Top Things to do in New York City at Christmastime
TOP THINGS TO DO & HELPFUL TIPS
It is no secret that New York City is one of our favorite cities in the world. We have been making at least one visit a year for the last several years and always find new things to explore, adding them to our growing list of top things to do in the city. Visiting at Christmastime is so different than any other time of year, however. It is one of the best cities in the world to experience the holidays as it is so full of Christmas cheer! From the colorful light displays, decorated Christmas trees, pop-up holiday markets, ice skating, and more, visiting New York City in December is such a festive experience! This list is compiled of top things to do in the city during the holidays as well as tips to have the best visit.
NEW YORK CITY DURING CHRISTMASTIME
New York City is one of the most popular places to visit during the holidays with how the city goes all out to celebrate. Almost 7 million visitors descend on the Big Apple in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it extremely busy. With a few tips, though, you can have a great visit during this busy and festive season.
When we went
We were in New York City the third week of December, back home on December 21st. We had three days and two nights in the city, which was perfect. Having been to NYC many times before, we had visited many sites so this was just a trip to experience the holiday season. Crowds were increasing each day that we were there and on departure day, December 21st, things really seemed to pick up. Our hotel was chaos as we checked out and traffic was heavy as we left midtown Manhattan. We recommend a weekday visit and earlier in December, as the weekend right before Christmas seemed to really pick up in terms of crowd levels!
Where we stayed
The New York Marriott Marquis – Times Square. We have stayed here a few times when traveling as a family. The rooms are spacious for NYC hotels, the lounge and restaurants on site are convenient, and the location can’t be beat.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY AT CHRISTMASTIME
1. Visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Rink
LOCATION: Rockefeller Plaza
Is there anything more iconic to see in New York City during the holidays than the tree and rink at Rockefeller Center?! Located in midtown Manhattan, Rockefeller Plaza features shops, eateries, and the famous Rockfeller skating rink, which is open from October to April.
The Christmas Tree
LOCATION: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
The tree in 2024 had a special story. A newlywed couple, Albert and Leslie, planted the tree to symbolize their new marriage back in 1967. The tree was scouted in 2020 by the Rockefeller Center’s head gardener to be used at Rockefeller Center in 2024. After Leslie sadly passed away, Albert thought what better way to honor her than donate their special tree for all to see during the Christmas season. After Christmas, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, as it is every year, symbolizing new beginnings for all.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Christmas tree is a must see during a visit to New York during the holidays. If you want a special experience, set your alarm early and be at the tree just before 5:00 a.m. when the lights are turned on for the day.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Early morning or late at night are the best times to view the tree with minimal crowds. Our visit was between 8:00-9:00 a.m. and we were able to get close to the tree and take photos. The morning light is also great for photography. In the evening, crowds are heavy until about 10-11:00 p.m.
Crowds at the Rockefeller tree pick up mid-day through the late evening
The Rink
LOCATION: On 49th St. between 5th & 6th Avenues. Entrance to the rink is at the southeast corner of the Plaza. There are signs directing you to the Rink.
Skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center is a bucket list experience and one not to be missed during your visit to New York City in the winter. The rink is quite small, but so iconic, especially under the glow of the massive Christmas tree.
The Rink at Rockefeller Plaza
Our Experience: We booked an 8:00 a.m. time slot, which means that we had from 8-9 a.m. to skate. We arrived at about 8:10 a.m. and it was the perfect time to arrive. A line had formed for the 8:20 a.m group and we were able to walk right up to enter. We proceeded down a set of stairs, had our tickets scanned, and then went into a room to get skates. By arriving at this time, we missed the line for our 8:00 a.m. group as they were already on the rink. And 45 minutes ended up being more than enough skating time. There are lockers on site and you will have to lock up any bags, including purses, as no baggage is allowed on the rink.
Can you take photos? Mike was the one in our group who didn’t skate so he took some photos from up above. People do stop on the ice to take photos, selfies and even ask others to take pics, especially under the Rockefeller Christmas tree. So having a phone or small camera in your jacket pocket works well to take photos while skating. But don’t forget to enjoy the experience!
Is it worth it? Absolutely, yes. It is one of the most iconic ice skating rinks in the world and ice skating is a fun activity for the whole family. I read beforehand that the rink at Rockefeller is small compared to other skating rinks in the city, such as those at Bryant Park and Central Park. Well, after seeing those rinks and how crowded they were, I much preferred the intimate experience at the Rockefeller Rink. Yes it is small but it sufficed for our purpose of enjoying a leisurely skate. Less people on the rink made for an enjoyable experience and being able to take a photo under the glow of the Rockefeller Christmas tree made it especially unforgettable!
Ava and I by the Rockefeller Tree while skating
2. See The Radio City Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular
LOCATION: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave.
