Christmas in the Big Apple is truly one of those experiences you have to have in your lifetime. The unsleeping city of New York is pretty magical all throughout the year, but during Christmas, the city shines brighter than ever with festive cheer and joy. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in New York at Christmas, here are some things you have to partake in.

Why spend Christmas in New York?

Christmas in New York is just like what you’ve seen in the movies - glittering and busy with something to do around every corner.
Snow is common during Christmas in New York, which has the whole city feeling like a picture-perfect yuletide setting.
New York’s popular attractions like the Empire State Building don on their special Christmas look, making it a fascinating annual display.
There are Christmas activities for everyone in New York - whether you prefer a more traditional holiday or a hip and unique Christmastime experience.

Top 15 things to do during Christmas in New York

Christmas in New York- Winter wonderlands

1. Stop by the Winter Wonderlands

Not quite feeling the holiday spirit yet? Head to one of these winter wonderlands in New York to experience the joy of the holidays in NYC to the fullest with performances, cocktails, festive grub, and so much more!

The finest winter wonderlands in New York are at:

The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland | Find on Maps
The Bronx Zoo | Find on Maps
Bayville | Find on Maps
New York Botanical Garden | Find on Maps

2. Be amazed at the city's Christmas trees

New York takes immense pride in the magnitude of their world-famous Christmas trees, and it is easy to see why. These giant evergreens are lit up beautifully for Christmas every year, making them a popular spot for tourists and New Yorkers to gather at.

The most majestic Christmas trees in NYC are at:

Rockefeller Center | Find on Maps
The Museum of Modern Art
Lincoln Center | Find on Maps
Washington Square Park | Find on Maps

Christmas in New York - Christmas markets

3. Partake in retail therapy at Christmas Markets

The holiday markets in New York City are bound to get you in the Christmas spirit like nothing else. Expect to see hundreds of stalls, all selling unique Yuletide goodies. You can find everything at these festive markets - from artisanal delicacies, vintage bits and bobs, and crafts to Christmas ornaments.

Shop at the exciting holiday markets located at:

Winter Village | Find on Maps
Union Square Holiday Market | Find on Maps
Grand Holiday Bazaar | Find on Maps
Columbus Circle Holiday Market | Find on Maps

Christmas in New York - Christmas traditions

4. Participate in NYC's holiday traditions

New Yorkers love their everyday customs, and Christmastime is no exception to this fact. By partaking in age-old traditions that New Yorkers cannot envision Christmas without, you can really soak up the abundant and unique festive cheer of the city. After all, when in Rome!

Some of New York's age-old Christmas traditions are:

Heading to Central Park
Watching the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony
Watching the Holiday Train show at the New York Botanical Garden
Sipping on festive cocktails at the Miracle pop-up bar

Christmas in New York - Christmas lights

5. Enjoy the glittering Christmas lights

What’s a Christmas without walking in the midst of exquisitely lit-up streets and inflatable Santas and reindeer? The extravagant Christmas lights have gained worldwide popularity, so if you find yourself celebrating Christmas in New York, you simply can’t miss out on these glitzy displays.

Catch the city's finest light displays at:

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights | Find on Maps
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show | Find on Maps
Amaze Light Festival | Find on Maps
Shine Bright | Find on map

Christmas in New York - Rockettes performance at Radio City Hall

6. Watch the Rockettes in action

Watching the Rockettes perform at Radio City Hall during the Christmas Spectacular has become something of a tradition for New Yorkers. More than 140 performers take the stage annually and come together for a breathtaking performance, so it's a must to add it to your Christmas in NYC itinerary!

Watch a Rockettes show

7. Gaze in awe at window displays

Most department stores in New York will put up a (usually themed) window display depicting the joys of Christmastime, and these displays are absolutely delightful. All throughout the month of December, most NYC dwellers make their way to these stores just to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous and thoughtful displays.

New York's most spectacular Christmas window displays:

Cartier | Find on Maps
Bergdorf Goodman | Find on Maps
Bloomingdale’s | Find on Maps
Saks Fifth Avenue | Find on Maps

8. Curl, skate, and sled

New York tends to get incredibly chilly around Christmas, which is why almost all of the city’s residents head to their nearest snow-covered location to participate in some icy fun to keep themselves warm. There are multiple spots in the city where you can partake in activities like curling, sledding, ice skating - you name it!

Best spots for some icy fun are at:

Bryant Park | Find on Maps
Wollman Rink | Find on Maps
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink | Find on Maps
M Social Hotel | Find on Maps

9. Head to Macy's

Heading to Macy’s during Thanksgiving and Christmas is another one of those traditions that makes you feel like a real New Yorker. With impressive window displays, a wholesome and inclusive visit with Santa, and holiday gift shops galore, there’s no wonder Macy’s gets as busy as it does during Christmas.

