The Best Things to Do in New York in December to Have a Magical Christmas
Updated November 22nd, 2023
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Christmastime is special everywhere, but Christmas in NYC is even more enchanting. If you dream of seeing the bright lights of New York City you haven’t seen anything until you have seen the city during the holidays. Are you wondering what to do in NYC in December? From holiday markets with one-of-a-kind goods to iconic ice-skating locations there are so many holiday things to do in NYC. Here’s the best things to do in New York City in December to have a magical Christmas season.
The Best Things to Do in New York in December
NYC Holiday Markets & Shopping
One of the best things to do in New York in December is shop! People come from around the world to shop in the Big Apple. Like everything in NYC, the shopping becomes even better at Christmastime with all the holiday markets,Β
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Strolling through the Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of my favorite Christmas things to do in NYC. The park is turned into a winter wonderland complete with holiday shops, food kiosks, and a giant Christmas tree, surrounding an ice-skating rink. The holiday boutique shops are full of unique gifts that you can’t find everywhere. In addition to all the shops, there is a wide variety of food stalls with everything from crepes to dumplings.
There are other winter activities that go on in Bryant Park as well. You can reserve curling lanes and cozy igloos! You might catch an ice skating performance on the rink. Read more about the tree lighting and ice rink later in this post.
Where: Bryant Park – 42nd St & 6th Ave
Getting There: Take the B/D/F/M to 42nd St – Bryant Park Station
When: October 27th, 2023 – January 2nd, 2024
Cost: Free
Toilets: There are clean restrooms in the park. In the women’s bathroom there are only three stalls, so expect long lines!
Union Square Holiday Market
A wide array of vendors fill the Union Square Holiday market every year. It’s the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping, especially if you are looking for something that isn’t mass produced and can be found everywhere.
Where:Β Union Square – Union Square W & 14th St
Getting There:Β L, N/Q/R or 4/5/6 to 14th Street – Union Sq Station
When: November 16th – December 24th, 2023 (closed Thanksgiving)
Cost: Free
Toilets: Several businesses around Union Square have bathrooms, such as Barnes & Noble and Best Buy.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is another great European style holiday market full of goods from local artisans and designers. There are also delicious food stalls here. Even if you don’t plan on buying any gifts, the market is a festive place to be in New York in December.
Where: Columbus Circle – 59th St & Central Park West
Getting There: Take the A/C, B/D, or 1 to 59th St – Columbus Circle
When: November 28th – December 31st, 2023
Cost:Β Free
Toilets: Available in the Columbus Circle mall and at the W61st Street comfort station in Central Park.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
If the thought of these outdoor markets makes you chilly, then head to the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair. It doesn’t have quite as many stalls as the ones listed above, but you will still find a large selection of gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. If it is your first time in Grand Central, take an audio tour or a guided tour to learn all the secrets of the impressive station while you are there.
Where: Grand Central Station – Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E. 42nd Street
Getting There:Β Take the 4/5/6 to Grand Central – 42nd St
When: November 13th – December 24th, 2023
Cost: Free (Tickets available for tours)
Toilets:Β Downstairs in the dining hall
Macy’s Santaland
You’ve seen Miracle on 34th St right? Now visit Santa at Macy’s just like Susan did in the movie. Families have been flocking to Macy’s in Herald Square in New York at Christmastime since 1861. At Macy’s in Herald Square you will be able to go through a 13,000-square-foot Christmas village in addition to meeting Santa!
Of course the eight floors of Macy’s are packed full of potential holiday presents for all your friends and family too. It’s not Christmas in New York City without a visit to Macy’s.
Where: Macy’s Herald Square at 151 W 34th St. (8th floor)
Getting There: Take the N/Q/R/W or the B/D/F/M to 34th St Herald Square.
When: November 24th – December 24th, 2023
Cost: Free, but reservations are required. Make your reservations here starting November 20th.
NYC Christmas Tree Lightings
Another one of the can’t miss things to do in NYC in December is to admire all of theΒ beautiful Christmas trees. Even if you don’t catch the tree lightnings, go on a walk to discover them all!
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Christmas tree is the most famous Christmas tree in all of NYC. Locals and visitors alike have been coming to Rockefeller Plaza to admire the tree for over 75 years. The annual tree lighting ceremony is a festive, yet crowded, affair with entertainment from the Rockettes and other performers. Come early to get a spot for the big event or get a good look at the tree on another day. I lucked out and happened to be in Rockefeller Center for the rehearsal of 2019’s tree lighting ceremony with Gwen Stefani!
