When winter comes, people always think about things to do in New York at Christmas. The bright Christmas decorations in the city attract many visitors to New York to experience the charm of Christmas day. From the bustling Fifth Avenue to the cozy Central Park, from the Christmas markets full of beautiful things to the spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremony, there are many Christmas things to do in NYC.
Overview of Things to Do at Xmas in New York
- Admire the Christmas lights
- Go to various Christmas markets
- Watch the Christmas shows
- Ice Skates
- Join in Christmas concerts
20 Things to do in NYC at Christmas
- 1. Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
- 2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- 3. Window Displays on 5th and 6th Avenue
- 4. Enjoy Time for Gingerbread NYC
- 5. Holiday Markets at Bryant Park
- 6. Watch the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
- 7. Have a Great Dining out On Christmas
- 8. Visit Macy's at Herald Square
- 9. Seeing the Nutcracker Ballet
- 10. Union Square Holiday Market
- 11. Explore the Central Park
- 12. Concert at St. John the Dive
- 13. Enjoy the time at Dante Bar
- 14. Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show
- 15. Holiday Nostalgia Train
- 16. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- 17. Bronx Zoo Light Show
- 18. Harbour Line Holiday Cruise
- 19. Gramercy Park Glee
- 20. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
1. Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
One of the things to do in New York at Christmas is ice skating at Wollman Rink. The skating rink at this park is beautifully decorated and surrounded by festive lights and Christmas decorations for a great holiday atmosphere. While skating, you can enjoy a unique view of the Manhattan skyline and skyscrapers. The Wollman rink is suitable for skaters from all levels, from beginner to experienced skaters. Besides ice skating, you can find some popular Christmas markets in NYC where you can taste hot chocolate, Christmas food, artifacts, and more.
2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Every year, seeing the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center is one of the most meaningful Christmas things to do in NYC. The massive Christmas tree stands dozens of meters tall in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Plaza. It is adorned with thousands of colored lights and ornate decorations in all its glory, attracting thousands of visitors. Under the large Christmas Tree is the ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and people can come there to skate and experience the rich festival atmosphere. The star on the tree is also a highlight. Each year, a unique crystal star is chosen as the final. People will gather here to take photos and enjoy this dazzling feast of lights.
3. Window Displays on 5th and 6th Avenue
Seeing the window displays on Fifth Avenue and 6th Avenue is a good choice for things to do at Xmas in New York. These windows are gorgeous and creative and show the magic of the holiday season. From the luxurious department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, every store has carefully designed unique holiday-themed windows. These windows have delicate Christmas decorations and many lifelike scenes and character models as if entering a charming winter wonderland.
4. Enjoy Time for Gingerbread NYC
Gingerbread is one of the Christmas events in NYC for the holidays, and there are many places to hold this event, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Public Library, and other similar places. This event often invited the participants with their friends and family to enjoy the fun of making gingerbread. The event venue will provide various decoration materials, including frosting, colored candy, chocolate, and more, for you to innovate your new gingerbread.
5. Holiday Markets at Bryant Park
Curious about Christmas things to do in New York? Going to the holiday markets in Bryant Park in Midtown is one thing you cannot miss out on. Each winter, Bryant Park will be transformed into a festive shopping paradise with many exquisite booths lining the park, offering various crafts, holiday decor, fashionable accessories, and delicious snacks. Visitors can find unique Christmas presents or taste traditional food like hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and other seasonal treats.
6. Watch the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
The 5th Avenue light show is one of the things to do in NYC for Christmas, and it is a must-try thing. Every year, the storefronts of Saks Fifth Avenue are transformed into a large lighted canvas that showcases a stunning holiday light show. Gorgeous lights are combined with contemporary music, holiday tunes, and colorful animated effects to create a fantastic visual experience. The 5th Avenue light show will start from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day and New Year, attracting many visitors.
7. Have a Great Dining out On Christmas
To have a great dining out is a good option for things to do in NYC at Christmas. Whether it is a traditional Christmas meal or a stay with friends to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, you have many dining options in New York. For example, The Russian Tea Room in Manhattan is famous for its Irish food and luxurious decorations, and the restaurant provides a festival menu on a particular day. Delmonico’s is another classical option and offers top-level steak and seafood. If you want to enjoy a warm and family-style meal, you can go to Alice’s Tea Cup, which provides abundant afternoon tea and a comfortable environment. There are also many restaurants in the Lower East Side area that you can explore during the Christmas holiday.