Another iconic New York Christmas tradition is seeing the Radio City Rockettes perform in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. What a show!
Radio City Music Hall, a must during the holidays
Ava and I had tickets for the show at 7:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. we arrived at Radio City Music Hall to take a backstage tour which ended at 6:00 p.m. The tour took us through backstage areas, allowed us a glimpse at costumes of old, and we had the chance to meet a Rockette and ask questions.
Inside Radio City Music Hall
Getting ready for the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
This worked out perfectly because we were early for the show and had plenty of time to grab some snacks and drinks and settle in to our seats.
Definitely add the Rockettes to your Christmas-in-New-York-list, it will have you feeling the Christmas spirit!
The end of the the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
3. See the Holiday Decor Around the City
You’ll have no trouble finding holiday decor around the city, from twinkling lights to giant red ornaments and massive candy canes.
Ava by the giant ornaments across from Radio City Music Hall
The tree at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, located behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral
4. Shop at the Holiday Markets
Pop up booths selling wares such as ornaments, crafts, jewelry, and food are on display in various areas of the city. We hit up several of these on our visit to New York and enjoyed the slow shopping experience in the festive atmosphere.
BRYANT PARK
LOCATION: Between 40th & 42nd Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues
The Bryant Park Winter Village was our favorite of all the pop-up holiday markets.
Bryant Park Markets
The market is quite large with many popular food items such as gourmet hot chocolates and raclette, a staple in European Christmas Markets. In the center of Bryant Park is a large ice skating rink.
The rink at Bryant Park
COLUMBUS CIRCLE
LOCATION: Columbus Circle & Central Park South
Located at the southern edge of Central Park, the Columbus Circle Holiday Markets are in a pretty setting with skyscrapers to the south and sprawling Central Park to the north.
The shops are great to meander with ornaments, leather goods, jewelry, as well as food and drink to purchase.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
After a visit to the holiday market, enjoy a stroll through Central Park.
Central Park
If you want to seek out specific locations from holiday movies, the Gapstow Bridge was featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and is in the southeastern end of Central Park, while the Pine Bank Arch Bridge was in a scene in Elf. You can use either Google Maps to route yourself to these locations or check out the posted maps throughout the park.
TIMES SQUARE
LOCATION: Broadway between 47th & 48th Streets
This market was just opening up when we walked through it, but if you’ll be near Times Square it’s worth a stop. And what a juxtaposition of bright modern billboards and skyscrapers against cozy market huts!
Markets near Times Square
TIP: The holiday markets seemed to sell similar items such as Christmas ornaments, clothing, and souvenirs from the city. If you miss one market, chances are you can find similar items at another.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Arrive at opening time for the best experience. Sure, the markets are cozy once the sky is dark and the Christmas lights are on, however the markets get very busy, I’m talking shoulder-to-shoulder! Lines are also very long for food and drinks. We enjoyed our daytime experience and it was worth it to avoid the big crowds.
5. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn
LOCATION: Between 81st & 84th Streets and 10th to 13th Avenues, Brooklyn
The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn has become famous for its over-the-top Christmas light displays. Tourists fill the sidewalks and tours guide people through the history of this tradition while viewing these extraordinary displays.
Mike and Braden took this tour from Get Your Guide, which took them on a bus ride from midtown Manhattan down to Brooklyn. They said the guide shared a lot of great commentary on the ride. Once they arrived in the neighborhood, they toured a smaller, less touristy area of Dyker Heights, which the guide said was his personal favorite as it was away from the masses. Next, they followed the guide on a walking tour of the most decorated neighborhood in Brooklyn!
Dyker Heights light tour in Brooklyn
Colorful lights, snow machines, animatronics, 25 foot tall Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and so much more adorned the exteriors of the homes. Some of the residents had vendor booths set up raising money for various charities by selling goods such as gingerbread men, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies.
After the walking tour, they boarded the bus back to Manhattan. They had one surprise stop, however – a view of Manhattan as seen from Brooklyn! It was a great way to end the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights experience.
For more holiday light tour options, see below:
6. Visit Santa at Macy’s Herald Square
LOCATION: 151 W. 34th Street
Made famous from the Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street, Macy’s flagship location on 34th Street in midtown Manhattan is a must if you want to visit Santa. Even if you don’t want to visit the big guy in red, you can still wander through the Holiday Lane, finding every type of Christmas decor imaginable.
Macy’s as seen from an observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt
PRO TRAVEL TIP: You must reserve your time slot with Santa ahead of time. And be aware, even with the reservation, this experience can take a couple hours. In 2024, reservations for a visit with Santa could be made five days ahead of time. Check out the website and bookmark it for future dates and information: Macy’s Herald Square Santaland.
