Spending Christmas in New York City is like stepping straight into a holiday movie.
If you love snow, twinkling lights, and big city magic, NYC is the ultimate December destination.
My guide will show you how to spend Christmas in New York City with smart (and easy!) planning and all the must-see spots that make it unforgettable.
Here’s how to have Christmas in NYC the right way:
How cold is New York City at Christmas?
December in NYC is cold.
For Christmas in New York you’ll want to pack layers.
Expect highs around the 40s °F (4-9 °C) and lows in the 20s or low 30s °F (-6 to 0 °C).
Wind off the skyscrapers makes it feel colder, so gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf are essential.
Christmas in NYC: A Quick History
New York City earned its Christmas icon status over time.
It started when Macy’s brought Santa Claus into department stores as part of their famous Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924.
That tradition turned Santa into a national holiday symbol.
By the 1930s, the first Rockefeller Center tree was lit, drawing crowds from around the world.
Over the years, festive markets, glittering window displays, and ice-skating rinks added to the magic, turning NYC into the ultimate Christmas destination.
The Best Things To Do in New York City at Christmas
These are the must-do experiences to make Christmas in NYC magical:
Visit the Best Christmas Trees in NYC
You’ll definitely want pics with the most iconic trees:
Rockefeller Center Plaza: The most famous New York Christmas tree of them all: the 50-foot (approximately) tall tree in Rockefeller Center Plaza. This tree features in just about every NYC Christmas scene you’ve ever seen. You can get a lovely view of the tree from 5th Avenue at 49th Street. Note: You can’t get very close to the tree because it’s protected by barriers.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Inside the museum, a 20-foot Christmas tree stands in front of a beautifully carved wall from an old church.
Bryant Park: The Christmas tree at Bryant Park glows beside the skating rink and Winter Village, surrounded by market stalls and the scent of hot cocoa. Here, you can ice skate, shop, and score cider all in one spot.
New York Stock Exchange: The massive tree outside the New York Stock Exchange is epic; iconic.
Madison Square Park: This tree sits beneath views of the Flatiron Building and skyline, creating a cute Christmas backdrop.
Washington Square Park: With the iconic arch framing the twinkling tree, Washington Square Park is one of the most photogenic holiday spots downtown. Tip: Carolers are usually here in December!
See New York’s Best Christmas Decorations
If you’re figuring out how to spend Christmas in New York City, you already heard that the city’s decoration game is strong.
Here’s where to find some of the best:
5th Avenue: Window displays line the Avenue. Probably the most iconic NYC Christmas spot.
Radio City Hall at 6th Avenue: The building itself gets dressed up in full holiday finery and sits minutes from major shows.
New York Botanical Garden: Their holiday train show and light installations make it a win.
Rolf’s (Gramercy): This (super famous) German-style restaurant goes over the top with decorations and twinkling lights.
Rockefeller Center: Not just the tree but the whole plaza is lit up, with the rink, flags, and surrounding architecture.
Residential displays in Dyker Heights: In Brooklyn, you’ll find whole blocks decked out in Christmas lights and cheesy cute inflatables.
Winter Village at Bryant Park: The rink plus surrounding holiday market stalls are a dream.
Shop at New York City Christmas Markets
Christmas in New York City means visiting one or more of the festive markets for shopping, snacks, and cheer:
Union Square Holiday Market by Urbanspace: A market near Union Square with local artisans, unique gifts, and warm treats.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Just at the southwest corner of Central Park, it has great views, nice stalls, and easy access from Midtown.
Grand Central Holiday Fair: Inside the iconic terminal, this is slightly more sheltered than outdoor markets.
Bryant Park Village: Free admission to the rink, combined with over 100 holiday shops around Bryant Park, makes for a perfect holiday market experience.
Grand Holiday Bazaar: A lesser-known market but charming for picking up cool vintage holiday finds and escaping the biggest crowds.
Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market: For something more local, you can hop into Brooklyn for creative stalls, holiday food, and small biz shopping.
Book the Best NYC Christmas Tours
If you’re wondering how to spend Christmas in New York City without lugging bags around the subway, consider taking one of the guided shopping or holiday lights tours.
Knowledgeable guides help you skip long lines, find the best photo spots, and navigate the city.
Go Ice Skating in New York City
Ice skating is a classic way to spend Christmas in New York City because the rinks, lights, and city backdrop make it feel like holiday magic.
Skate here:
- Bryant Park: The rink is free to enter (you pay for skate rental).
- Wollman Rink in Central Park: Skating in Central Park with the trees, skyline views, and crisp air adds to the Xmas vibe.
- Rockefeller Center: Probably the most iconic rink in NYC. It gets very busy, so go earlier in the day if you can. The view of the tree while you skate makes it a bucket-list item for Christmas in New York City.
