues and more.

When to See the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights

The decorations are typically up from Thanksgiving until the end of the year and usually lit between around 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. 

Keep in mind these are people’s homes and this is a suburban neighborhood, so times vary between homes, and people come home from work, eat dinner, watch TV, and don’t like people walking in their yards!

Where to see the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights

The main area of crazy decorations is from 11th to 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Street. Note: 13th Avenue is also called Dyker Heights Blvd.

How to get to the Dyker Heights Christmas lights

There are several ways to get to Dyker Heights: bus (confusing), drive (traffic jams), subway and a tour.

How to Get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display by Subway

• Take the D train toward Coney Island and get off at 79th Street station in Brooklyn
• Exit near the intersection of 79th Street and New Utrecht Avenue
• Go northwest on 79th Street towards 16th Avenue
• Turn left onto Dyker Heights Blvd. (13th Avenue).

Tours to see the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

By far the easiest way is to take a tour . There are few options:

• Take a bus tour from Manhattan to Dyker Heights with a guide. Meets at a standard pickup place. This is your basic option with ease of getting from Manhattan to Brooklyn. BOOK IT HERE
• Take a private tour with a guide with pickup/ dropoff at your hotel. This is your most comfortable and easiest option. BOOK IT HERE
• Take a walking tour of Dyker Heights (meets in Dyker Heights). Take the subway there but have a guide to show you around. This is the most economical option. BOOK IT HERE

6. NYC Best Christmas Trees tour

One of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas is to see the New York Christmas trees.  Many of the parks and some institutions have spectacular trees and a tour of them is a great ways to get in the holiday spirit. 

Here is my 10-stop self-guided NYC Christmas Tree Tour:

Allow a day – you will be using the subway and walking as well, so wear comfortable shoes.  In fact, you may wish to break this into bits so you don’t exhaust yourself, and have a chance to see many of the outdoor trees at night when they are lit up the most.

i. Wall Street Christmas Tree

Start (or end – this can be done in reverse) at the New York Stock Exchange, where there is a simple, but beautiful Christmas tree at 11 Wall Street.

From there, take the A or C subway train from Fulton Street to West 4 Street and walk the short distance to Washington Square Park.

ii. Washington Square Park Christmas Tree

The tree here is in the middle of the Washington Square Arch.  The tree is often a little shabby and covered in colorful lights. 

I love that it reflects the character of this neighborhood, which has an eclectic mix of people hanging out in Washington Square Park at all times of the day and night.  There are lots of restaurants and bars on and around nearby MacDougal Street.

From there, walk a short way to the subway and take the N, R or W from 8 Street/NYU to 23 Street.  You will get off right at Madison Square Park.

iii. Madison Square Park Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree is at the northern end of Madison Square Park.  In summer, there is a fountain there, but in winter, it is home to a large tree covered in sparkling white lights. 

At the southern end of the park is the original Shake Shake , worth a stop for a burger and shake.

Walk across to 6 th Avenue and take the F or V from 23 Street to Bryant Park/ 42 Street.

iv. Bryant Park Christmas Tree

Bryant Park has holiday shopping, bars, ice skating and a beautiful tree backed by the New York Public Library.  You could easily spend hours here, but at the very least, stop for a hot chocolate with a marshmallow melting in it.

Go back to the same subway station and take the F or V from Bryant Park/42 Street uptown to 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center.

v. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This is the most famous Christmas tree in New York City .  It is a real tree, donated by someone in the local area, on display at Rockefeller Plaza between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues.  The enormous tree is covered in colorful lights and topped with an enormous crystal star.

When does the Christmas tree go up in NYC?

The tree is usually erected mid-November, but a better question is “When is the Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony?”

The tree is lit at a ceremony that is broadcast on TV, but you can attend in person.  There is a concert of carols performed by celebrities, and live coverage of the concert and the tree lighting.

The tree lighting ceremony in 2023 is November 29 , 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

The tree is lit from 6:00am to midnight daily (24 hours Christmas Day and 6:00am – 9:00pm Christmas Eve). It is up until mid-January.

If you really want to treat yourself (or your loved ones) this year, you can book an exclusive gala dinner at a stunning, private townhouse rooftop and enjoy the tree lighting ceremony on November 29, 2023 from this amazing vantage point while enjoying a champagne dinner!

BOOK IT HERE

How tall is the Rockefeller Center tree?

The tallest was 94 feet (28.65 m) in 2016.

There is ice-skating at the foot of the tree in Rockefeller Plaza, and the lights and music show on the façade of Saks Fifth Avenue opposite, so you can come back and visit this at nighttime as well.

Take the V train from 47-50 Streets/Rockefeller Center to Lexington Ave/53 Street, then transfer to the 6 train and take it from 51 Street to 86 Street.  Get off and walk to the met in Fifth Avenue.

vi. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree

You can easily spend a whole day experiencing all that the Met has to offer , but at Christmas, they have a tree that is worth the visit alone. 

The Met Christmas tree  is a twenty-foot/ six-meter blue spruce covered in angels.  At its base is an eighteenth-century Neapolitan baroque crèche/ nativity scene. 

You can spend ages looking at all the tiny figures.  The tree is in front of the eighteenth-century Spanish choir screen in the museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall.

For a treat, take a private guided tour of The Met and discover its highlights. BOOK A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MET HERE

After leaving the Met, you walk past Park Ave on your way back to the subway.

vii. Park Avenue Christmas Trees

All along Park Avenue between 54th and 97th streets, there are dozens of Christmas trees, simply lit from the first Sunday evening of December throughout the holidays. 

Each individual tree isn’t amazing, the overall spectacle of a long line of trees all down the middle of Park Avenue is a lovely sight.

Get back on the 6 train at 86 Street and take the subway further uptown to 110 Street.  From there, walk along the northern edge of Central park and up the hill a little to St John the Divine (Amsterdam Avenue between 110 th and 113 th Street)

viii. Cathedral of St John the Divine Peace Tree

St John the Divine is an enormous cathedral that is worth visiting just to see the church.   The highlight at the holidays is the beautiful Peace Tree, which is decorated with 1,000 white paper cranes and other peace symbols.

You can visit the Peace Tree from early December to just after Christmas.

From there, walk back down the hill and take the B or C from Cathedral Parkway/ 100 Street to 81 Street/ Museum of Natural History.

ix. American Museum of Natural History Origami Christmas Tree

I love this tree.  The American Museum of Natural History is well worth a day to see the T-Rex skeleton, planetarium and enormous blue whale, among many other incredible exhibits. 

However, from mid-November through early January, it has a wonderful Christmas tree covered in over 800 hand-folded origami paper animals and plants.

Buy an admission ticket for the Museum of Natural History online here

From there, walk to Broadway and take the 1 train from 79 Street to 66 Street/ Lincoln Center.

x. Lincoln Square Christmas Tree

The tree at Lincoln Square across from Lincoln Center is not the most spectacular tree, but is the centerpiece of the annual Winter’s Eve Festival, which starts with the tree lighting ceremony. 

The festival runs along Broadway between Columbus Circle and 68th Street, 5:30pm to 9:00pm with entertainment and music, food, shopping and more.

7. Holiday Train Shows

There are actually two different holiday train shows in New York City.

(a) The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens

The New York Botanical Gardens hosts an annual Holiday Train Show in the conservatory/ greenhouse. 

It is huge display of more than 175 New York landmarks made out of natural materials like bark and leaves, with model trains running around and through it.  Landmarks featured include the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center.

On select nights throughout the season, between 5:00pm and 10:00pm, the Botanical Gardens also has GLOW , an outdoor color and light experience.  

There’s an after-dark viewing of the Holiday Train Show , outdoor bars with drinks, hot cocoa, and food, as well as the Bronx Night Market Holiday Pop-Up.

Bar Car Nights

Special evenings exclusively for adults 21 and over. December 7 and 14, 2023 and January 5, 2024.

When is the Holiday Train Show

The Holiday Train Show is open November 17, 2023 – January 15, 2024.

Hours of the Holiday Train Show

General hours (timed entry needed to visit):.

• 10:00am – 6:00pm: Tuesday to Sunday

Other hours:

• 10:00am – 6:00pm: Mondays: December 18; January 8 & 15
• 10:00am – 3:00pm: November 30 and December 24
• 10:00am – 4:00pm: GLOW nights (daytime entry)
• 5:00pm – 10:00pm: GLOW nights (nighttime entry including GLOW)

Closed: November 23 (Thanksgiving) and December 25 (Christmas)

Advance purchase of timed entry tickets is strongly recommended as tickets do sell out.