7. Shop Til You Drop
New York City is one of the best places in the world to shop as you will find everything your heart desires in the city. There are some especially great areas of the city, however, for great shopping.
5TH AVENUE
Fifth Avenue is famous for good reason. High end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffanys all reside here along with other popular stores such as Nike, Adidas, and Urban Outfitters. The best part of shopping here during the holidays are the window displays and lights featured on the building exteriors.
HUDSON YARDS
Hudson Yards is an indoor shopping mall situated right by the Vessel. Here you’ll find stores such as Mango, Artizia, Alo Yoga, as well as high end stores on the lower level. The bottom floor features Mercado Little Spain, a sprawling Spanish market complex with a bar, restaurant, and various kiosks.
The decor here was really beautiful, with golden lights throughout and the big hot air balloon at the entrance (across from the Vessel).
The Shops at Hudson Yards
SOHO
The Shops of SoHo is a great outdoor shopping experience with many great boutiques and stores near Broadway in south central Manhattan.
8. Dining During the Holidays
Reservations are a must while dining in New York City, and especially so during the holidays. I chose these restaurants due to their proximity to what we were visiting at the time as well as the broad menus, something for everyone in the family. We also ate in a few quick service restaurants and at our hotel. One of our favorite restaurants is the Broadway Lounge, located on the 8th floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, where we stayed. If you get a window seat, you have fabulous views of Times Square!
Here are the restaurants we dined at during our trip in December:
The Smith
Location: 1900 Broadway
We chose The Smith due to its proximity to Central Park and the Columbus Circle Markets, where we had spent the morning. We had lunch here and it was great! With plentiful menu options there was something for everyone in this large restaurant located right by the Lincoln Center.
La Grand Boucherie
Location: 145 W. 53rd St.
We dined at this French steakhouse for dinner one night and it was fantastic. The food and service were great and the restaurant was decorated beautifully for the holidays.
Industry Kitchen
Location: 70 South St.
We always stop here on a visit to the city, mainly because it is Braden’s favorite NYC restaurant! He insists the pizza is the best he has ever had! During the wintertime, these cute little huts are available to dine in as well.
Industry Kitchen
9. More Great Things to do in NYC
Having been to New York City numerous times over the last several years with our kids, aging from early elementary to now young adults, we have a big list of things to see and do in the city in our guide, 25 Great Things to See and Do in NYC. The one “non-Christmasy” thing we did on this December trip was visit Summit One Vanderbilt, the best NYC observation deck in my opinion. I had been to it previously but no one else in my family had so I knew I wanted to add it on.
Summit One Vanderbilt is at the top of One Vanderbilt, a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. It is located right next to Grand Central Station so you can easily combine a visit to Summit One Vanderbilt with the iconic train station.
Grand Central Station
A visit to Summit One Vanderbilt is an experience. The elevator whisks you up 91 stories in a matter of seconds. Part art-installation part-observation deck, it’s a unique way to view the city.
Transcendence, an area of Summit One Vanderbilt
The views up here are incredible. Facing the Chrysler building to the east, the Empire State building to the south, Hudson Yards to the west, and Central Park to the north, you get to see all of New York’s best from one observation deck.
The Chrysler Building
Looking down Manhattan
View of Hudson Yards (with the Edge jutting out of the building)
View of Bryant Park
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Book your time slot 90 minutes before sunset. You will get to experience the art installations during the daylight and then watch as the sky slowly turns shades of varying colors before finally turning to night with the city lights shining bright. We love to end the visit with a drink from Apres’, the bar at the top, while taking in the views of the city turning to night.
TIPS TO HAVE THE BEST EXPERIENCE AT CHRISTMASTIME:
- Make reservations. Ice skating at Rockefeller and visiting Santa at Macy’s need reservations. We also highly recommend making all your dining reservations.
- Get out early. We found the city most enjoyable in the early morning hours. We had our ice skating reservation at Rockefeller at 8:00 a.m. The tree was not crowded so it was also a great time to visit and take photos. Visiting the markets, such as those at Columbus Circle and Bryant Park were best right when they opened. Lines were not too long and crowds were very manageable as we made our way through the cozy markets.
- Bring cold weather gear. New York is cold in December. Each day we were there it got colder and even snowed! Definitely bring a good jacket, hats, and gloves as well as comfortable boots that you can walk around the city in.
- Expect large crowds. With almost 7 million people coming to experience New York City during the holidays, it will be crowded. Be patient! Everyone wants to enjoy the holiday displays, the lights, and more. We found most everyone to be happy to be here, kind, and polite. By doing so, you won’t be frustrated with the crowds, rather you’ll embrace it! You are in one of the world’s greatest cities experiencing the most festive time of year!
Read More!
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