Best Things To Do In New York At Christmas

We think Christmas is the best time to visit New York. Why? Because it’s when the city is at its most magical and there’s undoubtedly a festive buzz in the air. We’re also pretty sure most of those big movies you’ve seen were shot when New York was a glow in all its festive wonder! If you’re willing to be in New York on Christmas Day you can grab a bargain hotel rate as the prices drop dramatically from the 23rd to 27th of December. On top of this Christmas Day morning is probably the only time you could take a crowd free picture next to one of the city’s famous landmarks.

Best Things To Do In New York At Christmas

It doesn’t matter where you are in New York at Christmas, the seasonal yuletide and festive magic can be experienced all throughout this famous city!

The echos of choirs can be heard around the city, there’s festively decorated horse carriages passing through Central Park, and lone musicians playing a plethora of holiday classics on their instruments. The festive cheer can be seen on every street corner, there’s giant Christmas decks, baubles and lights, elaborately decorated shop fronts, as well as festive wreaths projecting from the many windows and archways. You can browse the Christmas markets, see a festive show, skate on the ice rinks and there’s just a general sense of holiday cheer among the fellow New Yorkers.

Christmas Activities In New York

Rockefeller Centre

On obvious choice, but an absolute must-do is visiting the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree. It can get a little crowded, but it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit. You can soak up the atmosphere while watching people skating on the ice rink, just below the huge, elaborately decorated Christmas tree.

This official Christmas Tree tradition started when the Rockefeller Centre opened in 1933 and it quickly became the centre of festive cheer around the city. An ice rink was opened a few years later in 1936 and to this day the tradition has continued. In the past many of the trees were donated to the Rockefeller Centre, but today the tree is scouted by the head gardener at the Rockefeller Centre. The tree is typically a Norway spruce that stands anywhere between 70 to 100 feet tall and is decorated with no less than 50,000 LED lights. In 2004 a 9.5 foot wide Swarovski Star was placed on the tree for the first time, the star features 25,000 crystals and one million facets — wow!

The tree lighting ceremony is usually around the end of November and it stays lit and on display until the 7th of January. The tree is illuminated daily from 5:30 am till midnight, with the exception of Christmas Day where it stays lit for 24 hours.

If you want to feel as though you’ve stepped directly into a New York Christmas movie then seeing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is one of the best things to do in New York at Christmas.

If you get up early on Christmas Day head to Rockefeller Centre first to get a Christmasy shot without anyone else in the photo – it was such a great way to start Christmas morning!

Macy’s Elaborate Santaland

To make the kids day visit Santa on the eighth floor of Macy’s Herald Square. There is a 13,000 square foot holiday-themed display that will make you feel like you have been transported to the North Pole. (Think of the film Elf and you’ll know what we mean!) You’ll find decorated Christmas trees, reindeer, sparkling lights and singing snowmen which means the wait in line to see the man himself will get the kids even more excited to see him!

The kids will get the full Santa experience once they’ve made their way to the front – they can sit on his lap, tell him how good they’ve been this year and all about what Christmas gifts are on their wish list! A professional photographer is on hand to get the perfect shot to purchase or you can snap away yourself to get some treasured photos of this magical Christmas moment.

It’s free to visit, but reservations must be booked in advance online or over the phone as this is the only way to get a spot in line. Macy’s Santaland opens in late November through to Christmas Eve and you can book a reservation for anytime during regular store hours.

Little Italy

Head down to Little Italy for a little festive cheer and an experience that’s not in the guide books. The area is festively decorated and there are plenty of cute shops and restaurants to explore. There’s even a shop called Christmas In New York which sells everything Christmas related and it’s actually open all year round!

New York Botanical Holiday Train Show

Head on over to the New York Botanical Gardens for one of the most loved New York Holidays Traditions.

Here you can see model trains zipping past replica models of over 150 intricately crafted New York landmarks, all of which are made from recycled, natural materials such as bark, leaves and berries. The lovingly crafted model trains chug past some of the most iconic buildings such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge all of which are dazzlingly lit up with thousands of twinkling lights. There is nearly half a mile of track and the trains even soar past overhead, so be sure to look up when walking around.

The New York Botanical Gardens are located on Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The train show runs from mid November to near the end of January and is open from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm. Tickets must be booked in advance to secure a timeslot.

