Christmas in New York City (20 Magical Things to Do +5 to Avoid) (2024)

Spoiler Alert: Celebrating Christmas in New York City is just as magical as you imagine.

Dazzling window displays, aromatic Christmas markets, elaborately decorated restaurants and breathtaking Christmas trees, there’s nothing like experiencing New York City during the holidays firsthand. It’s truly the most magical time of year!

As a longtime local, I’d like to share my personal list of iconic things to do in New York City during Christmas to make your trip planning easier. Let’s dive in!

Note from Antonina about 2024 Christmas Itineraries: Some of you have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year. Sadly, I won’t have the time to make those this year (pregnancy, I tell you), so instead I’m offering the personalized 4 Day Itinerary I created for my own family and friends.

It’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss if you’re visiting NYC for four days (in addition to personalized restaurant recommendations).

It took me five years to perfect the guide but I think it will help you make the most use of your time in the city.

Due to limited time and energy (naps are a daily occurrence around here now!) I’m limiting the guide to 50 sales so that I can personally address snafus and answer questions. As of September 2, 2024 there are 18 guides remaining. You can find more information here.

Celebrating Christmas in New York City

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Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on. Don’t have time?Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Of the dozen ice skating rinks open for the season, there’s one you can’t afford to miss: the Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Found in the southern end of the park, the stunning Manhattan skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop while classic Christmas tunes serenade chipper ice skaters. The entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.

Local’s Recommendation: Ice skating at Wollman Rink is high on everyone’s New York City Christmas Bucket List. I suggest visiting during a weekday and arriving early to avoid mind-boggling crowds.

Details: Open late October through early April, tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person (cash-only). Admission: Adults: $37 | Children (12 and under): $10 | Skate rentals: $11.

Admire the Window Displays on 5th Avenue

Every December the luxury department stores along Fifth Avenue unveil impressive window displays and turn the popular shopping corridor into a runway of holiday spirit. Meticulously crafted, the displays take up to a year to design (Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue have the prettiest displays in my opinion).

Themes vary by year, but they’re always festive and tailored around winter wonderland vibes. Drawing millions of visitors during the holidays, this is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in New York City at Christmas, so brace for crowds.

You Might Enjoy Reading: 10 Wonderful Window Displays in New York City (Local’s Guide)

See the Epic Rockefeller Christmas Tree

A tradition dating back to 1933, the magnificent Rockefeller Christmas Tree soars to heights of 75 feet and gets adorned with more than five miles of lights. Crowned with a breathtaking 9-foot Swarovski star composed of three million crystals, the tree’s lighting ceremony heralds the start of the Christmas season in New York City.

My advice is to visit as early as possible (like first thing in the morning) because the crowds get very intense at this popular New York City holiday attraction. But not without reason, seeing this masterpiece firsthand is an unforgettable experience!

You may enjoy reading: Visiting the Rockefeller Center at Christmas (10 Things to Do)

Catch the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show

Of all the impressive lights you’re bound to see while celebrating the holidays in New York City, nothing tops the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show. The elaborate display and synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, dazzling children and adults alike.

Details: The light show starts at 5pm and runs in 10-minute intervals until 11pm. Each show lasts 3 minutes (featuring 2-4 popular Christmas songs), followed by a five minute break.

Visit the Holiday Market at Bryant Park

One of my personal favorite things to do in New York City at Christmas is explore the holiday market at Bryant Park. A popular destination year-round, there’s something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.

You’ll find fun Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, unique jewelry and lots of good food. Grab a hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed (my favorite hot chocolate in the city) as you make your way around the liveliest Christmas market in New York City.

The best part? The 17,000-square-foot skating rink, which is free to use but skate rentals run $20-$36 per person.

You Might Enjoy Reading: 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City

Enjoy a Meal at a Decked Out Restaurant

You can’t visit NYC during the holidays without popping into a Christmas-decorated restaurant at least once. Of all the fun restaurants on offer, two stick out.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: An ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out in true New York holiday spirit. Think shiny garlands, life-sized nutcrackers and an obnoxious number of decorated trees.

