Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
The best free things to do at Christmas in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.
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.
- Bryant ParkRink · MidtownBut 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.
- Central ParkPark · Central ParkCentral Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.
- Dyker Heights Christmas LightsStreet · Dyker Heights, BrooklynWhile 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.
- Fifth Avenue Window DisplaysStreet · Fifth AvenueThe friendly competition gives spectators a chance to enjoy one of New York's top Christmas activities for free.
- Holiday Movie Locations TourLandmark · ManhattanFilm buffs can agree that seeing filming locations firsthand is one of the best free things to do during Christmas in NYC.
- Holiday Nostalgia TrainOther · CitywideI 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.
- Lotte New York Palace Christmas TreeLandmark · MidtownHere is a quick round-up of the city's most popular firs.
- Macy's at Herald SquareStore · Herald SquareDuring the holidays, the famous department store plays host to some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City.
- NYSE Tree LightingEvent · Financial DistrictA stark composition to the gray-washed buildings that define the Financial District, the brilliant tree at the NYSE is a sight for soar eyes.
- Radio City Music Hall Christmas TreeLandmark · MidtownThe instantly recognizable marquee is topped with a 70-foot tree during the holidays.
- Rockefeller Christmas TreeLandmark · MidtownConsidered the most famous Christmas Tree in New York City, a new conifer is selected every year with an impressive requirement.
- Saint Patrick's CathedralLandmark · MidtownAttending mass is one of the most unique it.
- Saks 5th Avenue Light ShowOther · Fifth AvenueUnfortunately, the 2024 Light Show has been cancelled.
- Union Square Holiday MarketMarket · Union SquareHowever, if you're looking for free things to do during Christmas in NYC then you simply can't skip it.
- Unsilent NightEvent · West Village to East VillageInstead of a soothing song sung by a children's choir, Unsilent Night is chaotic.
Bryant Park
Rink · Midtown
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.
Central Park
Park · Central Park
Central Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Street · Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
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.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
Street · Fifth Avenue
The friendly competition gives spectators a chance to enjoy one of New York's top Christmas activities for free.
Holiday Movie Locations Tour
Landmark · Manhattan
Film buffs can agree that seeing filming locations firsthand is one of the best free things to do during Christmas in NYC.
Holiday Nostalgia Train
Other · Citywide
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.
Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree
Landmark · Midtown
Here is a quick round-up of the city's most popular firs.
Macy's at Herald Square
Store · Herald Square
During the holidays, the famous department store plays host to some of the best Christmas decorations in New York City.
NYSE Tree Lighting
Event · Financial District · 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
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.
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Tree
Landmark · Midtown · 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
The instantly recognizable marquee is topped with a 70-foot tree during the holidays.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree
Landmark · Midtown
Considered the most famous Christmas Tree in New York City, a new conifer is selected every year with an impressive requirement.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Landmark · Midtown
Attending mass is one of the most unique it.
Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
Other · Fifth Avenue
Unfortunately, the 2024 Light Show has been cancelled.
Union Square Holiday Market
Market · Union Square
However, if you're looking for free things to do during Christmas in NYC then you simply can't skip it.
Unsilent Night
Event · West Village to East Village
Instead of a soothing song sung by a children's choir, Unsilent Night is chaotic.
Best free things to do at Christmas in New York, 2026
The seal
Every place on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 19 Best Free Things to Do in New York City During Christmas.