Price of the Holiday Train Show 2023-24

Gardens and train show pricing.

• Seniors and students $31
• Children $20

Train Show and GLOW pricing

• Adult Non-Members $54
• Children Non-Members $39
• Adults Members $34
• Children Members $24

Bar Car Nights pricing

Location of the Holiday Train Show and how to get there

2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx.  If you have a car, get off the Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road (Exit 7W). Enter the gardens through Main Entrance at 2900 Southern Boulevard for onsite parking. Offsite parking is also available at NYBG’s Parking Garage ( 401 Bedford Park Boulevard ) .

However, taking the subway or Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal is easier. Find complete directions here .

(b)  The Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

This is at the New York Transit Museum , which is inside Grand Central.  There are over 34 feet/ 103 meters of tracks with vintage trains leaving from a mini Grand Central.

It’s open 10:00am – 7:30pm Monday- Friday and 10:00am – 6:00pm weekends (closed holidays).

Open November 16, 2023 – February 25, 2024.

Tickets are $5 and need to be reserved in advance .

8. Ice Skating

I love ice skating in New York City.  I’m terrible at it, mind, but skating surrounded by the city is one of the most iconic New York Christmas traditions. There are several places to go ice skating in Manhattan, plus others in the other boroughs. 

Manhattan ice skating rinks are:

i. Bryant Park

The rink at Bryant Park is fairly large and is completely surrounded by towering skyscrapers, which is very cool.  There is a large Christmas tree, a nearby fountain that is sometimes frozen, and holiday shops in the build up to Christmas. 

The rink is open October 27, 2023 – March 3, 2024 :

• Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
• Select weekends (Friday – Sunday) + holidays: 8:00am – midnight (4:00pm NYE)

The best part?  It is absolutely FREE – with your own skates.  Skate rental is expensive at $18 – $55 depending on the date.  Check out the full fee schedule here . 

There is a bag check service $5 – $15.  They close the rink periodically to fix the ice, but there are no timed sessions, so you can come whenever you want and stay as long as you want. 

ii. The Rink Rockefeller Center

This is the iconic skating rink featured in many movies and TV shows.  It’s at the foot of the Rockefeller tree.  The downside is that it’s small and can get crowded.  

The rink is open from October 21, 2023 .

It’s open daily 9:00am – 12:00am (midnight). 

There is timed entry throughout the day and you get about 60 minutes of skate time for the time of your ticket. 

It costs $21 – $73 for adults, depending on the dates. Skate rental is an additional $11 and you can also get a commemorative beanie for $20.  Check out the fee schedule and buy tickets here . 

If you want to hang out after (or before) skating, there are eight cozy chalets set up at the rink level. These are $12 – $15 depending on the time for a 50-minute reservation .

iii. Wollman Rink Central Park

The Wollman Rink is in the south part of Central Park.  The rink is fairly large, so you have room to skate around.  The best part, though, is it location, with incredible views of Central Park and midtown Manhattan.  It’s magical.

It’s open every day October 28, 2023 – March 12, 2024 . Times vary. (Resurfacing happens several times a day and takes 30 minutes).

• Monday and Tuesday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
• Wednesday – Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm 
• Friday – Saturday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am – 9:00pm

The price also varies. There are prime, peak and off peak days.

Prime Days :

• Adults: $37.00
• Children: $10.00
• Seniors: $10.00

Peak Days :

• Adults: $26.00

Off Peak Days :

• Adults: $15.00

Skate rentals are $11.00 + tax and lock rentals are $7.00 + refundable deposit.

Tickets can be bought online or in-person.

iv. The Rink at Brookfield Place

This small downtown skating rink is the new kid on the block.  It’s tiny, but is a fun diversion if your downtown, and has nice views of the Hudson River. It opens in November.

Monday – Friday

• 60-minute sessions 2:00pm – 9:15pm

​Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

• 60-minute sessions 9:00am – 9:15pm

Each session costs $17 (weekends) or $15 (weekdays) and skate rental is $7/ $5. 

It’s at ​Three World Financial Center, 230 Vesey St (across West Street from One World Trade Center).

v. The Rink at Manhattan West

This is located on Ninth Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, near Hudson Yards. It’s a small rink.

Sessions are 1 hour and start from 10:15am to 8:15pm on weekends and holidays and 3:15pm to 8:15pm on weekdays through to March 31, 2024 (available times may vary). You can book a session online .

Weekdays are $20 per person + $5 skate rental and weekends/ holidays are $22 per person + $8 skate rental (plus a small online booking fee).

9. Festivals of Lights

There are actually two cool festivals of lights in NYC during the holiday season (plus GLOW at the New York Botanical gardens’ Train Show).

i. NYC Winter Lantern Festival

The NYC Winter lantern Festival is not a Christmas event, but is a great holiday outing.  There are over 40 ‘lanterns’ – LED installations up to 30 feet/ 9 m tall.

The Winter Lantern Festival is offered in Queens November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024.

Tickets are available online .

Queens : Illuminate The Farm

• Queens County Farm Museum
• Walk through
• November 17, 2022 – January 7, 2023
• Friday – Sunday
• 5:00pm – 9:00pm
• $15.99 – $21.99 (+$2.30 service fee)

You enter though a dramatic dragon gateway, pass over-sized poppies, traverse through a tunnel of lights and enter a large field with many beautiful lantern/ light displays scattered around.  Some are more successful than others. 

The shark is a disappointing up close, but dramatic from a distance; the African animals are a little mean looking, and the Chinese vase a little bland (as is the Christmas tree). 

However, a birdcage is a colorful fancy, pink flamingos are spectacular, an enormous Chinese gate glows, and a long dragon is a dramatic finale.

The event is put on by a Chinese cultural organization, and in addition to the lantern displays, there are “projection mapping live performances”. 

There are food trucks that sell food and hot chocolate, as well as a couple of tents that sell (expensive) souvenirs and have sugar art demonstrations.

Location and getting to the NYC Winter Lantern Festival

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is at the Queens County Farm Museum in Glen Oaks. Driving is definitely the easiest option. You can get directions on Google here .

By public transportation, take the E or F subway train to Kew Gardens/ Union Turnpike and then the Q46 to Union Turnpike/ 252 Street. from there, it’s a seven minute walk.

ii. LuminoCity Festival

This is a similar light art experience in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Long Island.  There are 8 lights displays set over 17 acres, creating a fantasy land of six themed parks to wander through.  There are also four special themed nights with performances, holiday markets with food and drinks every night.

The Luminocity Festival runs from November 9, 2023 to January 7, 2024. It is open 4:30pm to 9:30pm:

• Thursday – Monday (excluding holidays)

Timed entry tickets cost $22 – $24 for kids and $34 – $36 for adults (depending on the day). VIP tickets are $63.  You can buy tickets online .

The VIP ticket gives you:

• Fast Pass into the festival via VIP entrance
• Complimentary Lumi Goodie Bag with Lumi’s favorite things (worth more than $40)

You can get to Eisenhower Park by car. There is a free shuttle from the parking to the festival.

10. Christmas Services

There are several iconic New York churches where you can attend a Christmas service.

i. St Patrick’s Cathedral

There are several masses with music including:

Christmas Eve (December 24)

• 8:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm
• Family Mass 5:30pm
• Midnight Mass (11:00pm Choir Prelude) Seating by ticket only.  You need to enter a Midnight Mass Ticket Lottery .

Christmas Day (December 25)

• 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:15am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 4:00pm (Spanish), 5:30pm

Location : 5 th Avenue between 50 th and 51 st Streets.  Nearest subway is 5 Av/51 St (E and M trains)

ii. Cathedral of St John the Divine

The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine has several Christmas services .

You can visit the church for a self-guided tour on Christmas Eve at 9:30am and Christmas day at noon.

iii. The Riverside Church of NYC

The Riverside Church of New York City has two Christmas Eve services:

• Service for Children & Families in the nave at 4:00pm
• Service of Lessons & Carols in the nave at 8:30pm

Practical Information for Visiting New York City at Christmas

How cold is new york at christmas.

December in New York City is cold. The average temperature range is 30°F / -1°C min minimum to 43°F/ 6°C maximum.  Snow is possible.

Getting to New York City

There are three international airports servicing New York City. Check out prices of flights to New York on Skyscanner here .

How to get from the airport to central New York City

The easiest way to get from the airports to central Manhattan is by private transfer.

You can book a transfer from JFK to Manhattan here.

You can book a transfer from Liberty Newark Airport to Manhattan here.

