10 FESTIVE THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS
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This post is about Christmas in New York and what to do in New York City at Christmas
New York City is magical at Christmas! There’s Christmas markets, ice skating, Christmas window displays at famous department stores, dazzling displays of Christmas lights… these are all the things to see and do in NYC at Christmas.
So you’re thinking about visiting New York around the festive season? Such a good idea! New York at Christmas is simply a must do! There’s a chill in the air and the streets are lit up with sparkly lights and orcnaments.
A visit to New York will definitely get you in the mood for the holiday season as there’s so much Christmassy goodness happening all around.
This guide will help you plan what to do in New York at Christmas time. It shows all the top things to see and do in New York and answers many frequently asked questions first timers to New York have, especially at Christmas time.
A visit to New York at Christmas time will be a special memory that you’ll cherish forever so let’s get in to how to make it as perfect as possible.
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This post is about Christmas in New York City and what to do in NYC at Christmas
Before we get excited and in to all the wonderful things to do in New York at Christmas we should first have a dose a reality. Whilst New York at Christmas truely is magical it doesn’t come without it’s challenges and it’s important to manage your expectations before you go.
New York City is busy in December! It’s busy most of the year but the holiday season brings many more people and it’s extemely crowded. It’s important to realise this before you go and you can’t let the crowds annoy you. Afterall everyone is just trying to get in the holiday spirit just like you are. The crowds around Times Square and Rockefeller Center are like none I’ve ever seen before so be ready and be prepared for people. Lots of people!
If you plan to grab a drink or some food at some of the more famous holiday favourite restaurants make sure you make a reservation to avoid disappointment. If the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations (although most do) go at off peak times. You’ll probably still have to queue and wait a while but at least the lines won’t be as long.
You need more time than you think for everything you do! With so many people around everything just takes longer. Walking a few blocks takes longer with the crowds than it does on empty streets. There’ll be queues for more things so that takes more time. If it’s your first time in New York it will take you a bit of time to figure out things like how the subway works - where to get tickets from and which routes to take. Avoid taking taxis as it’s traffic gridlock in December and you won’t get anywhere fast.
New York is an expensive city and it’s hard (although not impossible) to find amazing deals especially during the festive season. The hotels hike their prices up in Decemeber and everything seems to cost a fortune. You can save money by getting a New York City Pass which includes free access to 5 attractions including Empire State Building, 9/11 Museum, Ferry to Statue of Liberty or a Go City Card which gives you up to 50% discounts on 90 NYC attractions.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS
VISIT A NYC CHRISTMAS MARKET
During the middle of November Christmas markets start to pop up all throughout New York City. The temporary huts filled with holiday decorations, stocking fillers, sweet treats and street food are everywhere. They’re the perfect place to browse for gifts for family and friends.
Christmas markets in New York are not quite as extensive as in Europe. The Christmas markets in London are amazing but NYC does offer a few that are perfect for strolling around and getting in to the festive spirit.
Bryant Park Holiday Market
The Bryant Park holiday market is located on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. The markets here open very early, often as early as the end of October so you can start getting in the holiday spirit early. Whilst you’re at Bryant Park you could go for an ice skate as it’s one of the best places in the city for Christmas skating.
Grand Central Holiday Market
Grand Central Holiday Fair is New Yorks City’s longest running indoor holiday fair and is located inside the iconic Grand Central station on 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. The fair runs for 6 weeks and showcases 40 local artisan sellers offering special one of a kind products.
The market is a perfect place to get away from the cold outside and wander around in the warmth for a while. It is located in the Vanderbilt Hall, just off the main concourse in the terminal. It’s open 10am - 7pm from November 13th - December 24th except for Thanksgiving Day.
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Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Holiday Market is located between 14th and 17th Streets along Broadway. There are more than 150 booths selling food and one of a kind gifts. This Holiday Market is open from November 16th-December 24th 11am - 8pm except Thanksgiving Day when it is closed.
