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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best things to do for Christmas in New York City

Updated September 2026. 23 places.

New 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 announced, hours, the subway stop and a place to save what you want to see.

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 suddenly even the most jaded New Yorkers are walking a little slower to take it all in. I’ve spent every Christmas in this city since I moved here, and it still gets me every single year. Here’s everything worth knowing about celebrating Christmas in NYC.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best things to do for Christmas in New York City, 2026

  1. Bryant Park Holiday MarketMarket · Midtown Manhattanthere's something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.
  2. Caffe DanteBar · West VillageWithin four years of re-opening, Dante was named the best bar in the world.
  3. Central ParkPark · Central ParkCentral Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.
  4. Christmas Concert at St. John the DivineEvent · Morningside HeightsHowever, if you're lucky enough to get admitted, you'll be in for one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City.
  5. Columbus Circle Holiday MarketMarket · Columbus CircleThe open-air market offers tons of handcrafted goods, from jewelry and artwork to gourmet holiday treats and delicious hot chocolate.
  6. Holiday Nostalgia TrainOther · Midtown ManhattanMy favorite thing about this unique New York City Christmas experience is that it doesn't cost anything more than standard subway fare.
  7. Lillie's Victorian EstablishmentRestaurant · Midtown ManhattanAn ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out in true New York holiday spirit.
  8. Macy's at Herald SquareStore · Herald SquareIn my opinion, visiting Macy's at Herald Square is non-negotiable for anyone keen on seeing iconic Christmas attractions in New York City.
  9. Saks 5th Avenue Light ShowOther · Midtown ManhattanOf 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.
  10. Union Square Holiday MarketMarket · Union SquareBut any way you slice it, if you're looking for a true New York City Christmas experience then you simply can't miss it.
  11. Wollman RinkRink · Central ParkThe entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.
  12. 5th Avenue Window DisplaysStreet · Midtown ManhattanMeticulously crafted, the displays take up to a year to design (Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue have the prettiest displays in my opinion).
  13. Bronx Zoo Light ShowPark · The BronxDuring the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays.
  14. Classic Harbor Line Holiday CruiseOther · Manhattan Waterfront
  15. Holiday Decorations at Hudson YardsLandmark · Hudson Yards
  16. Oscar WildeRestaurant · Midtown ManhattanOscar Wilde offers a great balance between vibe and quality.
  17. Peter & the Wolf at the GuggenheimTheater · Upper East Side
  18. Rockefeller Christmas TreeLandmark · Midtown Manhattan
  19. Rockettes Christmas Spectacular ShowTheater · Midtown ManhattanExpert choreography coupled with wildly talented dancers performing gravity-defying kicks, the 90-minute performance is guaranteed to impress even the staunchest critic.
  20. Serendipity (Frozen Hot Chocolate)Cafe · Upper East Side
  21. The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical GardenEvent · The BronxThe Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a classic NYC Christmas activity for families.
  22. The Nutcracker BalletTheater · Midtown Manhattan
  23. West Village Holiday DecorationsStreet · West VillageIn my opinion, the West Village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple.
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

The Best of New York 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 29 FESTIVE Things to Do for Christmas in NYC (2026 Guide).