Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best things to do in New York at Christmas. At Christmas time, New York City is a place that comes alive with festive lights, decorations and events that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
From ice skating to holiday markets to seeing the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, there are so many things to do in New York at Christmas time. With so many things to do in New York at Christmas time, you’ll have a hard time fitting everything in!
- See the Iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
- Go Ice Skating in Central Park
- Explore the Winter Village at Bryant Park
- View the Holiday Window Displays
- Experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
- Check out the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square
- Shop at the Holiday Markets
- Take in the The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
- Enjoy the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Best Things To Do In New York At Christmas
So, let’s check out the best things to do in New York should you find yourself there at Christmas time:
1. See the Iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York City is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the tree is a must-see attraction during the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know about this iconic Christmas tree:
- The tree is usually a Norway Spruce that stands between 69 and 100 feet tall, is decorated with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star.
- The tree lighting ceremony is a highly anticipated event that takes place in late November. The ceremony features live performances by popular artists and is broadcasted on national television.
- The tree remains lit until early January, so you have plenty of time to see it. The best time to visit is in the evening when the lights are on and the crowds are smaller.
- In addition to the tree, there are other festive things to do at Rockefeller Center during the holiday season. You can go ice skating at The Rink, see the famous Radio City Rockettes or explore the many holiday markets in the area.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the tree early in the morning or late at night. You’ll have a better chance of getting a good view without having to fight through the crowds.
2. Go Ice Skating in Central Park
Ice skating in Central Park is a quintessential winter activity in New York City. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, there are several ice skating rinks in Central Park to choose from and one of the most popular is Wollman Rink.
Located near the southeast corner of the park, Wollman Rink is a picturesque spot to lace up your skates and hit the ice. The rink offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline making it a great spot for a romantic date or a fun outing with friends and family.
Wollman Rink is open from late October through early April, weather permitting. Skating sessions last for 90 minutes and you can rent skates on-site. If you’re worried about the cold, don’t be – the rink offers lockers, a heated indoor pavilion and a snack bar to keep you warm and fueled up.
If you’re planning to visit Wollman Rink during the holiday season, be sure to book your tickets in advance as the rink can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Or you can try the other ice skating rinks in Central Park to choose from including Lasker Rink and Trump Rink.
3. Explore the Winter Village at Bryant Park
If you’re looking for a festive winter wonderland in the heart of Manhattan, look no further than the Winter Village at Bryant Park. This annual holiday market offers an enchanting atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options for all ages.
Shopping
The Winter Village at Bryant Park features over 170 holiday shops offering a wide variety of unique and handcrafted gifts. From jewelry and clothing to home decor and toys, there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Plus, with the market’s central location, it’s the perfect place to grab a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer as well.
Dining
When you need a break from shopping, the Winter Village at Bryant Park has plenty of dining options to choose from. Grab a hot chocolate or cider from one of the many vendors throughout the market or sit down for a full meal at one of the on-site restaurants. With everything from gourmet burgers to sushi, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
4. View the Holiday Window Displays
If you’re in New York City during the holiday season, you can’t miss the famous Christmas window displays. Department stores go all out with their festive decorations, creating magical scenes that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Here are some of the best window displays to check out:
- Macy’s – Macy’s is known for its elaborate holiday window displays with a different theme every year. In the past, they’ve featured scenes from classic holiday movies like Miracle on 34th Street and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Expect to see plenty of glitter, lights and holiday cheer.
- Bloomingdale’s – Bloomingdale’s is another department store that goes all out for the holidays. Their windows typically feature intricate displays with moving parts such as a giant snow globe or a train set. Keep an eye out for the unveiling of the windows in late November.
- Saks Fifth Avenue – Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows are always a sight to behold. In recent years, they’ve featured collaborations with Disney and other artists to create stunning, immersive displays. The windows are usually unveiled in mid-November and are definitely worth a visit.
Check out these: 9 Best Things To Do In New York For Free
5. Experience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
If you’re looking for a holiday tradition that’s been around for nearly a century, look no further than the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This annual show, starring the world-famous Rockettes, has been delighting audiences since 1933.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a family-friendly show that’s perfect for all ages and features a mix of singing, dancing and special effects that will leave you feeling in the holiday spirit. From the iconic Rockettes high-kicking in perfect unison to the dazzling costumes and sets, this show is truly a sight to behold.
The show takes place at Radio City Music Hall, a stunning Art Deco venue that’s worth a visit in its own right. The theater features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems ensuring that every seat in the house has a great view of the action.
Tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. There are a variety of ticket options available as well from standard seats to VIP packages that include meet-and-greets with the Rockettes themselves.