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Getting There:Β Take the B/D/F/M to 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center
When: Tree lighting on November 29th, 2023. The tree is lit up 5am – 12 am daily from November 30th until 10pm on January 13th. It is lit for 24 hours on Christmas. On NYE it is only lit until 9pm.
Cost: Free
Toilets:Β Public restrooms are in the concourse close to Blue Bottle Coffee
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park has another popular annual tree lighting ceremony full of entertainment. Along with live music and performances by professional ice skaters, Ice Theatre of New York’s Jazz Nutcracker is premiering!
Where: Bryant Park – 42nd & 6th ave
Getting There: Take the B/D/F/M to 42nd St – Bryant Park Station
When: November 28th, 2023 at 6pm (entry and seating begin at 4pm on a first come, first serve basis)
Cost: Free
Toilets: There are clean restrooms in the park. In the women’s bathroom there are only three stalls, so expect long lines!
Magical Lights in Lincoln Square
The former Winter’s Eve festival is now Magical Lights in Lincoln Square in the Upper West Side. While it doesn’t sound like there is one tree lighting, there will be a grand illumination and parade.Β Along with the sensory light show, other free outdoor performances will be taking place.
Sing-alongs with the magical lights in Dante Park will continue throughout December. From 5 – 11pm on the half hour light and music shows take place in the Shops at Columbus circle (Nov 5th – Jan 1st).
Where: Dante Park
Getting There:Β Take the A/C, B/D, or 1 to 59th St – Columbus Circle
When:Β December 5th, 2023 at 4:30pm
Cost: Free.
Toilets:Β In the Columbus circle mall, in the NY Philharmonic lobby in Lincoln Center
Central Park
The Central Park annual holiday lighting takes place on the northern end of the park outside of the Dana Discovery Center. There are visits with Santa, caroling, and hot cocoa and cookies. This holiday lighting is special because not one, but a flotilla of trees are lit on the Harlem Meer.
Where: Central Park –Β Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)
Getting There:Β Take the 2 to 110 Street Station – Central Park
When:Β November 30th, 2023 at 5:30pm
Tickets:Β Free
Toilets: Right at the discovery center
Holiday Lights in NYC
When asked what to do in New York in December, I always encourage everyone to enjoy all of the holiday lights.Β
5th Avenue Window Displays
Even though holiday window displays in NYC have been around since the 1870s, they are becoming even more glitzy, detailed and extravagant. Some of the best ones to check out from south to north include, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Henry Bendel, Tiffany & Co, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, and Bloomingdales. Each store typically has it’s own theme every year.
Where:Β Along 5th avenue (and a little off of it) in Manhattan between Macy’s in Herald Square up to about 60th avenue.
Getting There:Β Macy’s (southern end): Take the N/Q/R/W or the B/D/F/M to 34th St Herald Square. Central Park (northern end): Take the N/R/W to Lexington Ave/59th St.
When:Β November – January. Macy’s Herald Square window unveiling is November 16th, 2023.
Cost:Β Free
Toilets:Β In the large department stores
Dyker Heights
If you are looking for things to do in New York in December you don’t want to miss Dyker Hieghts. Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn that goes all out during the Christmas season. I’ve never seen a residential neighborhood with quite so many lights before.
You can admire the lights on your own or take a guided walking tour. The benefits of the walking tour are learning about the traditions and history of the decorating in the neighborhood and not guessing where to go. If you are concerned about how to get to the neighborhood, have mobility issues or don’t want to be out in the cold a bus tour is also available. Even with the bus tour you are able to get out and walk around and see the lights up close.
Where:Β Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The best lights are between 11th Avenue & 13th Avenue from 83rd to 86th streets.
Getting There:Β If you book a bus tour you don’t need to worry about transportation. For the walking tour or to visit on your own you will need to take the R to 86th St station and then the B1 bus to 86th st & 11th ave. You can also do the 15/20min walk to the area from the 86th St station stop.
When: November 26th, 2023 – January 5th, 2024
Book: Walking tour or Bus TourΒ
NYC Winter Lantern Festival
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival is a unique way to see some non-Christmas lights this season. The festival honors traditional Chinese culture with over 1,000 colorful lanterns. There are several cultural performances including a Chinese Acrobats show. International food is available from numerous food stands.