You can book a transfer from La Guardia Airport to Manhattan here.

How to get around New York City

The cheapest and often quickest way to get around is the subway.  A one-way trip costs $2.75/ trip or $32.00 for an unlimited weekly pass.  A trip costs the same if you go one station or twenty stations – there are no zones. The actual MetroCard costs $1, so keep it and reuse it every time.  You can Add Value (pay per trip) or Add Time (weekly or monthly unlimited passes).

The subway runs 24/7 and it is often quicker than a taxi because of New York traffic.  If you really don’t want to take a bus or the subway, take a taxi, which are everywhere.  Just hold out your hand when you see a taxi with the top light on (which means it is available).  You can use credit cards to pay for taxis (and you should always tip).

Where can I stay in New York for Christmas?

There are a lot of accommodation options in NYC.  It will probably be one of your biggest expenses, so don’t be shocked.  To help you make your decision, use my Guide to Choosing the Best Hotel to narrow down your choices.

So, what are the best Christmas hotels in New York?

Kevin’s former boss always stays at Crosby Street Hotel when he is in New York and he swears by it.  It’s very chic and has a high cool factor.  Book the Crosby Hotel here .

For a cheaper Bed and Breakfast option, stay at the Chelsea Pines Inn, which you can book here . A good friend of mine stays here when she visits and she loves it.  It’s gay friendly, but she is straight and feels totally comfortable here.

Check out other hotels in New York City here.

Planning and Packing for New York City

I hope that my blog is a useful resource for your Christmas trip to New York.  I have lived here for well over a decade and am happy to share all I know about it.  For additional practical information, though, it is always a good idea to get a good guidebook.  You can buy the New York City Lonely Planet here.

Just starting to plan your trip?  Use my handy Trip Planner to make it easy for you.

Planning what to take?  Check out my Essential Packing List .

Ready to book your trip?  I use these resources for my trips .

Additional consideration: Travel Insurance

New York is the safest big city in the United States, but it is important to be fully prepared when you travel and I think you should always have travel insurance, just in case.  I always hope I never need to use it but I get it just in case I do! 

Do you have questions about travel insurance.  Read my full Guide to Travel Insurance here .

FAQS: Visiting NYC in Christmas  

What is there to do in new york at christmas.

Hopefully I’ve answered this question above. There is LOTS to do throughout the holiday season.

When does Christmas in New York start?

Traditionally Christmas time in New York starts at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, many of the holiday events and places start as early as late October, these days.

When does Christmas in New York end?

Many of the festivities in New York in Christmas time go through until early January.

When does Christmas shopping start in New York?

These days it can start as early as mid-October (!), but traditionally, the NYC Xmas shopping season starts right after Thanksgiving on Black Friday.

Is Christmas in New York worth it ?

Yes, absolutely. NYC in Christmas time is magical.

What is Christmas in New York like?

Xmas in NYC is great for families, romantic couples and solo travelers. You can do all your shopping, enjoy winter festivities, and experience all sorts of Christmas events. I’m goin to go out on a limb here and say that there is truly no place in the world as good as New York City at Christmas time.

Does it snow every Christmas in New York?

People often ask me “Will there be a white Christmas in New York?” and, while NYC is especially magical when it snows, snow in December is actually not that common. Most snow in NYC happens in January and February. That’s not to say that it’s impossible. So you may be lucky and have snow for your Christmas vacation in New York, you shouldn’t expect it.

When will Christmas decorations be up in New York?

There are lots of decorations and trees in NYC during Christmas time. They typically go up soon after Thanksgiving. The Rockefeller Tree will be lit November 30.

Where to have Christmas dinner in New York?

Lots of restaurants have Christmas dinner. I live here, so always have dinner at home, but one of my favorite special occasion restaurants is Tavern on the Green. They have a Christmas Day prix fixe dinner that they usually post after Thanksgiving.

Do you have any New York Christmas stories?  I’d love to hear them. Comment below. 

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin It to your Holiday Board or New York City Board!

Check out my Gift Guide full of great New York City experiences.

Read other New York experiences:

• Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Fun NYC food crazes to try
• Summer movies in Bryant Park

About th e a uthor

James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents.  He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture.  He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters. 

Travel Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases .

Adventures with our little explorer

How to spend Christmas in New York City with kids

Christmas in New York City is so amazing! We have visited a few times and in different seasons, but nothing compares to a visit to NYC during the holidays.

Seeing all of the New York City attractions transform into a winter wonderland is just something you have to experience once, especially the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree!

On the blog, I will share how to spend Christmas in New York City with kids, so you can plan that NYC trip, and discover all the fun holiday things to do in New York City during winter break with the kids.

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.

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Visit the Rockefeller Plaza at Christmas in New York City

When you think of Christmas in New York City, the first thing that comes to mind is the Rockefeller tree.

One of the quintessential things to do at Christmas in New York is a visit to the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Located in the Rockefeller Plaza, the lighting of the tree symbolizes the start of the holiday season.

There’s just something about seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree up close, it’s so breathtaking. 

• When: November 29, 2023. The tree is lit daily from 6am-12am (24 hrs. on Christmas Day)
• Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112

Go Ice skating in New York City 

One of the most popular things to do in New York at Christmas is ice skating at the Rockefeller Center rink . It’s something you always see in movies, and has always been on our bucket list.

You can purchase tickets online (which I recommend) or buy them onsite, but be prepared for long lines!

It’s definitely something you have to try with the whole family at Christmastime in New York City.

• When: Opens October 21, 2023 from 9am-midnight
• Ticket prices: Tickets range from $11-$73 and vary by date and time
• Tickets can be purchased onsite or online here .
• Skate time is 60 minutes from the arrival time on your ticket.
• One non-paying adult supervisor is permitted inside the venue, but not on the ice, for kids between the ages of 6-12 years old.
• kids under the age of 6 must be accompanied on the ice by a paying adult.
• Location: The Rink is located at Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th Streets. New York, NY 10020

Visit the FAO Schwarz toy store

One of the most iconic places to visit during Christmas in New York City is a visit to the FAO Schwarz toy store!

Its new location at the Rockefeller Center is the perfect spot, although you can count on lines trying to get in, especially during the holidays! 

FAO Schwarz is such an iconic gem in New York, especially the BIG piano made famous in the movie with Tom Hanks.

Your kiddos will have the most memorable visit and will thank you for taking them. It is definitely one of the highlights when visiting New York City during the holidays!

Visit the New York Public Library

During your New York Christmas holiday, you can’t miss a visit to the New York Public Library and its beautiful Christmas tree.

With its location right next to Bryant Park, you can easily visit the Winter Village right after.

The New York Public Library’s Christmas tree is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, and the library itself is just amazing!

On the ground floor is the children’s reading room, which is the perfect place to let the kiddos unwind from the busy city.

On display here is also the original Winnie the Pooh stuffed toys which was so amazing to see!

Definitely add the New York Public Library on your visit to New York City during the holidays!

The New York Public Library is located at 476 Fifth Avenue (42nd St and Fifth Ave)

Enjoy the festivities at the Winter Village at Bryant Park

One of the best NYC holiday attractions is the Winter Village at Bryant Park ! The holiday market at Bryant Park is the perfect place to find a unique gift for those on your list.

Let’s not forget the amazing foods you can sample here. One of our favorites is Raclette, a sandwich made with melted Swiss cheese, something we’ve had at the Christmas markets in Europe and tastes amazing!

You can also find all sorts of desserts, a Biergarten, and many more food vendors. After all that food, head over to the ice skating rink and burn off all the calories you just ate!

• When: October 27, 2023 – March 3, 2024 -Daily: 8am-10pm November – December weekends and holidays: 8am-midnight
• Ticket prices: FREE
• Location: Bryant Park New York, NY 10018

The Winter Village Ice Skating Rink is completely FREE to use. You would only need to rent skates unless you bring your own, then you would only need to reserve an entry time ahead of your visit.

Skate Rental reservations are open through November 29, with December dates going live in November. “Own Skates” reservations are available now for the first week of Winter Village and will roll out daily for dates one week out.

Be aware that the lines here are also quite long and can get very crowded, so carry along some extra patience!

• Winter Village at Bryant Park Ice Skating
• Admission to the Ice Rink is FREE! You only need to pay for ice skates or bring your own.
• Reserve Ice Skate rentals here
• Reserve skate times here when bringing your own ice skates!
• Skating sessions are 1 hour long
• Open daily from 8am-10pm
• Skate rentals start at $18
• Skate Aid rental: $22/hour
• Sock purchase: $6
• Helmet rental: $6 

Christmas at Macy’s 

One of the best things to do during the NYC holiday season is a visit to the iconic Macy’s department store. You can visit Santa at Santaland , which is open during the holidays till December 24th.

