Are you visiting New York City during Christmas season? Or do you live in New York City and just want to know what to do in the city? You’ve landed on the right page. I’m about to tell you the best things to do during Christmas in New York City!
I didn’t always live in New York City, but it has always been my favorite city and this is especially true during Christmas season. Christmas in New York City just feels different, it’s magical, the city comes alive once again. If you get really cheerful during the season, expect to feel more of those Christmassy feels. Those 10 activities will make you feel nostalgic of many childhood memories around Christmas.
This post is all about the 10 things to do during Christmas in New York City!
(From a New Yorker)
#10 DINNER WITH CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
If you want to have dinner at a restaurant with a Christmassy feel, I highly recommend Rolf’s or the Polo Bar. Both require reservations. It might be easier to get a reservation at Polo Bar, trust me I say that knowing how hard it is to get a reservation… But for Rolf’s, you probably need to reserve in October for a dinner sometime during the holiday season in December, that’s just how crazy it is. It can be painful to wait on the line and but it’s worth it!
#9 HUDSON YARDS
This can be a much needed change of scenery as most of the NYC Christmas activities are outdoors. The Mall at the Hudson Yards has a good selection of stores and restaurants. But the biggest seller is the decoration. It is absolutely gorgeous. When the weather isn’t cooperating, this is a great indoor activity to keep in mind.
#8 HOT CHOCOLATE
Try all the hot chocolate your heart desires, calories do not count during the holiday season – kidding – they do but you’re walking all day so it’s considered sustenance. I recommend going to Angelina (several locations), St Ambreus (several locations) or S’mores N’more at Bryant Park’s winter village. These are all highly rated locations.
#7 CENTRAL PARK AND THE ICE-SKATING RINK
You might start to be feel overwhelmed by the large crowds and number of tourists and families – dare I say – moving at snail pace in the city. A wonderful break is to venture out to Central Park. You can grab some food and eat at the park, go on a walk, or skate at the Wollman Rink. There is so much to see at Central Park, walk around and get lost.
#6 CARNEGIE HALL FOR HANDEL’S MESSIAH
A tradition since 1874, The Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra come together for a performance at Carnegie Hall’s main hall. It is a wonderful experience! If you happen to be in NYC on the night of the performance, don’t miss it. It is a lovely Christmas experience, one you won’t forget.
This is my tried-and-true list of things to do during Christmas in NYC!
#5 THE NUTCRACKER
It is an absolute must! A quintessential and magical NYC experience, you won’t forget. I genuinely feel like I am a kid again and it’s Christmas day. For those who aren’t familiar with it, it is New York City Ballet’s yearly performance of George Balanchine’s choreography and Tchaikovsky’s score, need I say more? I’ve seen it too many times. Do yourself a favor, just buy those tickets and check that box off your list. Highly recommend reserving those tickets in advance for better seats and more affordable ticket options.
#4 HOLIDAYS MARKETS – BRYANT PARK’S WINTER VILLAGE
There are many markets in the city you could go to. There are markets for those who like smaller crowds like the one at Columbus circle and Union Square, but I do think Bryant Park’s Winter Village is an absolute must. It can get really crowded, but just go with it. There are many vendors selling goods, most of them are small businesses. It is my go-to place for co-workers, friends, and family gifts. My absolute favorite is Soap and Paper Factory, for the best pine scented candles, soaps, hand creams and more. The quality is outstanding, and no this isn’t an ad! Trust me, you’re going to wish you bought more. You will recognize the scent before you see their kiosk. There are plenty of food options, like Raclette and Crepe Café, and an ice-skating rink if you’re feeling up to it. The market opens on Halloween and stays open until early January every year.
#3 LIGHT SHOW AT THE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
The flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store is right by the Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th St on 5th ave. The light show starts before Thanksgiving and goes on until early January. The show starts at 5 pm every day, each song lasts around 3 mins. Grab a hot chocolate and get yourself a spot on the sidewalk. If you have kids, they will love this!
Note: Unfortunately, Saks skipped the light show altogether in 2024, let’s see what happens this year.
#2 FIFTH AVENUE HOLIDAY WINDOWS
This is yet another New York City tradition, started by Macy’s owner in 1874. Along 5th avenue, department stores will transform their window displays into Christmas art exhibits, if you will. Must see are Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s (on sixth ave), Tiffany & Co, Cartier and Luis Vuitton.
#1 ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS TREE
Yes, without a doubt the first on the list goes to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It is the most quintessential Christmas experience in New York City. The tradition of setting up the tree at the Rockefeller Plaza has been around for 9 decades! The tree lighting is on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving and usually stays until January 13th. I do not recommend going to the first lighting ceremony as it is super crowded and exhausting. Very much like standing to watch the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve (ok, maybe less intense). But you must visit it, spend some time and take a photo. The plaza also has an ice-skating rink right in front of the tree. It is almost always crowded, but it is a fairy tale experience.
Try and it out and let me know what your favorite activity was. I would love to know!
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. If this content interested you, you might want to follow my Instagram account @girlontheues
See you next time,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
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