Oculus at the World Trade Center Holiday Market
'Tis the season to shop, eat, and play at Westfield's annual holiday market. The Holiday Market at the Oculus is on the lower level of the Oculus. You can shop for gifts, treats, and souvenirs at one of the many stalls. There are performances from carolers to get you in the holiday spirit. The market is open from November 25th-January 2nd.
VLOG OF OUR TIME IN NEW YORK AT CHRISTMAS
NEW YORK CITY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
One of my personal favourite things to do in any city at Christmas time is to wrap up warm and head out for a walk around the Christmas lights and ornaments that are lighting up the city.
From November to early January the streets all around New York Midtown are decorated with huge holiday ornaments so get your comfy walking shoes on to hit the streets and appreciate one of the best free things to do in New York City at Christmas.
Midtown Manhatten is full of shimmery, sparkly lights and ornaments that can’t be missed this time of year. The particular area you want to be in is between 42nd and 57th from Broasway to 5th Avenue.
Bus tour of the New York Christmas Holiday lights : A popular thing to do in New York at Christmas is to take a bus tour of the Christmas lights.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT NEW YORK CITY
Lonely Planet Guide to New York a fantastic guide book detailing all you need to know about visiting the Big Apple.
Kids New York Travel Guide is a wonderful book for kids to discover all about New York City.
SEE THE ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE
This one is an obvious one and probably should have been number one on this list of things to do in New York at Christmas but visiting the Rockefeller Christmas tree is an absolute must! A visit to New York at Christmas time just isn’t complete without seeing this enormous Christmas tree all lit up.
If you want to see the tree lighting ceremony it’s on Wednesday 29th November from 7-9pm. To attend the switching on ceremony you’re going to have to get there early to have the best chance of seeing the tree when the lights are switched on.
Remember what I said earlier about crowds! Well this is the crowd of all crowds! I’d recommend being there from around 3pm for a good view of the tree. If you want to see the musical performances before the tree lighting ceremony you’re going to have to get there around midday to claim a decent spot.
You’ll have to decide yourself whether getting there that early is worth it to you!
After the lights have been switched on you can go and visit the Rockefeller tree throughout the whole holiday season. Be warned though - the Rockefeller Center and the tree are incredibly busy throughout all of Decemeber and you will definitely be shuffling along with the crowds.
The lights are on from 6am until midnight everyday so if you want to catch them when the crowds are a little thinner head there for them turning on at 6am or very late at night. It’s New York, the city that never sleeps, so even if you go at these times they’ll still be a few people there but nothing like the hoards of people there in the middle of the day and early evening.
If you’re in New York for Christmas Day the lights are lit 24 hours and on New Years Eve the Rockefeller tree is lit from 6am until 9pm.
ADMIRE THE FESTIVE WINDOW DISPLAYS
Each year many of the famous shops and department stores around New York create elaborate festive window displays. It’s fantastic to do some window shopping and see all these displays and decorations. You could also pop in to the shops to see even more festive displays.
To see the popular store windows you need to head to Fifth Avenue. Here you can see all of the window displays by just walking up 5th Avenue except for Macy’s that are along 6th Avenue in Herald Square.
To catch them all start at 58th Street where you can see Bergdorg Goodman and continue down to Saks Fifth Avenue then finish at Macy’s in Herald Square.
Saks Fifth Avenue also has a beautiful light show that illuminates the entire building facade with holiday lights chereographed to festive music. The light show is every 10 mins and begins once its dark at around 4:40pm. The shows continue until 11:35pm and only lasts 5 minutes so it’s perfect to watch as you’re checking out the windows displays.
CENTRAL PARK IN DECEMBER
Central Park is great to visit at any time of year but if you’re lucky enough to get snow whilst you’re in New York for the holiday season make sure you head to Central Park.
Strolling through Central Park when there is fresh snow falling is something out of a movie.
Central Park in the snow is a beautiful winter setting and it’s perfect for a winter stroll with loved ones. Make sure you wrap up warm in your winter coat and gloves and enjoy the picture perfect setting.
There is a small holiday market at the entrance on 59th Street in Columbus Circle where you can grab a warming hot chocolate as you enjoy the views around the park.