For the 2023 season, you have to book a visit with Santa online in advance to avoid waiting in long lines and to maximize your visit with Santa!

Reservations will be open 5 days in advance of the day you wish to visit. Reservations open at 6:30am each day local time.

• When: Santaland is open on Nov. 24, 2023- Dec. 24, 2023
• Ticket prices: FREE but requires reservations (can be made 5 days in advance)
• Please note that your reservation time slot is when you join the line for the experience and there may be a wait of 30-90 minutes.
• Reservations open at 6:30 am on Nov. 19, 2023 daily ( Make reservations here )
• Santa Photo packages start at $39.99
• Bring a printout of the reservation or display it on your mobile device
• Location: 8th floor of Macy’s 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

Admire the Christmas Windows on 5th Avenue

One of the most magical things to do in New York City at Christmas is a stroll along 5th Avenue, admiring the New York City Christmas windows .

Get ready to be amazed by the spectacular holiday window displays as you stroll through this iconic street in NYC.

This tradition has been going on for years and is definitely a must-do during the holidays in NYC.

Admiring the Christmas windows of New York is so much fun. Love seeing the creativity, they’re always so amazing! 

Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue light show

Another winter holiday activity in New York City to look forward to is the Saks Fifth Avenue light show which opens on November 30, 2023 . The light show is amazing and is choreographed with holiday music.

Most people watch from the Rockefeller Plaza, which can get pretty crowded, but I suggest watching from the street. You get to enjoy the light show without the crowds!

The Saks Fifth Avenue light show happens nightly from 4:35-10:35 pm during the holidays in New York City.

Visit the Oculus 

During your trip to NYC for Christmas, stop by the Oculus at the World Trade Center.

This is one of the most unique buildings I’ve seen and the perfect place to do your holiday shopping in New York.

From the outside, you would never expect to find a huge shopping mall and train station inside!

There are many cool shops and restaurants inside, including one of our favorite Italian eateries, Eataly! this is where you will find all the authentic Italian yummy goodness, including gelato!

Visit Times Square

Of course, you can’t miss a visit to Times Square during the holidays in New York City!

This iconic spot may be crowded and overrated to some, but it still deserves a visit at least once! We personally love this place…what’s a visit to New York City if you don’t stop by?

We also spent New Year’s Eve in New York City once, and watched the iconic Times Square ball drop at midnight in 2019! It was such an amazing experience and totally doable with kids!

Of course, we didn’t spend the whole day waiting! We spent the day sightseeing in NYC and waited an hour before midnight. Just make sure to reserve a hotel in Times Square in advance!

Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral  

Don’t forget to stop by Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on your visit to New York during the holidays.

This cathedral is decorated beautifully during the holidays, and it’s also the perfect place to get away from crowds.

We love visiting churches in all our travels and always light a candle and say a little prayer for our journey! 

Radio City Hall Christmas Spectacular

You can’t miss the Radio City Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes during your NYC Christmas trip, or catch a Broadway show while here.

Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time as the popular shows are usually sold out or are selling for a fortune!

Visit the Plaza Hotel in New York City

What’s more iconic than a visit to the Plaza Hotel New York and geeking out over the hotel in the Home Alone 2 movie? It was so amazing to step foot into this famous hotel and live out our Home Alone 2 movie bucket list.

The Plaza Hotel Christmas tree was amazing, and you can even have afternoon tea at the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel which is one of the best things to do at Christmas in New York City.

Visit Central Park during the holidays

Another place to add to your Christmas in New York City bucket list is a visit to Central Park.

Fulfill another one of your Home Alone 2 movie bucket lists by visiting some of the movie locations at Central Park.

While you are here don’t miss ice skating at the famous Wollman Rink, which is another iconic holiday activity to do in NYC.

This was also one of the movie locations from Home Alone and is a must-do when visiting Central Park during the holidays.

• Wollman Rink Ice Skating
• When: Open daily starting Oct. 28, 2023 – Mar. 15, 2024
• Mon-Tues 10am-2:30pm
• Wed-Thurs 10am-9pm
• Fri-Sat 10am-10pm
• Sunday 10am-9pm
• Ticket prices: $10 and up. Ticket prices vary according to peak, off peak and holiday prices.
• Visit website here for more info.
• Skate Rentals-$11 plus tax
• Skate Aids-$25 per person 12 and younger and under 4 feet
• Location: Southeast corner of Central Park, New York City. Entrance at 59th street and 6th avenue.

Make sure to add a holiday horse carriage ride around Central Park as well, which is one of the best ways to explore and see all the main sites at the park. 

You can also visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market , which is located at the entrance to Central Park. This is the perfect place to purchase those one-of-a-kind holiday presents for those on your list!

• Columbus Circle Holiday Market
• When: November 28th to December 31st, 2023
• Monday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm
• Sunday 11am – 7pm
• Closed at 4pm on Christmas Eve
• Location: Entrance to Central Park, at 59th street and Central Park West

READ NEXT: A visit to Central Park with kids

Visit Washington Square Park

During the holidays in New York City, make sure to visit Washington Square Park during their annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which usually happens sometime in early December.

You can even look forward to carolers on Christmas Eve while you admire the Christmas tree lights under the arch.

Washington Square Park is the perfect place to take a break from your holiday stroll around NYC, there’s even a fun little play area for the kids!

Stroll around NYC and admire the Christmas Decor

On your Christmas visit to NYC, take a stroll around the city and admire the holiday lights and decor.

Visit the Plaza across Radio City Hall for the larger than life Christmas ornaments and lights, or take a stroll and see how many Christmas Trees you can spot.

There are Christmas trees practically everywhere and its a fun game to play with the little ones.

How to get around NYC at Christmas

During your family vacation to New York City at Christmas, I suggest taking a bus tour, or the subways to get around. 

We chose to do a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get to most places, and the subways to get everywhere else in between!

You can easily get to most of the NYC holiday attractions on foot, make sure to bring a stroller for the kiddos.

We had an amazing time visiting New York City during the holiday season! I hope this family guide to Christmas in New York city with kids, inspires you to spend the holidays in New York.

Christmas in New York City with kids is the perfect family vacation.

There are so many parks and playgrounds around the city, perfect for the little ones! And they will have so much fun with all the Christmas decor, and all the fun events going on around the city!

 Christmas in New York City is just so magical, and it’s something you have to experience once in your life!

For more tips and things to do in the city, read our Guide to New York City with kids here.

Where to stay in New York City at Christmas

During our visit to New York City during the holidays, we stayed in the Times Square area to be close to the New Year’s celebration, and to Central Park.

• The Park Central Hotel was located just a walk away from both Times Square and Central Park. There is valet parking, which is perfect if you plan to drive to NYC. They usually offer a room and park package which is so worth the price.
• The Sheraton New York Times Square is also located in Times Square, and is another one of our favorites when staying in the area. There is also Valet Parking if you’re planning on driving into the city.

Book your hotel in New York City here:

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Such a brilliant post on the delights of New York at Christmas 🙂

Thank You! Appreciate you taking the time to read it, and your wonderful comment! NYC is amazing during the holidays.

Re: skating at Rockefeller Center, you mentioned long lines. Does this apply if you have reserved a skate time? Thanks in advance for info — planning our kids’ first trip to NYC, and want it to be a blast for them!

No I don’t think you have to worry about lines with a reservation!

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• Christmas in NYC: The Ultimate Guide to 4 Days in the Big Apple with Kids

Christmas in NYC

New York City has always been one of my favourite places to visit. I love the energy, the culture, the food and all the wonderful things there are to see and do. I feel like you can visit this city a million times and still not see it all. My favourite, however, was when we experienced Christmas in NYC with the kids. It was absolutely magical and should definitely be on your bucket list!

It was a few years ago that we decided to take Mr. Bump and Miss Somersault for their first visit to NYC. We figured, why not make it epic and go a few days before Christmas. Miss Sunshine also joined us on this trip, however, this was not her first time in New York.

Wow! We planned for a 4 day weekend, and filled it up with every Christmas experience we could pack in! Of course, you could spend an entire week in the city and still not run out of things to do! Nonetheless, I think we managed to hit all the must-do adventures when spending Christmas in NYC with kids!

