Season · 32 guides
Christmas
What I do in New York at Christmas, with the dates as they land.
Start with these
What I’d read first in Christmas- Things to Do in NYC in November 2026
- Things to Do for Christmas in NYC30 places, 23 worth it
- Free Things to Do in New York City During Christmas19 places, 16 worth it
- Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York City16 places, 13 worth it
- New York City Christmas Light Displays10 places, 9 worth it
- New York City Christmas Trees10 places, 10 worth it
Inside Christmas
6 topicsThe Best of New York
Every list- The best things to do for Christmas in New York City
- The best free things to do at Christmas in New York City
- The best Christmas decorations in New York City
- The best Christmas lights in New York City
- The best Christmas shows in New York City
- The best holiday markets in New York City
- The best Christmas things to do in New York City with kids
- The best hot chocolate in New York City
- The best holiday window displays in New York City
- The best ice skating rinks in New York City
- The best Christmas-decorated restaurants in New York City
- The best bars open on Christmas in New York City
Dates this Christmas
Every date on the map- WedNov 4through Jan 4Radio City Christmas Spectacular runMidtown · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatNov 7through Jan 3North Pole Express holiday lights bus tourMidtown, Bryant Park side · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatNov 7Rockefeller Center tree arrivalMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- MonNov 9through Dec 24Grand Central Holiday Fair openMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuNov 12through Dec 24Union Square Holiday Market openUnion Square · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatNov 14through Jan 10NYBG Holiday Train ShowBronx · announcedChristmas 2026
- SatNov 21NYCRUNS Great Gobble 5KProspect Park, Brooklyn · free · announcedThanksgiving
- MonNov 23AMNH Origami Holiday Tree on viewUpper West Side · announcedChristmas 2026
- MonNov 23Lotte New York Palace Christmas tree litMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- MonNov 23Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light showMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- WedNov 25Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflationUpper West Side · announcedChristmas 2026
- WedNov 25Macy's Parade balloon inflationUpper West Side · announcedThanksgiving
From the trackers. Announced means the venue said so. Expected carries last year's timing until it lands.
What readers asked about Christmas
Ask meClosed due to a fire.
Thank you so much for telling me, Linda! You’re right. Papillon had a kitchen fire in July and it’s still closed, with no reopening date yet. I’m so sad about it, because it’s my top pick at Christmas. If you want a…
Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New YorkOh how fun! I hope you have the most wonderful trip -- this city really is magical. Enjoy every second!
Things to Do for Christmas in New YorkHi, thanks so much for the info! Just wanted to let you know that reservations are now opening up 6 days ahead of time (not 5!) I found this out too late unfortunately!
Oh thank you so much for the heads up! I'll get that updated right away -- really appreciate you letting me know!
Guide to Macy’s Santaland in New YorkEvery guide in Christmas
32, by topicChristmas 19
- Things to Do for Christmas in NYCNew for 2026. Every place in this guide is on my Christmas tracker, a map and a calendar of the whole season with the dates the morning they are…30 places, 23 worth it · Updated Mar 22
- Free Things to Do in New York City During ChristmasIt’s no secret that the Big Apple is expensive, so finding free Christmas activities in New York City Admiring the interior is a no-brainer, so swing…19 places, 16 worth it
- Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York CityAs a local, there’s nothing I love more than Christmastime in New York City when the city transforms into a winter wonderland. The magical holiday…16 places, 13 worth it
- New York City Christmas Light DisplaysAs a local, I’m always on the lookout for the best Christmas lights in New York City. Luckily, the city is full of dazzling displays that never cease…10 places, 9 worth it
- New York City Christmas TreesThe Big Apple’s holiday decor is hard to beat and nothing embodies the holiday spirit more than the striking Christmas trees in New York City. But…10 places, 10 worth it
- Christmas Performances in New York CityAs someone who’s enjoyed more than two dozen holiday shows in NYC firsthand, I thought it might be helpful to share my personal list of favorites.8 places, 8 worth it
- Iconic NYC Holiday Markets First Time Visitors Can’t Afford to MissCelebrating the holidays in New York City is something everyone should make an effort to experience firsthand. On par with the city’s soaring…10 places, 9 worth it
