There’s nothing quite like Christmas in the Big Apple and it’s one of those things that needs to be experienced at least once in your life. Read on to discover my tips on how to make the most of the festive season in New York.
Thanks to an endless number of Christmas movies, it’s well known that New York is an enchanting place to be during the holiday season. Having experienced it firsthand, I can confidently say there’s nothing better than strolling through streets decked in sparkling lights, attending a festive Broadway show, or shopping for the perfect gift in the city’s iconic department stores.
Add to that the ice-skating rinks and lively Christmas markets, and it feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. If you love Christmas then visiting New York in December is a must.
From magical Christmas markets and trees to the city’s extravagant window displays, tastiest seasonal treats, and practical advice to maximize your time, here are my tips for an unforgettable holiday.
Be sure to save the map below to make it easy to find all the must-see spots.
1. Discover the magic of a Christmas market
While I love the traditional European Christmas markets, there’s something irresistible about the Christmas markets in New York. In several places around the city there are festive markets where you can buy local art, unique gifts and of course try some tasty treats.
- The Union Square Holiday Market is open from mid-November until Christmas Eve and has no fewer than 150 stalls. At the information kiosk, you can get discount vouchers for the shops, making Christmas shopping a bit more affordable.
- From late October, you can also shop, snack and skate in Midtown Manhattan at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. It may be the most popular (and most crowded) market in the city, but skating surrounded by skyscrapers was one of my favorite moments.
- And just 10 minutes walk from Bryan Park is one of New York’s most famous train stations, Grand Central Terminal, where 30 local craft vendors sell their wares at the Holiday Fair from November 11 to December 24. I bought some great Christmas gifts from the stalls selling clothing, jewelry, personal care products and other knick-knacks.
Join a tour of the Christmas markets in New York, so you don’t miss a single one!
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2. Be illuminated by light displays
New York takes its Christmas lights seriously; here are some places which have the most spectacular displays.
- One of the best examples can be found in Dyker Heights in southwest Brooklyn. Join a hop-on hop-off tour of the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and be amazed by the beautifully decorated houses decked out in nativity scenes, giant Santas, snowmen, nutcrackers and more. It’s about an hour from Time Square one way, so we recommend setting aside an entire afternoon to give you plenty of time to bask in all that Christmas bling.
- Another must-see is the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) Glow in the Bronx. This light display is New York’s largest in open air and shows off beautifully lit buildings and landscapes. Complete your visit with a look at the Holiday Train Show® and its intricate miniature world.
- Still not had enough of those twinkling lights? Then head to Lightscape in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where a charming walk lit by more than a million lights awaits you.
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3. Marvel at tinseled trees
Of course, the iconic Christmas tree had to be mentioned and I’m happy to share some of my favorites. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is probably the most famous of them all and thanks to its high profile in Christmas movies, it has a special place in my heart. But if you prefer to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of other options.
- Under the arch of Washington Square Park, a 45ft festively decorated fir is lit for the season on the first week of December.
- Madison Square Park instead was where the first public Christmas tree was lit in 1912 and 1121 years later you can still admire a glorious 30ft tall spruce tree every December.
- Impressive Christmas trees are not only found on the street but also inside various cultural institutions. According to tradition the Met Museum unveils an angel-heavy spruce tree and baroque Neapolitan nativity scene every year from Thanksgiving until after Epiphany.
- For decades the American Museum of Natural History has also celebrated Christmas with a tree made from around 1,000 origami pieces. This year’s theme is Jumping for Joy – inspired by all the animals that jump and march.
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4. Strap on some skates
Want to glide across the ice but not sure where to go? Everyone knows about the Rockefeller Center ice rink, so I’d like to recommend some less crowded places.
- If you’re looking for a little more space one of the best alternatives is the ice-skating rink in Bryant Park, which I mentioned earlier. The rink is bigger and free (you only pay for skate rental).
- One of the newer skate spots can be found at Brookfield Place in the financial district. The mall combines the open-air skating rink with the chance to meet Santa Claus and see the Luminaries, a Rockwell Group light installation featuring around 640 lanterns.
- For the best view head to the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. This indoor ice-skating rink is open all year round, not just during the festive season, and is especially noteworthy for its amazing view over the Hudson River.
- If you’re in Brooklyn you’ll want to head to the Industry City Ice Rink. This open-air ice-skating rink offers up a great winter experience from mid-November. Plus, after skating you can warm up with some waffles and hot chocolate.
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5. Head to a Broadway show
One way to up the magic of a Christmas event is by combining it with a Broadway show. For example, the much-anticipated Jingle Ball, featuring performances by top contemporary pop artists, pairs perfectly with Broadway’s Six. In this production, the six wives of Henry VIII are reimagined as pop divas. A true anthem to the strength and resilience of women, it complements the lineup of the pop concert featuring top female artists such as Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor and Gracie Abrams.
