It’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. Something about the holidays makes it tempting to flirt with poor financial decisions, thankfully there are plenty of exciting free things to do during Christmas in NYC. Let’s cover everything you need to know!
Note from Antonina about 2025 Christmas Itineraries. Some longtime readers have asked if I’ll be offering the custom 4-day itineraries that sold out last year.
Due to limited time and energy (naps are a daily occurrence around here now!) I’m limiting the guide to 50 sales so that I can personally address snafus and answer questions. You can find more information here.
Free Things to Do in NYC During Christmas
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
New York City Christmas Free Activities Table of Contents
- Free Things to Do in NYC During Christmas
- Learn About the Rockefeller Tree
- Go Ice Skating at Bryant Park
- Explore Macy’s at Herald Square
- Gawk at the Fifth Avenue Window Displays
- Visit Santa at Santaland
- Attend Christmas Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
- Admire the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
- Explore Central Park
- Learn About SantaCon
- See the Outlandish Decor in Dyker Heights
- Rock Out at Unsilent Night
- Enjoy the Wall Street Tree Lighting
- Hop Aboard the Nostalgia Train
- Admire the City’s Christmas Trees
- Admire Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Tree
- Visit Iconic Holiday Movie Locations
- Stroll the Union Square Holiday Market
- List of Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
- Christmas in NYC on a Budget (Helpful Map)
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods for First Timers & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Learn About the Rockefeller Tree
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree dates back to 1933 officially (unofficially, construction workers hoisted the first tree in 1931). Considered the most famous Christmas Tree in New York City, a new conifer is selected every year with an impressive requirement. it must be at least 75 feet tall.
Decorated with more than five miles of lights and topped with a breathtaking Swarovski star, seeing this masterpiece in person is one of the best free things to do in NYC at Christmas.
My advice is to visit as early as possible (ideally first thing in the morning) because the crowds get quite intense in the evenings!
NYC Christmas Guide. 12 Awe-Inspiring New York City Christmas Trees (Local’s Guide)
Go Ice Skating at Bryant Park
A popular destination year-round, Bryant Park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market and heralds the start of the Christmas season. Centered by a striking Christmas tree, there are more than 100 vendors selling festive decor, handmade crafts and unique jewelry at the market.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
But what really earns Bryant Park a spot on our list of the best it is the 17,000-square foot open to the public for free. The only catch is you need to bring your own skates, otherwise you’ll need to rent them onsite.
You Might Enjoy Reading. 10 Cheerful Christmas Markets in New York City (Worth a Detour)
Explore Macy’s at Herald Square
The world’s largest department store covers an entire city block and spans 2.5 million square feet. You’ll find the culprit? Macy’s at Herald Square. You’ll find the sheer size alone warrants a visit, but today we’re covering it, so why is Macy’s on our list?
For starters, Macy’s is responsible for some of the country’s most cherished traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, legendary window displays and Santaland. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them!
During the holidays, the famous department store plays host to some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City. Miles of garlands, oversized ornaments and thousands of lights, the holiday decor is second to none so you won’t want to miss it.
Gawk at the Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Come 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.
Pro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
The friendly competition gives spectators a chance to enjoy one of New York’s top Christmas activities for free. 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 free things to do in New York City at Christmas, so brace for crowds.
Visit Santa at Santaland
A cherished holiday tradition dating back to 1862, the entire 8th floor of Macy’s is transformed into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, giving families a chance to wander through whimsical winter villages and meet Santa in person.
Santaland kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and runs until Christmas Eve. Experiencing Macy’s Santaland is a must for anyone visiting New York City on a budget with kids.
Good to know. Attracting 170,000 visitors a year, Santaland is one of the most popular free Christmas activities in New York City, so make reservations in advance.
For some firsthand experience and helpful advice, read.Complete Guide to Macy’s Santaland in NYC (Tips for Keeping Your Sanity).
Attend Christmas Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Built between 1858 and 1879, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is a tour de force of craftsmanship that took 21 years to complete because construction halted during the American Civil War.
Patrick’s attracts 5 million visitors a year, making this the most visited church in New York City.
Better still, if you’re visiting in December, try scoring tickets for Christmas Mass. Attending mass is one of the most unique it. Whether you’re a devout believer or trying to appease your mother-in-law, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Unfortunately, the event is so popular tickets are awarded on a lottery system. You never know, you might get lucky!
