29 FESTIVE Things to Do for Christmas in NYC (2026 Guide)

New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Of the dozen ice skating rinks open for the season, there’s one you can’t afford to miss. The Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Found in the southern end of the park, the stunning Manhattan skyline serves as a breathtaking backdrop while classic Christmas tunes serenade chipper ice skaters. The entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.

My advice Ice skating at Wollman Rink is high on everyone’s New York City Christmas Bucket List. I suggest visiting during a weekday and arriving early to avoid mind-boggling crowds.

Details Open late October through early April, tickets can be bought in advance online or in person (cash-only). Admission. Adults, $37 | Children (12 and under), $10 | Skate rentals, $11.

Christmas in New York isn’t just a holiday — it’s a season-long love letter from the city to everyone walking its streets.

Every December the luxury department stores along Fifth Avenue unveil impressive window displays and turn the popular shopping corridor into a runway of holiday spirit. Meticulously crafted, the displays take up to a year to design (Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue have the prettiest displays in my opinion).

Themes vary by year, but they’re always festive and tailored around winter wonderland vibes. Drawing millions of visitors during the holidays, this undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in New York City at Christmas, so brace for crowds.

A tradition dating back to 1933, the magnificent Rockefeller Christmas Tree soars to heights of 75 feet and gets adorned with more than five miles of lights. Crowned with a breathtaking 9-foot Swarovski star composed of three million crystals, the tree’s lighting ceremony heralds the start of the Christmas season in New York City.

My advice is to visit as early as possible (like first thing in the morning) because the crowds get very intense at this popular New York City holiday attraction. But not without reason, seeing this masterpiece firsthand is an unforgettable experience!

Local tip The most magical Christmas experiences in NYC are often the least expensive — walking the holiday windows at dusk, seeing the Rockefeller tree, catching free caroling at Washington Square, or riding the Holiday Nostalgia subway train. Budget for hot chocolate, not admission tickets.

Of all the impressive lights you’re bound to see while celebrating the holidays in New York City, nothing tops the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show. The elaborate display and synchronized lights play in tandem with classic Christmas music, dazzling children and adults alike.

Details The light show starts at 5pm and runs in 10-minute intervals until 11pm. Each show lasts 3 minutes (featuring 2-4 popular Christmas songs), followed by a five minute break.

One of my personal favorite things to do in New York City at Christmas is explore the holiday market at Bryant Park. A popular destination year-round, there’s something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.

You’ll find fun Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, unique jewelry and lots of good food. Grab a hot chocolate from No Chewing Allowed (my favorite hot chocolate in the city) as you make your way around the liveliest Christmas market in New York City.

The best part? The 17,000-square-foot skating rink, which is free to use but skate rentals run $20-$36 per person.

Oh! And word to the wise, make sure to pop into the New York Public Library to see the stunning Christmas tree! Here’s a photo of the 2024 tree, if you’d like to see.

You can’t visit NYC during the holidays without popping into a Christmas-decorated restaurant at least once. Of all the fun restaurants on offer, two stick out.

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment An ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out in true New York holiday spirit. Think shiny garlands, life-sized nutcrackers and an obnoxious number of decorated trees.

Oscar Wilde offers a great balance between vibe and quality. The lavish holiday decor creates a unique over-the-top festive ambiance. The food isn’t bad either. You’ll find an extensive collection of whiskeys and craft cocktails, perfect for slowing down the busy holiday season in NYC.

My advice Most decorated restaurants are tourist traps, here’s a roundup of the best Christmas-themed restaurants in NYC (based on first hand experience).

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a vintage 1930 train pull up in front of me while I awaited the subway. I mean, hopping aboard a vintage train wasn’t on my bingo card when I popped into the subway!

Turns out I was privy to one of the most whimsical holiday traditions in NYC, a ride on the Holiday Nostalgia Train.

During select weekends in December, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to travel back in time by running vintage trains on the F line.

Macy’s at Herald Square is famous for hosting the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2.5 million square foot store transforms into a dizzying Christmas wonderland. The stunning window displays alone (a tradition dating back to 1889), draw more than 15,000 visitors an hour during peak times.

