The Perfect 3 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary

Planning a trip to New York in December? Visiting during the holidays is pure magic, but with so much to see and do, it can feel overwhelming to fit everything in. That’s where this NYC Christmas itinerary comes in!

I’ve put together a 3-day plan that covers all the festive highlights, from the Rockefeller Center tree and ice skating rinks to holiday markets, dazzling window displays, and even the over-the-top Dyker Heights lights in Brooklyn.

This New York Christmas itinerary balances the classics with a few unique experiences so you can soak up the best of the city at its most festive.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Day 1 – Midtown Holiday Magic

Bryant Park Winter Village

Kick off your New York City Christmas itinerary at Bryant Park Winter Village. This is one of the most popular holiday markets in the city, with over 100 stalls selling ornaments, handmade gifts, and festive food.

In the center, you’ll find the large ice skating rink, which is free to use if you bring your own skates (otherwise, you can rent a pair on-site).

It’s worth coming here in the morning when the crowds are lighter, especially if you want to skate. Grab a hot chocolate or a seasonal treat from one of the vendors, then wander through the shops to pick up a few unique Christmas gifts.

The Winter Village has a lively, festive vibe that makes it the perfect first stop on a 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary.

New York Public Library

After exploring the Winter Village, head next door to the New York Public Library. The Beaux-Arts architecture is stunning, and the entrance is decorated with wreaths and garlands during the holidays.

Inside, don’t miss the Rose Main Reading Room with its grand chandeliers and painted ceiling.

The library is free to enter, and even if you only spend 15–20 minutes inside, it’s worth a quick visit as part of your Christmas in New York itinerary.

The famous stone lions outside, Patience and Fortitude, are often dressed with holiday wreaths, making them a fun photo spot before continuing your walk up Fifth Avenue.

Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays

From the library, make your way up Fifth Avenue to see the famous holiday window displays.

Department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s go all out every December, with elaborate decorations, moving figures, and entire scenes built into their storefronts.

Each year, the designs are completely new, so even locals come back to see them!

The windows are best enjoyed during the day when the sidewalks are a little less crowded, but if you pass by again at night, you’ll see the lights shining even brighter.

In the evening, make sure to return to Saks Fifth Avenue for the famous holiday light show on the building’s facade. The lights are synchronized with music and run every 10 minutes once it gets dark.

Take your time walking this stretch of Fifth Avenue, as it’s one of the most festive parts of any New York Christmas itinerary. It’s also a great place to snap photos since you’ll often find smaller holiday trees and light displays along the way.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Ice Rink

No Christmas trip to New York is complete without visiting Rockefeller Center! The towering Christmas tree is usually lit from late November through early January and is the centerpiece of the city’s holiday season.

Standing in front of the tree surrounded by lights and decorations is one of the most iconic Christmas photo spots in New York.

Right below the tree is the Rockefeller ice skating rink. It’s smaller than the rink at Bryant Park or Central Park, but skating here feels extra special thanks to the setting.

Tickets can sell out in advance, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so it’s a good idea to book ahead if you want to skate. Even if you don’t lace up, watching the skaters under the glow of the Christmas tree is part of the experience.

Once you’ve seen the tree and rink, head inside Rockefeller Center for your visit to Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in New York, and it’s conveniently located right inside Rockefeller Center.

From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the city, including an unbeatable perspective of the Empire State Building and, if the weather is clear, Central Park stretching out to the north.

Visiting in the late afternoon is a smart choice, since you’ll see the skyline in daylight and can stick around as the city lights start to glow after sunset.

Tickets can be reserved in advance, which is highly recommended during the busy Christmas season.

If you’re trying to decide between observation decks, Top of the Rock is especially good at this time of year thanks to its central location and the fact that you can see the Empire State Building decked out in holiday colors.

Sixth Avenue Christmas Decor

As the sun goes down, head over to Sixth Avenue near Radio City to see some of the city’s most famous holiday decorations.

The massive red ornaments at the fountain, the sparkling Christmas ball fountain, and the oversized candy canes are all clustered in this area, making it one of the most photogenic Christmas spots in New York.

Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the All-American Christmas Tree outside the Fox News building. It’s less crowded than Rockefeller Center but still beautifully lit and worth a quick stop for photos before continuing your evening.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

After exploring the decorations, make your way into Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular.

This legendary show has been running since the 1930s and stars the Rockettes, whose perfectly synchronized high kicks are the highlight of the performance. With elaborate stage sets, festive music, and classic holiday scenes, it’s one of the best things to do in New York at Christmas!

The Christmas Spectacular runs several times a day from mid-November through early January, which gives you plenty of flexibility when planning your visit.

Evening shows are especially magical after a day of holiday sightseeing. Tickets often sell out quickly in December, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

Day 2 – Uptown Festivities and Holiday Markets

Central Park

Start your second day with a stroll through Central Park, which looks especially magical during the holiday season.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a dusting of snow, the bridges and tree-lined paths feel straight out of a Christmas movie! Even without snow, the park is still worth exploring in December, with plenty of festive photo spots.

Make your way to Wollman Rink, one of the most famous ice skating rinks in New York. Surrounded by the Manhattan skyline, it’s a larger rink than Rockefeller Center and often less crowded in the mornings. Tickets can be booked online, and skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own.

