10 Magical Things To Do During Christmas in New York City

 

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 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)

 

 

#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 13^th. 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. But you must visit it when it is alight, 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.

 

 

#2 Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

This is yet another New York City tradition, started by Macy’s owner in 1874. Along 5^th 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.

 

 

#3 Light show at the Saks Fifth Avenue

The flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store is right by the Rockefeller Plaza, between 49^th and 50^th St on 5^th 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!

 

 

#4 Holiday 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 (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.

 

 

#5 The Nutrcracker

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.

 

 

#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. The performance is a lovely Christmas experience, and the Stern Hall at Carnegie Hall will turn it into an unforgettable experience.

 

 

#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.

 

 

#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.

 

 

#9 Hudson Yards

This can be a must 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 at this mall. It is absolutely gorgeous. If the weather isn’t cooperating, this is a great indoor activity.

 

 

#10 Dinner with Christmas decoration

If you want to have dinner at a restaurant with a Christmassy feel, I highly recommend Rolf’s or the Polo Bar. Both require reservation. It might be easier to get a reservation at Polo Bar, as you probably need to reserve in October for a dinner sometime during the holiday season in December at Rolf’s. I am getting anxiety just thinking about the planning involved. But it’s worth it!

 

 

This is my tried-and-true list of things to do during Christmas in NYC!

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.

 

Best,

Girl on the Upper East Side