Decked to the nines, pop in to see all 11 floors decorated in different holiday themes. In my opinion, visiting Macy’s at Herald Square is non-negotiable for anyone keen on seeing iconic Christmas attractions in New York City.

Experiencing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a timeless NYC holiday tradition many locals consider sacred. The enchanting production brings Tchaikovsky’s classic score to life with stunning choreography, lavish sets and elaborate costumes.

I must admit, prior to attending, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the performance enough to justify the steep price tag (tickets clock in at $200 per person!). However, when my mom visited during my first Christmas in New York City, I knew we had to go.

The two hour performance blew me away, it was worth every penny! I enjoyed it so much, it became an annual tradition for my husband me (and now with a baby on the way, we’re excited to add a plus one to the mix).

My advice The Nutcracker is the most popular Christmas show in NYC, so tickets sell out quickly. Prioritize this if your budget allows because it’s an unforgettable addition to your New York City Christmas itinerary, the performance is magical.

The smell of roasting nuts and hot apple cider wafts through the air as eager crowds elbow their way from one cozy stall to the next. No proper New York City Christmas Bucket List is complete without a visit to the Union Square Holiday Market.

Hosting 150 vendors, this the largest holiday market in NYC so it can get overwhelming if you show up without a game plan! Try to avoid the busiest times, which are weekends and weekdays after 5pm. But any way you slice it, if you’re looking for a true New York City Christmas experience then you simply can’t miss it. Plus, it’s a great spot to pick up some souvenirs.

Founded in 1892, St. John the Divine is the fifth largest church in the world. The monolithic structure’s soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass windows play host to the most beautiful Christmas concert in NYC, called “Joy of Christmas”.

The orchestra and choir envelop concert goers with Christmas carols sung in symphonic splendor. The two hour performance takes place once a year (typically mid-December), so tickets are pretty hard to score.

However, if you’re lucky enough to get admitted, you’ll be in for one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City. If interested, keep an eye on the official website for tickets.

Caffe Dante dates back to 1915, when the bar served as a neighborhood haunt before slowly fading into oblivion. In 2015, two clever Australians decided to breathe new life into the historic institution and the end result was striking.

Within four years of re-opening, Dante was named the best bar in the world. The menu is well picked with small fare, but it’s the expertly-crafted cocktails that draw the local crowd. Scoring reservations won’t be an easy feat, but the effort is worthwhile.

Enjoying proper martinis while decompressing from the city’s hectic pace is one of the most romantic things to do in New York City during the holidays.

Better still, pop in for the daily happy hour (from 3-5pm) when generously-poured martinis go for $10 at Dante West Village (on Hudson Street) and negronis clock in at $10 at Dante NYC (on MacDougal Street).

The talented Rockettes have been performing at Radio City Music Hall since 1930. It’s hard to think of a more famous holiday tradition in New York City at this point. Expert choreography coupled with wildly talented dancers performing gravity-defying kicks, the 90-minute performance is guaranteed to impress even the staunchest critic.

I highly recommend catching the performance if you’re visiting New York City during the holidays with kids. I took my 4-year-old niece to see the show last year and she raves about it to this day.

Sometimes you need a break from mind-boggling crowds and bright lights. When that feeling strikes, I suggest making a beeline for the West Village.

In my opinion, the West Village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple. It’s a joy to explore year-round, but nothing tops the holidays when the lavish brownstones don their most festive Christmas decor.

Better still, there’s a ton of endearing corner cafes to grab warm drinks while soaking in the holiday spirit. Admire the brownstones, pop into local shops, peak at elaborate window displays or wander the pretty streets aimlessly. If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in New York City during Christmas, this gets my vote.

What better way to soak in the holiday spirit than aboard a 1920s yacht gliding past Manhattan’s most famous skyscrapers? You’ll be cozily tucked inside a heated observatory decked out with holiday decor and Christmas music. Beer, wine, Champagne and hot beverages are available for sale as well.

It seldom snows during Christmas in New York City, but if you notice snow in the forecast, make Central Park your top priority. Central Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.

If you’re solo, pop in some headphones and let the Christmas music roll while you stroll meandering paths, it’s a very peaceful experience. If you’d like to go the extra mile, make reservations at the beautifully-decorated Tavern on the Green for lunch or dinner (the food is surprisingly good considering the prime location!).

