This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2015. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
I was unbelievably excited for my first ever Christmas in New York City.
Of course, Christmas back in the southern hemisphere ain’t so bad (plus it has the added benefit of squeezing in some beach time between family functions) but for an Australian, there’s something enticing about the idea of a proper White Christmas.
New York City at Christmas is pure magic — twinkling lights, iconic displays, festive bars, snowy parks, holiday markets, and that unmistakable December buzz. When I lived in NYC, I made it a mission to squeeze every ounce of Christmas spirit out of the city, and these experiences quickly became my absolute favourites.
If you want to immerse yourself in the most festive parts of NYC, this guide will show you exactly how to have the best holiday season in the Big Apple.
Quick summary:
This guide covers the best things to do in New York City at Christmas, including festive bars, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, famous light displays, Central Park winter activities, movie locations, and essential holiday tips to help you plan your trip.
Recommended tours:
🎁 NYC Christmas Holiday Walking Tour – See Rockefeller, Saks light show, and all the top displays.
✨ Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour – View Brooklyn’s famously extravagant suburban lights.
🎬 Home Alone 2 & Elf Locations Tour in Central Park – Visit filming spots from two iconic Christmas movies on a guided ride.
When to Visit NYC for Christmas
Most decorations appear from late November until early January.
- Rockefeller Tree: late November → early January
- Holiday markets: vary between mid-November and early January
- Snow: unpredictable — sometimes late November, sometimes mid-January
- Ice skating rinks: open from late October through March
Things to do in NYC at Christmas time
See NYC’s famous Christmas window displays
The department stores in midtown go all out with their Christmas window displays. These elaborately decorated facades are a must see for anyone visiting NYC during the holidays. Be prepared, this activity can get crazy busy with a lot of pushy tourists, each trying to take their photos by getting in the way of everyone else. Have your bumping elbows ready and don’t be afraid to get creative with finding photo spots around the crowds.
I followed the walking route suggested by Mary in Manhattan, but I would also suggest starting on Avenue of The Americas opposite Radio City as that’s where you’ll find the oversized ornaments pictured above.
🎁 If you’d prefer to have a guide show you where all the best Christmas displays are, you might want to book a spot on a New York Christmas Holiday Walking Tour.
Drink at a Christmas-themed bar
If you need a boost of Christmas spirit, this is going to be the best way to get your hit.
A Christmas pop up bar called Miracle on 9th Street appears in the East Village between Avenues B and C in December. After its debut in 2014, it was so popular that it became a regular bar (Mace) after the holiday season was over. They go all out every year by decking the halls with an insane amount of Christmas decor.
There’s even a Hanukkah corner if you fit into that category. And the best thing? The entire cocktail list consists of Christmas themed drinks, including a Bad Santa, Christmopolitan, and Jingle Balls Nog.
Another option is the Sippin Santa’s surf shack pop up at Boilermaker in East Village. More Christmas cocktails, anyone?
Visit NYC’s Best Holiday Markets
While the NYC holiday markets don’t quite live up to the European ones, I still have to admit, they are pretty darn good. I seriously enjoyed munching on a choc-covered churro while peeking in to stalls filled with Christmas decorations and trinkets.
Most popular New York Christmas markets:
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market – Lovely artisan stalls next to Central Park.
- Bryant Park Winter Village – The biggest and most atmospheric (with a skating rink).
- Union Square Holiday Market – Great for unique handmade gifts.
These markets usually run from mid-November through Christmas Eve, with Bryant Park staying open into January. You can find a full list with some more info on the holiday markets here.
Take part in (or laugh at) Santacon
Love it or hate it, Santacon is an NYC December tradition.
Imagine hundreds of Santas (and slutty Santas, drunk Santas, pajama Santas) roaming the city in an all-day bar crawl. It’s chaotic, loud, and… kind of hilarious to watch.
If you want to catch the spectacle, the starting location is announced only the day before — follow Santacon on X for updates.
See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
A must for any first-time visitor, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the most famous holiday icon in the city. The lighting ceremony is usually in late November and crowds remain huge all season.
Go early morning or late at night to avoid the worst congestion.
Experience Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
This Brooklyn neighbourhood is famous worldwide for its over-the-top Christmas lights — think entire houses covered in thousands of bulbs, inflatable Santas taller than the homes, animated displays, and nonstop festive chaos.
✨ It draws huge crowds, so booking a Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour might be much easier than navigating it yourself.
5. Skate your heart out
Confession: I am notoriously bad at ice skating, which is odd because I am fairly good at skiing. But skating usually results in me spending a lot of time on my ass cursing the slippery surface beneath my feet.
Still, I don’t think it would be a proper Christmas in NYC without skating, as the activity rates as one of the best things to do in NYC for the holidays. There are a number of rinks in Manhattan, including:
- Central Park (North and South)
- Rockerfeller Plaza
- Chelsea Piers
- Battery Park
- Bryant Park
Here’s a list of the most popular rinks with prices and opening hours.
Walk through Central Park in the snow
I was advised that the timing of the first snow in New York City is very unpredictable. Over recent years it has started as freakishly early as Halloween. Sometimes it’s around Thanksgiving, and occasionally it happens well after Christmas (booo).
If you’re lucky enough to be in NYC when the first snow hits – go for a walk in Central Park. Snow turns the park into a winter fairytale. Bow Bridge becomes dusted in white, the lake can freeze around the rowboats, and the trees look like they’ve been dipped in sugar. It’s one of the most photogenic (and peaceful) places in all of NYC at Christmas. Take your camera for some snowy scenes in what I rate as one of NYC’s best photo spots.
🎬 If you want to add a bit of movie magic to the experience, consider joining the Home Alone 2 & Elf Locations Tour in Central Park!
This festive guided ride takes you to filming spots from two of the most iconic Christmas movies ever — including the Plaza Hotel, Wollman Rink, the bridge from the pigeon lady scene, and the locations where Buddy from Elf caused all kinds of chaotic joy. It’s fun, nostalgic, and full of behind-the-scenes stories that make the park feel like a real-life holiday movie set.
Ride a Vintage NYC Subway Train
Ever wondered what it would be like to catch the NYC subway in the 1930s? No? Even if that thought hasn’t crossed your mind, you can now experience it for realsies.
The MTA and Transit Museum have an annual tradition of replacing select Sunday train services with some old school vintage train cars. I managed to catch one of these, and I have seriously never seen so many smiles on the faces of New York City residents as when they saw this vintage train approaching the platform. It was truly a beautiful moment.
Find more details and schedules here.
What to wear in NYC at Christmas time
NYC in December is cold. Most days range from -3°C to 7°C (27–45°F). Things to pack:
- a warm coat
- thermal layers
- gloves + hat
- waterproof boots
- thick socks
- something dressy for evenings
Snow days feel magical, but they’re icy — wear shoes with good grip.
FAQ: Christmas in New York City
Does it snow in NYC at Christmas?
Sometimes — but not always. Snowfall can be anytime from late November to mid-January.
Is NYC expensive at Christmas?
Yes. Hotels are pricey, activities are busy, and restaurants fill up early. Book everything in advance.
What’s the best area to stay in?
Midtown (near Rockefeller and Fifth Ave) is a solid choice is you’ll be near many of the festive window displays.
Are NYC’s Christmas markets worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially Bryant Park Winter Village.
Can you do NYC Christmas on a budget?
Yes: concentrate on the free window displays, free lights, free walks through Central Park, and cheap street eats.
What’s open on Christmas Day?
Ice rinks, some restaurants, holiday lights, Central Park, and most major attractions (with adjusted hours).
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