How to Get to NYC

Coming from Toronto, we flew from Buffalo Niagara International Airport to JFK airport, then took a cab into the city. You can also fly into LaGuardia Airport, and take a cab from there. If you are driving, there are many different routes to take to get into the city. Lastly, public transportation is always an option.

Where We Stayed

Because we arrived early in the morning, our room at the Homewood Suites Madison Square Gardens was not yet ready, however, we were able to take advantage of their bag storage. We love when hotels offer this service, as it gives us the freedom to immediately start exploring the city.

We chose to stay at this particular hotel for many reasons. The rooms were large and had a kitchenette, breakfast was included, and it was a quick walk to the subway. We found the rooms to be very clean, the beds comfortable, and the staff friendly and helpful.

Transportation in the City

Our first order of business was to purchase our transit passes for the weekend. We ended up with 7-day passes for each of us, as those worked out to be the most economical. The passes gave us the freedom of unlimited trips on the transit system, which is exactly what we were looking for since we did not want to take cabs.

Driving in the city can be a huge frustration, especially if you are not used to the noise and congestion. And parking, from what I hear, can also be a nightmare… especially when you are talking about Christmas in NYC!

Long story short, we would never rent a car in NYC. The public transit system is far more convenient and easy to navigate, even when you have kids in tow.

Absolute Must-Do’s During Christmas in NYC

When deciding to spend Christmas in NYC, prepare yourself for the crowds. There is no way to get around it – this place is busy! However, some of the really touristy spots are crowded for good reason. The suggestions that follow are prime spots for experiencing Christmas in NYC, as well as some added places that you really don’t want to miss.

1. Macy’s Christmas Windows

Our itinerary for the first day was pretty easygoing. We decided to start with a trip to Macy’s to check out their infamous Christmas windows! After all, Christmas in NYC with kids would not be complete without it!

They were amazing! Not only were they a work of art, but the kids got a kick out of a couple of windows that were actually interactive. The windows were very detailed and colourful and definitely gave you all the Christmas feels.

2. Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park

Next on our list was to have lunch with friends who live just outside the city. They met us in Manhattan and we had a quick lunch before heading out to our first Christmas Market. Bryant Park was pretty awesome!

The stalls looked like an authentic German-style Christmas Market, and there was a huge decorated tree at one end. What really made it feel Christmassy though, was the ice skating rink in the center! The whole scene was absolutely picture-perfect!

We spent some time doing a little shopping at the market, before saying farewell to our friends and heading back to our hotel.

Aside from being a really great hotel in an awesome location, The Homewood Suites not only provided a pretty decent hot breakfast, but also warm cookies and milk were served in the lobby every afternoon. The kids LOVED this! Of course, we tried to take advantage of this as often as we could.

After checking in, we decided to grab a quick treat at one of our favourite spots, Magnolia Bakery. Their Banana Pudding is legendary! With layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas and creamy vanilla pudding, how can you go wrong?

Of course, they also have other variations of the classic banana pudding, like chocolate… but why mess with perfection?? And because Christmas was right around the corner, we also decided to sample an Eggnog Cupcake. Absolutely delicious!

3. Hockey Game & Ugly Sweaters

To end our fabulous first night in New York, we headed out to Brooklyn and the Barclays Arena. We had purchased tickets to see a hockey game, which is something the kids had not yet experienced. Yes… we are Canadian, so hockey is a big deal for us! Lol.

What made the experience even more fun (and Christmassy) – it was ugly sweater night, so each of us was given a New York Islanders-themed Ugly Sweater! Awesome!

Although not Islander fans, we had an amazing time cheering for the home team. Why go all the way to Brooklyn, when Madison Square Gardens was within walking distance from our hotel?

Simply, the Islanders tickets were far more reasonably priced compared to the tickets to see the Rangers. And it really didn’t make a difference, the kids had soooo much fun!

After the game, we headed next door to the Shake Shack to grab a late dinner. The place was really crowded, so we had a bit of a wait. The burgers were definitely worth it though. They were huge and definitely delicious! What an amazing first day!

4. Statue Cruises

For our second day in NYC, we took the kids to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Even though this was not really Christmassy per se, you cannot go to New York and NOT visit Lady Liberty! We had 10:30 am tickets for Statue Cruises, so it was an early start to the day.

Our Cruise tickets got us basic admission to the pedestal level of the Statue of Liberty, as well as admission into the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Because the cruises run all day, you can choose to stay however long you want at each place, then just catch the next ferry when you are ready to move on.

Statue of Liberty

The kids really enjoyed visiting Lady Liberty. The small museum in the pedestal had enough variety to capture their attention. Then, of course, we made sure to take lots of cheesy tourist pics as well. We probably spent at least two hours on Liberty Island before catching the next ferry to Ellis Island.

Ellis Island

Hubby and I both enjoyed walking around the Immigration Museum and stopping to read the exhibits and displays. However, even with the audio sets provided, which tell the story of immigrants coming to the US, the kids were quickly bored with the Museum.

We thought the displays were interesting, and we learned a lot. The kids took interest in some of the exhibits, namely the food display, and puzzles that were used to test IQ. Other than that, there really was not much to keep their interest.

We probably spent about 2 hours inside the museum, and close to another hour waiting in line for the ferry to take us back to the city. All in all, the cruise was definitely a successful excursion..

5. Chelsea Market

Once we were back in the city, it was time to find a place for dinner. We headed to Chelsea Market to find The Lobster Place, which came highly recommended.

The Lobster Place definitely lived up to all the hype. We each had a lobster roll, and they were fabulous! After a delicious dinner, we made our way through the market, stopping for some gelato before heading back to our hotel.

Chelsea Market was all done up for Christmas, so it definitely put us back in that festive mood. The decorations and displays were beautiful! Not to mention all the wonderful holiday trinkets you could find!

6. Skating at Bryant Park

Our last adventure of the night was to go back to Bryant Park for some night skating. Bryant Park made it pretty easy for people wanting to go for a skate. Not only did they offer rentals, but they also had a bag check and a warming tent set up with benches for changing into your skates or shoes.

The park also offered skating aids for the kiddos just learning the ropes. They were pretty cool too! Not just the usual ‘chair’ style aid – instead, these were snowmen! Talk about making learning to skate even more fun!

The experience itself was awesome! The rink wasn’t too crowded for the most part, the weather was pretty mild, and all the Christmas lights made it really special. We had so much fun! I must admit, we were pretty exhausted by this point.

What a long day! But when you are spending Christmas in NYC, you shouldn’t expect any less!

Skate Rentals vs Bringing Our Own

So I did want to mention one point – we decided to bring our own ice skates along on this trip. When I sat down and calculated the costs of skate rentals for a family of four, at all the places we wanted to go, the cost was pretty high! I’m talking over $200 for the four days!

In comparison, the cost of bringing an extra suitcase (only bringing our total to 2 pieces of luggage – so totally manageable) was only $60. It really was a no-brainer! Having our own comfy, well-maintained skates, for less than half the cost of rentals, made total sense.

7. Macy’s Santaland

Our third day in NYC was going to be a big one… with an early start! First, we headed back to Macy’s to visit Santaland! Christmas in NYC just wouldn’t be complete, without visiting the infamous Macy’s Santa! We got there as soon as the store opened, so the line was pretty short.

What we loved, was that the line takes you through a whole Christmas experience! You have a miniature wonderland, and Santa’s village to walk through, all while waiting your turn to see the Man in Red!

Once the big moment arrives, you are whisked into a room where you actually have time to spend with Santa. Not only did we have our pictures taken, but Santa also took the time to read the letters that the kiddos had written, and talk to them about what they wrote.

What a different experience than the usual “mall Santa” setup! The kids had a blast, making it totally worth getting up early and rushing over to Macy’s. And I am sure that this will be the kids’ favourite memory, from spending Christmas in NYC!

8. Skating at Wollman Rink

After seeing Santa, we headed over to Central Park to do some skating at Wollman Rink ! My favourite movie is Serendipity, so this was a bucket list item for me! It was awesome! I especially enjoyed the view of the city as we glided around the ice.

The rink was perfect, in that it had both indoor and outdoor seating, washrooms and lockers that you can rent. And let’s not forget about the concession stand, where we were able to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate!

The ice was well-maintained and really wasn’t too busy. We skated for about 2 hours before deciding it was time to move on to our next activity.

9. Central Park

We decided to take the kids for a quick walk around Central Park. The kids were on the hunt for the Alice in Wonderland Statue, as well as some of the popular spots where some of their favourite movies were filmed.

