Hey there, friend! Thinking about spending Christmas in New York City? Then you’ve picked the most magical time to visit! There are so many festive things to do in NYC at Christmas, and I’m here to help you find the best ones. As a lifelong New Yorker, I can tell you there’s nothing like Christmas here. It’s hands down my favorite time of the year!
NYC during the holidays is an absolute winter wonderland. The lights, the energy, and endless holiday shopping. It’s like stepping right into one of those Christmas romance movies I binge every year.
Just picture yourself skating under the iconic Christmas tree or sipping hot cocoa at a Christmas market. You’re completely surrounded by festive vibes.
With so much happening in every corner of the city, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is your key to unlocking the best things to do in NYC during the holiday season with local tips to help you plan a trip that makes you want to come back for more!
Let’s make this your most unforgettable Christmas yet. New York style!
Table of Contents
Visit NYC’s Iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Okay, first things first, you absolutely have to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree! Visiting New York and skipping it? Unthinkable!
Seeing this massive Christmas tree in person will instantly fill you with the Christmas spirit.
It’s a must-visit for me every year. Not just for the lights but because it’s filled with childhood memories. It’s the setting for one of the most iconic scenes in Home Alone 2 (my favorite Christmas movie series), where Kevin reunited with his mother under the Rockefeller Christmas Tree!
This spot is pure holiday magic. I’ve lost count of how many proposals I’ve witnessed on the ice rink below. Seriously, it’s the heart of Christmas in New York City and belongs on every Christmas itinerary!
Planning to see it in 2025? The Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony happened on Wednesday, December 3 and the tree will shine every night from December 4 through early January with 24-hour lighting on Christmas Eve. For the best experience (and fewer crowds), aim for early mornings or late evenings.
Take a Christmas Cruise on the Hudson
Want to take the New York holiday vibes to the next level? Then hop aboard the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise for a festive night out on the Hudson River.
You’ll sip hot cocoa, snack on homemade cookies, and sing along to jazzy Christmas carols, all while sailing past the beautiful Manhattan skyline. The boat is decked out with Christmas decorations. Enjoy the vibes and take in the view!
If this sounds like your kind of holiday fun, you can book the cruise through Viator or GetYourGuide. Lock it in before it sells out!
Catch the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
Next up, we have the Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall!
This show is one of New York City’s most iconic holiday traditions, and people travel from all over to see the Radio City Rockettes perform each year. This year is EXTRA special because it’s actually the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes!
The show runs from November 6 to January 5, 2026, so you’ll have plenty of chances to catch it during the holiday season. You can book your tickets ahead of time so you don’t miss out. They do tend to sell fast!
If you’re someone who loves behind-the-scenes, there’s aguided tour where you can explore the building and even meet a real Rockette! You can check out the tour times here.
Pro tip: Plan to arrive at least one hour early. Lines can get long, especially close to showtime. And heads up, there’s no baggage check, so make sure to store your large bags or luggage before heading to the venue.
Don’t miss the giant Christmas ornament across the street for a photo shoot!
Enjoy a Candlelight Christmas Concert in NYC
Looking for another magical experience? I got you. The Candlelight Concerts happening all around New York City might just end up being your favorite Christmas memory.
Picture this: you’re sitting in a gorgeous venue surrounded by hundreds of glowing light while listening to live musicians play classic Christmas music.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate activity. Whether you’re on a solo holiday or planning a romantic date night, this one’s got all the festive vibes without the chaos.
Be Dazzled by the Christmas Lights Across NYC
You cannot do Christmas in NYC without checking out our insane Christmas lights. Everywhere you look, something’s glowing. There are tons of Christmas displays in Manhattan, such as the Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows.
But my favorite, it has to be the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. These houses go all out with lights, inflatables, music, you name it.
You can totally do Dyker Heights on your own. From Midtown to Dyker Heights, it’s approx. 1 hour, and it’s super easy to get to by subway and bus. But if you don’t feel like figuring out the public transit, there are tour buses with a guided tour that’ll take you right to the good stuff.
Watch The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
If you’re in the mood for something classic, The Nutcracker is an iconic Christmas show. The New York City Ballet performs it every year at Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and it’s just magical.
The show is around 2 hours and it’s great for date night, families, or even a solo date. If the Nutcracker is on your list, snag your tickets early!
Hop on the North Pole Express
If you’re all about exploring NYC by bus, why not make it Christmas-themed? The North Pole Express is a fun way to see the city that’s perfect for Christmas with kids or anyone who loves the holiday spirit.
You’ll hop on a decked-out coach for about 45 minutes to 1.25 hours. Bundle up in a holiday blanket, sip hot cocoa, munch on treats, and hear stories from Santa’s elves.
And yes, Santa’s there too, so get ready to tell him your Christmas wish. Bonus: the ride passes the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center for that perfect NYC holiday moment.
Shop and Snack at NYC’s Christmas Holiday Markets
One of my favorite ways to get into the Christmas spirit in New York City is wandering through the holiday markets. They’re festive, packed, and just really fun to explore. You’ll find handmade gifts, unique ornaments, and so many cute little things you didn’t even know you needed.
Some of the most popular New York City Christmas markets are the Union Square Holiday Market, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, and the one at Columbus Circle. Each one offers a different vibe, and it’s worth checking out several Christmas markets if you have the time.
See the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
This one’s a little out of the way. It’s up in the Bronx at the New York Botanical Garden, but totally worth the trip. Inside the NYBG’s beautiful glass conservatory, you’ll find a miniature New York City built from twigs, leaves, and pinecones, with tiny trains weaving through over 190 iconic landmarks.