Where:Β Queens County Farm Museum
Getting There: Take the Staten Island Ferry and then walk about 9 minutes.
When:Β November 17th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024 (Fridays – Sundays)
Book: Reserve Tickets
NYC Holiday Tours
Taking tours in NYC is a great way to make the most of your time in NYC in December.
On Location Tour
New York City is known for it’s shimmering skyline all year-round. December in New York City only becomes more spectacular with all the holiday lights and decorations. NYC is also known for the location of many of the most popular Christmas movies. Experience them both with a Holiday Lights & Movie Tour. This tour takes you to see the filming locations from several new and classic holiday films. You are able to get out and take pictures at most of them, including many iconic NYC sites that are decorated for the holidays.
I’ve taken several On Location Tours in the past, including this one. The guides are usually actors so they are all fantastic. It’s so much fun to see famous movie and TV sites in person and learn some fun facts along the way.
Where:Β Meeting Point – 1889 Broadway (confirm after booking)
Getting There: Take the A/C, B/D, or 1 to 59th St – Columbus Circle
When: November 25th, 2023 – January 2nd, 2024
Tickets: Buy Tickets
Toilets: On-board the bus
Holiday Historic House Tour
The annual Holly Tour gives you admission to six historic sites in Queens. Each one is decorated for the holidays and offers refreshments and entertainment. The sites vary, but can include the Lewis Latimer House Museum which was the home of the African American inventor. Another one is the Friends Meeting House, which is thought to be New York’s oldest place of worship. Quakers still worship here every Sunday.
Where: Various locations in Flushing, Queens
Getting There: Take the 7 train to Main St. Station
When:Β December 10th, 2023
Tickets: Buy Tickets
Holiday Cruises
One of the best ways to see the lights of Manhattan is to leave the city and go on a river cruise. If you are in New York in December you are in luck because there are several holiday-themed cruises. The New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise is a festive cruise that shows you the sights of the big apple while getting you in the Christmas mood with holiday songs and treats.
If you are in NYC for Christmas Eve, make it a special night and go on the Spirit of New York Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise. As gorgeous as the nighttime lights are, sometimes it’s nice to see the famous sights during the day. On the Holiday Brunch Cruise you can see the famous places in Manhattan, while enjoying a holiday brunch on a decorated 1920s-style motor yacht.
Where: Departures from Chelsea Piers (check exact cruise departure location)
Getting There:Β Take the A/E to 23rd St. Then walk ~20 minutes or take the M23-SBS (bus) to 12 Avenue & West 23 St after getting off the subway.
When:Β November 24th, 2023 – December 30th, 2023
Book: New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise, Spirit of New York Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise, Holiday Brunch cruise
Ice Skating in Manhattan
It’s hard to prioritize which things to do in New York in December. Ice skating is one of the most classic Christmas activities in NYC.Β
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Can you think of all the Christmas movies where they go skating in NYC? They are usually skating at Rockefeller Center.Β The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic places to go ice skating in NYC.
Where: 600 5th Avenue
Getting There: Take the B/D/F/M to 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center
When: November 2023 – March 24th, 2024
Tickets: Buy Tickets
Toilets:Β At Rockefeller Center
Wollman Rink in Central Park
If they aren’t skating at Rockefeller Center they are probably skating in Wollman Rink. How magical would it be to ice skate in Central Park?
Where: Inside Central Park at E 63rd & 6th Ave.
Getting There: Take the F to 57th St Station, or the N/R/W to 5th Ave St
When: November 22nd, 2023 – March 12th, 2024
Book: Timed Tickets
Winter Village Bryant Park Rink
Bryant Park is an all around great place to visit in December in New York because it also has an ice skating rink. It is the only free ice skating rink in NYC!
You can book a skate and tree lighting package that guarantees seating for the tree lighting and show. It also includes 75 minutes of skating afterwards.
Where: Bryant Park – 42nd & 6th ave
Getting There: Take the B/D/F/M to 42nd St – Bryant Park Station
When: October 27th, 2023Β – March 3rd, 2024
Tickets: If you don’t have your own skates, you do need to pay to rent skates. Skate time reservations are required.
Toilets: There are clean restrooms in the park. In the women’s bathroom there are only three stalls, so expect long lines!
NYC Winter Performances
With all the outdoor things to do in New York City in December you might be getting chilly. A spectacular holiday performance will warm you right up!