If you want something a little different, you can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. While it’s a bit of a splurge, it’s a romantic and memorable way to see the park decked out for the season.

Whether you choose to skate, ride, or simply wander, spending your morning here is a must on any New York Christmas itinerary.

The Plaza Hotel Holiday Decor

Right at the southeast corner of Central Park, you’ll find The Plaza Hotel, one of the most iconic hotels in New York.

Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth stepping inside during the holidays to admire the festive decorations! The grand lobby is beautifully decorated with garlands, wreaths, and a large Christmas tree that makes a great photo spot.

The Plaza has also been featured in classic Christmas movies like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, so fans of the film will especially enjoy seeing it in person.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

From The Plaza, it’s just a short walk to Columbus Circle at the southwest corner of Central Park. Each December, the square transforms into one of the city’s most popular holiday markets.

You’ll find dozens of stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments and winter accessories to gourmet chocolates and festive snacks.

It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts or just enjoy browsing while soaking up the Christmas atmosphere. The market also has plenty of food vendors, making it a perfect lunch stop before continuing your afternoon of sightseeing.

If you’re building a 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary, this market is an easy and festive addition to your second day.

Times Square and Broadway

From Columbus Circle, make your way down to Times Square to see the bright lights and billboards. While it’s not specifically a Christmas attraction, it’s one of those places that’s worth experiencing at least once on your trip.

From there, continue along Broadway toward Herald Square. The stretch between Times Square and Macy’s is lively, with decorated storefronts and plenty of energy, making it a fun walk during the holiday season.

Macy’s Herald Square

Once you reach Herald Square, stop at Macy’s to see its world-famous holiday windows. Every year, the displays tell a different story with elaborate decorations and animated figures that draw big crowds.

Inside, the store is filled with Christmas trees and festive lights, and Santaland upstairs is especially popular with families.

Even if you’re not planning to shop, Macy’s is worth a visit for the decor alone. If possible, try to arrive around late afternoon when the windows are lit up, as it makes the experience even more magical.

Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise

End your second day in New York with a festive evening on the water. The Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise sails along the Hudson and East Rivers, offering incredible views of the Manhattan skyline lit up for the season.

As you glide past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll enjoy live holiday music, caroling, and unlimited hot cocoa.

The cruise typically lasts about 90 minutes and departs from Chelsea Piers, which is easy to reach from Midtown. It’s a cozy and memorable way to experience the city at Christmas, and since spots are limited, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.

Ending your day here feels like a perfect balance after a busy afternoon of sightseeing and shopping.

Day 3 – Downtown and Brooklyn Lights

Hudson Yards Holiday Decor

Start your final day at Hudson Yards, a shopping complex on Manhattan’s West Side that goes all out for the holidays.

The entire space is covered in glowing lights, oversized ornaments, and sparkling displays, and it’s all indoors, which makes it a nice warm stop if the weather is cold.

The sheer scale of the decorations is incredible, with thousands of twinkling lights strung across the ceilings and massive holiday sculptures that make perfect backdrops for photos.

If you want to add a view, head up to The Edge, the glass-floored observation deck located here. From the top, you’ll see the Hudson River, Midtown, and on a clear day, even out to the Statue of Liberty. Tickets can be reserved online, and mornings are usually the quietest time to go.

It’s also worth planning a return visit after dark, since the displays look even more magical when they’re all lit up. We came back three times during our Christmas trip to New York, and honestly, I could never get enough of it!

Union Square Holiday Market

From Hudson Yards, make your way downtown to the Union Square Holiday Market. You can hop on the subway, or if you’re up for some walking, stroll along the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railway track.

It’s not a holiday activity, but it’s one of my favorite walks in the city and gives you a different perspective of Manhattan.

Once you reach Union Square, you’ll find one of the city’s largest and most popular Christmas markets. More than 150 vendors set up here each year, selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to international snacks and hot drinks.

It’s the perfect spot to do some gift shopping or grab a festive lunch before continuing your day.

Financial District Christmas Decor

After Union Square, head further downtown to the Financial District to see its festive holiday displays.

The centerpiece is the Christmas tree outside the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street, which has been a tradition for over 100 years. The building’s columns are usually lit in red, green, and gold, making it one of the most striking trees in the city.

Nearby, you can also stop at the Oculus at the World Trade Center. While it’s more modern than traditional, the soaring white architecture looks especially beautiful with holiday lights and smaller decorated trees inside.

This part of the city is usually less crowded than Midtown, so it’s a nice chance to enjoy the holiday atmosphere at a slower pace before heading to Brooklyn in the evening.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

End your New York Christmas itinerary with a trip to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, home to the city’s most over-the-top holiday lights.

Every December, homeowners in this neighborhood cover their houses with thousands of lights, inflatable Santas, nativity scenes, and animated displays.

Some homes even hire professional decorating companies, so the results are on a whole different level than what you’ll see elsewhere in the city.

The best time to visit is after dark, usually between 5 pm and 9 pm, when the lights are fully glowing. You can take the subway and walk a few blocks, but many people prefer booking a guided tour since it saves time and makes the logistics easier.

No matter how you get there, Dyker Heights is one of the most unforgettable things to do during Christmas in New York and the perfect finale to your 3-day holiday trip.