Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, especially in New York City. Visiting the Big Apple during the holiday season is a bucket list item for many people and it’s no surprise why – Christmas markets, decked-out storefronts, ice rinks, and dazzling light shows – the city is filled with holiday cheer to the max. Even New Yorkers get excited to experience this magical time of year. We’re sharing 15 of the best Christmas things to do in NYC.
Know Before Visiting
There are a few things you should keep in mind before planning your visit to ensure you’re prepared for what’s to come. New York sees higher-than-ever traffic during December when people flock from all over the world to see the sights. Book as many things as you can in advance but keep in mind that things will be much busier and more packed than they usually are (especially in the areas around Rockefeller Center and 5th Ave).
Also, remember that New York gets very cold in the winter. The average December temperature ranges from 30* – 40* F, but the grid layout of the city makes the gusts of wind feel much colder. You’ll probably be spending a lot of time outside and walking between places, so pack accordingly.
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Alright, now let’s dive into NYC’s 15 can’t-miss Christmas activities!
1. Rockefeller Christmas Tree
This is perhaps the most iconic activity for a New York Christmas. Each year, a huge tree is driven into the city and set up in Rockefeller Center overlooking the ice rink. There’s always a ceremony for the tree lighting right after Thanksgiving, which is also televised. (To see the tree lighting, you’ll need to show up around the morning to save a spot. The day is as long and cold as it sounds but a great memory for some brave folks). The tree is up through all of December and is definitely worth a visit.
2. 5th Avenue Store Windows
If you’ve seen any Christmas movie set in New York, you’ll know the department stores are a big deal. We’re happy to report that they’re just as magical in real life. The Saks exterior (located right by Rockefeller Center) is decked out in lights and puts on a five-minute light show every 10 minutes with a new story and music every year. It’s bright and over the top, but we’d wager that it’s unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Also on 5th Avenue are department and luxury stores that decorate their exteriors and interiors with gorgeous Christmas decorations. Each year, people flock to see what the creative teams have come up with. A stroll along 5th Avenue will take you to most of them but make sure you visit Bergdorf Goodman and Cartier.
3. Shop at a Christmas Market
What better place to do your shopping than at a local Christmas market? New York has multiple outdoor markets: Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle. They’re filled with booths of vendors selling local crafts, home goods, ornaments, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. There are also food stalls too!
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4. Go Ice Skating
Is there anything more “Christmas in New York” than ice skating? There are several ice rinks throughout the city. The most famous is The Rink at Rockefeller Center. While it’s lovely to skate under the Rockefeller Tree, the wait can be extremely long, and this rink is always crowded. There’s a less crowded rink at Bryant Park (which is free if you bring your own skates). But our top recommendation is Wollman Rink in Cental Park, which is the least busy. There’s also a mini rink at Brookfield Place overlooking the Hudson River, which is a good choice for kids as it’s smaller and less trafficked.
5. Enjoy a Christmas Dining Experience
Just like stores, restaurants go all out with their holiday decor.
The most famous is Rolf’s German Restaurant, where they spend $60,000 each year to deck out the interior in lights, garlands, ornaments, and trees. It’s like stepping into Christmas.
Another popular spot is Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. From the music to the food to the decor, you’ll certainly feel the spirit of Christmas in this Victorian dining room.
6. Go Caroling in Washington Square Park
Each year, Washington Square Park hosts Christmas caroling several weeks before Christmas as well as on Christmas Eve. People gather around the arch, which has a large tree beneath it for the holiday season and together sing carols. It’s a lovely experience to share with the community.
7. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
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Dyker Heights is located in Brooklyn, about a 45-minute train ride from Manhattan. In this suburban neighborhood, residents put on quite the show as they deck out their front lawns with Christmas lights and inflatables. We’re not talking several in a yard, we’re talking dozens or even hundreds. Many neighbors will even come out and share drinks or do Christmas karaoke.
8. Go to The Nutcracker at the Ballet
The New York City Ballet prepares for the holiday season the entire year and puts on a stunning performance of The Nutcracker. You’ll be mesmerized as the classic Christmas story is retold through beautiful dance and song by over 90 dancers and a live orchestra. There’s also a 12-foot tree and snow! Tickets go on sale around October/November and sell out quickly.
9. Check Out the Shopping Centers
Each of the city’s malls/shopping centers takes a unique approach to holiday decor. At Columbus Circle, there are large stars hanging from the ceiling that light up. At Hudson Yards, you’ll find upside-down Christmas trees hanging from the ceiling and gold lights throughout. And Brookfield Place decks out its palm trees in holiday lights and puts on a stunning show each day. They’re all stunning and worth a visit (these are also good spots to add to your list to warm up a bit).
10. See the Rockettes
This show has been a highlight of New York’s Christmas activities for nearly 100 years. The Christmas Spectacular performed by The Radio City Rockettes is really a must-see sight. The performance includes classic moments like the line of wooden soldiers falling, Rockettes dancing on an NYC bus, and an appearance from Santa Claus. They always include some new songs and routines as well. You can also schedule a backstage tour if you want to see how the magic happens.
11. St. Patrick’s Cathedral Nativity
Did you know St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States? The church takes up an entire block and has gorgeous stained glass art inside. It’s worth a visit regardless, but for the Christmas season, they set out a beautiful life-sized nativity scene.
12. Go Sledding
If you’re lucky enough to catch some snow when you visit New York, you must go sledding! Or at least for a snowy stroll through the park. The most popular spots are Central Park or Prospect Park if you’re closer to Brooklyn.
13. Watch It’s a Wonderful Life
Even the movie theaters get in the Christmas cheer. Every year, the IFC in Greenwich Village adds It’s A Wonderful Life to their movie screenings.
14. Enjoy Hot Chocolate
If you need a pick-me-up or to warm up from the cold, enjoy some cozy hot chocolate. There are lots of great options for this rich and decadent drink, but some favorites include Ralph’s Coffee, Angelina, and Jacques Torres Chocolate.
15. See Santa at Macy’s
The Macy’s in Herald Square is the largest department store in the world. During Christmas, the store windows and each of the 9 stories are decked out in magical decor. But the most iconic part is Santaland on the 8th floor, where kids can ride a train, play interactive games, explore Santa’s Village and Workshop, and meet Santa Claus. This is a must-do if you’re visiting New York with children!
That wraps up the 15 best Christmas things to do in NYC to ring in the holiday cheer.
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