Washington Square Park

In Washington Square Park there is a huge Christmas tree underneath the famous giant arch, which is just asking to be photographed. This public park is in Greenwich Village and it’s a great place to stroll through when you’re in the area. You may find yourself passing people playing various different musical instruments on your walk. When we went there was a guy playing a Christmas tune brilliantly on his saxophone, which only added to the atmosphere.

Top Of The Rock 

Take in the festive views from Top Of The Rock and what better way to see the Empire State Building lit up in all its festive glory. If you visit around Christmas book a slot for around 4:00 pm and you can experience NYC turning from day to night and watch the lights switch on all around the city. If you’re lucky you may even catch the sunset on a clear day. On one side you will see the huge expanse of Central Park surrounded by high-rise buildings and on the other side you will see the rest of the magnificent Manhattan skyline!

Tickets should be booked in advance online, especially around the Christmas period as it can get very busy. Tickets cost $36 (plus sales tax) each, although visiting at sunset is of course a popular time to visit, so during sunset hours it costs $41 (plus sales tax). When booking through the official website it will show you if you’re booking a sunset slot. If you want to visit when its less crowded, we would recommend going early in the morning.

Tickets can booked between 8:00 am and 11.40 pm (closes at midnight) everyday.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Visit Dyker Heights for the most spectacular and dazzling Christmas displays, where each year entire neighbourhoods decorate their houses with bigger and brighter Christmas decorations. You’ll see everything from huge blow up Santa and reindeer to professionally built and motorised displays. It’s best to visit the displays between dusk and 9:00 pm, mid December through to New Year’s Eve. You can walk and see the displays yourself or there are tours that take you with a guide who will tell you about the history of Christmas tradition and perhaps introduce you to some of the proud owners.

You can see the displays from 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th street in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

The Met Fifth Avenue – Christmas Tree & Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

The Met has a long standing holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas Tree. A 20-foot blue spruce stands proud over an 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene with lifelike figurines. Silk-robed angels attached to the tree hover above the scene. The installation is in the Museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall, there is Christmas music on and daily tree lighting ceremonies to add to the festive atmosphere.

The tree and nativity scene are on display everyday from the end of November till the beginning of January.

Festive Afternoon Teas In New York

In New York at Christmas, what better way to warm up and get into the holiday spirit than with a festive afternoon tea. There are various five star hotels and high end department stores offering you a chance to rest your feet and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Below are a few of the most festive afternoon teas where you can expect holiday themed teas and impressively decorated surroundings.

Peninsula Hotel Afternoon Tea

The Peninsula serves their Afternoon Tea in the elegant Gotham Lounge from 2:30 pm till 5:00 pm. Details of their festive afternoon tea will be shown on the Peninsula Hotel’s website during the lead up to Christmas. Once you step inside the hotel entrance you will also see a very festive holiday display that’s just asking to be photographed.

Location: 700 5th Ave, New York, 10019

Plaza Hotel Afternoon Tea

The iconic Plaza Hotel featured heavily in Home Alone 2 when Kevin was lost in New York, but that’s not all its famous for. The stunning Palm Court has been serving Afternoon Tea for over 100 years and in 2013 it was beautifully renovated, while still staying true to the origination design. The afternoon tea is served between 12:00 pm and 4:30 pm (last seating). Leading up to Christmas you will find more information on their holiday afternoon tea on the Plaza Hotel’s website.

Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, 10019

Ritz Carlton Afternoon Tea

The beautiful Star Lounge is where the Ritz hold their afternoon tea, with it’s cosy, warm atmosphere. The afternoon tea is served Friday to Sunday from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm. If you head to the Ritz Hotel’s website in the lead up to Christmas more details of what will be served will be available.

Location: 50 Central Park S, New York, 10019

Christmas Shows & Concerts In New York

Seeing one of the Christmas shows or concerts while you’re in New York at Christmas is a great way to get into the festive spirit.