Nestled at the southwest entrance of Central Park, wandering through the Columbus Circle Holiday Market feels like stepping foot in a Hallmark movie. The open-air market offers tons of handcrafted goods, from jewelry and artwork to gourmet holiday treats and delicious hot chocolate. It’s a great spot to stock up on souvenirs!

There’s no shortage of great holiday treats to enjoy while visiting New York City for Christmas. One of my personal favorites is the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (not a typo) from Serendipity.

Dating back to 1954, this famous establishment was a frequent hangout for celebrities like Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe and Joan Rivers. Heck, Jackie Kennedy once tried to buy the trademarked frozen hot chocolate recipe for a party at the White House.

Some locals would call this a tourist attraction, but I still enjoy it enough to recommend it to my own family and friends. Between you and me, it doesn’t feel like Christmas in New York without one of these treats, indulge away!

Hudson Yards is a shopping mall adjacent to the infamous Vessel, a honeycomb structure now closed to the public. Home to high-end shops and restaurants, the mall is worth a detour at Christmas because it’s decked out with over two million Christmas lights. It’s one of my favorite things to do in New York City during the holidays with kids!

During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays. Pick up some hot chocolate or s’mores before embarking on this epic adventure. Good to know. At 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the country, reason alone to visit!

An annual tradition for many NYC families, watch Isaac Mizrahi narrate and direct the beloved children’s classic Peter & the Wolf at the Guggenheim Museum. The cast dons Mizrahi’s costumes while Carnegie Hall’s ensemble brings to life the 30-minute story of a young boy living in the Russian wilderness.

It’s the perfect way to spend Christmas in New York City with kids! Purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale because the limited event is known to sell out.

The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a classic NYC Christmas activity for families. Kids and adults alike are enthralled by the monolithic display of trains running through famous NYC skyscrapers. Don’t have kids? Visit during adult-only bar nights for an experience you soon won’t forget.

Okay, I can already envision the hate mail getting stamped, but hear me out. Experiencing the jaw-dropping decor at Rolf’s is considered a must-do New York City Christmas experience for first time visitors, but I think you can skip it without feeling guilty.

I visited last year and felt completely ripped off. Don’t get me wrong, this restaurant has some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City, but the food is way too expensive and below average at best.

Plus the wait to get inside is obnoxiously long because they don’t take reservations. I can think of so many other things I would rather do during Christmas in NYC than spend up to 2 hours waiting for mediocre food.So yeah, consider this an easy thing to avoid while visiting New York City during Christmas.

Listen, I grew up watching the ball drop at Time Square like everyone else. But I’ll tell you something all locals know. Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square is like getting front row seats to hell.

First, the crowds absolutely suck the joy out of the event. Participants get gated into the main area and bathrooms are non-existent, so much so that some people wear adult diapers to the event. Hard pass.

Second, the frigid temperatures and duration of the event make it unbearable. You’ll be standing for hours in the cold and crowded streets. It’s simply not worth it, just watch the event from the comfort of your warm home. You won’t be missing much.

Seeing the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a must-do during Christmas in New York City, make no mistake about it. But I strongly recommend you avoid visiting during weekends. It’s estimated that 750,000 people visit the tree each day during the weekends.

I made the mistake of visiting during the weekends and found myself corralled (by police officers and barricades) in a massive crowd of people. I instantly regretted my decision to visit because the entire experience made me feel claustrophobic, and I’m not even claustrophobic to begin with!

My friend suggested I visit the Grand Central Holiday Market last Christmas and I’m sorry to report I found it disappointing. To me, the market was full of overpriced vendors and felt like a tourist trap. With so many great holiday markets to choose one, I don’t recommend making a detour for this one.

The only perk to the Grand Central Holiday Market is that it’s indoors, which makes it a great escape from the cold. But apart from that, it’s an easy pass in my book.

The way Central Park horses are treated is questionable at best, which is why I don’t recommend taking a carriage ride through Central Park while visiting New York City for Christmas. Take a lovely stroll through the park or hop aboard a city bike instead.