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
If there is one thing you need to do in New York City in December, it is to go to Radio City Music Hall to see the Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. I’ve been to Radio City four times and each experience was magical. Other dance shows and companies have tried to mimic the Rockettes, but there is nothing like the real deal here in NYC.
The Radio City Stage Door tour is another great experience that you can have all year-round in Radio City. I still remember being wide-eyed with wonder when I did the stage door tour along with a Rockette dance experience years ago in high school.
Where: 1260 6th Ave
Getting There: Take the B/D/F/M to 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center
When:Β November 17th, 2023 – January 1st, 2023
Book: Buy Tickets
New York City Ballet Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by the NYCB is another can’t miss Christmas in New York activity. The classic holiday ballet is a great for a dressed up night on the town.
Where: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza
Getting There: Take the 1/2 to 66 St – Lincoln Center Subway Station
When:Β November 24th, 2023 – December 31st, 2023
Book: Tickets
Broadway Show
I saw Frozen on Broadway on one of the coldest nights in December in NYC. It was so appropriate watching “Frozen” while it was freezing outside that I couldn’t even complain about the temperature.
While the Disney musical is no longer on Broadway, there are plenty of other shows to enjoy in New York City in December. Even if the show isn’t holiday or winter themed, attending a Broadway show is always a magical experience!
Where: Times Square
Getting There:Β Take the 1/2/3, A/C/E, N/Q/R/W or the 7 to Times Square – 42nd St.
When: Check out my guide to scoring discount Broadway tickets and see another great show.
There you have it, the best things to do in New York in December! I love NYC all year round, but NYC during Christmas is truly a special time of year. These holiday activities in NYC are sure to help your season become a little more magical!Β
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43 Comments
Joella
I just love NYC during the holidays. Every single one of your suggestions is perfect. I love the winter Village at Bryant Park. And Ice Skating is a must (I personally prefer Central Park).Catching a winter performance is always special. I love the classical ones you mentioned and would be cool to see Frozen. NYC is really magical during the holidays
admin
NYC is magical during the holidays!
Madhu
Newyork is my favourite city but I haven’t visited it during Christmas..your post makes me want to visit it right now π
The Fearless Foreigner
NYC is always fabulous, but at Christmastime it really is magical!
Linda (LD Holland)
Last year we went to NYC before the holidays. And it was a great way to get in the holiday spirit. We came home with lots of unique gifts from the holiday markets. But I am sorry we missed the Grand Central holiday market. Central Park looks absolutely magical in the snow. We loved the decorated store windows. But missed Dyker Heights! A guided walking tour would be perfect. Thanks for giving us a few ideas for our next visit.
admin
The NYC holiday markets are perfect for buying gifts. Dyker Heights isn’t as well known for places to visit during the holidays, but it really does have some impressive lights. Plus it’s great to get out of Manhattan and see more of NYC.
Krzysztof Lab
Christmas in NYC is an excellent idea. I would only be afraid that it is too crowded. This city, even on other dates, is crowded, so can’t imagine how it looks at Christmas. But ok, if I decide to spend time there this time of year, I would for sure go to Winter Village at Bryant Park – it looks to be a fantastic idea. Rockefeller Center is a must if this is Christmas or not, but in winter, it’s this beautiful ice rink. And Central Park is as well always a good idea. Great post, thanks for sharing.
admin
Yes, NYC can get crowded, especially at Christmastime. It helps to stay in and visit the smaller neighborhoods and go beyond Manhattan. I know a lot of the best Christmas things to do get busy though.
Yukti Agrawal
Christmas time is always a special in many cities but I have heard that NYC is very magical during this festive time. Winter Village at Bryant Park looks very pretty and I would love to attend this. Dyker Heights which is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn looks very glittering and I would definitely take a light tour here. Going to see Frozen on Broadway with freezing temperatures outside would be also great thing to do.
admin
Christmastime is a great time to visit NYC….lots to do!
sherianne
Bryant Park at Christmas is my favorite! I love the 5th Ave shop windows and FAO Swartz too. I have seen the Radio City Christmas show but would love to see the NYC Ballet perform the Nutcracker.
admin
Both the Radio City Christmas show and NYCB Nutcracker are fantastic!
Chef Mireille
I am a NY native and love the Union Square Holiday Market and go there every year. There is a special energy in the city around Christmastime. However, you also taught me something about my hometown. Never knew about the Central Park holiday lighting. I’m going to try to check it out this year for sure!
admin
Glad I could suggest something you weren’t aware of. Enjoy the holidays in NYC!