Or why not combine your visit to the iconic Rockefeller Center with one of the most iconic musicals of all time, Moulin Rouge? Like the lights of the most famous Christmas tree in New York, the show will illuminate your soul with its captivating songs and love story. Otherwise, after enjoying the breathtaking view from The Edge, continue to ‘defy gravity’ with Wicked, the musical that has enchanted audiences worldwide for years. The untold story of the witches of Oz will keep you glued to your seat with its charismatic characters, unexpected twists and memorable songs.
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6. Admire the many window displays
During my Christmas trip to the Big Apple, I made sure to indulge in a bit of shopping and check out the beautifully decorated window displays. Some of the most elaborate and extravagant window displays include the following:
- The Macy’s window on 34th Street, which is also where the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends. The festive decorations continue inside as well, and if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss Santaland, where they can meet Santa Claus and share their wish lists with him. A truly American tradition.
- The window at Saks on Fifth Avenue. One of the most impressive displays, every year the 10-storey facade is decorated with more than 700,000 LED lights.
- The Bloomingdale’s window on 3rd Avenue, which amazes every year with its themed decorations.
- The Bergdorf Goodman window on 5th Avenue, ultra-luxurious and chic.
- The Tiffany window, also on 5th Avenue, one of the most iconic and recognizable.
- The toy store windows, especially FAO Schwarz, have some of the best toys. Another must-visit if you’re traveling with kids, this store feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with interactive experiences and imaginative decorations.
In general, I recommend keeping an eye out because even the windows of smaller shops were full of wonderful surprises.
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7. Try festive delicacies from around the world
One of the things I love most about Christmas is the festive dinners and delicious desserts…because who doesn’t? And New York is known for being a foodie heaven, which is why I made sure to indulge during my visit. There’s nothing better on a cold winter’s day than a mug of hot chocolate to warm your hands and soul with. According to locals the best hot chocolate can be had at Blue Stripes Cacao Shop, La Maison du Chocolat and Max Brenner New York. Meanwhile marshmallows and gingerbread cookies can be found everywhere. If you’re looking for a truly special Yule log head to Lafayette and don’t forget to stop at Breads Bakery to taste sufganiyot, a traditional Hanukkah treat similar to a krapfen.
If sweets aren’t your thing, then take advantage of your visit to try some delicacies from… all over the world! From Chinatown to Little Italy, East Harlem and Jackson Heights, you can travel the globe by visiting the different neighborhoods of the city. I decided to go to Little Caribbean in Brooklyn, which is particularly lively during the Christmas season, where you’ll find jerk chicken, Jamaican patties, and other treats. For something a little more unusual, to discover the stories and flavors of this community, I recommend joining a National Geographic guided tour.
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8. Don’t miss the city’s top attractions
Among the many things to do in New York at Christmas, don’t forget to visit its famous attractions, which are even more charming during this time. Here are some of my favorites:
- Take the elevator to the top of one of the city’s many skyscrapers. The Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, The Edge in Hudson Yards, and One World Trade Center are some great options for taking in unforgettable skyline views. Go during sunset and watch the city light up as the sun slowly disappears.
- A walk through Central Park is also a (romantic) must. Put on your mittens and warm shoes and stroll through this sprawling urban park. If you’re lucky, it might even snow and the park will be transformed into a wintry wonderland. Watch the skaters on the Wollman Ice Rink, walk the famous promenade with its picturesque benches and don’t forget to look at the Manhattan skyline.
- After sunset, head to the Bronx Zoo, the largest zoo in New York, to enjoy light shows, lanterns, holiday decorations, a train ride, music, and much more. It’s great for kids and has more than 4,000 animals from over 650 species. During the Christmas season it’s packed with light shows, festive displays, lanterns, a Holiday Train, Christmas music and more. And why not end the evening on a high note by watching the Lion King show on Broadway?
- The last Christmas must-see in New York is St Patrick’s Cathedral. Located on Fifth Avenue it’s the largest Catholic cathedral in the country and an awe-inspiring work in neo-Gothic style, with gorgeous stained-glass windows and an organ with more than 7800 pipes.
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Final tips for visiting New York at Christmas
I just wanted to finish up with some practical advice so you can make the most of your New York Christmas. First, let’s talk about the weather. Winter in New York is cold, with temperatures often below freezing and occasional snowfall. So, bring a heavy coat, gloves, scarf, hat, and comfortable, waterproof shoes to handle both the cold and the long walks. I wore thermal clothing under my clothes and it worked really well.
When it comes to accommodation, avoid very touristy areas like Times Square, where prices and crowds can be overwhelming. Neighborhoods like Long Island City or Brooklyn offer good connections to Manhattan at more affordable prices.
The most famous Christmas attractions, like Rockefeller Center and the Bryant Park markets, are magical at Christmas… but also very crowded! Visit them early in the morning or on weekdays to try to avoid the peaks. But still, expect lines and crowds. It’ll be worth it, but you’ll need to arm yourself with plenty of patience.
And remember to book Christmas shows and attractions well in advance to secure good seats and avoid spending all your time in line. Lastly, enjoy it – watch, taste, walk, and explore as much as you can.
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Looking for more tips for your trip? Check out our 2-day itinerary for New York.