If you’re looking for a truly unique Christmas thing to do in New York City, check out Holiday Train Nights on select weekends. You’ll get live music, holiday drinks, and fun themed evenings like Ugly Sweater Night, Holiday Icons, and Winter Wonderland. Tickets go fast so grab yours today to make sure you don’t miss out.
Ride the Holiday Nostalgia Train
Okay, this one is such a hidden gem. Every Sunday in December, the MTA brings out their vintage 1930s subway trains. Think rattan seats, old-school ads, ceiling fans, and all.
It’s called the Holiday Nostalgia Ride, and it’s such a fun (and budget-friendly!) way to get into the Christmas spirit while riding through the city.
You just pay your regular subway fare and hop on. No extra ticket needed. It runs on a loop between 2nd Ave on the F line and 96th St on the Q line. If you’re into retro vibes or want a cool story to tell from your trip, don’t skip this.
Go Ice Skating at Iconic NYC Rinks
What’s a Christmas movie without an ice skating scene, right? NYC totally delivers with some of the most iconic rinks around. You could be gliding under the massive tree at Rockefeller Center, skating with skyline views at Wollman Rink in Central Park, or looping around the festive setup at Bryant Park’s Winter Village.
Bryant Park Winter Village is especially great because admission is free if you bring your own skates!
Stroll Through a Snowy Central Park
Central Park when it snows is pure magic. The trees, the bridges, everything gets blanketed in white, and for a moment it feels like the city slows down. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a white Christmas.
And, if you’re a Home Alone 2 fan like me, this is where Kevin meets the pigeon lady. Yep, right here in the park. There’s actually a tour you can take that shows you all the movie spots around the city, and honestly, it’s such a fun little add-on if you grew up watching that movie every year like I did.
You can check tour times and book your spot here if you want to add a little movie magic to your Christmas trip.
Pop Into Grand Central for the Holiday Train Show
If you’re already in Midtown, the Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal is such an easy and festive add-on to your NYC Christmas itinerary. Grand Central itself is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. With that stunning architecture and constellation ceiling, it’s worth a visit on its own.
The Holiday Train Show is held inside the New York Transit Museum Gallery right in the terminal. It’s totally free to visit, and you’ll also find some really fun and unique souvenirs featuring the NYC subway, perfect if you’re hunting for a gift that feels a little more local.
And the best part? It’s just a short walk from the New York Public Library and Bryant Park’s Winter Village. So you can hit up all three in one go!
Experience Times Square at Christmas
Okay, I know Times Square gets a bad rap, most people say it’s a tourist trap. But honestly? I love the Times Square vibe. The lights are wild, the ads go full holiday mode, and there’s music playing from every direction. It’s chaotic in the most New York way.
Even if you’re just walking through on your way to somewhere else, it’s worth stopping to soak it all in. And if you’re here around New Year’s Eve, you’ll even see the ball drop setup. Pretty cool, right?
Dine Out in NYC’s Festive Restaurants
Want to eat somewhere that goes all out for Christmas? I’m talking twinkly lights, garlands on garlands, and ornaments everywhere you look. I went down a serious rabbit hole researching what everyone recommends, and here’s a solid list of the most festive restaurants to check out when you visit New York City at Christmas:
Tavern on the Green — Right inside Central Park. Classic holiday vibes with lights and live music.
Oscar Wilde — Think Victorian vibes but with all the Christmas decorations. Feels like you stepped into a holiday movie.
Lillie’s Victorian — Super elegant and totally decked out. Great for a dinner date
- Pete’s Tavern — NYC’s oldest bar and full of holiday charm. And yes, they take walk-ins!
- Rolf’s Tavern — This one’s famous for its floor-to-ceiling Christmas decor. Like, jaw-dropping. But heads up, the food and service reviews aren’t great.
- Papillon Bistro — Right near the Rockefeller tree and completely glowing. Great spot for a bite before or after seeing the lights.
- Frosty’s Christmas Bar — A whole Christmas party in bar form. There’s photo ops everywhere and when I went, the bartender was literally dressed as the Grinch and dancing at the bar. No joke.
If any of these are on your list, definitely try to grab a reservation early. They book up fast in December. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or alone, these spots turn dinner into part of the whole Christmas experience!
Are You Santa? Get Dressed for SantaCon
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to be Santa for a day,” then SantaCon is your chance. It’s this massive, city-wide holiday bar crawl where everyone dresses up Christmas themed. Santa, reindeers, Christmas tree. You get the clue.
To join in, you’ll need a wristband (donation-based), which unlocks access to the official stops. Costumes are a must (it doesn’t have to be Santa) and the starting point is revealed a few days before on their app and socials.
Think comfy shoes, cash, and pacing yourself, because it’s a full-day party. Definitely not your average Christmas activity and 100% unforgettable. If you’re active on Threads, you’ll find all sorts of funny posts from locals warning each other not to step foot into Manhattan because drunk Santas are here. It’s a day full of entertainment for sure!
Final Thoughts on NYC at Christmas Time
If you’ve made it this far, then you already know Christmas in New York City is just different. It’s busy, it’s loud, and yeah, it can be freezing. But it’s also full of spirit and excitement you can’t really explain until you feel it.
Whether you’re checking out the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller, singing along to the Christmas tunes, or just strolling through the markets with a hot drink, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the holidays here. So bundle up, book the fun stuff early, and get ready for a Christmas trip that actually feels like the movies. You’re going to love it here.