Spending Christmas in New York City is everybody’s dream. The city is magical all year round, but at Christmas, there’s something uniquely enchanting about it. Twinkling lights line the streets, ice-skating rinks come alive with holiday cheer, and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air.
If you’re planning a Christmas getaway, this guide will help you discover the best things to do, where to stay, and how to make your trip unforgettable.
Our top picks for a cosy Christmas stay
Finding the right place to stay in New York City is essential to making the most of your trip. A well-located, safe, and budget-appropriate accommodation ensures you can enjoy all the holiday magic without unnecessary stress. Here are our top recommendations:
The Plaza Hotel: If you’re looking for luxury, The Plaza near Central Park offers an unforgettable stay. Famous for its elegant décor and holiday charm, it’s a dream spot for a Christmas getaway.
Moxy NYC Times Square: A trendy and budget-friendly option in the heart of the city. With chic design, great amenities, and easy access to Times Square, this hotel is perfect for travellers who want to balance comfort and cost.
Hotel Edison: Located in the Theatre District, Hotel Edison offers a charming mix of comfort and convenience. Its proximity to Broadway and Times Square makes it an excellent choice for theatre lovers.
Top 10 things to do in New York City at Christmas
1. Marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of New York City’s most iconic holiday landmarks. Towering at over 75 feet, the tree is adorned with thousands of LED lights and crowned with a dazzling Swarovski star that sparkles against the city’s winter sky. The surrounding plaza is beautifully decorated with lit angels and fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photos and holiday cheer.
- Best time to visit: To avoid the biggest crowds, visit early in the morning or late at night when the tree is still illuminated but the plaza is quieter. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan.
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes to admire the tree and take photos; add an hour if you plan to ice skate.
- Price: Viewing the tree is free; ice-skating tickets start at $21.
- Complementary activities: After enjoying the tree, head to the nearby Fifth Avenue holiday window displays, or grab a warm drink at one of Rockefeller Center’s cafés.
2. Ice-Skating at Bryant Park
Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland with its free ice skating rink, surrounded by the stunning New York Public Library and towering skyscrapers. This rink offers a charming alternative to the larger rink at Rockefeller Center and is often less crowded. It’s perfect for a festive day out with friends or family.
- Best time to visit: Visit early in the day or in the evening to avoid crowds. The rink tends to get busy during the afternoon and on weekends.
- Location: Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours for skating and enjoying the park’s atmosphere.
- Price: Free for skating (bring your own skates), or you can rent skates for $20.
- Complementary activities: Explore the Winter Village nearby, which has a great selection of food stalls, boutique shops, and cozy spots to relax after skating.
3. Take a walk or run through Central Park
Central Park is a magical place to explore during the winter months. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or going for a run, the park’s snow-dusted paths, iconic landmarks, and scenic views provide a beautiful setting. Pass by landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Mall, all dressed up for the holiday season. It’s a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of New York in winter.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings for a peaceful walk, or late afternoon when the park is less crowded. It’s especially enchanting after snowfall.
- Location: Central Park, accessible from many points around the park, including Central Park South (59th Street) and 5th Avenue.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours for a walk or run, depending on the route.
- Price: Free.
- Complementary activities: After your walk or run, stop by one of the park’s cafés for a hot drink, or explore nearby attractions like the Museum of Modern Art or the Plaza Hotel.
4. Stroll through Dyker Heights Christmas lights
If you’re looking for a truly over-the-top Christmas experience, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This neighbourhood is famous for its extravagant Christmas light displays, with many homes decked out in thousands of lights, decorations, and even animated displays. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting New York during the holidays.
- Best time to visit: The lights are best viewed after dusk when they are all lit up, usually around 5-9 p.m.
- Location: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours to walk through the neighbourhood and enjoy the lights.
- Price: Free to walk around, though guided tours are available starting at around $50.
- Complementary activities: Grab a warm drink from a nearby café to enjoy while taking in the displays.