Oscar Wilde offers a great balance between vibe and quality. The lavish holiday decor creates a unique over-the-top festive ambiance. The food isn’t bad either. You’ll find an extensive collection of whiskeys and craft co*cktails, perfect for slowing down the busy holiday season in NYC.

Local’s Advice: Most decorated restaurants are tourist traps, here’s a roundup of the best Christmas-themed restaurants in NYC (based on first hand experience).

Visit Macy’s at Herald Square

Macy’s at Herald Square is famous for hosting the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2.5 million square foot store transforms into a dizzying Christmas wonderland. The stunning window displays alone (a tradition dating back to 1889), draw more than 15,000 visitors an hour during peak times.

Decked to the nines, pop in to see all 11 floors decorated in different holiday themes. In my opinion, visiting Macy’s at Herald Square is non-negotiable for anyone keen on seeing iconic Christmas attractions in New York City.

Enjoy The Nutcracker Ballet

Experiencing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a timeless NYC holiday tradition many locals consider sacred. The enchanting production brings Tchaikovsky’s classic score to life with exquisite choreography, lavish sets and elaborate costumes.

I must admit, prior to attending, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the performance enough to justify the steep price tag (tickets clock in at $200 per person!). However, when my mom visited during my first Christmas in New York City, I knew we had to go.

The two hour performance blew me away, it was worth every penny! I enjoyed it so much, it became an annual tradition for my husband and me (and now with a baby on the way, we’re excited to add a plus one to the mix).

Local’s Advice: The Nutcracker is the most popular Christmas show in NYC, so tickets sell out quickly. Prioritize this if your budget allows because it’s an unforgettable addition to your New York City Christmas itinerary, the performance is magical.

Visit the Union Square Holiday Market

The smell of roasting nuts and hot apple cider wafts through the air as eager crowds elbow their way from one cozy stall to the next. No proper New York City Christmas Bucket List is complete without a visit to the Union Square Holiday Market.

Hosting 150 vendors, this is the largest holiday market in NYC so it can get overwhelming if you show up without a game plan! Try to avoid the busiest times, which are weekends and weekdays after 5pm. But any way you slice it, if you’re looking for a true New York City Christmas experience then you simply can’t miss it. Plus, it’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs.

Catch the Christmas Concert at St. John the Divine

Founded in 1892, St. John the Divine is the fifth largest church in the world. The monolithic structure’s soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass windows play host to the most beautiful Christmas concert in NYC, called “Joy of Christmas”.

The orchestra and choir envelop concert goers with Christmas carols sung in symphonic splendor. The two hour performance takes place once a year (typically mid-December), so tickets are pretty hard to score.

However, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City. If interested, keep an eye on the official website for tickets.

Imbibe at the Best Bar in the World

Caffe Dante dates back to 1915, when the bar served as a neighborhood haunt before slowly fading into oblivion. In 2015, two clever Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution and the end result was striking.

Within four years of re-opening, Dante was named the best bar in the world. The menu is well curated with small fare, but it’s the expertly-crafted co*cktails that draw the local crowd. Scoring reservations won’t be an easy feat, but the effort is worthwhile.

Enjoying proper martinis while decompressing from the city’s hectic pace is one of the most romantic things to do in New York City during the holidays.

Better still, pop in for the daily happy hour (from 3-5pm) when generously-poured martinis go for $10 at Dante West Village (on Hudson Street) and negronis clock in at $10 at Dante NYC (on MacDougal Street).

You Might Enjoy Reading: 15 Festive Holiday Pop Up Bars Everyone Should Try

See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show

The talented Rockettes have been performing at Radio City Music Hall since 1930. It’s hard to think of a more iconic holiday tradition in New York City at this point. Expert choreography coupled with wildly talented dancers performing gravity-defying kicks, the 90-minute performance is guaranteed to impress even the staunchest critic.

I highly recommend catching the performance if you’re visiting New York City during the holidays with kids. I took my 4-year-old niece to see the show last year and she raves about it to this day.

See the Holidays Decorations in the West Village

Sometimes you need a break from mind-boggling crowds and bright lights. When that feeling strikes, I suggest making a beeline for the West Village.

