10 Top Things To Do In NYC During Christmas
There are few places that top New York City during the holiday season. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, decorated with thousands of lights, is a staple in the city. There are gorgeous window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue and decorations everywhere you turn. You can ice skate at Central Park and experience the world-famous Rockettes show. There are also holiday markets in Union Square and Bryant Park. New York City at Christmas is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Here are 10 top things to do in NYC during Christmas.
10 Top Things To Do In NYC During Christmas
1. See The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
The Rockefeller Tree is another iconic symbol of the holidays in NYC. Located in Rockefeller Center, it’s decorated with ornaments and thousands of twinkling lights. The annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season in NYC. If you can’t make it to the lighting ceremony, you can still see the tree at any other time throughout the holiday season. Like any touristy spot, it gets very crowded. If crowds aren’t your thing, plan to go during off hours.
2. Go Ice Skating At Central Park Or Bryant Park
Going ice skating in Central Park, with the city skyline as your backdrop, is a quintessential New York City holiday experience. Bryant Park also has a great ice skating rink. I don’t think it gets more festive than ice skating in NYC.
3. See The Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue
The window displays on Fifth Avenue are next level. Walking down Fifth Avenue, you’re sure to be captivated by the holiday decor in the windows of Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. Saks Fifth Avenue also has a light show every night that you definitely need to see!
4. See the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Another one of the top things to do in NYC during Christmas is see the Rockettes. The Christmas Spectacular show is iconic and has been a holiday tradition for generations. The show is amazing and such a fun experience.
5. Wander Through The Holiday Markets
NYC is home to many holiday markets. Most notable are the Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. There are so many unique gifts and festive treats to choose from as you wander through the charming stalls.
6. See The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Venture to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood for some of the coolest Christmas lights you’ll ever see. What makes these lights so special is the creativity of the residents who transform their homes into super extravagant displays. There are so many elaborate decorations, inflatable characters, and thousands of lights all over each house. The community goes all out and seems to be dedicated to outdoing themselves each year.
7. Visit Bronx Zoo’s Winter Wonderland
The Bronx Zoo’s holiday lights are another great holiday experience. There are light show experiences, lantern trails, and amazing installations. Grab a hot chocolate and wander through the Winter Wonderland!
8. Experience Shine Bright At Hudson Yards
Going to Hudson Yards, located on the waterfront of the Hudson River, is another one of the top things to do in NYC during Christmas. It’s decorated with over 2 million (yes, million) twinkling lights, including string lights, trees, and installations (like a hot air balloon). It’s definitely one of the most festive places to shop and dine.
9. See A Performance Of The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is another tradition that brings out the enchantment of the holiday season. The theater is fully decorated and the show is such a classic. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time.
10. Experience The Festive Restaurants And Pop Ups
Last but not least, is to experience some of NYC’s most festive restaurants and holiday pop-ups. NYC is truly one of the top places in the world to experience the holiday season, and almost every establishment contributes to the holiday cheer. Rolf’s is a popular spot that is completely decorated- it really feels like they leave no inch undecorated. You go to Rolf’s for the decorations, not necessarily for the best meal of your life (though I don’t think the food is terrible, just a little pricey). We usually go in between lunch and dinner and don’t usually have to wait for a table.
Another fun experience is Snowday, a holiday pop-up at Sunday In Brooklyn. There are festive drinks and decorations - perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit.
