New York City during Christmas is pure magic. From twinkling lights and famous trees to holiday markets and seasonal shows, there’s no better place to soak up holiday cheer. Here’s what to do to make the most of NYC at Christmas including my favorite classic sights and festive local experiences. After all, it’s beautiful in the city at Christmas!
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See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-famous holiday symbol in New York City. Typically a Norway Spruce, it stands 70 to 100 feet tall and is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski crystal star. The tree lighting ceremony, held after Thanksgiving, draws huge crowds and is broadcast nationwide, marking NYC’s official holiday season start.
You absolutely need to visit the Xmas tree. Admire it lit up at night, watch skaters at the iconic rink, and snap photos of the surrounding Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show across the street. But be prepared – it’s going to be crowded and chaotic, any time of the day.
Planning a Thanksgiving trip to see the Macy’s period? Read this post on Planning a fall trip to Manhattan today!
Go Ice Skating at Iconic Rinks
New York City offers iconic ice skating rinks each winter. Rockefeller Center’s rink is world-famous but small and pricey. Bryant Park’s Winter Village rink is free if you bring skates plus it has an old world charm. Wollman Rink in Central Park provides scenic skyline views. For locals, Lasker Rink (also in Central Park) and the Rink at Brookfield Place are popular alternatives. Whichever rink you choose, purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid lines.
Wander NYC’s Best Holiday Markets
New York’s Christmas holiday markets are must-visits for seasonal shopping and festive cheer. Top picks include Bryant Park Winter Village with free ice skating and 180+ vendors, Union Square Holiday Market offering handmade gifts and local crafts, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market near Central Park. Grand Central’s indoor Holiday Fair is ideal for escaping winter weather while shopping for unique finds.
Marvel at Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn are New York City’s most extravagant residential holiday displays. From late November through early January, homeowners transform their houses with life-size Santas, glowing reindeer, and elaborate light shows featuring thousands of lights.
Located between 11th and 13th Avenues, 83rd to 86th Streets, the neighborhood attracts thousands of visitors. Take the subway to Brooklyn or book a guided tour to see these mind-blowing Christmas lights. Best part? No admission fee if you walk up and down the streets on your own!
Also Read: Top 10 Christmas vacations in USA
Visit Iconic Store Window Displays
Don’t miss the festive window displays at Macy’s Herald Square, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s. These legendary windows are worth the crowds after all, they’re an NYC holiday tradition. I especially love Bergdorf’s – they are intricate and full of imagination.
See a Christmas Show
New York’s Christmas shows are legendary. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes, runs at Radio City Music Hall and features precision dancing and festive scenes. The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, showcases Tchaikovsky’s classic score and stunning choreography. Both sell out quickly, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Stroll Central Park in Winter
Bundle up and explore Central Park’s winter beauty on snow-covered paths and frozen ponds, including Conservatory Water. Cross the graceful Bow Bridge and linger at Bethesda Terrace Arcade. Warm up inside the historic Loeb Boathouse and stroll the Mall and Literary Walk lined with stately American elms.
Explore Gingerbread House Displays
Head to the annual Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off at the Museum of the City of New York or check out incredible gingerbread houses at local bakeries like Dominique Ansel and Bouchon Bakery. Gingerbread Lane at Chelsea or Essex Market are also pretty amazing.
Sip Hot Chocolate at NYC’s Best Spots
New York City’s best hot chocolate spots include Jacques Torres for rich, classic cocoa, Angelina Paris for Parisian-style sipping chocolate, and Serendipity 3 for its famous frozen hot chocolate. City Bakery (when open) is beloved for thick, decadent hot chocolate topped with giant homemade marshmallows. Locals also swear by Dominique Ansel’s blooming marshmallow hot chocolate in Soho.
Admire Holiday Trees Beyond Rockefeller
See the stunning tree at the MET’s Medieval Sculpture Hall, the origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History, and the beautiful Christmas tree at the New York Public Library’s Astor Hall.
Visit the Grand Central Terminal at Christmastime
Escape the cold at the Grand Central Holiday Fair. While there, look up at the starry celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse and snap a holiday photo under the iconic clock. The building is an iconic landmark and even more beautiful when decorated for the holidays. Looking for a hidden gem? In the transit museum annex, they have a scaled model railroad that is all lit up for Christmas!
New York City at Christmas is busy but unforgettable. Go for the lights, the traditions, and the once-a-year extraordinary magic. Dress warm as NYC gets cold and busy. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends for markets and trees. Reserve show tickets early. And have a Merry Christmas!