As luck would have it, we also came across a pretty nice Christmas Market that was taking place in Central Park, right at Columbus Circle. Christmas in NYC means finding holiday markets all over the city! We probably spent a good hour wandering this one, before everyone began to feel the hunger pangs starting.

No Soup for You!

Just down the street from Columbus Circle, was another bucket list item that we wanted to mark off the list – The SoupMan! Yes… we are Seinfeld fans, so the lure of “NO SOUP FOR YOU!” was pretty strong.

Not to mention, the thought of a good bowl of soup after a chilly morning spent outside skating, was a comforting thought. We were not disappointed! I had the Lobster Bisque, while Hubby tried the Chicken Gumbo, and the kids had Chicken Noodle.

The Soup Man is only set up for take-out, so we took the soups back to our hotel room to enjoy. They were fabulous! Even though they were on the pricier side, we actually ended up going back the next day for seconds!

10. 911 Memorial & Museum

Our last excursion of the day was a visit to the 911 Memorial & Museum . Again, not Christmassy, but this was something I wanted the kids to see. Hubby and I had been to the Memorial a couple of times, but the Museum was something we wanted to see.

The kids took it all in, asked a lot of questions, and were emotional at times, but they never complained of being bored. We spent 2 hours circulating through, allowing the kids to guide us to what caught their eye.

Before leaving, we also spent some time around the reflection pools. It never ceases to amaze me that in the middle of a bustling city like New York, you can hear a pin drop at the Memorial site.

We would definitely recommend a visit to the Museum when in NYC. However, as parents, you need to know how your kids will react, and whether they are old enough to visit. After all, there were some pretty upsetting things to see… as expected.

We used the visit as a teaching moment, and our kids (aged 7 and 9 at the time), were absolutely receptive.

From The 911 Memorial, we headed to Eataly in search of dinner. This was my first time visiting, and I was in awe! I think I spent the better part of an hour wandering through the place, browsing, and taking in all the delicious sights and smells before I could even think about settling on where to eat!

In the end, pizza won out. We enjoyed an amazing meal, but were quick to head down to the gelato shop for our dessert! I was so impressed by the fact that there was a great dairy-free selection!

My choice – one scoop of banana, and one scoop of pumpkin spice!! YUM!! Put a fork in me, I was DONE! Another great day was spent in NYC!

11. Skating at Rockefeller

Our last day in NYC started off early. We had 10:30 am plans to check off a bucket list item of mine – Ice skating at Rockefeller Center! Now, this can get really tricky at this time of the year. It used to be, that unless you pay for the VIP Experience, you could not make reservations to skate.

And seeing as they only allow a small number of skaters on the ice during every 1.5-hour time slot, you can see how it could get crazy very quickly. We were lucky to arrive well before the beginning of the time slot, so there were only a few people in line ahead of us. I was not going to miss out on THIS experience if I was going to spend Christmas in NYC!!

When we got off the ice at noon, however, the line was quite long. And from what I heard, getting a spot in the evening is the most difficult. So keep that in mind if you are looking to skate with the family.

The skating itself was amazing! With just a small number of people on the ice at a time, it was awesome for families because it wasn’t crowded! We were able to take plenty of great photos, have fun skating with the kids, and enjoy the moment!

Pack Some Patience!

The only downside to the experience is the actual change area… it’s TINY! And not only do you have the people getting ready to go on the ice to contend with, but also the people coming off. We ended up grabbing our shoes and perilously walking up the stairs in skates to the street level, just to give us enough room to take off the kid’s skates.

Other than that… I would totally recommend this experience. If you have a little more money to spend, definitely look into the VIP experiences. They come with some pretty great bells and whistles that just might make the event even more memorable.

Update – I noticed that while writing this post, much has changed with the way things are done at Rockefeller. Nowadays, you are able to go online and make your reservations!

I guess this can be a positive thing in some ways… but it may make it even harder to find an open date and time around Christmas! This may require some advance planning!

12. Shopping & 5th Avenue Christmas Windows

With the actual skating checked off the list, we decided to do a little sightseeing in the area, starting off with checking out the LEGO store! Once the kids each picked a souvenir – a Statue of Liberty LEGO figurine of course – we made our way across the street to admire the Christmas windows at Saks 5 th Avenue.

They were amazing! The kids ran from window to window, admiring all the colourful details.

My personal shopping list included a stop a Tiffanys, where Hubby surprised me with a bracelet and snowflake charm! I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but this was something I have been eyeing for years! Who said spending Christmas in NYC with kids had to be ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!!?? LOL.

We pretty much spent the last few hours in the city, enjoying the Christmas windows and displays, and doing a little shopping. What a great adventure! The kids had a blast, and we really enjoyed the hustle and bustle of spending Christmas in NYC!

The one thing we didn’t get around to seeing, was the Christmas Market inside Grand Central Station. I don’t know how I forgot to put that into our itinerary, but it somehow slipped through the cracks. Oh well… next time!

Final thoughts on spending Christmas in NYC with kids

Would we recommend spending Christmas in NYC with kids? Most definitely! It was an amazing experience for all of us! Obviously, the city will be a lot busier than at other times, but it was manageable.

The key is to do your research, plan ahead by making as many reservations as you can, and just pack some extra patience. The lines were long, and places were definitely more crowded.

I’m not sure how things will be this year, but again, do your due diligence and look into everything before making your way to the Big Apple. We can’t wait to go back!

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Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for Pasta Pretzels & Passports. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to 15 countries, including 27 states in the US, and all over their home country of Canada. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do while travelling the world.

New York at Christmas: 3-Day Itinerary with Kids

Friends, happy 2019! December was a whirlwind – a wonderful whirlwind. But it’s so nice to be getting back to a normal routine and to be writing and creating and thinking again. I’m really excited for this year.

But this past Christmas, we packaged it up well with fun activities, and had talked New York at Christmas up the entire month. Our kids are old enough that they totally understood the magic of New York at Christmas and could really picture it, but they’re still young enough that they didn’t pick up on all the hints we were giving, haha. We kept talking about how magical New York is at Christmas, how huge the Rockefeller tree is anytime we saw another big tree, watched clips of the Rockettes and NYC Ballet Nutcracker, etc. So when they found out, they were OVER the moon. It was so fun to watch their reaction.It can be a little overwhelming deciding what to do in New York, especially around the holidays. There is just so much to do! So if you’re wondering what to do in New York at Christmastime, you’re in luck – we loved every minute of our trip and I’m excited to share.

We flew out the day after Christmas (which I would…not recommend. ha.) and spent 3 days in New York before heading down to my parents’ house in DC. We had an early flight so we were sure to take our inflatable leg rests on the plane with us for naps. The kids took their awesome folding travel backpacks which are super lightweight, and each had their own stuffed animals, snacks, water bottle , and an activity or two (T was so excited to pull out his new Mercy Watson book he got for Christmas, and we took a small bag of Click a Bricks and LEGOs. K was very content with her Magic Treehouse book about New York , and N flew through a few of those on the kids’ Kindle Fire  and couldn’t wait to pull out some math challenges with his new  Skilly Billy ).We’ve visited New York a bunch before (especially while living in Philly/DC for 14 years), so we knew of quite a few things, but we also did a few that were new to us that we’d wanted to try for years.

Here’s my version of a perfect 3-day itinerary for New York at Christmastime!

• Ice Skating at Bryant Park
• Bryant Park Holiday Market
• New York Public Library
• Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

• The Met or AMNH
• Levain/Parm
• NYC Ballet Nutcracker
• Shop windows

• Plaza Hotel Eloise breakfast
• NYC Botanical Gardens train show
• Seaglass Carousel & Brooklyn Bridge OR The Cloisters

There are tons of other wonderful things to do at Christmastime and otherwise while in New York, and there’s no way you’ll be able to do them all (especially on a short time frame). But this will definitely put you in a festive mood and invite some Christmas cheer. That said – what did I miss? Any New York Christmas favorites that are must dos for you? Or if NYC feels overwhelming, here are some wonderful small towns to visit for Christmas !

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[…] New York at Christmas: 3-day New York Itinerary with Kids […]

[…] years ago, we did tickets to a show (Cirque du Soleil), the year after that was Disneyland, then a New York trip to do Christmassy things, and last year was a trip to Harry Potter land at Universal […]

[…] museums, shows, food, and more. I absolutely adore visiting New York with kids (we loved this New York Christmastime itinerary) but there’s something really special about visiting footloose and fancy free to do all the […]

[…] American wing or on the rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park in summer, or pay a visit to New York at Christmas for the chance to stroll hand-in-hand past the city’s legendary […]

[…] the American wing or on the rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park in summer, or pay a visit to New York at Christmas for the chance to stroll hand-in-hand past the city’s legendary […]

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Christmas in New York – Mommy Daughter Trip

If you’ve been thinking about a holiday trip to New York City, the idea of Christmas in the city can sound exciting, festive and perhaps even daunting. There’s so much to do and so little time!