8. Visit Macy’s at Herald Square
During Christmas, going to the Macy’s at Herald Square is an excellent choice to experience the atmosphere. Macy’s Christmas decorations and shopping experience attract thousands of visitors each year. The stores are decorated with sparkling Christmas lights, especially the Christmas light show outside the building, creating a festive atmosphere. In addition, Macy’s offers special holiday sales and merchandise during the Christmas season, where shoppers can pick up a great selection of gifts. Macy’s Meet and Greet with Santa Claus event is also an essential experience for families with children.
9. Seeing the Nutcracker Ballet
Watching The Nutcracker Ballet during the New York Christmas season is a classic holiday event, especially at a culturally rich venue like Lincoln Center. The ballet, composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, has become annual things to do in NYC during Christmas. The New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center performs The Nutcracker and draws large crowds with its virtuoso choreography and gorgeous staging. The dance drama tells a story of Christmas Eve and whimsical adventures, accompanied by moving music and beautiful choreography that creates a festive atmosphere. Both children and adults will be captivated by this classic ballet.
10. Union Square Holiday Market
Exploring the Union Square Holiday Market is one of the things to do in New York. It is also the largest Christmas market in NYC. This festive market attracts thousands of tourists and locals from November through December. Here, you can find various unique holiday goods and crafts, from beautiful Christmas ornaments to unique gifts and artwork. The stalls are filled with creative products from local artists and merchants, giving you a different shopping experience. In addition, the decorations, lights, and festive music around the market add to the Christmas atmosphere, making it a great place to take photos. You can enjoy warm festive snacks like delicious kebabs and feel the warmth and joy of New York winter.
11. Explore the Central Park
Central Park is filled with a festival atmosphere during Christmas time and is one of the things to do at Christmas time in New York. Before Christmas comes, Central Park is decorated with Christmas elements. The visitors can come for ice skate in the Wollman Rink, where you can have a great view of the city skyline and you can get a unique skating experience. Besides, horse-drawn carriage tours in the park are very popular, and you can feel the warm and romantic atmosphere as you walk through the beautifully decorated Christmas lights. You can also take a short walk in the Central Park, especially after a snow day, the trees and paths are covered in snow, making it seem like you are in a fairy tale world.
12. Christmas Concert at St. John the Dive
Listen to the Christmas concert at St. John the Divine to get the answers to things to do in New York at Christmas time. St. John the Divine is located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and is one of the biggest gothic churches. Every Christmas, many large concerts are held to attract many citizens and visitors. Concerts usually include hymn singing by the choir, magnificent performances by the organ, and other classic Christmas songs and religious music. Inside this magnificent church, the lilting music complements the ornate architecture, creating a festive atmosphere.
13. Enjoy the time at Dante Bar
Going to the Dante Bar to enjoy a cocktail party is one of the things to do in New York at Christmas. Dante Bar is located in the Greenwich Village and is one of the most historic and stylish bars in New York. Starting in 1915, it is famous for its exquisite cocktails and warm atmosphere. Dante Bar is specially decorated during Christmas to add a solid festive atmosphere. You can taste the festive limited cocktails made by bartenders, such as mulled wine, Christmas spice drinks, etc. You can feel the warmth of winter and enjoy the unique flavor. With soft lighting and gorgeous decorations, the bar is ideal for spending Christmas Eve with friends or loved ones.
14. Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show
Do you know Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show? One of the Christmas events in NYC for the holidays. Each year at Christmas, Radio City Music Hall in Rockefeller Center is home to this breathtaking Christmas show. Since its premiere in 1933, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dancers Christmas Spectacular has become one of New York’s Christmas traditions, attracting thousands of visitors and citizens alike. This show combines gorgeous dancing, beautiful costumes, stunning lighting effects, and moving Christmas music. The most famous part of the show is the high-kicking dance featuring the Rockettes, who always leave the audience breathless with their neat moves and precise rhythms.
15. Holiday Nostalgia Train
Holiday Nostalgia Train is one of the most valuable things to do at Christmas in New York. Every winter, the MTA (New York Transit Authority) introduces this nostalgic train adorned with classic holiday decorations, and the interior of the car is restored in the old-fashioned design style, bringing passengers a unique travel experience. The Holiday Nostalgia Train’s cars are styled in the 1950’s to 1960’s era, featuring vintage seating, iconic wood trim, and classic subway details. The train runs on subway lines in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, attracting large crowds of tourists and locals yearly. With Christmas music playing in the cars, passengers can enjoy the festive atmosphere and the charm of old New York with friends and family.
16. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Going to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a priority when people think about Christmas things to do in NYC. Every winter, this market has its grand opening in the southwest corner of Central Park, attracting countless tourists. There are various market niches in Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and it sells handcrafts, artifacts, and different unique presents. You can taste many local foods in this Christmas market, including hot chocolate, handmade gingerbread, and warm cider. In addition, you can find many entertainment options for the family.
17. Bronx Zoo Light Show
Bronx Zoo Light Show gives you an option for things to do at Xmas in New York. On Christmas Day, Bronx Zoo will hold a giant light show each year. All areas of the zoo are decorated with colorful holiday lights, creating a fantastic winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated park and enjoy lighted sculptures and themed displays in a variety of shapes and sizes. The visitors can see some of the animals’ winter displays, except for the light show, and experience interactive activities and Christmas specials.
18. Harbour Line Holiday Cruise
Harbour Line Holiday Cruise is one of the things to do in New York at Christma, and this cruise will take you around New York Harbor to see some of the top attractions in New York, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially during the Christmas Holiday, there are many festival decorations on the cuisine, making people feel the rich Christmas atmosphere. The cruise will also play holiday music to get you in the Christmas spirit.
19. Gramercy Park Glee
Gramercy Park Glee is located in the Gramercy Park area for Christmas things to do in NYC, and it is a fun event full of Christmas atmosphere. This concert usually features a local choir or artist performing an array of upbeat Christmas songs and classic holiday tunes. In this place full of winter atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the wonderful music in the warm interior and feel the joy and warmth of Christmas. Gramercy Park is one of the charming parks in New York. At Christmas time, the streets and buildings are decorated with festival lights.
20. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Brooklyn Botanic Garden gives you the answers to the questions about things to do in New York at Christmas. During the Christmas holiday, the winter scenery of the garden displays a stillness and beauty, unlike any other season, with trees and plants covered in a thin layer of frost and snow, exuding a serene atmosphere. During the Christmas season, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts special festive events, such as the Winter Flower Show, which showcases a variety of winter plants and holiday decorations to give visitors a warm atmosphere. The Park’s Japanese-style gardens and greenhouses highlight winter sightseeing.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there are many things to do in New York at Christmas to have fun. Whether you first come or have lived in this city for a long time, you can find something new each year for Christmas events in NYC for the holidays. You can discover the Christmas trees in Rockefeller Center and holiday decorations at department stores. Also, the romantic ice skating at the vibrant Christmas markets in New York provides you with many things to do at Christmas in New York.
FAQ about Christmas things to do in NYC
Yes, New York City is a magical destination during Christmas. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with iconic sights like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating at Bryant Park, and elaborate holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. The festive atmosphere fills the air, and areas like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn showcase extravagant holiday light displays. New York offers a unique blend of holiday cheer, from Broadway shows to cozy cafes.
The streets come alive with holiday magic at Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the must-see things to do in New York at Christmas, surrounded by ice skaters at the rink. Fifth Avenue windows are decorated with elaborate holiday displays, drawing crowds. Central Park offers scenic winter walks and ice skating at Wollman Rink. In neighborhoods like Dyker Heights, extravagant Christmas light displays illuminate the streets. Broadway theaters feature festive shows, and holiday markets like Union Square and Bryant Park sell unique gifts and treats.
On Christmas Day in New York City, many attractions, restaurants, and services are open with limited hours. Famous sights like Central Park, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and the ice skating rinks at Bryant Park and Wollman Rink remain open. Museums like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art may be open, but it’s best to check beforehand. Many restaurants, especially in hotels, remain open, offering festive meals. Additionally, public transportation runs but with a reduced schedule.
At Christmas, Rockefeller Center is a holiday hotspot. Visitors can admire the iconic Christmas tree, which is beautifully lit and towering over the plaza. The ice skating rink, a NYC tradition, offers skating beneath the tree. Visitors can also take in festive window displays along Fifth Avenue and 6th Avenue and explore nearby attractions like Radio City Music Hall, home to the famed Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. The atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, and shoppers can enjoy festive treats and hot chocolate from nearby kiosks
In December, New York City can be cold, often dipping below freezing, with the potential for snow, rain, and wind. Dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer and a warm sweater or fleece. A heavy winter coat, preferably down-filled or insulated, is necessities for warmth. Wear thermal socks and sturdy, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. Accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats are essential, as wind chills can make it feel much colder.
