Month by month · 36 guides
New York in December.
What I do in New York in December, from my own visits: the guides that are right this month and the dates as they land.
Start with these
What I’d read first in December- Things to Do in New York in December17 places, 15 worth it
- Things to Do for Christmas in NYC
- New York City Christmas Light Displays10 places, 9 worth it
- How to Celebrate SantaCon in New York City
- Iconic NYC Holiday Markets First Time Visitors Can’t Afford to Miss10 places, 9 worth it
- Christmas Performances in New York City8 places, 8 worth it
Inside December
7 topicsMy best lists in December
All my lists- The best things to do in New York in December
- The best things to do for Christmas in New York
- The best Christmas lights in New York
- The best holiday markets in New York
- The best Christmas shows in New York
- The best Christmas things to do in New York with kids
- The best holiday window displays in New York
- The best free things to do at Christmas in New York
- The best ice skating rinks in New York
- The best Christmas decorations in New York
- The best hot chocolate in New York
- The best winter things to do in New York
Dates in December
Every date on the map- ThuDec 24through Dec 25St Patrick's Cathedral Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass scheduleMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Carbone New Year's Eve dinnerGreenwich Village · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Copacabana New Year's Eve partyHell's Kitchen · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1HK Hall New Year's Eve partyHell's Kitchen · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1House of Yes New Year's Eve partyBushwick, Brooklyn · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31New York Road Runners Midnight RunManhattan · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31Prospect Park New Year's Eve fireworks (Grand Army Plaza)Park Slope, Brooklyn · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31Summit One Vanderbilt New Year's Eve partyMidtown · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31The Edge New Year's Eve partyHudson Yards · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Times Square New Year's Eve Ball DropMidtown · free · announcedChristmas 2026
- ThuDec 31through Jan 1Westlight New Year's Eve partyWilliamsburg, Brooklyn · announcedChristmas 2026
From the trackers. Announced means the venue said so. Expected carries last year's timing until it lands.
What readers asked about December
Ask meThe layering tips saved me. Went in January and was comfortable the whole time because I actually dressed right for once.
New York in WinterRolf's at Christmas is the most unhinged restaurant experience in the city and I mean that as a compliment. Good call including it.
My New York Christmas PlaybookCame in February expecting to hate it and ended up loving the city in winter. This guide was spot on about the crowds being way more manageable.
New York in WinterEvery guide in December
36, by topicChristmas 20
- Things to Do in New York in DecemberSo you’ve decided to visit New York City in December, lucky you! This month just might be the best time in the Big Apple, especially for those who…17 places, 15 worth it · Sep 2026
- Things to Do for Christmas in NYCThere’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…Updated · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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. Whether it’s your first visit or your…10 places, 9 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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…12 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- New York City Christmas Activities for KidsVisiting New York City during the holidays with kids will leave you with a lifetime of cherished memories. Whether it’s your first visit or your…13 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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 is a priority for locals and tourists alike.17 places, 16 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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…10 places, 6 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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. I get asked about New…15 places, 13 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New York CityIt’s hefty (30 pages to be exact) but it includes non-negotiable Christmas activities and a handful of iconic NYC landmarks you can’t afford to miss…14 places, 14 worth it · Sep 2026
- 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 · Sep 2026
- 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 · Feb 2024
- 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…Updated · Feb 2024
- 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 · Feb 2024
Winter 2
- Essential Winter Coats New Yorkers Swear ByA lot of readers have reached out asking about the best winter coats for New York City. As a 10-year local, I figured why not give it a shot? After…4 places, 3 worth it · Sep 2026
- Worthwhile Winter Activities in New York CityWinter in New York City is an ideal time to visit the Big Apple for those who like to explore new cities at a slower pace without mind-boggling…16 places, 12 worth it · Sep 2026
New Year’s 1
Desserts 1
Shops 1
Thanksgiving 1
More 10
- 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…Updated · Sep 2026
- 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…Updated · Sep 2026
- 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.…Updated · Sep 2026
- 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…Updated · Sep 2026
- What to Wear in New York City in the 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…Updated · Sep 2026
- 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…Updated · Sep 2026
- How to Dress an Infant for Winter in New York CityLet me be honest. Dress an Infant for Winter in New York City can feel overwhelming when you're trying to plan the perfect trip. I've done the…Updated · Sep 2026
- Question from a reader: How do I prep for the winter weather in NYC?Hi there! There’s a lot of new faces on here (welcome!) so please allow me to (re)introduce myself.Updated · Sep 2026
- NYC in Winter. Is It Actually Worth VisitingEvery winter I watch visitors from somewhere warm step off a subway grate onto a midtown sidewalk in February and question every decision they have…Updated · Apr 2026
- My NYC Christmas Playbook. 8 Years of Learning What’s Worth the Crowds.There'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…Updated · Mar 2026