Do Some New York City Christmas Shopping
Shopping in New York at Christmas is a big deal because the city goes all out with decorations, window displays, pop-ups, and unique finds.
For visitors from out of town, taking a shopping tour helps you navigate Midtown boutiques, department stores, and hidden gems without wasting time.
These tours often include expert guides, insider access, and discounts, which are perfect when you’re planning how to spend Christmas in New York City and want fun, not stressful, shopping.
These are the best NYC Christmas Shopping Tours
Check out Times Square at Christmas
Times Square turns into a glowing winter wonderland during Christmas.
Think giant billboards, flashing lights, and endless energy. Street performers wear Santa hats, and stores stay open late.
The sparkle in the air makes Times Square one of the most unforgettable places to experience Christmas in New York City.
Read: The Guide to Times Square
See the best NYC Christmas shows for 2025
When in New York City for the winter, don’t skip a holiday show.
Check out:
- Radio City Rockettes: This is a quintessential NYC holiday experience! The Christmas Spectacular is one of New York’s most famous holiday traditions. The Rockettes perform high-energy dance routines with perfect precision, sparkly costumes, and classic holiday numbers.
- For other picks, look at Broadway musicals like The Lion King, Wicked, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Aladdin, or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
- The Nutcracker: The New York City Ballet production is a Christmas classic!
Take Pics of the Best 5th Avenue NYC Christmas Sites
When you’re spending Christmas in New York City, 5th Avenue is a must.
Don’t miss:
Pulitzer Fountain: Outside of the Plaza Hotel, holiday decorations are all over the historic fountain.
Window displays: Window displays are the decorated store windows along 5th Avenue that come to life with holiday scenes, lights, and moving figures.
Retail landscape note: The retail landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of online retail, many brands have given up leases on expensive spaces.
UNICEF snowflake: Since 1984, this 3,300-pound snowflake hangs over 57th Street and 5th Avenue.
Peninsula Hotel: This 5th Avenue hotel gets festive with exterior light projections.
Rockefeller Center tree: To avoid the crowds in Rockefeller Center Plaza, grab a great view of it at 5th Avenue and 49th Street.
Saks Fifth Avenue light show: Saks does a full-out light show for the Christmas season. This five-minute show runs every 10 minutes starting in late November until New Year’s.
Top Movie-Inspired New York Christmas Activities
Take pics in places related to your fav holiday movies.
You know you want to:
- Bethesda Fountain (Central Park): This beautiful fountain and terrace appear in countless NYC holiday movie scenes, such as Elf.
- Gapstow Bridge (Central Park): Crosses a small section of the Pond in Central Park. It’s where Kevin meets the Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2. Here, you can enjoy the same view of the Plaza Hotel that Kevin saw.
- Plaza Hotel: Overlooking Central Park, the hotel has starred in movies like Eloise, Sex and the City, and Home Alone 2.
- Radio City Music Hall: The famous venue also appears in many movies, including Home Alone 2 and The Godfather.
- Empire State Building: Also featured in the climax of Elf as well as Home Alone 2.
- Central Park: Featured in countless holiday movies, Central Park becomes pure magic at Christmas. Stroll through snow-dusted paths, visit the skating rink, or stand on Gapstow Bridge for the same view Kevin had in Home Alone 2.
Read: What NYC Cab Drivers Won’t Tell You About Prices
Try NYC holiday food and drink
One of the most delicious parts of spending Christmas in New York City is tasting the seasonal yummy.
Add these to your bucket list:
- Apple Cider: Head to places like Bryant Park Winter Village or the outdoor market at Union Square for warm apple cider in a festive cup and better flavour thanks to locally pressed apples.
- Eggnog: You’ll find this creamy, spiced beverage at various spots around New York City. One popular spot is Pete’s Tavern near Gramercy Park.
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: You’ll find it at most markets, typically topped with whipped cream and candy cane pieces, making it a must when you’re planning how to spend Christmas in New York City.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Grab roasted chestnuts from street vendors near Bryant Park or at the holiday market stands on 6th Ave and 42nd Street.
- Christmas Cookies: New York City has one of the best bakery scenes in America. Try places like Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side or Bouchon Bakery at Rockefeller for standout Christmas-themed cookies.
- Frozen Hot Chocolate: Hit places like Serendipity 3 or Max Brenner for frozen hot chocolate on a chill NYC evening.
Read: Where to go Wine Tasting in NYC
Eat at the Best Restaurants in New York at Christmas
When figuring out how to spend Christmas in New York City you’ll want spots where the holiday vibe meets great food and drink.
Frosty’s Christmas Pop-Up Bar (Midtown): Seasonal pop-up with themed cocktails and decor.
Rolf’s (Gramercy): The famous (and cozy!) German-style restaurant loaded with decorations.
Lillie’s Victorian Restaurant (Midtown East): Elegant Victorian decor plus views of the Chrysler Building.
