New York is one of America’s most popular cities to visit, especially during Christmas time. During December, the city transforms into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy the holiday window decorations, Christmas trees, ice skating, and magical holiday atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a luxurious holiday getaway or want to get lost in the city, this list of top things to do in New York during Christmas has something for everyone.
Visit Central Park
Central Park has several fun activities to do during the Holiday Season. One of the most popular is the ice skating rink, the Wollman Rink. This iconic rink has been in movies such as Serendipity. The rink opens at the end of October and stays open until April, depending on the weather. For a romantic night under the stars, I highly recommend coming here at night.
Many people also enjoy Pedicab and Carriage Rides through the park in the Winter. This is a great way to learn about the history of the park and see all its attractions. Locals also come to Central Park with their families or sledding. One of the best hills is Pilgrim Hill located at 72nd Street and 5th Avenue. Whether you are looking to shop, partake in a holiday activity, or enjoy a quiet stroll, Central Park has something for everyone.
Rink Entrance: 59th Street and 5th Avenue
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park is a popular garden square in Manhattan, which is known for its year-round events. One of the busiest times of year to visit is during the holidays because they have lots of free things to do. You can ice skate, shop at the many Christmas shops, listen to carolers, and enjoy a romantic dinner and drinks. During your visit, make sure to stop by their holiday market full of food and exquisite boutiques. All that shopping making you hungry? Not a problem! The Winter Village has multiple places to eat. Stop by one of the many kiosks for a quick bite, or have a cozy sit-down meal. Choose from the Lodge Deck, Fever-Tree Porch, or Bryant Park Grill and Café.
Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018
TRAVEL TIP
Ice skating here is free, and you can even make reservations for the rink online! If you need to rent skates, rental costs start at $21 and vary depending on the time of the year. The closer to Christmas, the more expensive rental fees will be.
Shop at 5th Avenue
One of the most quintessential New York shopping streets is 5th Avenue. No matter what time of year, you will find the best department stores and high-end shops here. The most magical time to go, however, is Christmas. During this time of year, the store windows transform into extravagant holiday window displays. Macy’s is of course one of the most famous department stores to stop by. They are known for their intricate and uniquely themed displays. The department store has six different decorated windows that thousands of people flock to each day. Even if you are not looking to do any shopping, it is worth a trip to Manhattan to see all the uniquely themed displays.
Rockefeller Center Tree and Rink
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of New York during Christmas time is the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree. The tree is visited by over half a million people every single day! Since 1931 this tree lighting ceremony has taken place to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and is broadcasted worldwide. This magical 75 ft tree is lit just after Thanksgiving and stays lit until the beginning of January.
While you are in the area, rent a pair of skates and enjoy a skate under the Christmas tree. The rink is open from 9:00 am to midnight every day during the Holidays. Unlike the Bryant Park rink, this one comes with a fee. Plan on spending between $25-$35 from admission plus the cost of skate rentals. If you are not up for skating, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy people-watching instead.
600 5th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Grab a Bite to Eat at Rolf’s
Rolf’s German Restaurant is known not just for its Bavarian cuisine, but its elaborate Christmas decorations during the holiday season. The restaurant strings over 100,000 lights and 150,000 ornaments alone. This restaurant gets busy, so try making reservations if you can. Even if you are unable to make reservations, prepare yourself for an extremely long line to get in.
281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010
Explore the Holiday Markets
There are several wonderful Holiday Markets throughout New York during the holidays. Bryant Park Winter Village, Columbus Circle, and Grand Central Holiday Market are three of the most popular. I mentioned Bryant Park earlier in my post as a must-visit location, but there are two other markets to explore as well.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located in Central Park. The market is known for being the most beautiful shopping markets in New York City. Here you will find aisles upon aisles of vendors selling home goods, jewelry, food, art, and handmade items.
The Grand Central Holiday Fair is in the magnificent Vanderbilt Hall. It is one of the longest-running Christmas markets in the city. You can find an assortment of American-made products from clothing, bath and body products, ornaments, art, men and women’s accessories, and gifts. Grab a to-go drink at one of the many bars and enjoy some holiday shopping.
Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
Watch the Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Gardens. From the middle of November to the end of January, you can witness these trains wandering through the gardens. The gardens also include over 150 miniature landmarks made from all-natural materials, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Tickets start at $8 for children and $22 for adults.
Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
Every year the houses in this Brooklyn neighborhood put on a full holiday display. Dyker Heights has become a part of the holiday tradition, with over 100,000 visitors each year. The best time to go would be from mid-December to New Year’s Eve when the majority of the homes will have their decorations up. Since this is a neighborhood, you will find holiday displays on several streets. The most popular homes, however, are between 11th and 13th Avenue and 83rd and 86th Streets. This Tour Group offers a 3.5-hour bust tour of the neighborhood, but many people also like taking a taxi or walking the street instead.
Watch a Holiday Show
There are so many lovely shows and musicals in New York, especially during the holidays. The Nutcracker should be part of everyone’s holiday itinerary. This magical ballet is my all-time favorite, and what better way to see it than at the New York Ballet. Shows run from November until the end of the year.
Another popular show is the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall. This iconic dancing troops started in the 1920s and has become part of the holiday tradition to watch their performance. Tickets go from $50 to $300 depending on when you go and the seating section.
The Plaza Hotel
Best known for its connection with Gossip Girl and Home Alone, the Plaza Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels you will find. Every year the hotel is decorated with Christmas decor for everyone to enjoy. The hotel offers an array of holiday packages for guests to enjoy. If you don’t mind spending the money, the Plaza is the place to be during the holidays.
768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Grab a Holiday Drink
Visit the Miracle on 9th Street bar and Sippin’ Santa in the East Village for a delicious holiday-themed drink. These special pop-up bars are open between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve every year. Originally started in 2014, the holiday pop-up has become so popular there are now locations all over North America, Europe, Asia, and Central America. Enjoy a delicious drink while taking in the over-the-top festive decor and listening to holiday music in either one of these bars.
649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Watch the Empire State Building Light Show
Each year the Empire State Building puts on a choreographed musical light show for New Yorkers to enjoy. Every night you can enjoy a festive light display and songs by various artists each year.
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