Even if it doesn’t snow during your time in New York you should still make sure to head to Central Park for a stroll as the sight of the beautiful park areas lined by tall skyscrappers is one to behold.
SEE A CHRISTMAS SHOW
Seeing a Broadway show is on many peoples bucketlists for good reason.
The incredible shows on Broadway are worth seeing at any time of year but over the Christmas period some special shows appear. One such show is the Rockettes but that’s got it’s own section further down the page!
My perfect New York Christmas night consists of strolling through the streets lit up with sparkly Christmas lights and ornaments, heading to a Broadway show and finishing off with drinks in a festive bar.
There’s something about a live theatre performance that’s just spectacular.
You can catch a classic performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side or if you’re not bothered about a Christmas theme you can see the ever popular Lion King, Wicked, Hamilton and so many more!
For discounted Broadway tickets, visit the TKTS booth in Times Square on 47th Street just below the famous red steps. You can download the TKTS app for free to see what tickets are available for performances that day.
If you’re flexible with which Broadway show to see go to TKTS at 7:15-7:30 just before the 8pm showing. The line is shorter and the theatres are all within a few minutes walk from the TKTS booth.
If you’d like to secure your seats and prebook your tickets to a Broadway show you can click on the images below.
GO ICE SKATING NYC STYLE
For me a Christmas trip to New York isn’t complete without gliding around on one of the many ice rinks that pop up around the city.
Maybe you’re the type of ice skater that we’re all envious of that weaves in and out of the crowds effortlessly or maybe you have to inch your way along, clutching at the barriers or using one of those penguins to help the kids, whichever you are, it’s all good festive fun!
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
The ice rink at the Rockefeller Center near the tree is quite a spectacular place to go for an ice skate. The rink is quite small and it’s crazy busy around the Rockefeller Center but it is a wonderful place to ice skate in New York.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
This is a quinessential New York City ice skating experience is at the Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park. You are surrounded by the park with skyscrappers all around you and there is such a holiday, festive feeling being there.
Winter Village in Bryant Park
Ice skating at the Winter Village in Bryant Park on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue is a fantastic New York experience. You can even skate for free if you have your own skates! Don’t fret if you haven’t got your own as you can also rent them.
DYKER HEIGHTS TOUR
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is one of the most popular tours to do in New York at Christmas time and for good reason. This Brooklyn neighborhood goes all out during the holidays, with every last section of roof and front garden space covered in lights and decorations.
You can visit off your own steam or you can book a Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour. The best times to visit are from the middle of December onward through the holiday season from dusk until 9 pm.
DINNER AT ROLF'S RESTAURANT
Rolf’s German Restaurant is an amazing place to go for some good old holiday cheer!
Rolf’s is located near Gramercy Park at 22nd Street and 3rd Avenue and they serves traditional German food and beer and they go wild with the decorations.
It is the most Christmassy restauant in the whole of New York City with decorations, ornaments, lights on every surface.
There are over 200,000 lights strung throughout the entire restaurant.
Their specialties are Weiner Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Potato, Pancakes, apple strudel and there are five different schnitzel offerings.
They offer a wide selection of imported German Beers on tap such as Hofbrau lager and Radeberger. You can also try some special holiday drinks - Christmas Smoothie cocktail, made with Merrys vanilla cinnamon and a splash of Goldschlager or the Rolf’s Holiday Martini, made with Merry’s Irish Cream Liqueur, vodka and Meletti Choccolato Liqueur.
Booking is highly recommended over the holiday period which you can only do over the phone.
THE ROCKETTES RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is a classic must do for your first time in New York at Christmas.
As I mentioned before, catching a show in New York at Christmas is a wonderful thing to do. If you’ve only got time for one I’d make sure it’s the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Extravaganza. It is a 90 minute show with no intermission but trust me, you won’t want one!
Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Celebration dates back to 1932 and is night to remember.
During the show there is a legendary Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Santa's magical ride to his workshop at the North Pole, where playful rag dolls come to life, plus the re-enactment of the first Christmas in the Living Nativity.
For great discounts on New York City attractions at Christmas
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Christmas a good time to visit New York City?
