Christmas In New York: The Perfect Festive Guide Of Things To Do
Visiting New York at Christmas should be high on every traveller's bucket list. It is, after all, the place where the iconic Christmas New York movies were made that we all watch year after year. And who doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of Kevin from Home Alone with a visit to the Plaza Hotel and maybe a spot of afternoon tea?
Christmas in NYC is great for families, romantic couples, friends, and solo travellers. You can go Christmas shopping on Fifth Avenue or watch a holiday show. And ice skate in the shadow of the city's skyscrapers, see the New York Christmas decorations and enjoy an array of festive fare at one of the markets. Whatever you choose to do when you visit NYC during the holidays, you will have a wonderful time.
In this post, I highlight the best things to do over the holiday season in New York. You'll discover where to find the best Christmas decorations in New York City, where to go ice-skating, when the Christmas markets are open and much more.
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See the Luminaries at Brookfield Place
If you're looking for the best free things to see and do in New York at Christmas, then run, don't walk, to the luminaries at Brookfield Place.
As a local, I always visit this incredible mall along the Hudson River and head inside the palm-tree-laden atrium. I then look up at all these dazzling luminaries and watch in awe as they transform seamlessly from white into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.
You'll also be happy to know that this light show is free to enjoy. Additionally, there are several touchless wishing stations from which you can send a motion-activated wish to the vibrant lanterns above you.
So, stop by and enjoy between the end of November and early January and see what one of the best Christmas towns in New York has to offer you.
To get here, hop on the 1, 2, or 3 train and take that to Chambers Street station. From there, you can easily walk to the luminaries display and admire some of the Christmas decor hidden inside the mall.
Get into the Christmas spirit at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a magical place where you can see some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City.
From twinkling trees to booths selling Christmas treasures to a giant outdoor ice skating rink, Bryant Park at Christmas is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
The Winter Village is akin to a small European Christmas market situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It is a multi-month-long seasonal event that offers fantastic activities for winter lovers of all ages.
One of my favourite things to do is window-shop; with over 150 kiosks, there are plenty of opportunities to do this! I recommend grabbing a delicious cup of warming cocoa while you wander the stalls to admire all the twinkling trinkets and treasures.
If you feel like splurging, grab a few friends and book yourselves a cosy igloo. These magical snow globes offer a toasty environment and delicious treats, including Bavarian pretzels and your choice of hot cider or hot cocoa.
Alternatively, if you want to save some cash, you can skate on the outdoor rink for free if you bring your skates. So grab a cup of cheer and ring in the most wonderful time of the year at Bryant Park's Winter Village!
Have fun at New York's Christmas markets
The Big Apple comes alive during Christmas with festive art, sparkling light displays, shows, music, and great food. One of the best things to do in New York at Christmas is to visit the holiday markets, but with one seemingly around every corner, how do you know which best Christmas markets in NYC to visit?
I suggest starting with the three largest, conveniently enough, all located in Manhattan:
Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the largest and first markets to open. The wooden stalls have fantastic handmade local items, delicious treats, and incredible Christmas decor. This holiday market also features a fabulous skating rink and a giant Christmas tree at its centre.
The Union Square Holiday Market is another popular choice, boasting over 150 international vendors. I found this market most resembled a German Christmas Market. Be sure to arrive hungry, as the aromas wafting from the stalls will lead you to delicious Christmas dishes!
Grand Central Holiday Fair is one of the busiest Christmas Markets in New York City. Located in Grand Central Station, this market is popular with shoppers who do not want to battle the outdoor elements. Stay warm and cosy while you shop for that perfect Christmas gift for someone special on your list.
Watch the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The impressive Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre is a Christmas experience in New York you can't miss, whether in person or on TV.
I remember watching it at home and thinking how cool it would be to see the lights of this fantastic tree get switched on. And then, one Christmas, I was lucky enough to see it with my own eyes.
The town put up the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree for the first time in 1931, marking the beginning of the tradition of its lighting. Today, New Yorkers and American citizens consider this Christmas tree a symbol of pride, steadiness, and tradition. They hold a ceremony on Wednesday after Thanksgiving when the tree is lit for the first time.
