12 Magical Things to Do in New York City at Christmas

Is there anything more magical than spending Christmas in New York City? The streets sparkle with lights, the shop windows are decorated with over-the-top displays, and festive markets pop up all around the city. It really does feel like you’ve stepped straight into a holiday movie.

With so much going on, it can be tricky to decide what to prioritize. That’s why I’ve rounded up the very best things to do in New York City at Christmas, from iconic experiences like the Rockefeller Center tree and Radio City Christmas Spectacular to local favorites like holiday markets and light displays.

Whether it’s your first December trip to New York or you’ve been before and want to discover something new, these Christmas activities will give you plenty of ideas for your NYC holiday bucket list.

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.

Best Things to Do in New York City at Christmas Time

1. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice skate

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is probably the most famous holiday sight in New York, and seeing it in person really does feel special!

The tree is massive, covered in thousands of lights, and topped with a sparkling star that shines over Midtown. It usually goes up at the end of November and stays lit until the first week of January, so you’ll have plenty of time to check it out if you’re visiting during the season.

Crowds are definitely part of the experience here. Evenings are the busiest, but that’s also when the tree looks its best.

If you’d rather avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder feel, try coming early in the morning when it’s still quiet. Weekdays are also a little calmer than weekends.

Right underneath the tree is the famous ice rink. Skating here is pricey and time slots book up fast, but gliding across the ice with the tree glowing above you is one of those bucket list Christmas things to do in New York City!

If you don’t want to skate, it’s still fun to watch from the sidelines for a few minutes.

The whole plaza is decorated for the holidays, with oversized toy soldiers, twinkling lights, and plenty of festive corners for photos.

It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also one of those Christmas traditions that makes New York feel like the holiday capital of the world.

2. Wander through Bryant Park Winter Village

Bryant Park Winter Village is one of the most festive spots in New York during the holidays.

Right in the middle of Midtown, the park transforms into a giant Christmas market with rows of wooden stalls selling everything from handmade gifts and ornaments to hot chocolate and seasonal snacks. It’s a fun place to do a little holiday shopping, even if you’re just browsing.

The highlight is the ice rink in the center of the park. Unlike Rockefeller, admission here is free if you bring your own skates, which makes it a great option if you’re on a budget.

Rentals are available, but they can be pricey, so it’s worth packing your own skates if you have them. The rink is also bigger than Rockefeller’s, so it doesn’t feel quite as cramped, though it still gets busy in the evenings.

Food is another reason to come. You’ll find plenty of festive treats, from warm apple cider and mulled wine to classic New York eats like waffles, pierogis, and artisanal baked goods.

If you need a break from the cold, the indoor lodge has a few restaurants and bars where you can sit down and warm up.

It’s worth visiting both during the day and at night if you can. In daylight, you can wander through the shops and grab a bite to eat, while at night the rink and market glow with string lights and holiday music.

3. Admire the Fifth Avenue holiday window displays

Walking along Fifth Avenue during December feels like stepping into a holiday movie. The department stores go all out with elaborate window displays, sparkling decorations, and even full-on light shows.

It’s one of the best free Christmas things to do in New York and something you won’t want to miss!

Saks Fifth Avenue is the biggest highlight. Their windows are always creative, but the real showstopper is the light display that covers the building’s facade and plays every evening.

Just across the street, Cartier steals the scene with its entire building wrapped up in a glowing red ribbon, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city at Christmas.

Bergdorf Goodman is known for their over-the-top themed windows, while Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany’s add their own touches of sparkle and glamour.

The best way to enjoy it is simply to walk. Start near Saks by Rockefeller Center, then make your way up or down Fifth Avenue, stopping wherever you see a crowd gathering around the glass.

Evenings are the most magical with everything lit up, though daytime is quieter if you prefer fewer people around.

It’s a festive walk that doesn’t cost a thing and should definitely be on your New York Christmas bucket list!

4. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes

If there’s one show that defines Christmas in New York, it’s the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Performed at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, this holiday tradition has been running for decades and still draws huge crowds every year.

The highlight is, of course, the Rockettes, whose precision dancing and famous kick line are the kind of classic New York moments you can’t help but smile at.

The show runs from mid-November through early January, with multiple performances most days. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for weekend and evening shows in December, so it’s best to book as early as possible.

Prices vary depending on the date and seating, but even the cheaper seats still give you a good view of the stage.