In my opinion, the West Village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple. It’s a joy to explore year-round, but nothing tops the holidays when the lavish brownstones don their most festive Christmas decor.

Better still, there’s a ton of endearing corner cafes to grab warm drinks while soaking in the holiday spirit. Admire the brownstones, pop into local shops, peak at elaborate window displays or wander the pretty streets aimlessly. If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in New York City during Christmas, this gets my vote.

Further Reading: 20 Exciting Things to Do in the Charming West Village

Catch the Holiday Nostalgia Train

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a vintage 1930 train pull up in front of me while I awaited the subway. I mean, hopping aboard a vintage train wasn’t on my bingo card when I popped into the subway!

Turns out I was privy to one of the most whimsical holiday traditions in NYC, a ride on the Holiday Nostalgia Train.

During select weekends in December, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to travel back in time by running vintage trains on the F line.

My favorite thing about this unique New York City Christmas experience is that it doesn’t cost anything more than standard subway fare. Helpful details and more information can be found here.

Enjoy a Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise

What better way to soak in the holiday spirit than aboard a 1920s yacht gliding past Manhattan’s most iconic skyscrapers? You’ll be cozily tucked inside a heated observatory decked out with holiday decor and Christmas music. Beer, wine, Champagne and hot beverages are available for sale as well.

Explore Central Park

It seldom snows during Christmas in New York City, but if you notice snow in the forecast, make Central Park your top priority. Central Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.

If you’re solo, pop in some headphones and let the Christmas music roll while you stroll meandering paths, it’s a very peaceful experience. If you’d like to go the extra mile, make reservations at the beautifully-decorated Tavern on the Green for lunch or dinner (the food is surprisingly good considering the prime location!).

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Nestled at the southwest entrance of Central Park, wandering through the Columbus Circle Holiday Market feels like stepping foot in a Hallmark movie. The open-air market offers tons of handcrafted goods, from jewelry and artwork to gourmet holiday treats and delicious hot chocolate. It’s a great spot to stock up on souvenirs!

Try Some Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity

There’s no shortage of great holiday treats to enjoy while visiting New York City for Christmas. One of my personal favorites is the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (not a typo) from Serendipity.

Dating back to 1954, this iconic establishment was a frequent hangout for celebrities like Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe and Joan Rivers. Heck, Jackie Kennedy once tried to buy the trademarked frozen hot chocolate recipe for a party at the White House.

Some locals would call this a tourist attraction, but I still enjoy it enough to recommend it to my own family and friends. Between you and me, it doesn’t feel like Christmas in New York without one of these treats, indulge away!

Visiting New York City for Christmas with Kids

Holiday Decorations at Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is a shopping mall adjacent to the infamous Vessel, a honeycomb structure now closed to the public. Home to high-end shops and restaurants, the mall is worth a detour at Christmas because it’s decked out with over two million Christmas lights. It’s one of my favorite things to do in New York City during the holidays with kids!

Bronx Zoo Light Show

During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays. Pick up some hot chocolate or s’mores before embarking on this epic adventure. Good to know: At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit!

Peter & the Wolf at the Guggenheim

An annual tradition for many NYC families, watch Isaac Mizrahi narrate and direct the beloved children’s classic Peter & the Wolf at the Guggenheim Museum. The cast dons Mizrahi’s costumes while Carnegie Hall’s ensemble brings to life the 30-minute story of a young boy living in the Russian wilderness.

It’s the perfect way to spend Christmas in New York City with kids! Purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale because the limited event is known to sell out (you can score 2024 tickets here).

The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden

The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a classic NYC Christmas activity for families. Kids and adults alike are enthralled by the monolithic display of trains running through iconic NYC skyscrapers. Don’t have kids? Visit during adult-only bar nights for an experience you soon won’t forget.

Visiting New York City at Christmas? A Few Things to Avoid

#1. Rolf’s for a Christmas Meal

Okay, I can already envision the hate mail getting stamped, but hear me out. Experiencing the jaw-dropping decor at Rolf’s is considered a must-do New York City Christmas experience for first time visitors, but I think you can skip it without feeling guilty.

I visited last year and felt completely ripped off. Don’t get me wrong, this restaurant has some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City, but the food is way too expensive and below average at best.