Where do you start? What do you plan? Where do you stay?

As a frequent traveler to NYC and mom to two girls who love Christmas in New York, I take pride in putting together fun experiences each time we visit. I also get questions about how I do this and what I choose, so I’m sharing all our trip details and itinerary favorites for anyone interested in planning something similar.

In this post you’ll find our 4-day holiday itinerary, plus logistics including flights, hotels, family friendly tips and more.

Christmas in New York: The Best Time to Visit

The goal of our holiday trips is to experience all the joy and wonder of Christmas in the city so we make sure to plan our dates within the window when decor and festivities are at the peak. The Rockefeller tree typically goes up the last few days of November and this year (2021) the tree lighting ceremony was December 1. To me, that’s kind of the indicator that everything else will be in Christmas mode, so I suggest visiting anytime in December, but personally, I prefer the first or second weekend of December.

That does mean that the city is more crowded with other tourists doing the same thing, but it’s all part of going to a busy place to see something different that our little beach town. The crowds don’t bother me as much because I try to be strategic about where we go and timing of when we visit certain sights, but it’s important to note that people are kind of everywhere during this time.

Christmas in New York: Flying in and Budget Airlines

For the past 3 Christmas trips, we’ve flown Allegiant Airlines from VPS to EWR. I always have questions about this when we go, so let me break down a few pros and cons of flying this way.

Price. The first major pro is that it’s a budget airline and therefore, price is the most appealing detail. I bring my mom or mother-in-law along with the girls and for 4 of us, it’s usually around $600 round-trip. I’ve paid that much and more for a single flight before, so to me that’s a score.

Direct Flight . Traveling with kids can be an adventure itself, so getting to the destination without the hassle of changing flights or potential missed connections is usually the option I’ll choose if I have a choice.

Arrival Time . This does require an early alarm, but I love that Allegiant has an early departure time so that we arrive around lunch time. It gives us time to enjoy the city the same day versus just having a travel day to check in and go to bed.

Ideal Trip Length . The Allegiant schedule for our airport (VPS) is Thursday and Sunday, so we choose between a long weekend or during the week (Sunday – Thursday). For me, 4 days, 3 nights is perfect and I feel like we can squeeze in all the fun things without feeling exhausted or burnt out.

Cancellations / Delays. For our particular airport (VPS), which is tiny, Allegiant has only one flight, so if for any reason there is an issue, delay or the airline cancels, there isn’t another flight that day or possibly even for a few days. It’s a gamble, since air travel is a little chaotic right now, but I’ve never experienced this or had an issue to date. Knock on wood!

Baggage Fees . Allegiant and most budget airlines (even non-budget these days) charge a ton for extra bags. It’s cheapest to book your bag fees when you book your flight, so go ahead and spring for that initially so you don’t end up paying more. It might feel like you’re saving at first, but it can add up. Allegiant allows an individual personal item for each person free, then charges for carryons and checked bags.

Pro Tip. I like to have each person carry their own backpack or small bag with an outfit, in-flight entertainment and anything else that might fit, then I check one large luggage piece with everything else and we don’t pay for carryons. We also wear our biggest coats on the plane even though it’s often 65/70 degrees in Florida when we leave, but could be 30 when we land. It cuts down on packing space.

If budget airlines are not your thing and you prefer to fly Delta, use points, etc., there are other options of course, just not typically non-stop and not typically $600 for 4 people.

For more family travel posts, click here.

Where to Stay for Christmas in New York

Over the years, I’ve stayed in a range of hotels and areas of Manhattan — Chelsea for Fashion Week, UES visiting friends, Soho and the East Village for a cool experience. They’re all fun in their own way, but for our Christmas trips, I prefer to stay in walking distance to the majority of our activities, somewhere between Rockefeller Center and Central Park.

This trip, we opted for Park Central Hotel and I absolutely loved it. The location was truly perfect and really cut down on Uber rides because we walked to almost everything. It’s a 4-star hotel so not quite The Plaza, but it was very clean, comfortable and felt like home for our trip.

Other suggestions: The Dream Midtown (stayed here a few years back and loved it – great rooftop spot and Serafina restaurant downstairs), WestHouse (next to Park Central) or Sixty Soho (if you really prefer Soho area).

Our 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

Because so many of you asked for a list of NYC recommendations and how to plan a trip like this, I’m probably oversharing the specifics, but this gives you an idea of what you can fit into this timeframe. Feel free to copy this exactly or pick and choose things you like and mix in your own itinerary items.

I also share the timeline of when to plan this as far out as 6 months.

Day 1 Thursday

6-11:00 AM Fly in via Allegiant, arrive at Newark (EWR) and Uber to hotel.

11:30 AM Drop bags at hotel and walk to Black Tap Midtown for burgers and shakes. This is the girls first request every time and I think the giant milkshakes have a little something to do with it.

1:00 PM Wander down 5th Avenue and Park Avenue, browsing department store windows, hotel decor and all the city sights. Bergdorf, Saks and hotels like the St Regis are always fabulous.

3:00 PM Early check-in, Park Central Hotel . Time to freshen up! This location is convenient because it’s walking distance to so much and makes changing clothes or popping in super easy.

4:30 PM Walk to Radio City Music Hall for 5:00 PM The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular  show. It doesn’t feel like Christmas in New York without seeing this and I love to book it on the first night. The level of talent in this show is incredible and the first time I saw it, I actually cried a little. I didn’t expect such a nostalgic and spiritual element and it was moving. Highly recommend. You don’t have to dress up, but it’s fun for the girls to put on a little sparkle and a nice coat for the event. It makes it feel that much more special.

6:30 PM Walk to Rockefeller Center to see the tree at night. Other nearby decor and photo ops are the tree at Lotte New York Palace , Saks Fifth Avenue lights and the Cartier building .

7:00 PM Order in dinner via Uber Eats, Door Dash etc. The possibilities are endless and after a long travel day, this is the perfect time to skip the in-person dining and opt for pajamas and an early bedtime.

Day 2 Friday

7:30 AM Coffee, hot chocolate and pastries for breakfast. We love the Ralph’s Coffee pop-up truck in Rockefeller Center or Lodi , the cute little spot right across from the Today Show.

8:00 AM Ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center . Another major Christmas in New York moment! I like that this is a smaller rink because we are Floridians, not pro skaters and it takes forever to make a circle around with a little kid. You can book your hour of skating ahead of time and a ticket guarantees your spot on the ice on the date and time you select. If you wait to buy a ticket on-site, you’ll have to wait in a long line and risk it selling out for the day. It’s so easy to book ahead, then print your tickets or download to scan from your phone. Lockers are free to store shoes and purses while you’re on the ice, but if you have a stroller, you’ll have to stow it.

9:30 AM FAO Schwartz visit. If you’ve been to the awesome toy stores on 30A like Duckie’s, Gigi’s and Seaside Kids, FAO Schwartz might not be that impressive in terms of their merch. It is practically a rite of passage for kids and mine love it so we make a run through and let them pick a toy. Pro tip: go up to the second floor window for a gorgeous view of Rockefeller Center and the tree in all its glory.

10:30 AM Top of the Rock view or NBC Studio Tour. Since you’re already at Rockefeller Center, might as well add one of these in. The view from the top is gorgeous and you can see the city in all directions. Sunset is a popular time to visit for pretty skies, but it can get crowded so morning is my pick with kids. It’s been awhile since I’ve done the studio tour and it wasn’t available this year, but I would love to take the girls to see behind the scenes.

12:30 PM Tavern on the Green reservation via OpenTable. This is definitely a more upscale choice for kids, but it’s one of those places you just have to try at least once. Love the salmon burger.

2:00 PM Walk back through Central Park toward the hotel. After eating way too much, we wandered toward 5th avenue, seeing the Central Park Carousel, Wllman Rink, Gapstow Bridge and The Plaza Hotel. If you have time or interest to see more of Central Park like the Bow Bridge, Central Park Zoo, the Met or grabbing a treat at Laduree, it’s all amazing, but by this time my crew is a little tired.

3-7:00 PM Nap time and dinner.