You Might Enjoy Reading. 12 Most Beautiful Churches in New York City
Local tip. Pro tip that most travel blogs won’t tell you. visit on a weekday afternoon for the most authentic experience.
Admire the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
Of all the impressive Christmas decorations you’re bound to see while visiting New York City during the holidays on a budget, nothing compares to the breathtaking Saks 5th Avenue Light Show. Admire the synchronized lights as they dance to classic Christmas music and fill the air with contagious holiday spirit.
To keep things interesting, Saks Fifth Avenue changes the display every year. In 2023, the department store collaborated with Dior to create the Carousel of Dreams, a unique display centered around the twelve zodiac signs.
The show plays in 10-minute intervals from 5pm to 11pm, stick around for a few rounds but prepare for mind-boggling crowds because this one of the most popular free things to do during Christmas in New York City.
Note. Unfortunately, the 2024 Light Show has been cancelled.
NYC Christmas Guide. 15 Epic Spots for Christmas Decorations In New York City
Explore Central Park
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 Tavern on the Green for lunch or dinner (the food is surprisingly good considering the prime location!).
Learn About SantaCon
Love 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 a massive pub crawl in the name of charity.
Obviously going bar hopping is going to cost a pretty penny, but the nonsensical Santa Clause convention is equally enjoyable from the sidelines. Arrive at the starting point (revealed closer to the date of the event) to admire the creative costumes and large crowds of rowdy locals.
<Interested in participating? Read. 2024 New York City SantaCon Guide (or How to Avoid it!).
See the Outlandish Decor in Dyker Heights
When it comes to the best Christmas decorations in New York City, Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood takes the cake.
While technically you’ll need to swipe your subway card, the dazzling displays warrant mention our list of fun free things to do during Christmas in NYC. Take your time admiring the hard work and the extravagant houses. A fun game I like to play to pass the time is “guess the price of the electrical bill.“
Interested in visiting? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
Rock Out at Unsilent Night
Most of us have heard of Silent Night, but what about Unsilent Night? A cheeky play on the 200-year carol, Unsilent Night is an unusual holiday event where a crowd of participants synthesizes four tracks by composer Phil Kline to comprise Unsilent Night.
Instead of a soothing song sung by a children’s choir, Unsilent Night is chaotic. The four tracks play simultaneously while Kline leads the chorus of boomboxes one mile from the West Village to Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, serenading the town with one of the most popular free NYC Christmas events.
You Might Enjoy Reading.10 Best Christmas Performances in New York City (2024 Guide)
Enjoy the Wall Street Tree Lighting
This year marks the 101st annual New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Tree Lighting, which means more than 100 years of hosting one of the best free Christmas events in NYC. The tradition dates back to 1923, making it the oldest in the city.
A stark composition to the gray-washed buildings that define the Financial District, the brilliant tree at the NYSE is a sight for soar eyes. Soaring to heights of 60 feet, it’s one of the tallest Christmas trees in New York City, reason alone to visit.
Enjoy some cocoa while taking photos with costumed performers and writing letters to Santa, it’s fun for the whole family!
Address. 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Hop Aboard the Nostalgia Train
During weekends in December the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New Yorkers a chance to time travel. How? By running vintage subway cars on the F line for an experience called the Holiday Nostalgia Train.
I mean, riding in vintage trains is the last thing you’d expect to find on a list of free things to do during Christmas in New York City. But alas it’s one of the most memorable. Better still, it doesn’t cost more than the standard subway fare ($2.90), which is a small price to pay for such a cool holiday experience.
Admire the City’s Christmas Trees
With a little bit of planning it’s not difficult to visit New York City during the holidays on a budget. There are so many charming outdoor markets, holiday decorations and Christmas trees sprinkled throughout the city, all completely free to enjoy.
I highly recommend taking the time to visit the most famous Christmas trees in NYC if you’re looking for free things to do in New York City during the holidays. Here is a quick round-up of the city’s most popular firs.
- Rockefeller Center
- Lotte New York Palace
- New York Stock Exchange
Admire Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Tree
I dare you to name an famous New York City-based movie that doesn’t use Radio City Music Hall as an establishing shot. The instantly recognizable marquee is topped with a 70-foot tree during the holidays. Snap a photo share with your friends, they’ll know exactly where you are!
