Christmas in New York is one of the most magical times to visit. There are plenty of activities during the holidays from ice skating, exploring Christmas markets, Christmas musicals, shopping and so much more! The city is full of Christmas trees and lights all over the city, you will need at least a week to see everything! Here are all the top things you need to do during Christmas in NYC.

**Please note some locations may have been updated for 2024 holiday. Please check the websites linked for changes.

1. CHRISTMAS MARKETS

It’s all about the Christmas markets around the city! They’re filled with fun winter activities and tons of shopping and food vendors.

• The Winter Village at Bryant Park offers a wide range of shopping vendors, a lodge with food and drinks from 12 restaurants, and an ice skating rink! They even have igloos for rent! I recommend trying United Chocolate Works & The Stackery Chimney Cakes.
• Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is one of the longest indoor holiday fairs in NYC, featuring 40 talented artisans. You can find unique pieces of artwork, clothing, accessories, and home goods.
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market is located at the entrance to Central Park, this beautiful and elegant holiday market marks its 15th year of offering visitors beautiful art, jewelry, home goods, and delicious eats from local artisans and designers.
• Union Square Holiday Market is a holiday destination in the heart of NYC, Union Square Park. This must-see destination has millions of visitors each year walking through the aisles.
• Oculus Holiday Market is located at the Westfield World Trade Center. Holiday shopping indoors with unique vendors for the holidays.

2. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN NYC

During the holidays, shopping in NYC is like a shopper’s paradise! From department stores to local holiday markets, you’ll find everything that you need. Even if you’re not shopping but taking a stroll, I highly recommend taking a walk down these shopping areas to see the fascinating holiday window displays:

Shopping Centers

• Brookfield Place has an ice skating rink, beautiful decorated Christmas lights outside, a light show inside and photos with Santa.
• Shops at Columbus Circle is a great place to walk around after visiting the Columbus Circle Holiday Markets. Every year they have dangling colorful stars in the main entrance.
• Hudson Yards has the best holiday decorations with over 2 million holiday lights. This one is not to be missed!
• Oculus Westfield World Trade Center typically has a small holiday market inside, which is also near Brookfield Place. I recommend walking over to both locations.
• Shopping along Fifth Avenue! They always have a lot of fun holiday displays. Must-visit locations along Fifth Avenue are Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, The Peninsula Hotel, Coach Store, Dior, and The Plaza Hotel.

Department Stores/Shops

• Macy’s
• Bloomingdale’s
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Bergdorf Goodman
• Cartier
• Tiffany & Co.
• Louis Vuitton on 57th St for the large suitcase display and Louis Vuitton Cafe (newly opened in 2024)
• Polo Ralph Lauren on 5th Ave
• Christian Dior on 5th Ave
• Swarovski on 5th Ave for the beautiful Christmas Tree

3. DYKER HEIGHTS (11th to 13th Avenues, from 83rd to 86th st)

For some of the Best Christmas Lights in NYC, head over to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn! Most of the homeowners decorate their homes with the most extraordinary Christmas light decorations and life-size Santas, reindeer, snowmen, and music to go along with the festivities.

It’s about an hour by train but it’s worth it! Take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn and the walk is about 15 minutes to the houses.

4. PULITZER FOUNTAIN

The Pulitzer Fountain is located across from The Plaza Hotel and has beautiful Christmas ornaments, trees, and lights. You may just recognize this fountain from The Friends series! I think the decor changes every year!

5. ICE SKATING IN NYC

Something you must do in NYC during the holiday season is to go ice skating with loved ones and friends!

• Winter Village at Bryant Park rink is NYC’s only free-admission skating rink. You do need your own skates or you can rent them there for a fee.
• The iconic Central Park Wollman Rink is one of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in the world thanks to its breathtaking views and skyline.
• The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of NYC’s most celebrated locations, the rink at Rockefeller Center is a tradition for the whole family to enjoy.
• The Rink at Brookfield Place is downtown and has gorgeous city views.
• The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 17 Rooftop is new for 2023. Tickets are through Bucketlisters through January 7th.
• Ice Rink at The Seaport (between Pier 16 and 17) Ice skate under a light installation.
• Vale Rink (William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg) Ice skate on a rooftop with views of Manhattan! Rentals & skates are $20.
• Domino Park Ice Rink is new. I have not been here yet but if you’re in Brooklyn it may be worth a visit.