Radio City itself is worth the visit. The art deco theater is decked out in holiday decorations, and just being inside feels like part of the experience.

The show mixes traditional Christmas scenes with more modern numbers, so even if you’re not usually into holiday performances, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun.

If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love it, but it’s just as much fun for adults who want to add something festive to their New York trip.

It’s about 90 minutes long with no intermission, which makes it easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule.

5. Explore the Union Square and Columbus Circle holiday markets

Holiday markets pop up all over New York in December, but two of the best are at Union Square and Columbus Circle.

Both have rows of festive stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and winter treats, and walking through them with a hot drink in hand is one of the coziest Christmas things to do in New York City.

Union Square is the larger of the two and has a mix of local artisans and food vendors. You’ll find everything from unique jewelry and artwork to classic holiday decorations.

The food stands are a highlight as well, with hot apple cider, artisanal chocolates, and plenty of street food to keep you warm while you browse.

Columbus Circle is smaller but just as charming, with the bonus of being right at the entrance to Central Park. It’s an easy stop if you’re heading into the park for a winter walk or planning to go ice skating at Wollman Rink.

The setting feels especially festive in the evening when the stalls are lit up and holiday music drifts through the square.

Both markets usually open in late November and run through Christmas Eve. Weekday afternoons are the quietest time to visit, but even at its busiest, the lively atmosphere is part of the fun.

6. Go ice skating in Central Park at Wollman Rink

Skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park is one of those New York Christmas moments that feels straight out of a movie! The rink is surrounded by the park trees with the city skyline in the background, which makes it one of the most scenic spots to skate in the city.

Tickets can be booked online in advance, and it’s a good idea to do so in December when time slots fill quickly. Prices vary depending on the day and time, and you’ll need to pay extra if you’re renting skates. If you already own a pair, definitely bring them along to save some money!

The rink does get busy, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere is part of the fun. Families, couples, and tourists all share the ice, and there’s usually holiday music playing to set the mood.

If you’d rather stay off the rink, you can still stop by to watch for a bit and grab a hot drink from one of the stands nearby.

For the best experience, aim for a weekday morning when the rink is quieter or later in the evening after most of the day visitors have left. No matter when you go, skating in Central Park is a holiday tradition that makes a Christmas trip to New York feel extra special.

7. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park

A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is one of the most festive things you can do in New York at Christmas.

The carriages line up along Central Park South near 59th Street, and from there you can choose a quick 20-minute loop or a longer ride that lasts close to an hour.

Prices are set by the city, and each carriage fits up to four adults, which makes it easier to split the cost if you’re visiting with family or friends.

December is the busiest month of the year, so if you know you want to take a ride, it’s a good idea to book in advance instead of waiting until you arrive!

Since you’ll be sitting outside, make sure to dress warmly. Many of the carriages provide blankets, but hats, gloves, and a winter coat are a must. Evenings are especially popular, with the city lights glowing in the background, while daytime rides are great if you want to see more of the park itself.

It may be a little touristy, but it’s also one of the most memorable Christmas experiences in the city and something that feels truly unique to New York.

8. Take a trip to Dyker Heights for the Christmas lights

If you love Christmas lights, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is the place to go. Every December, homeowners in this neighborhood cover their houses with over–the–top decorations, from giant nutcrackers and inflatable Santas to full light shows that cover the entire front yard.

It’s one of the most famous holiday displays in the country and is definitely worth the trip if you want to see New York at its most festive!

The lights usually go up after Thanksgiving and stay until early January, with the best time to visit being from mid–December through Christmas.

The displays are scattered around a few blocks, mainly between 83rd and 86th Streets and 11th to 13th Avenues. You can walk through on your own, but the area gets very busy in the evenings, so be prepared for crowds.

Getting there from Manhattan takes about an hour by subway and walking, or you can save time by joining an organized Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour.

The tours include round–trip transportation, which makes things easier if you don’t want to deal with directions and subway transfers at night.

Bundle up since you’ll be outside the whole time, and give yourself at least an hour to wander around and take photos.

It’s a bit out of the way compared to most holiday attractions in New York, but the sheer scale of the decorations makes it one of the most memorable Christmas things to do in the city.

9. Visit Macy’s Herald Square for holiday shopping and window displays

Macy’s Herald Square is one of the most famous department stores in the world, and during Christmas, it transforms into a full holiday attraction.

