The Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas are waiting for you! With so many options, it’s easy to feel a little lost.
You’re the main character in this holiday story, looking for fun, excitement, and unforgettable moments. We’re here to help. We know all the best spots for Christmas fun in New York.
In this article, you’ll find:
- Famous places like the Rockefeller Tree
- Fun shows and events
- Great spots for shopping, skating, and sightseeing
Keep reading to plan your perfect Christmas in New York! The magic is waiting for you.
- 1. Highlights of NY at Christmas: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- 2. Highlights of NY at Christmas: The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
- 3. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Winter Village at Bryant Park
- 4. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Fifth Avenue
- 5. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Sightseeing Cruise
- 6. Highlights of NY at Christmas: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas: A Recap
- FAQ
1. Highlights of NY at Christmas: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
About the Place: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a well-known holiday tradition in New York City. It is placed in Midtown Manhattan every year. The tree is a tall Norway spruce, chosen from a group of large trees.
Sometimes, it comes from a different state. This event has taken place since the early 1930s. Each year, one tree is picked to stand at Rockefeller Center during the Christmas season.
Reasons to Visit: Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the best things to do in New York at Christmas. Many people come to see the tree during the holidays.
It is usually set up in the middle of November. The lighting ceremony happens on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This event is shown on TV and includes music and performances. The Mayor of New York City and other guests help light the tree.
The tree shines with over 50,000 colorful LED lights. At the top, there is a large star made of crystals that sparkle. The lights are turned on each day from morning until midnight. On Christmas Eve, the lights stay on all day.
On New Year’s Eve, they turn off early. The tree stays on display until the middle of January.
2. Highlights of NY at Christmas: The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
About the Place: The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is a holiday stage show performed every year at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The show is 90 minutes long and features more than 140 performers. It includes music, singing, dancing, and funny scenes. The Rockettes, a group of women known for their exact dance moves, are the stars of the show. This performance has been a Christmas tradition in New York since 1933.
Reasons to Visit: Watching the Christmas Spectacular is one of the top attractions in New York at Christmas. The show features Santa Claus, wooden soldiers, and colorful costumes. In recent years, it has added new music and special effects that make the experience even more fun.
One of the most well-known parts is the Rockettes’ kick line. All 36 dancers move their legs up and down at the same time. Their timing and teamwork are amazing. It’s a fun and cheerful event that brings people together during the holiday season.
3. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Winter Village at Bryant Park
About the Place: The Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the fun activities in New York during Christmas. This holiday event takes place every year in Bryant Park, New York City. The park is filled with over 180 shops and food stalls, where you can find unique gifts that are special to New York City.
Reasons to Visit: The Winter Village at Bryant Park, with its ice-skating rink, is the biggest draw. It’s free to skate, and you can rent skates at a reasonable price. There are also free shows and events for everyone to enjoy.
You can skate on a 17,000-square-foot rink and relax at The Lodge, a cozy pop-up restaurant where you can enjoy festive drinks and hearty meals next to a large holiday tree.
4. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Fifth Avenue
About the Place: Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is one of the most famous streets in New York City, known for its luxury shopping and festive holiday displays. During the Christmas season, the department stores along Fifth Avenue create beautiful and elaborate window displays.
These displays change every year and are free for everyone to enjoy.
Reasons to Visit: Fifth Avenue’s holiday window displays are some of the top places to visit in New York at Christmas. Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co. all have amazing decorations.
Start at Macy’s Herald Square and walk up Fifth Avenue. You’ll pass Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co., each with its special holiday windows.
The lights are best at night, but there are crowds all day. Since Fifth Avenue is close to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and Radio City Music Hall, you can see them all in one trip.
5. Highlights of NY at Christmas: Sightseeing Cruise
About the Place: The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is one of the best things to do in New York at Christmas. It’s a fun boat tour that starts at Pier 83 in Hell’s Kitchen and takes you around the Hudson and East Rivers. The tour lets you see some of New York’s most famous sights from the water.
Reasons to Visit: The cruise is a great and affordable way to see the city. You’ll pass by iconic landmarks like Hudson Yards, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.
It’s a unique way to experience New York City and capture stunning photos. The tour is popular, so it often sells out. If you go in winter, remember to dress warmly, as the tour takes place outdoors.
6. Highlights of NY at Christmas: St. Patrick’s Cathedral
About the Place: St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the top places to visit in New York City, a stunning landmark located in the heart of Manhattan. The cathedral offers free entry, with an optional $5 fee for those who wish to light a candle for prayer.
Reasons to Visit: St. Patrick’s Cathedral is both grand and beautiful, making it worth a visit. It is easily accessible, with nearby attractions like Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and the New York Public Library.
The cathedral is also a familiar spot for many since it has appeared in several films. Its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful escape in the middle of the bustling city.
Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas: A Recap
The best things to do in New York at Christmas bring you close to the city’s unique charm and energy.