Christmas Concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral

Every year St Patrick’s Cathedral hosts their annual Christmas Concert with the cathedrals own choir performing, along with guest choirs and the cathedral organs. There are traditional and contemporary hymns and carols, and the event closes with the performers and everyone in attendance singing a song together. It is usually held in the evening a few days before Christmas and admission is free. Be sure to arrive early to secure a seat. There is also a Christmas mass on Christmas Day morning and a midnight mass on the night of Christmas Day.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is on 5th Avenue between 50th/51st Street, very near to Rockefeller Centre.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This annually hosted show is one of the best ways to kick off the Holiday season in New York, with set pieces featuring tap dancers, Santa and of course the high-kicking, coordinated Rockettes. It’s a great seasonal concert for all the family and one of the best ways to kick off a New York Christmas!

The show runs from the beginning of November till the end of December, with various show times changing each day and ticket prices varying considerably depending on your seat type. Tickets start at around $45 going up to over $500. Each show lasts 90 minutes.

Radio City Music Hall is located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas.

The Nutcracker

This huge ballet production has to be on everyone’s list for a Christmas in New York. Featuring nearly 90 dancers as well as a range of musicians and a whole host of visual effects, including an onstage blizzard and a growing Christmas tree, all transporting the audience to a magical place with breathtaking choreography.

The New York City Ballet company perform The Nutcracker every year at the David.H Koch Theater at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza. The show runs from the end of November to the end of December with tickets starting from $138.

St. John The Divine’s Winter Solstice celebration

Located in the world’s largest cathedral, the cathedral of St. John the Divine. The grand and majestic building is perfect for the show, which is a non-religious celebration. The show is a performance of a contemporary take on ancient solstice rituals in a dazzling display, featuring drummers, vocalists and dancers.

The show is on for 3 days, usually around the 21st December and lasts for around 2½ hours. Tickets start at $40.

The cathedral is on 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street.

Christmas Markets In New York

Bryant Park Winter Village

The winter village has to be one of the most festive, located adjacent to the ice rink and large decked out tree! There’s a huge variety of Holiday shops and eateries selling everything from festive gifts, decorations, clothes, crafts and artwork as well as a range of delicious food and drink. There’s even a restaurant overlooking the markets and ice rink, ideally located for a great dinner with perfect views of the ongoing festivities below.

The Holiday shops open from late October till early January and are open everyday. Monday to Friday 11:00 am till 8:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am till 8:00 pm.

Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is filled with vendors each year selling a range of unique and interesting items. There’s handcrafted decorations and toys, winter accessories, jewellery as well as many other quirky gifts. There’s also a range of food and drink, everything from freshly made doughnuts to hot soups and sweet or savoury crepes.

The market opens in mid-November and runs until Christmas Eve. Open on weekdays 11:00 am till 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am till 8:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am till 7:00 pm.

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair

It may sound a little crazy visiting a holiday market at a train station, but this is no ordinary station. Grand Central itself is an architectural marvel with a pretty interesting history, not to mention nearly being flattened and turned into an office block. The station really is a special place and a great setting for this market, there’s vendors selling a range of unique items including spices, cheeses, glassware, artwork and winter clothing, to name a few. As well as the market there’s some places in Grand Central to grab a drink (maybe a cocktail or two) and watch the hustle and bustle pass you by.

The market opens in mid-November and runs until Christmas Eve. Open on weekdays 10:00 am till 8:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am till 7:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am till 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve hours 10:00 am till 6:00 pm).

Holiday Window Displays

Macy’s started the Christmas window tradition in the early 1980’s and since then all of the major stores have unveiled bigger and better displays each year. We suggest trying to see the windows as early as possible as they are must-do on most people’s agenda’s, plus there will be plenty of Christmas shoppers filling the streets too, so it does get very busy!

5th Avenue is a major shopping street in New York so most of the big name department stores and brands are located near here. As if the windows aren’t festive enough many of the stores are also decorated in elaborate lights and decorations. Make sure you head back here one evening too to see the Cartier store wrapped in a huge, red bow with Christmas trees in every window, Bvlgari with a lit-up version of their iconic necklace draped around it and the iconic, giant snowflake hanging seemingly in mid-air above the luxury shopping street below.

Every year the holiday windows are different for each store, but you won’t be disappointed by visiting each of these must-see shop fronts. If you start at Bloomingdale’s you can work your way down to Macy’s, which is a little further away than the others, but worth it! The whole route is 1.9 miles (3 km) and if you’re anything like us you’ll do a lot more walking than that in NYC!