Plus the wait to get inside is obnoxiously long because they don’t take reservations. I can think of so many other things I would rather do during Christmas in NYC than spend up to 2 hours waiting for mediocre food.So yeah, consider this an easy thing to avoid while visiting New York City during Christmas.

#2. New Years Eve at Times Square

Listen, I grew up watching the ball drop at Time Square like everyone else. But I’ll tell you something all locals know: Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square is like getting front row seats to hell.

First, the crowds absolutely suck the joy out of the event. Participants get gated into the main area and bathrooms are non-existent, so much so that some people wear adult diapers to the event. Hard pass.

Second, the frigid temperatures and duration of the event make it unbearable. You’ll be standing for hours in the cold and crowded streets. It’s simply not worth it, just watch the event from the comfort of your warm home. You won’t be missing much.

#3. Seeing the Rockefeller Tree on the Weekends

Seeing the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a must-do during Christmas in New York City, make no mistake about it. But I strongly recommend you avoid visiting during weekends. It’s estimated that 750,000 people visit the tree each day during the weekends.

I made the mistake of visiting during the weekends and found myself corralled (by police officers and barricades) in a massive crowd of people. I instantly regretted my decision to visit because the entire experience made me feel claustrophobic, and I’m not even claustrophobic to begin with!

#4. The Grand Central Holiday Market

My friend suggested I visit the Grand Central Holiday Market last Christmas and I’m sorry to report I found it disappointing. To me, the market was full of overpriced vendors and felt like a tourist trap. With so many great holiday markets to choose one, I don’t recommend making a detour for this one.

The only perk to the Grand Central Holiday Market is that it’s indoors, which makes it a great escape from the cold. But apart from that, it’s an easy pass in my book.

#5. Carriage Ride in Central Park

The way Central Park horses are treated is questionable at best, which is why I don’t recommend taking a carriage ride through Central Park while visiting New York City for Christmas. Take a lovely stroll through the park or hop aboard a city bike instead.

Quick Word on Visiting NYC During the Holidays

There’s no sense in sugarcoating it, NYC gets cold in December. Average daily temperatures hover around 44°F but the windchill makes it feel so much colder. I’m typically bundled up in three layers (long sleeve shirt, sweater and coat).

Make sure to pack a warm down coat, high-quality gloves, cashmere hat and comfortable walking shoes. Also, these bad boys don’t hurt (I never leave the house without them during the holiday season in New York).

Snow isn’t guaranteed during Christmas, but it’s not unheard of either. I’ve lived in New York City five years and have only experience a white Christmas once. As long as you adequately prepare for large crowds and cold weather, you’re bound to have a good time in NYC during the holidays.

List of Things to Do During Christmas in New York City (Post Summary)

1. Ice skating at Wollman Rink
2. Bryant Park Winter Village & Ice Skating
3. Walk down 5th Avenue
4. Bronx Zoo Light Show
5. See the Rockefeller Tree
6. Saks Fifth Avenue Lightshow
7. Union Square Holiday Market
8. See the Nutcracker
9. The Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City Music Hall
10. Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity
11. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
12. Central Park in the Snow
13. Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise
14. The Holiday Nostalgia Train
15. Stroll the West Village in the snow
16. Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
17. Peter & the Wolf at Guggenheim
18. The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
19. Macy’s Santaland
20. Take in the city views from the ferry
21. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
22. Christmas Concert at St. John the Divine

New York City Christmas Itinerary Planning Map

And there you have it, my personal list of the best things to do in NYC during the holidays. Feel free to ask questions and/or leave a comment below, it’s always nice to hear from you!

New York City Christmas Guides

• Christmas Desserts: 10 Holiday Treats Everyone Must Try
• Ice Skating NYC: 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City
• Christmas Restaurants NYC: 10 Epic Christmas Restaurants in New York City
• NYC Christmas Trees: 15 Captivating Christmas Trees in New York City
• Christmas Markets: 15 Festive Christmas Markets in New York City
• Christmas Pop Up Markets: 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City
• Rockefeller City Christmas: 10 Festive Things to Do at Rockefeller Center at Christmas