8:00 PM Aladdin on Broadway . We walked here from the hotel and it was fine, but it also can be one of the busiest, craziest places with packed sidewalks and overstimulation. With kids, it’s probably better to Uber to the door of the theatre if that feels like too much. We absolutely loved Aladdin and it was a highlight of the trip. The music, performances and sets were just so good and I actually had to Google how they pulled off the last scene. Highly recommend this as well as The Lion King for kids Broadway shows.

Day 3, Saturday

08:00 AM Uber to Bubby’s Tribeca for brunch. This is always a hit and such a delicious spot. It gets busy later in the morning and they don’t take reservations for brunch, so it’s worth waking up early for.  Fun fact: this is also a block away from the Ghostbusters fire house , which is a neat thing to see because it’s a real, functioning fire department.

9:30 AM Explore the Financial District . Walk south toward Oculus Viewing Deck, Freedom Tower, Wall Street and a view of the Statue of Liberty. The Seaglass Carousel looks so cute but wasn’t open when we were nearby.

11:30 AM Explore Soho and the Village . Uber or walk back toward Tribeca and Soho. By now shops are open and there is so much to see and explore. A few favorite spots to wander in or just window shop are Sezane , Hill House , Tiny’s , Little Owl (aka the Friends apartment exterior ).

For coffee and snacks, check out:

• Felix Roasting Co. (cute coffee shop above)
• Cha Cha Matcha
• Dominique Ansel Bakery
• Magnolia Bakery

Depending on how much shopping and sight-seeing you want to do, this could take 2 hours or become a full day. I suggest pausing for lunch, then shop til you drop with a full belly.

1:00 PM Lunch. We grabbed a few quick slices at Village Pizza, but other suggestions are:

• John’s on Bleecker
• The Butcher’s Daughter
• Jacks Wife Freda
• Ruby’s
• Sadelle’s
• Rosemary’s

3:00 PM Explore Union Square. There’s a cute holiday market pop up here, which is fun to browse. If you’re freezing and ready for a pick-me-up, grab a hot chocolate at Max Brenner .

5:00 PM Uber to the hotel.

6:30 PM Dinner. Order in Uber Eats / DoorDash. While I usually plan more dinners out, since this was our first Christmas in New York after COVID, I wanted to be cautious and do a few more meals in that we normally would. Plus, after lots of stroller-free walking, everyone’s legs were tired and ready for some R&R at the hotel.

If you’re up for dinner out, here are a few on my list, most require reservations:

• Beauty & Essex
• abc Kitchen or abc Cucina
• Carbone if you’re feelin fancy

Sunday Dec 12

6:30 AM Uber to the Brooklyn Bridge with a quick bite from the hotel Starbucks. This stop is really unnecessary unless you just want the photo op like I did, but I like to squeeze in a lot and had never stopped here.

7:30 AM Leave for airport

10:30 AM – 1:00 PM   Fly home

When to Start Planning Christmas in New York

For a holiday trip NYC with kids, I’ve planned this trip in advance and I’ve also winged it and gone last minute, adding it whatever activities and reservations I can. My preference is to start early and book your key details ahead. There’s a lot you can fill in later, but the essentials are, well… essential.

6-9 Months Out (spring/summer) :

Book flights if possible, especially if flying Allegiant as seats are extremely limited.

Book hotel for the best rate and room selection. Prices go up quickly as the date approaches.

3-6 Months Out (summer/early fall) :

Book Broadway shows and Rockettes tickets.

Book skating at Rockefeller Center , Bryant Park or Wollman Rink.

2-4 weeks out :

Book restaurant reservations.

I love taking the girls to experience Christmas in New York. We missed it so much last year and are happy to be back again, even if things are still getting “back to normal.” It’s a treat to be able to come here and a trip that I look forward to all year long. I hope they remember these moments for years to come.

For even more family travel and past trips, check out 30A Mama Travel posts here.

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Christmas 2024 - New York City Forum

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Hi there just looking some help please , we are heading over to new York on the 15th of December till the 22th of December and staying in the New Yorker hotel , we are a family of 3 two adults and one child aged 11 I was just wondering if anybody can recommend any outdoor dinning pods/ igloos that can be booked in advance please ? And are child friendly please ? Thank you .

3 replies to this topic

https://bryantpark.org/activities/cozy-igloos

And I think we can expect the Arlo SoHo hotel will again have these cute little cabins in their courtyard:

https://untappedcities.com/2020/02/26/transport-to-the-swiss-alps-in-ski-chalets-at-apres-arlo-in-soho/

In the Village:

https://www.lalanterna.nyc

https://www.industry-kitchen.com

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Prince Harry sets May trip to London as cancer-stricken King Charles announces return to duties

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Prince Harry will return to London in May after King Charles III announced he’ll be resuming his royal duties amid his cancer diagnosis , Page Six can confirm.

The Duke of Sussex will stop in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games on May 8, according to BBC.

Harry –– who founded the annual multi-sport event –– is scheduled to attend a “service of thanksgiving” and give a reading with Damian Lewis at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, per the outlet.

A spokesperson told the outlet that the tenth anniversary ceremony will celebrate “a decade of changing lives and saving lives through sport.”

It’s unclear if Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, will stand alongside him or if he’ll be attending solo.

The spokesperson also didn’t clarify if Harry, 39, will spend any time with his father or brother, Prince William, in his first visit to the United Kingdom since flying to see his dad after the King’s cancer diagnosis in February .

Harry and Markle, 42, have only visited Harry’s former homeland a handful of times since quitting their royal duties in 2020.

After London, both Harry and Meghan will jet off to Nigeria as guests of the Chief of Defense Staff, Page Six can confirm.

Meghan and Harry will reportedly meet with various service members and “take part in a variety of cultural activities,” according to People .

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Similar to his London visit, the Nigerian trip will also center around the Invictus Games and their inclusion of the country last year.

“The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s strong hold at the game and the possibility of hosting the event in later years,” the Acting Director of Defence Information said in a statement.

The country holds a special place in the Harry and Markle’s hearts, as he revealed in 2022 that she was 43 percent Nigerian.

“Now, I’m not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,” he said at the games last year.

Harry last flew out to London to check on King Charles, 75, after the King shared he was diagnosed with an undisclosed kind of cancer in February.

More must-see royals coverage:

• How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met
• Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timeline
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On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch would return to his public duties with his wife, Queen Camilla, amid his ongoing battle.

“To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” they shared in a statement.

Meanwhile, Prince William’s wife, Kate Middleton, announced last month that she was  diagnosed with cancer  and was preparing to begin preventative chemotherapy.

“In January, I  underwent major abdominal surgery  in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said in a video.

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Duke and Duchess of Sussex to visit Nigeria in May after Meghan learnt of her heritage

The country expresses its ‘honour and delight’ at the visit which is linked to the Invictus Games

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to make a joint trip to Nigeria in May 2024, it has been confirmed.

The country’s defence headquarters expressed its “honour and delight” that the Sussexes had accepted an invitation for a visit. They are expected to meet military servicemen and women and be hosted at an “array of cultural activities” for a trip linked to the Invictus Games .

On Sunday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau published a letter in which he said the visit would “consolidate Nigeria’s strong hold” of the games, as well as the “possibility of hosting the event [in] later years”.

Further details will be confirmed by the Sussexes’ office nearer the time.

Nigerian Misan Harriman , the couple’s friend and favoured photographer, acknowledged the news on X, formerly Twitter, with a heart and flag emoji, raising speculation that he may travel with them to capture the trip.

Prince Harry is travelling to London to take part in a 10th anniversary service for the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8. Meghan is not thought to be attending.

‘43 per cent Nigerian’

In 2022, the Duchess told her podcast listeners that she had recently discovered she was “43 per cent Nigerian” after doing a genealogy test.

At the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany , the Duke made reference to the link as he hailed Nigeria – along with Colombia and Israel – for sending its first delegation to the games for injured, sick and wounded veterans.

“Now, I’m not saying we play favourites in our home, but since my wife discovered she is of Nigerian descent , it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,” he said.

It will be one of few overseas tours the couple have done since leaving the Royal family. In January 2024 they visited Jamaica for the premiere of the Bob Marley film One Love, and they undertook what was described as a quasi-royal tour to New York in September 2021.

They have also appeared at Invictus Games events in the Netherlands and, most recently, Canada. The Duchess has not travelled to the UK since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

The King and Queen, then the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, last visited Commonwealth country Nigeria in 2018.

• Meghan Markle,
• Duke of Sussex,
• Duchess of Sussex,
• Invictus Games,
• Prince Harry
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