Tami
You’ve listed so many wonderful things to do in NYC at Christmastime! We once took our children to NYC for the week after Christmas to enjoy New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Most of the Christmas decorations were still in place and the city looked like a Christmas wonderland. Ice skating at Bryant Park was especially fun!
admin
NYE in Times Square is something I have always wanted to do!
Clarice
I love spending Christmas in New York. It’s just beautiful and amazing. The lights, festivities and shopping experience is unparalleled. Though, we won’t be there until late February. I am happy to know that the Winter Village Bryant Park Rink will be open until March as the kids love to skate.
admin
It looks like Bryant Park is having a lot of fun winter activities this season, like bumper cars on the ice. It will still be a great time to visit NYC and less crowded too.
Archana Singh
While I love NYC during every season, it’s something else in the Christmas-NYE holidays. Love all your suggestions. Ice Skating is my favourite and I usually hop from Bryant park to Central Park. And, I love the winter performances. As you rightly mentioned, New York city is truly magical in winters. I wouldn’t go inside. Would just roam around the streets despite it being so cold.
Alexandra Booze
There arenβt many places quite like NYC during the holidays! Thank you for sharing π
admin
So true, NYC is magical during the holidays!
Cali
This made me feel so Christmasy. I am from the northeast, but currently sweating my bum off in Bali. I will be away for Christmas this year so this is a lovely reminder of the NYC Christmas magic!
Liliane Fawzy
I’ve only been to New York City during the holidays twice but I loved everything about it! The Christmas Market in Bryant Park was one of my favourites. Definitely hoping to go back at some point and hitting up more of these!
admin
Bryant Park’s winter village holiday market is one of my favorites too!
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
NYC looks sooo magical at Christmas! I didn’t know any of the markets outside Bryant Park though. Do they still have the oversized decorations near the music hall (??? I think that’s where they are?). I meant to go and see if they were around when I was there last year but completely ran out of time, they look so cool haha.
admin
There are a lot of holiday markets in NYC! I wrote about the big ones, but there are other smaller ones throughout the boroughs as well. I didn’t see the decorations by radio city a few weeks ago when I was in the area, but I am guessing they will be there!
Aswani Kurra
This is such an awesome list! I’ve always wanted to visit NYC during Christmas! I should probably go this year!
admin
Thanks! I hope you get to visit NYC during Christmastime this year π
Ada
Just got back from a long weekend in New York City (we went specifically to take in all the holiday splendor) and this list is spot-on. I was surprised by how magical it was. Highly recommend seeing NYC at Christmas time!
admin
Thank you! I’m glad you had a great time in NYC at Christmastime π
gerry
I’m a local NYer, and you hit all the best things! I especially LOVE the nutcracker ballet and the energy at Bryant Park. Now you got me excited for the holidays π
The Fearless Foreigner
Thanks! I lived in NYC for many years so tried to give a local’s perspective of things both locals and visitors enjoy.
ANUKRATI DOSI
I genuinely feel that no matter what you do, what activities you engage in, New York is just going to offer a Christmas to remember.
sue
I’ve been to New York many times but never in winter & have always wanted to visit at Christmas time. It looks magical, even more than usual & ice skating in Central Park is on my list. Thanks for the inspiration!
The Fearless Foreigner
You definitely need to visit NYC at Christmastime! It is even more magical then π
Lina
Oh wow NYC during Christmas looks absolutely magical! Every year they bring the set up of the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in the news here in Austria. And every year I’m just dying to see it in real! Hopefully this will happen soon π
The Fearless Foreigner
I hope you can visit NYC at Christmastime! It really is wonderful.
Susanna
Oh my gosh, the outdoor food tasting with local restaurants sounds amazing! There are so many great things to do in New York City during the holiday season. I’ve always wanted to see Central Park in winter, it looks beautiful.
The Fearless Foreigner
There really is a lot of fun holiday events in NYC!
Krista
I would love to be in NYC during the winter months! There are so many beautiful decorations and unique things to do at this time of the year.
The Fearless Foreigner
It’s a great time of year to be in NYC for sure!
lisa
honestly, when I think Christmas, I think of NYC! You captured amazing pictures of some of the best holiday activities that NY has to offer! Hoping to spend the holidays in NYC next year and will certainly reference this list.
Jasmina
NYC during holiday is beyond magical. I love it! Great article, thank for sharing.