Located in Midtown, you’ll be near so many other free holiday attractions that you could spend half the day bopping around the area. Just across the street are giant red ornaments that are a popular backdrop for pictures.
Address. 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Visit Famous Holiday Movie Locations
Speaking of movies, Manhattan’s famous landmarks make frequent cameos in most popular Christmas movies filmed in New York City. Odds are high you’ll recognize several locations you grew up watching on the big screen.
So naturally, one of the best free things to do during Christmas in NYC is to take yourself on a self-guided tour of famous movie sites. Here’s a quick roundup of my favorite locations.
- The Plaza Hotel | Home Alone 2. Lost in New York (1992)
- Bryant Park Holiday Market | Something from Tiffany’s (2022)
- Macy’s Herald Square | Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- The Rockefeller Christmas Tree | The Night Before (2015)
Film buffs can agree that seeing filming locations firsthand is one of the best free things to do during Christmas in NYC. For bonus points, watch the films before your visit.
Stroll the Union Square Holiday Market
Personally speaking, a proper New York City Christmas doesn’t kick off until I find myself bundled up at the Union Square Holiday Market with a hot chocolate in tow. Home to more than 150 vendors, the market can feel overwhelming if you visit during the weekends (and weekdays after 5pm) because of the crowds.
However, if you’re looking for free things to do during Christmas in NYC then you simply can’t skip it. This the perfect place to stock up on unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs or simply window shop too.
List of Free Things to Do During Christmas in New York City
- Explore Central Park
- Walk down 5th Avenue and check out the window displays
- See the Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
- Go ice skating at Bryant Park
- Attend the Rockefeller Tree Lighting
- Check out the lights at Hudson Yards
- Take your kids to see Santa at Macy’s Santaland
- Explore the epic decorations at Macy’s Herald Square
- Peruse Union Square Park Holiday Market
- Take a self-guided tour of famous holiday movie sites
- Gawk at the magical Christmas trees sprinkled around the city
- Get lost searching for the best Christmas decorations NYC has to offer
- Hop aboard the Nostalgia Train
- Experience the Wall Street Tree Lighting
- Rock out with half of New York during Unsilent Night
- Visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Check out Dyker Heights with your family
- Admire the creative costumes at SantaCon NYC
- Snap a picture with the famous Radio City Hall Christmas tree
- Attend Christmas mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Christmas in NYC on a Budget (Helpful Map)
Based on our extensive local experience, we cover the top picks for free things to do in New York City During Christmas in this guide. Each spot has been personally visited and reviewed.
New York City Christmas Guides
- Christmas Desserts. 10 Holiday Treats Everyone Must Try
- Ice Skating NYC. 10 Impressive Ice Skating Rinks in New York City
- Christmas Restaurants NYC.10 Epic Christmas Restaurants in New York City
- NYC Christmas Trees. 15 Captivating Christmas Trees in New York City
- Christmas Markets. 15 Festive Christmas Markets in New York City
- Christmas Pop Up Markets. 15 Christmas Pop Up Bars in New York City
- Rockefeller City Christmas.10 Festive Things to Do at Rockefeller Center at Christmas
And there you have it, a quick roundup of the best free things to do during Christmas in New York City. I hope you enjoyed this guide, don’t hesitate to let me know if I missed anything, it’s always nice hearing from you!
Happy holidays!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Free Things to Do in New York City During Christmas. Have a favorite spot we missed?
Planning a visit soon?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
This is such an amazing wealth of information! Thank you so much for putting it together. My family and I are planning a trip to New York from London for a few days post Christmas. My husband is keen to go to the top of the Empire state building but I’m wondering if it will take too much time in an already packed schedule. Do you recommend it?
Thanks Melissa – that’s so exciting! I would say that if you’ve got a packed schedule it may be tight. I’d budget for 2-3 hours with the lines and then spending time at the top getting photos etc. Even the way up is exciting with exhibits etc. I recommend going as it’s a highly memorable experience but OK to skip if the schedule is packed as it’s not something to rush 🙂
Let me know if you have any other questions etc!
Best,
Antonina