• Bloomingdale’s – 1000 Third Ave, 59th Street and Lexington Ave
• Barney’s – 575 5th Ave
• Bergdorf Goodman – 754 5th Ave
• Tiffany’s – 727 5th Ave
• Henri Bendal – 712 5th Ave
• Saks Fifth Ave – 611 5th Ave
• Lord & Taylor – 424 5th Ave
• Macy’s – 151 W 34th St

Tip: Whilst en route you will pass the Peninsular Hotel at 700 5th Ave so make sure you check out there festive display both outside and immediately upon entering the hotel.

Tip: Be sure to head to Saks Fifth Avenue after dark to watch their fantastic 10-story-tall theatrical light show. The show, which is complete with festive music runs every 10 minutes from 5:00 pm till 11:00 pm everyday.

The holiday window displays are on show from mid-late November till early January.

Ice Skating Rinks

We would have included the rink at the Rockefeller Centre but it’s a little pricey and gets very crowded. It’s still a cool place to watch other people skate and enjoy the Christmas vibes though. If you want to skate at Rockefeller Centre over the Christmas period it costs $32 per adult and $15 for children under 11. Skate rental is a further $12.

Bryant Park Ice Rink

The best thing about Bryant Park Ice Rink is that it’s totally free! Because of this it does get busy, so to avoid the crowds, especially around Christmas we advise to get there early to skate. The ice rink is located opposite the New York Public Library and is surrounded by the Bryant Park Winter Village during the festive period. It’s a great way to start a festive day, with some skating followed by some eggnog and fresh gingerbread at the Winter Village.

They provide skate rental for $20 as well as skate aids for $22 an hour (for beginners under 10). The lockers are also free but remember to bring your own lock otherwise it will cost an extra $10 for a lock.

It is open from 8:00 am till 10:00 pm everyday, although it may occasionally be closed for events so check the Bryant Park website for more details.

Wollman Rink – Central Park Ice Rink

You may remember this ice rink famously featured in Home Alone 2, where Kevin is trying to evade Marv and Harry!

This famous rink is located at the south end of Central Park, not too far from the Palace Hotel and 5th Avenue shops, the rink was opened in 1949 and remains open yearly from October to April. It’s a great place to lap up the festive spirit surrounded by both the park and the backdrop of skyscrapers.

Prices

• Adults: $12 Mon-Thurs; $19.00 Fri-Sun and holidays
• Children (12 & under): $6.00
• Skate Rental: $9.00 (tax included)

Public Skating Hours

• Monday & Tuesday 10:00 am till 2:30 pm
• Wednesday & Thursday 10:00 am till 10:00 pm
• Friday & Saturday 10:00 am till 11:00 pm
• Sunday 10:00 am till 9:00 pm

Giant Christmas Decorations

The iconic giant decorations are a must see on a trip to New York at Christmas. You may end up stumbling upon them, but to make it easy we’ve listed where the main ones are located.

• The shiny, giant, red baubles are located right near to Radio City on 6th Ave, between 49th and 50th St. If you stand on the corner where Radio City is at 1260 6th Ave you will spot them diagonally across the road.
• The giant Christmas lights are just one block down from the baubles on 6th Ave, between 48th and 49th St.
• You’ll find the tall, wooden Nutcraker soldiers standing guard at the UBS building, also on 6th Ave, between 51st and 52nd St.
• The impressive, giant candy canes are located opposite the side of the Plaza Hotel where The Shops At The Plaza are on 58th St.

Festive New York Hotels

You can guarantee almost every hotel in New York will have a Christmas tree and decorations, but these hotels go the extra mile to get everyone into the Christmas Spirit!

Lotte New York Palace Hotel

The centre courtyard at the front of the hotel looks wonderful all lit up, with the 30 ft beautifully decorated Christmas tree taking centre stage and wreaths and lights only adding to the festive look. Inside you’ll find more Christmas trees and the ornate staircases draped in long garlands dotted with baubles. The on-site bakery offers festive macaroons and the bar serves up delicious holiday cocktails.