Book your Christmas trip to New York City here!
6. Check out the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience, then the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights should definitely be on your list. This Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for its extravagant holiday displays and it’s easy to see why. With over 100,000 lights, animatronic figures and larger-than-life decorations, it’s a sight to behold.
The tradition of decorating homes in Dyker Heights started in the 1980s and it has only grown in popularity over the years. The best time to see the lights is in December, when the entire neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland.
There are a few ways to experience the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. You can take a guided tour, which will give you a more in-depth look at the displays and the history of the neighborhood. Alternatively, you can explore on your own, walking the streets and taking in the sights at your own pace.
If you’re planning to visit Dyker Heights, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Dress warmly: The temperatures can get quite cold in December, so make sure to bundle up before heading out.
- Bring cash: Some homeowners accept donations to help offset the cost of their displays, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you.
- Be respectful: Remember that you’re visiting a residential neighborhood, so be mindful of noise levels and don’t block driveways or sidewalks.
- Plan your route: The displays are spread out over several blocks, so it’s a good idea to plan your route in advance to make sure you don’t miss anything.
7. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square
If you’re in New York City for New Year’s Eve, the iconic Times Square Ball Drop is a must-see event. Every year, over a million people flock to Times Square to watch the ball drop and ring in the New Year.
The festivities begin in the afternoon with live performances by popular musicians and entertainers. The atmosphere is electric with crowds of people from all over the world singing, dancing and counting down the minutes until midnight.
As the clock strikes midnight, the iconic crystal ball drops from the top of One Times Square and the crowd erupts in cheers and confetti. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.
However, keep in mind that attending the Times Square Ball Drop requires some preparation. You’ll need to arrive early to secure a good spot, and you’ll be standing outside for hours in potentially cold weather. Make sure to dress warmly and bring snacks and water to stay hydrated.
If you’re not up for the crowds and the cold, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City. Many restaurants and bars offer special New Year’s Eve packages, and there are also fireworks displays in Central Park and other locations throughout the city.
8. Shop at the Holiday Markets
If you’re in New York during the holiday season, visiting the city’s holiday markets is a must. These markets are a great place to find unique gifts, sample local foods and soak up the festive atmosphere. Here are two of the best holiday markets in New York City:
Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the city’s most popular holiday markets. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this market features over 150 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and clothing to artisanal foods and crafts.
One of the unique things about the Union Square Holiday Market is that all of the vendors are carefully selected by the market’s organizers. This means that you can be sure that everything you find here is high-quality and unique. Some of the highlights of the market include:
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Artisanal food and drink
- Handcrafted home goods and decorations
- Local artwork and photography
Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, the Union Square Holiday Market is a must-visit during the holiday season.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is another popular holiday market in New York City. Located at the entrance to Central Park, this market features over 100 vendors selling a wide range of goods.
One of the things that sets the Columbus Circle Holiday Market apart is its focus on local and handmade goods. Many of the vendors here are small, independent businesses that you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the highlights of the market include:
- Local food and drink vendors
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Artisanal home goods and decorations
- Local artwork and photography
In addition to the vendors, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market also features live music and other entertainment throughout the holiday season. So if you’re looking for a festive and fun holiday experience, be sure to check out this market.
9. Take in the The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
If you’re looking for a classic Christmas experience, look no further than the Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center. This holiday tradition has been performed by the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater since 1954 and continues to be a beloved holiday tradition for many.
The Nutcracker Ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and features Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift and goes on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets.
The production at Lincoln Center is known for its stunning sets and costumes as well as the talented dancers of the New York City Ballet. The show runs from late November through early January, with multiple performances each week.
When purchasing tickets for the Nutcracker Ballet, keep in mind that the best seats tend to sell out quickly. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you’re looking for prime seating. Group tickets are also available for larger parties.
10. Enjoy the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Looking for a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit in New York? Look no further than the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. This beloved annual tradition has been delighting visitors for over 30 years, and it’s easy to see why.
The Holiday Train Show features an impressive display of model trains winding their way through a miniature New York City landscape made entirely out of natural materials like bark, leaves and twigs. You’ll see famous landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center recreated in stunning detail, all surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers.
But that’s not all – each year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with even more trains and an all-new outdoor train display. And if you visit in the evening, you’ll also be able to enjoy the NYBG Glow holiday light show, which transforms the garden into a magical winter wonderland.
Tickets for the Holiday Train Show tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to book yours in advance. And while you’re at the garden, be sure to take some time to explore the rest of this beautiful attraction – with over 250 acres of gardens and collections, there’s plenty to see and do.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 of the best things in New York at Christmas. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there is anything you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