The store’s window displays along 34th Street are a tradition that goes back over 100 years, with each season featuring a new theme brought to life with moving figures, twinkling lights, and plenty of festive details.

The decorations continue inside, where nearly every floor has a holiday touch. Santa Land, on the eighth floor, is especially popular for families. Kids can meet Santa himself, and even if you don’t have children with you, it’s fun to walk through the elaborate setup.

The store also has a large Christmas department filled with ornaments and seasonal decor, so it’s a great place to pick up a keepsake from your trip.

Whether you’re shopping for gifts or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, Macy’s Herald Square deserves a spot on your New York Christmas bucket list. It’s one of the few places in the city where both the inside and outside feel equally magical during the holidays!

10. Find the best Christmas trees around the city

New York is full of incredible Christmas trees, each with its own personality, and it’s worth tracking down a few beyond Rockefeller Center.

The most famous tree is at Rockefeller, and it’s the one that draws the biggest crowds. But some of the city’s other trees are just as beautiful and often easier to enjoy!

The Lotte New York Palace has a stunning tree in its courtyard that feels tucked away from the Midtown chaos, while The Plaza Hotel puts up its own stunning Christmas tree in the lobby. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can step inside to see it and enjoy the atmosphere!

If you’re heading downtown, the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street puts up a huge tree every year, which makes for a great photo spot with the historic buildings around it.

And for something completely different, check out the All-American Christmas Tree at Fox Square, which has its own bold style and stands out from the more traditional displays.

11. Stroll through Hudson Yards to see the holiday light displays

Hudson Yards is one of the newer holiday spots in New York, but it has quickly become a favorite for its incredible light displays.

During December, the entire shopping complex and outdoor plaza are covered in glowing decorations, with thousands of golden lights draped across the ceilings, trees, and walkways. It feels especially festive at night when everything is lit up at once!

Inside The Shops at Hudson Yards, you’ll find even more decorations, including oversized ornaments and sparkling installations that make great photo backdrops. The area is indoors and heated, which makes it a nice break from the cold while still keeping you in the holiday spirit.

Hudson Yards is also home to the Vessel, the honeycomb-shaped structure that’s lit up for the holidays. You can climb part of the structure for city views and see the lights from a different perspective, making it a fun extra stop while you’re there.

Since Hudson Yards is a bit farther west than most holiday attractions, it’s worth planning your visit around other stops in Midtown or Chelsea so you’re not making a separate trip.

If you’re looking to add something a little different to your New York Christmas bucket list beyond the classic spots, Hudson Yards is a great addition!

12. Have a festive drink at a holiday pop-up bar

New York takes its holiday pop-up bars seriously, and they’re some of the most fun places to visit in December. Each one is decked out with over-the-top Christmas decorations, themed cocktails, and plenty of festive energy.

One of the most famous is Rolf’s, a German restaurant near Gramercy that covers every inch of its space with lights, ornaments, and garlands. It’s become something of a holiday legend, so expect long lines and higher prices!

Another favorite is Miracle, a pop-up that takes over different bars across the city with Christmas-themed drinks served in festive mugs and glasses. Sippin’ Santa is a fun alternative with a tropical holiday vibe and tiki-inspired cocktails.

Most of these bars are small and fill up quickly, so reservations are a must. More often than not, you have to book months in advance to get a table, so make sure to be prepared!

Where to Stay in New York City at Christmas

Picking the right area to stay in is especially important during the holidays. Most of the main Christmas attractions are in Midtown, including the Rockefeller Center tree, Radio City, Bryant Park Winter Village, and the Fifth Avenue window displays.

Staying nearby makes it easy to walk between sights without spending too much time on the subway.

If you prefer a slightly quieter area that still feels festive, Central Park South is another great choice. You’ll be close to Wollman Rink, the horse-drawn carriage rides, and the beautiful holiday displays at The Plaza.

Both areas put you in the heart of the action with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

For more details on the best neighborhoods across the city, you can check out my complete guide on where to stay in New York. But if you’re visiting at Christmas, here are a few top picks to consider:

• Park Terrace Hotel – Modern and comfortable, located right by Bryant Park Winter Village
• citizenM Times Square – Stylish and affordable, with a central location that’s perfect for sightseeing
• The Plaza Hotel – Iconic New York luxury with its own gorgeous Christmas tree in the lobby
• Lotte New York Palace – Famous for its courtyard tree, one of the prettiest holiday photo spots in the city