- Things to Do at Rockefeller Center During ChristmasLet’s play out a hypothetical. You land in New York the week of Christmas and have a few hours to seize as much holiday magic as possible, where do…11 places, 6 worth it
- New York City Christmas Activities for KidsVisiting New York City during the holidays with kids will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories. But let’s get real, adequate planning is…14 places, 12 worth it
- Visiting NYC During Christmas with Kids: 2026 Family GuideNew York City during the holidays is just as magical as you can imagine. For families with kids, visiting NYC at Christmas can be a core memory in…14 places, 12 worth it
- Holiday Window Displays in New York CityOn brand with the city’s reputation as a holiday destination, the famous Christmas window displays in New York City are known the world over. Every…10 places, 10 worth it
- Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York CityThe winter months bring more than just the misery of cold weather and gray skies, they also usher in the joy of ice skating in New York City! If…10 places, 7 worth it
- Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in New York CityI love the way restaurants decorate for Christmas in New York City. On par with the city’s reputation for extravagant decor, restaurants don’t play…11 places, 10 worth it
- Bars Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in NYCThanks to shoe-box-sized apartments and insane room-service prices, celebrating Christmas day in New York City can prove to be difficult. Not to…10 places, 10 worth it
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York CityNote from Antonina about 2024 Christmas Itineraries. Some of you have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year.…14 places, 14 worth it
- Holiday Treats You Must Try During Christmas in New York CitySome would argue that having a food bucket list is just as important as having an experience bucket list. Finding great Christmas desserts in NYC can…10 places, 8 worth it
- Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York CityThe abundance of Christmas pop-up bars in New York City is proof that the holidays in the Big Apple are unmatched. The popular haunts use over the…12 places, 12 worth it
- Christmas Movies Filmed in New York CityAfter years of binging movies filmed in New York City during Christmas, I finally had the chance to experience the season firsthand after moving to…
- NYC Christmas Photo SpotsIf you’re spending the holidays in New York City, chances are you’ll want to share the magic with everyone. And who can blame you? The city is every…10 places, 9 worth it
New Year’s 2
- The Complete Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYCIt’s no secret that New Year’s Eve in New York City is a bucket-list item for thousands of folks all around the globe. If you’re making the trek and…14 places, 4 worth it
- Restaurants Open on New Years Day in New York CityAfter a late New Year’s celebration, waking up with a potential headache and cooking might be the last thing on your mind. No worries! There are tons…16 places, 16 worth it
Desserts 1
Shops 1
Thanksgiving 1
More 8
- Things to Do in NYC in November 2026The dates that are set for November 2026, with Antonina Pattiz's own guides to the parade, Thanksgiving week, the early holiday openings and what to wear.
- Complete Guide to Macy’s Santaland in NYCOf all the cherished holiday traditions in New York City perhaps none is more magical for children than visiting Santa in real life at Macy's. Tucked…
- My NYC Christmas PlaybookThere's a moment every December when the city shifts. The lights go up on Fifth Avenue, the air smells like roasted chestnuts and cold pavement, and…
- How to Celebrate SantaCon in New York CityLove it or hate it, there's no denying that SantaCon draws an enthusiastic crowd come December. Festively clad New Yorkers take to the streets for…
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide 2026The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights have been captivating locals for four generations. As a seasoned explorer of this cherished tradition, I'm here to…
- What to Wear in NYC in December and the Rest of WinterWearing.Jacket | Jeans | Cashmere Scarf | Sweater | Shoes It's no secret that winters in New York City can be "a bit much," so in an effort to make…
- Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times SquareImage Courtesy Time Square Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square is a bucket-list item for folks all around the globe, and for good reason.…
- Ice Skating in Central ParkIce skating in Central Park is a blissful, memorable experience regardless of The city skyline serves as a magnificent backdrop to a cherished…