Location: 455 Madison Ave, New York, 10022

The Plaza Hotel

Beautifully decorated both inside and out, this iconic hotel near Central Park oozes luxury and their festive decor doesn’t disappoint. The sparkling, bright Christmas tree in their ornate lobby is picture perfect and further Christmas touches are all around the hotel. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea In The Palm Court, relax in the Champagne Bar or try a holiday cocktail in The Rose Club.

Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, 10019

St Regis Hotel

Outside of the hotel there are huge two soldiers, Christmas trees, garlands and thousands of sparkling lights. Once inside the decorations continue with a giant tree and more lights. Enjoy winter-warmer cocktails in The King Cole Bar or take the kids to a gingerbread-decorating workshop on one of the days leading up to Christmas Day. This hotel is on the Christmas windows route just behind the Harry Winston store so you could take a quick detour on the way to the next holiday window.

Location: 2 East 55th Street at 5th Ave, New York 10022

Peninsula Hotel

The Peninsula go all out with the Christmas decorations at the front of the hotel with garlands, shiny red baubles, Christmas trees and two life-sized leaping reindeer above the entrance. Step inside to an equally impressive festive display of which even Scrooge would want a photo. It changes each year, but you can be sure there will be Christmas trees, red poinsettias, some snowmen or maybe reindeer and a pretty light display of snowflakes dancing on the back wall. This hotel is also located on the route for viewing the holiday window displays and if you want to stay longer you can enjoy afternoon tea or a Christmas-themed cocktail.

Location: 700 5th Ave, New York, 10019

Festive New York Bars & Restaurants

Rolf’s Bar & Restaurant

Rolf’s is a German restaurant and bar that has to be the most heavily decorated Christmas themed bar in New York! Every inch of the place, including the ceiling, is covered in Christmas decorations. There are thousands of lights, baubles, icicles, Christmas figures and ornaments. During the build up to Christmas it gets extremely busy, but if you manage to squeeze your way to the bar you can enjoy one of their festive cocktails like Vanilla Spiced Eggnog or Rolf’s Holiday Martini. If want a table in the restaurant we would recommend booking well in advance.

Rolf’s is open from midday till 10:00 pm daily, although it is closed on Christmas Day.

Location: 281 3rd Ave, New York, 10010

Champagne Bar or The Rose Club at the Plaza Hotel

If you’re looking to go for drinks somewhere that oozes luxury, but also has a relaxing environment look no further than the Plaza Hotel. There are festive trimmings all around the bars and holiday cocktails are also on offer, if you don’t fancy bubbles. We went here a couple of times during our stay and really enjoyed the atmosphere and service on offer here.

The Champagne Bar also has an all day dining menu and is open from 7:00 am till 11:00 pm and The Rose Club offers light bites or a few larger dishes and is open from 4:00 pm till 12:00 am Mon-Weds and 12:00 pm till 12:00 am Thurs-Sun.

Location: 768 5th Ave, New York, 10019

King Cole Bar at the St Regis Hotel

So word has it the Bloody Mary was invented here in 1934, although the bartender that invented it, Fernand Petiot, originally named it the Red Snapper! The Bloody Mary is now this world-famous bars signature drink. The bar has been frequented by some very famous patrons like John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe and it’s also been featured in several movies. The holiday decor is always beautiful, but bear in mind this bar can get very busy as people lap up the festive and sophisticated atmosphere. The bar also offers some fancy light bites, including oysters if you get peckish.

King Cole Bar is open from 11:30 am till 1:00 am Mon-Sat and 12:00 pm till 12:00 am on Sundays.

Location: 2 East 55th Street at 5th Ave, New York 10022

Baita at Eataly Rooftop

In winter this rooftop bar transforms into an alpine ski lodge complete with sheepskin rugs and throws, Christmas trees and some fake snow for good measure! This is a great place to go for a drink (a seasonal cocktail of course) and a light bite or main meal where you’ll feel like you have been transported to the Alps.

Baita is open from 11:30 am till 11:00 pm with kitchen service stopping at 10:00 pm. Reservations are encouraged.

Location: 200 5th Ave, Rooftop, New York, 10010.

Whatever you end up doing at Christmas in New York you can be sure you’ll have a festive time!

Tip: New York City Explorer Pass

Some of these options, for example Top of the Rock are included on the New York City Explorer Pass, which can save you up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate so check it out before booking your tickets. Bear in mind the Christmas events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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