Christmas time is one of the best times to visit New York City. There’s so much to do and see in New York at Christmas time from festive shows, holiday markets,ice skating, holiday lights as well as the usual NYC sights.
What is there to do in New York City at Christmas time?
Christmas in New York City comes with all the fantastic sights NYC is famous for. But when you visit at Christmas time, you also get to see all the holiday decorations, holiday markets, ice rinks, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Is it expensive to go to New York during Christmas?
New York is an expensive place to visit any time of year and during the Christmas season the prices are hiked up even further. Hotel prices are at a peak due to the popularity of visiting NYC at Christmas.
There are many Christmas-themed things you can do for free, like walking through holiday markets, admiring the department story holiday windows and seeing all the lights and decorations around the city.
Apart from Christmas themed activities there are also many free things to do in New York like Central Park, Times Square and the 9/11 Memorial.
Is NYC crowded during Christmas?
Quite simply - yes! New York City is incredibly crowded in the lead up to Christmas. It’s busy all year round but from mid November through to the new year the crowds are insane! You need to allow more time for everything, especially when you’re trying to move around the midtown area where popular sights like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park are.
Is New York too cold to visit during December?
The average high in New York’s a chilly 6ºC in December, which drops to -1ºC at night. There’s 85mm of rain over 12 days. You can expect nine hours of daylight each day with five hours of sunshine at a low UV level. Sunset’s around 4.30pm.
The most frigid times of year tend to be in January and February.
Will it snow in NYC at Christmas?
It’s possible New York could get some snow around Christmas time although in the past few years that hasn’t been the case. Never say never though and you could be lucky enough to be in New York when the snow falls.
Is Christmas in NYC worth it?
New York is highly recommended at any time of year but there’s something magical about New York at Christmas. It’s full of dazzling light displays, festive markets, ice skating rinks and so many other Christmas themed activities you can take part in to really get in the mood for the holidays.
Yes, they’ll be crowds and cold temperatures but the sparkles and fesive cheer are more than enough to make up for it.
What week is the best to visit New York in December?
The best week to visit New York in December is the second week of the month. While still crowded, it’s between the initial flurry of visitors when the Rockefeller Center tree is lit and before the Christmas school holidays begin.
What should you wear in New York in December?
You should dress in warm layers and warm, waterproof shoes or boots.
When you’re in New York for Christmas you’re probably going to be outside a great deal whether thats at Rockefeller Center, shopping at a Christmas market or walking along enjoying the lights.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOURS
TRANSPORT
TOP 10 NEW YORK EXPERIENCES
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW YORK
As I said at the top of this article you can choice to stay in Palma for the whole time with this 5 day Mallorca itinerary or you can choose to stay in hotels around Mallorca. If you choose to stay in Palma here are my recommendations for different budgets and types of traveller.
BUDGET TRAVELLER
The Park Ave North is great for budget travellers caosting around £100 per night during the festive period. You get a private room and it’s only 5 minutes walk from a subway station.
HI New York City Hostel is a fantastic hostel on the Upper West Side a block from Broadway and 10 minutes from Central Park. You can get a bed in a dorm room for £70 per night.
MID RANGE BUDGET
Midtown West Hotel is a 1 minute walk from Madison Square Garden with access to the A, C and E metro lines a 4 minutes’ walk. A room here will set you back around £200 over the Christmas season.
Chelsea Inn is a 19th century walk up townhouse in Greenwich Village. A room at this hotel is around £270 per night during December.
LUXURY ACCOMODATION
is a 4 star hotel with 2 gourmet restaurants. It is centrally located in Chelsea Gallery district, half a mile from High Line Park and the Hudson River. New York Penn Station and Chelsea Market are both a 15 minute walk from this boutique hotel. Times Square is 1.5 miles away.
Park Lane New York is a deluxe hotel with amazing views over Central Park and the New York skyline. It is only 2 minutes walk from 5th Avenue and the 59th Street N,Q,R underground station.
NEW YORK ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to New York? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in USA.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to New York using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from JFK Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in NYC on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in New York City on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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