Oscar Wilde (Manhattan): Lively Irish pub style with rich ambiance and festive specials.
Papillon Bistro & Bar (Midtown): Charming French bistro with holiday decor and warm wine options.
Loreley Beer Garden (Brooklyn): This beer garden turns into a classic NYC Christmas restaurant every year. It’s a bit dark inside, but the back patio is heated and loaded with lights. The tinsel and ornaments everywhere make this a super cute Christmas restaurant in New York.
Pete’s Tavern (Gramercy): Historic New York bar serving comfort food with a holiday twist.
Miracle on 9th Street (East Village): Themed holiday pop-up inside a cocktail lounge with Santa-style photo ops.
Where To Stay in New York City at Christmas
Once you decide how to spend Christmas in New York City, you’ll need a comfy base.
Here are best places to stay during the holidays:
The Plaza Hotel (Luxury): Iconic Midtown hotel overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue with full holiday grandeur, decorations, and a central location ideal for Christmas in NYC.
The St. Regis New York (Luxury): A historic 5th Avenue landmark known for its elegant holiday decor, personalized service, and timeless luxury just steps from Rockefeller Center and the city’s best shopping.
Bryant Park Hotel (Mid-Range): Boutique hotel near Bryant Park and Winter Village; great access to skating, markets, and major Midtown sights without the top-tier luxury price tag.
Pod 39 Hotel (Budget): Budget-friendly Midtown hotel; well-located near Bryant Park and Rockefeller for your Christmas in NYC plans.
The Jane Hotel (Budget): A historic hotel in the West Village with cabin-style rooms, bunk beds, and easy subway access to all of Manhattan. I highly recommend The Jane as a budget option for Christmas in NYC!
How to Spend Christmas in New York: My 7 Best Tips
Plan for mid-week. You’ll spend most of Saturday and Sunday stuck in traffic and weaving through crowds. Pretty much everything you’ll want to do will be available every day of the holiday season, so avoid the weekend wildness if you can.
Book your hotel early and choose a central location. Being near Midtown means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time lost in the magic of Christmas in NYC.
Wear layers and plan for COLD weather. Since Christmas in New York City involves outdoor markets, skating, and light looking, make sure you have warm gear and good shoes for icy surfaces.
Mix big iconic sights with local gems. Yes, the big tree and windows matter, but also plan for smaller surprises in Brooklyn or lower Manhattan.
Use public transit smartly. Subway rides can be packed during the holidays, so aim for off-peak times when you’re figuring out how to spend Christmas in New York City efficiently.
Choose one or two high-budget experiences and fill the rest with free or low-cost moments. If you have a limited capacity for lines or are short on time, don’t make your NYC Christmas trip the one where you explore all of top tourist attractions. Hit up the Statue of Liberty on another trip.
Capture the memories, but also pause and enjoy. Sip your hot chocolate by the rink, linger in a window display, take 5 minutes inside a market to people-watch.
Questions Everyone Asks
Before you go planning how to spend Christmas in New York City, here are answers to the most-asked questions:
How many days do you need in NYC for Christmas?
To really soak in how to spend Christmas in New York City, I’d suggest spending at least 3 to 4 days.
That gives you one full day for markets and lights, one day for skating and tree stops, and another day for shopping and shows.
Longer is better if you want a relaxed pace.
Is NYC crowded at Christmas?
Yes, NYC is crowded at Christmas, especially around popular sights like Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and 5th Avenue.
But by following tips like visiting mid-week and starting your day early, you can avoid the worst of the crush and still enjoy Christmas in New York City without the crazy crowds.
What is the most Christmassy place in New York City?
If I had to pick one, I’d say the area around Rockefeller Center (tree + rink) when lit up at dusk is the most Christmassy place in New York City.
That said, the Bryant Park Winter Village and Dyker Heights residential lights give very strong holiday vibes, too.
Is it expensive to go to New York at Christmas?
Yes, NYC at Christmas tends to be more expensive because of high demand for hotels, flights, and dining.
But you can still find value and plan smartly so your budget goes further when you’re working out how to spend Christmas in New York City.
Is there anything open on Christmas Day in New York?
Yes, there are definitely things open on Christmas Day in New York City.
Many restaurants, hotels, and some shops remain open, especially in Midtown.
However, some smaller independent stores may close, so when you’re planning how to spend Christmas in New York City, check opening hours ahead for specific spots.
Does the subway run on Christmas Day in NYC?
Yes, the subway runs on Christmas Day in NYC, though it may follow slightly modified schedules.
If you’re figuring out how to spend Christmas in New York City, you should assume public transit is available but allow a bit more time for travel.
Check in
Ready to book your flights and start your list for how to spend Christmas in New York City?
Let me know if you’d like the latest holiday show listings or help choosing your hotel!
Read: Best Places To Spend Christmas in the U.S.