Know more

10. Ride aboard a holiday yacht

Envision yourself marveling at New York’s glittering skyline while sipping hot cocoa. If you want to celebrate your Christmas in the lap of luxury, look no further than winter-themed holiday yachts, beautifully decked out in vintage Christmas décor. These holiday yacht cruises offer around two to three hours of witnessing NYC at its Christmas best.

Know more

Christmas in New York - Popular attractions

11. Make your way to popular attractions

It’s tempting to go off the beaten path and explore unique experiences during Christmas in NYC, but don’t miss out on the glory of the popular ones! The advent of Christmas has these landmarks shining in a whole new festive light all through December, and you can’t miss out on these sights!

Experience NYC's most popular attractions at:

12. Have a meet-and-greet with Santa

An indispensable (and perhaps the most-awaited) part of the Christmas season is the man himself - Santa Claus. Meeting the iconic Father Christmas is bound to be an unforgettable experience for the young ones. And if you want to witness another whacky NYC tradition unfold, don’t forget to attend Santacon - a convention where every attendee dresses as Santa Claus.

Know more

Christmas in New York - Musical performances

13. Listen to some live tunes

If singing along to some good old holiday music or immersing yourself in elegant, jazzy tunes for the evening is more your thing, then head to a Christmas show anytime during December in NYC. There’s truly nothing that is bound to get you in the festive spirit better than those nostalgic melodies.

Catch these musical masterpieces at:

The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts | Find on Maps
A Christmas Carol at Nederlander Theater | Find on Maps
Charlie Brown Christmas at Palladium Times Square | Find on Maps
A Sherlock Carol at New World Stages | Find on Maps

Christmas in New York - Restaurants at Christmas

14. Feast to your heart's content

Because after all, what’s a festive celebration without gorging on large amounts of delicious grub? Luckily, spending your Christmas in NYC opens you up to a variety of culinary options, ranging from tried-and-tested pop-up bars to luxury fine dining experiences.

Head to these restaurants for the best festive grub:

One if by Land, Two if by Sea | Find on Maps
Kimika | Find on Maps
Rolo’s | Find on Maps
Little Prince | Find on Maps

15. Take in panoramic views of the busting city

Soak in the pretty Christmas lights from a height atop an observation deck in the city. New York has quite a few top-notch observation decks, with stunning views of the city and a host of immersive exhibits. During Christmas, many of these decks will provide Christmas-themed photo-ops to help capture your magical experience.

Observation decks to visit during Christmas:

Top Experiences in New York

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in New York

Is Christmas a good time to visit New York?

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit New York. In addition to the Big Apple’s already magical aura, you’re bound to find holiday-special things to do during Christmas in NYC at every corner you turn.

What are some things to do in NYC on Christmas eve?

You’re going to be spoilt for choices with how many things to do during Christmas in NYC there are. You can catch a holiday-special Broadway show, head to a pop-up bar for festively spiced drinks, participate in icy activities like sledding and curling, explore the city’s light shows, and more!

What is the weather like at Christmas in New York?

December in New York is definitely one of the coldest times of the year there. You can expect temperatures from 0 degrees Celsius at night to around 4 - 5 degrees Celsius during the daytime, so it’s wise to bundle up!

Is New York crowded at Christmas?

Since Christmastime in New York is quite popular globally, the city sees an influx of tourists right around the months of November to December. It’s best to venture out at the crack of dawn during Christmas in NYC!

What’s open in New York on Christmas?

Many shops and department stores are unfortunately closed on Christmas Day, but popular landmarks like Central Park are still open for everyone!

What is the most popular Christmas market in New York?

The most popular Christmas market in New York is, hands down, the Winter Village at Bryant Park - which is also a veritable winter wonderland, as there are many festive activities to do there.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in New York?

Many popular restaurants like Red Rooster and Le Jardinier are open on Christmas day, and they even offer special festive menus for you to peruse!

What are the best places to stay in New York on Christmas?

New York’s hotels ace the festive décor game every year by decking themselves up with Christmassy décor. The best hotels in New York to really feel the Christmas spirit are the Ritz Carlton, Lotte New York Palace, The Plaza and Mandarin Oriental.

What should I eat in New York on Christmas?

With New York’s food being an amalgam of every culture imaginable, Christmas is no exception. Most people in New York prefer dining out on Christmas day, indulging in the Italian-American tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes or eating Chinese food.

What are the best restaurants for Christmas in New York?

The best restaurants in New York for Christmas grub are Kimika, Rolo’s, Fogo de Chao, and COTE Korean Steakhouse.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in New York?

The best places to catch the Christmas lights in New York are Dyker Heights, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson Yards, and Citi Field.

What are some Christmas traditions in New York?

For the authentic New York Christmas experience, you must visit Bryant Park for its ice skating rink, catch the Rockettes at Radio City Hall, head to Central Park for some sledding, explore the window displays around the city, and marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

When does Christmas in NYC start?

Expect to already be seeing streets decked out in classic NYC Christmas decorations sometime around the end of November.