5. Explore the West Village Holiday Decorations
The West Village is one of the best neighbourhoods to see charming, festive decorations that feel intimate and unique. From festive wreaths adorning brownstones to string lights twinkling along the streets, the West Village transforms into a cozy winter wonderland. It’s the perfect place to wander and enjoy the local holiday spirit, with plenty of quaint cafés and shops to pop into along the way.
- Best time to visit: The decorations are typically up throughout December, and it’s quieter in the early evening.
- Location: West Village, Manhattan (start at Bleecker Street and wander through the surrounding blocks).
- Time needed: 1–2 hours to walk through the neighbourhood and enjoy the decorations.
- Price: Free to explore.
- Complementary activities: After your stroll, stop by one of the West Village’s cozy cafés, such as Café Cluny or Magnolia Bakery, for a holiday treat.
6. Visit the holiday markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle
New York’s holiday markets are full of charm, offering everything from handmade gifts to seasonal treats. The Union Square and Columbus Circle markets are two of the best places to shop for unique presents while enjoying the festive atmosphere. You’ll find everything from artisanal crafts to delicious hot chocolate and mulled wine.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays are less crowded, especially in the early afternoon. Try visiting around lunch for a quiet shopping experience.
- Location: Union Square (14th Street) and Columbus Circle (59th Street).
- Time needed: 1–2 hours to explore each market.
- Price: Free to explore, though you’ll want to budget for gifts or food.
- Complementary activities: After shopping, head to a nearby café or restaurant for a festive meal, or take a stroll through the decorated streets of Midtown.
7. Explore the New York Botanical Garden’s holiday train show
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a magical experience for the whole family. The event features model trains running through an intricate landscape of over 150 iconic New York landmarks, all made from natural materials like bark, leaves, and pinecones. It’s an enchanting way to experience the beauty of nature and the city during the holidays.
- Best time to visit: Early afternoons during weekdays tend to be quieter.
- Location: New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx.
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours to enjoy the train show and explore the gardens.
- Price: Tickets start at $30 for adults.
- Complementary activities: The garden offers beautiful walking paths to explore, and nearby you can visit the Bronx Zoo or grab a bite at a local restaurant.
8. See the holiday windows along Fifth Avenue
Walking along Fifth Avenue to admire the holiday window displays is one of New York’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman go all out with festive, imaginative windows that showcase elaborate themes and holiday storytelling.
- Best time to visit: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
- Location: Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 59th Streets.
- Time needed: 1–2 hours to explore the windows.
- Price: Free.
- Complementary activities: Explore the nearby holiday markets or pop into a café to warm up.
9. See the lights at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with stunning light installations that create a perfect backdrop for evening strolls. The park offers great views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a peaceful and beautiful spot to finish your NYC Christmas adventure.
- Best time to visit: Evening, after dark, when the lights are shining in full glory.
- Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn.
- Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Price: Free.
- Complementary activities: Visit the nearby Jane’s Carousel for a picturesque ride or explore Brooklyn Heights for charming streets and cafés.
10. Attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a must-see holiday tradition featuring the world-famous Rockettes. This high-energy show brings festive cheer with dazzling performances, beautiful costumes, and stunning sets. It’s one of the most exciting ways to experience New York’s holiday spirit.
- Best time to visit: Performances are available from November through early January, with evening shows generally more popular.
- Location: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue.
- Time needed: The show lasts about 90 minutes.
- Price: Tickets range from $50 to $150 depending on the seat.
- Complementary activities: Before or after the show, take a walk around Rockefeller Center, which is just a few blocks away, to enjoy the Christmas tree and other decorations.
Make the most of your holiday trip by planning ahead. With Plan Track Travel, you can easily book activities, find great places to stay, and organise your itinerary all in one place. Whether it’s ice skating at Rockefeller Center or marvelling at the Dyker Heights lights, planning your New York adventure becomes a breeze.
Start planning with Plan Track Travel and get ready to create unforgettable memories!
