These are the 11 Best Things To Do for Christmas in New York City

If you love Christmas anywhere nearly as much I do, then you have ought to spend a Christmas in New York City! Whether Home Alone or Elf is your favorite holiday movie, you’ll get to live your childhood dreams by running through the streets of New York in December. This article will walk you through the best things to do in New York during Christmas. However, keep in mind you’ll feel the Christmas energy anywhere you go as holiday music blasts in the streets and shop windows are filled with lights and decor.

1. Visit the Christmas Markets

There are three main Christmas markets in NYC – Columbus Circle, Bryant Park, and Union Square. They are all full of small green houses varying from small business shops, christmas decor stops, and mini cafes. I highly recommend picking up hot apple cider or hot chocolate at one of the Christmas markets while you window shop! I highly recommend visiting all three if you have the time.

2. Go Ice Skating!

Ice skating in New York City during Christmas is one of the most magical activities to do here. There are three key places to go ice skating:

1. Rockefeller Center
2. Bryant Park
3. Central Park

I personally opted for Central Park which I highly recommend! It’s the largest of the three which allows for more space to ice skate around. While Rockefeller Center’s rink is arguably the most famous, it’s also the smallest and priciest. Note that Bryant Park does free ice skating (except for the skate rental fee if needed)!

3. Visit the Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of NYC during Christmas. The main focal point is of course the iconic Christmas tree which is decked with thousands of diamonds and lights. If visiting at the end of November, check to see if the tree lighting event falls over your visit! Opposite the tree, you’ll find 12 Clarebout angels straight ahead from Saks 5th Avenue.

4. Watch the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show

Saks 5th Avenue by the Rockefeller Center puts on an annual light show on from 5 PM to 11 PM during Christmas time. The light show runs every 10 minutes and is completely free. The show itself changes each year and is absolutely spectacular! You can usually find a crowd across the street watching which adds to a very spirit-filled atmosphere.

5. Stop by the Vessel + Hudson Yards Mall

On the West side of Manhattan, is the famous Vessel in Hudson Yards. The Christmas trees and lit up lightbulbs make way for the stunning decor at the mall located here. You’ll find the walls, windows, and escalators decked with Christmas lights which makes for beautiful evening shopping.

6. Go to the Best Christmas Themed Bars

To say there are a lot of bars in New York City would be an understatement. During the holiday season, you’ll find so many bars decked out with decor and special holiday cocktails on the menu. However, some bars go all out for Christmas more than others and are an absolute must to add to your list. These are my recommended top Christmas-themed bars in NYC:

1. Rolf’s
2. Oscar Wilde
3. Mace
4. Miracle on 9th St
5. Winter Rose Garden at PHD Terrace

Pro Tip: For Rolf’s, wait in line to stand by the bar versus making a dining reservation. There is a minimum order of drink and entree per person when seated which costs ~$30 per cocktail and $55 for 1 star rated meals; it is just the decorations worth visiting!

7. Visit Holiday Window Displays and Macy’s Santaland

The window displays across NYC will be hard to miss as many shops go all out with their holiday decor. One of the absolute must-see stores is of course the Macy’s on 151 W 34th St street. As the iconic Macy’s in NYC, you’ll find their largest Christmas shop here and Santaland on the top floor. This includes a walkthrough of their “Santaland” and a picture with Santa at the end. Make sure to make a reservation for Santaland if you are planning to walk through!

8. Get Tickets to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

The New York City Rockettes have been putting on their Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall since 1932. Tickets range in price from $80 to a few hundred, pending when you go and where you sit in the Music Hall. I found the show to be worth all of its hype as the synchrony between all the dancers is absolutely perfect. The show is a Christmas story, filled with holiday themed sets, songs, and costumes. Of note, the Music Hall is absolutely stunning as well and adds to the worth of the ticket to see.

9. Visit the Top Christmas Hotels – Lotte Palace, The Peninsula, and The Plaza

These three hotels go all out for Christmas, each with their own different take on Christmas decor from classic red and white to more colorful golds. Note that The Plaza will restrict patrons from coming inside after ~10am until the evening so plan accordingly!

10. Join in the Christmas Cheer by Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall is located right beside the Rockefeller Center so I recommend stopping by both on the same day! You’ll find all of the trees here decked with Christmas lights, gigantic red ornaments over the fountain, and the heart of the Christmas spirit in New York. You’ll see holiday shoppers with numerous bags, people taking in the Christmas lights, and bikers playing classic Christmas songs as they pass by. I found it to be more lively here during the day than at night.

11. Walk through Central Park

Central Park should be on everyone’s list visiting New York, no matter the month or season! During Christmas, the park is truly special with Christmas music playing from some of the bikers/carriages, the last of the fall leaves hitting the ground, and potentially snow depending on the year. My favorite part is walking by the saxophone performers as you stroll through the park.

Bonus Item – Head into Brooklyn after sunset to see the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights, one of the most decked out holiday home streets in New York City. Hot chocolate carts and Christmas music fill the streets to make for a really festive night.

“One can’t paint New York as it is, but rather as it is felt.”

Georgia O’Keefe