6. RESTAURANTS WITH CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

• Rolf’s Bar: This is one of my favorite restaurants in New York with Christmas decorations.! It’s a German restaurant with extravagant decorations for the holidays. The decorations usually go up in Oct and stay through Spring.
• Oscar Wilde: This restaurant has the longest bar in New York and has the cutest decorations for the holidays! The cocktails are amazing here.
• Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: Located near Union Square this restaurant is part of the Oscar Wilde group so you know the decorations will just be as good!
• Papillion Bistro & Bar: The Christmas decor is super fun and they serve fun cocktails and American food!
• 230 Fifth: Every winter 230 Fifth rooftop bar has igloos on the rooftop! It’s the perfect setup with views of the Empire State Building
• Pier 17 Rooftop at The Greens: During the winter Pier 17 has the cutest cozy cabins on the rooftop. You must make reservations online early and for 2023 it’s transformed to Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland.
• Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark: They have the coziest igloos with boozy winter cocktails and holiday lights. New for 2022, they have transformed Watermark into Santa’s North Pole! Make sure to reserve online.
• Serra Alpina Restaurant/Eataly: I love the rooftop restaurant at Eataly. Every season they change their decorations and the winter is always stunning.
• Magic Hour Rooftop: Magic Hour has set up the most gorgeous pink winter lodge! It’s super Insta-worthy!
• Salon de Ning Rooftop Bar at the Peninsula Hotel: For 2021 they have the cutest chalet/igloo-style bar on the rooftop!
• Ophelia Rooftop Lounge is gorgeous! The bar has stunning winter decorations falling from the ceiling and the food and drinks are pretty good too.
• Holly Jolly Bar is Christmas-themed bar, and guests can get tickets online for general admission or boozy brunch.
• Frosty’s Christmas Bar is in Times Square. Guests will need tickets to visit. This place is big and a great place for a night out with friends.
• Tinseltown is new in 2022 and they continue to have it every year. It’s a themed holiday bar and admission includes a cocktail.

7. BEST CHRISTMAS TREES IN NYC

Wherever you go to NYC during Christmas, there will be an impressive amount of festive decor and lights. Here’s my list of the best Christmas Trees in NYC:

• Bryant Park Winter Village: The tree ceremony is the first week of December
• Lotte New York Palace Hotel (455 Madison Ave): This is my favorite tree in New York! Unfortunately, the tree will not be up for 2021 due to construction around the hotel.
• Madison Square Holiday Tree: Madison Square Park Holiday Tree was the first public Christmas tree in the United States and it was displayed on December 21, 1912.
• Washington Square Park Christmas tree under the arch
• Radio City Music Hall & Red Ornaments across the street (1260 6th Ave): I love the street shot of Radio City with the Christmas Tree! Across the street are the large red ornaments and lots of trees with Christmas lights.
• 1221 Sixth Ave between 48th and 49th Street is the newest tree in 2022 with a tunnel.
• Rockefeller Center (45 Rockefeller Plaza): The most celebrated Christmas Tree in NYC with a lighting ceremony that marks the start of the festive season!
• One Beacon Court (731 Lexington Ave): Located at the Bloomberg Headquarters this blue tree is beautiful and not many people know about it!
• Seaport Christmas Tree (Pier 17, 89 South St)
• NYSE Christmas Tree (11 Wall St.): The New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree has been a Downtown tradition since 1923! The tree lighting occurs in late November and is celebrated with performances including the Radio City Rockettes.
• Brookfield Place: From December to January, Brookfield Place hosts a light installation entitled, Luminaries. The light show illuminates a canopy of 650 glowing, LED-embedded lanterns that change color and intensity. Lined beside these lanterns are a few Christmas trees decorated in beautiful white and gold ornaments
• Zuccotti Park: Located on Cedar & Broadway St with beautifully lit trees and Christmas trees
• The Peninsula Hotel (700 5th Ave): Beautiful decorated Christmas tree at the lobby stairs
• The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave): The Plaza Hotel always has the most stunning tree in the lobby
• Grand Central Station: I haven’t been to this one yet but they have a beautiful tree just outside Grand Central.

8. CHRISTMAS SHOWS IN NYC

New York is all about musicals and Broadway shows so during the holidays there are going to be a few Christmas shows you must see.

• The Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular: This is an iconic New York City show dating back to 1932
• A Christmas Carol if you know the story you may enjoy this
• The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Centre

9. BEST HOT CHOCOLATE IN NYC

Enjoy a delicious cup of rich hot chocolate on a cold wintery day at one of these locations:

• Ralph’s Coffee Truck: This is located at Rockefeller Center on 5th ave. It’s super cute! Make sure to stop by and grab a coffee or hot chocolate while you’re shopping!
• Burdick Chocolate – rich and decadent hot chocolate
• Dominique Ansel blooming hot chocolate is topped with a marshmallow flower and once it melts it starts to bloom
• Glace by Noglu in the Upper East Side has been going viral every year. They top the rim with toasted marshmallow and inside is the hot chocolate. It’s pretty sweet, I recommend sharing.
• Bryant Park for United Chocolate Works (fancy hot chocolate with fun toppings to choose from such as chocolate flowers or chocolate nails)

10. LIGHT FESTIVALS IN NYC

• LuminoCity is a holiday light festival that has been in New York for a couple of years now and looks super fun!
• Lightscape is located at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is great for kids! I visited in 2021 and the animal lights are so much fun!

11. HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW

The Holiday Train Show is at the New York Botanical Garden. The trains are seen zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks. It’s a great event for the family.

12. BEST HOTEL DECORATIONS

Hotels in New York have some of the best holiday decorations. Make sure to stop by these hotels for some Instagrammable moments or book a stay at one of these hotels. I would suggest staying near Fifth Avenue for the best hotels for the holidays.

• Arlo Hotel in Soho (231 Hudson St): French Alps cozy cabin
• Four Seasons Downtown (27 Barclay St): Light displays outside the hotel
• Hotel Indigo – Mr. Purple Bar (180 Orchard St): Cute bar inside a cozy chalet/igloo
• The Hoxton Hotel (97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn): Outdoor igloos
• The Highline Hotel (180 10th Ave): London theme holiday decorations. There are many photo options here such as the front of the hotel entrance, the Christmas Tree in the courtyard, two telephone booths, and a red bus
• Public Hotel (215 Chrystie St): Light tunnel and a disco ball-themed tree
• Lotte New York Palace Hotel (455 Madison Ave): This hotel has the most gorgeous Christmas Tree; you will recognize it from Gossip Girl. This hotel is a must-visit when visiting New York for the holidays.
• The Peninsula Hotel (700 5th Ave): The lobby Christmas Tree is stunning and worth a visit for photos, they also have a gorgeous rooftop.
• The St. Regis Hotel (2 E 55th St): This hotel is right on the corner of 5th Avenue and 55th St. Just across from The Peninsula Hotel, and has holiday decorations in the front of the hotel.
• The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave): Gorgeous lobby with stunning decorations and one of the most iconic hotels in New York. Home Alone was filmed here. I highly recommend making reservations for afternoon tea as they have a strict policy that only guests and visitors with reservations can enter the hotel during the holidays.
• The Mark Hotel (25 E 77th): The Mark Hotel has a beautiful holiday decoration by Swarovski in the Upper East Side.

13. CHELSEA MARKET

Chelsea Market is one of my favorite places to visit year-round. They have a great selection of food shops, shopping, and beautiful Christmas displays especially the arch with a clock.

14. WHERE TO SEE SANTA IN NEW YORK

Seeing Santa is one of my favorite things to do as a family. Below is a list of places to see Santa in New York.

• Bloomingdales Santaland: $25 reservation fee will include a $25 Bloomingdales gift card. Reserve here.
• Brookfield Place: Walk-ins or same-day reservations are available starting on Dec 14th. Learn more here.
• Hudson Yards: Free and one of my favorite locations for holiday photos and photos with Santa. Starting on Nov 29th. Learn more here.
• Santaland at Macy’s: Santaland is iconic and feels like a mini amusement park for the holidays. Guests will need to reserve tickets in advance. The decor is beautiful but it was about an hour wait in line before getting inside where you still wait in line to see Santa. Personally, it was not worth it for me.
• Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 17: Dine and Ice Skate on a rooftop at Pier 17. Get tickets online.
• Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Watermark: Dine at Watermark and meet Santa at the North Pole. This location is super fun, it does feel like the North Pole!
• The Plaza Hotel: Santa walks around The Plaza Hotel during specific hours for photos while dining or by the lobby. Learn more here.

15. MORE INSTAGRAMMALBE HOLIDAY PHOTO SPOTS

• West Village Brownstone House (Charles st between 7th Ave & West 4th St)
• The Upper Rust (143 7th Ave): it’s near the decorated brownstone house in West Village. It’s a vintage shop with a cute storefront for the holidays
• Sezane (254 Elizabeth St): Cutest outdoor decorations in front of the store. Please note decorations change yearly (254 Elizabeth St)
• Christmas Tree Lots (multiple locations across Manhattan)
• Upper West Side (82nd St between Columbus & Amsterdam): a beautiful home decorated by Simon Wallace Design
• Upper East Side (76th St between 5th Ave & Madison): This is probably my favorite stoop in New York! The decorations are just stunning!
• Upper East Side (64th St & 5th Ave): This cute stoop has the cutest pink candy canes and soldiers!

I hope this gets you excited to spend the holidays in NYC! It’s truly the most magical time of year in New York. It’s my favorite time of year to be in the city and there are just endless events and activities to do.

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