Each year, the tree is decorated with different lights, sometimes reflecting events in the country or around the world. If you cannot attend in person, the event is broadcast live and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
However, I would invite anyone to join the ceremony because the atmosphere is magical, the suspense before the lights go on is incredibly exciting, and when the tree is finally lit, there is that moment of silence before the roar of the crowd takes your breath away!
See the Holiday Train Show at The Botanical Gardens
One of the most famous Christmas holiday shows in New York is the annual Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Gardens.
There are over 175 miniature landmarks in total. They include many historical buildings that no longer exist, such as old mansions and monuments from the various boroughs.
The Christmas decorations, plants, and trees in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory complement all the displayed trains and buildings. The attention to detail is striking. They work on even the smallest pieces of some of these masterpieces.
Beyond the train show, you can visit the grounds, one of the world's most beautiful gardens.
In the cold months, the gardens are less exciting than during the summer and spring when they are filled with colour and scent; even so, they are lovely to wander around. I enjoy walking along the trails and trees near the Bronx River that runs through the park.
See the Christmas house decorations in Dyker Heights
New Yorkers know how to celebrate Christmas when decorating their homes, and one place that stands out from the rest is Dyker Heights. The main areas with the most significant decorations are 11th to 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Street.
Here, you will see some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City, including giant inflatable snowmen, illuminated reindeer, animated Christmas figures, and even snow machines.
Music chimes out across snow-covered lawns, and neighbours of this Brooklyn neighbourhood all try to outdo one another with their over-the-top Christmas offerings. Dyker Heights is a great place to visit at Christmas and will undoubtedly put you in the Christmas spirit.
Recommended Dyker Heights Tour
Go ice skating in Central Park
An iconic Christmas tradition in New York is to go ice skating. It is something for all visitors to try, whether experts or first-timers. Gliding around one of Manhattan's ice rinks at Christmas is a wonderful experience.
The Wollman Rink in Central Park is open from mid-October to April, providing visitors and locals with ample time to enjoy this winter activity. Snow often falls in January and February in New York, making the experience even more magical.
Don't miss a magical horse and carriage ride in Central Park after ice skating - step aboard a decorated Christmas carriage and stay warm beneath the thick rugs that cover the legs.
Take a hot toddy with you and take in the Christmas magic as you make your way around the famous park.
Go Christmas shopping in New York City
What do you think of when you picture New York at Christmas? It is undoubtedly the vision of the NYC department stores decorated for the festive season.
Stores on 5th Avenue are a major attraction in NYC during the Christmas season. This iconic avenue cuts between Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre and is home to stores like Tiffany and Co., Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Synonymous with luxury, a Christmas gift bought from one of these stores is sure to be treasured.
Of course, Macy's is the most famous department store in New York City. It opened in 1901 and served as the setting for the Christmas film classic "Miracle on 34th Street".
Spend your Christmas holiday at a famous New York Hotel
There are plenty of hotels in New York for Christmas, and these are four of the most exclusive ones.
The Aman Hotel is the new kid on the block and has become New York's most expensive hotel. Situated in the iconic Crown Building, this hotel offers contemporary luxury at a price. Guest rooms are furnished with a palette of neutral colours inspired by the chain's Southeast Asia properties.
The Plaza is a favourite hotel for locals and international guests planning a Christmas trip to New York. Located on 5th Avenue, the Plaza exudes old-world charm, oozing sophistication and grandeur. An iconic landmark in New York and the setting for the beloved Christmas movie Home Alone, this is a beautiful place to enjoy fine dining and delicious afternoon tea.
Luxury hotels in New York
The Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South is a five-star hotel in one of the most exclusive buildings in New York City. It is probably the best place to stay in New York at Christmas; however, it comes with a hefty price tag. Expect to pay an eye-watering average of $ 1,000 a night for a stay here.
The Mark Hotel may not be as familiar to overseas guests as the Plaza and the Ritz-Carlton, but it matches them in luxury. Guest rooms are beautiful and mix European and NYC styling. Dining at the Mark Hotel is a must-do when visiting, but make reservations well in advance as this is one of the most desirable restaurants in New York City.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.