Seasonal · Christmas · 2026
The best things to do for Christmas in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 22 places.
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Caffe DanteBar · West VillageWithin four years of re-opening, Dante was named the best bar in the world.
- Central ParkPark · Central ParkCentral Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.
- 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.
- Classic Harbor Line Holiday CruiseOther · Manhattan Waterfront
- 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.
- Holiday Decorations at Hudson YardsLandmark · Hudson Yards
- 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.
- Lillie's Victorian EstablishmentRestaurant · Midtown ManhattanAn ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out in true New York holiday spirit.
- 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.
- Oscar WildeRestaurant · Midtown ManhattanOscar Wilde offers a great balance between vibe and quality.
- Rockefeller Christmas TreeLandmark · Midtown Manhattan
- 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.
- 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.
- Serendipity (Frozen Hot Chocolate)Cafe · Upper East Side
- 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.
- The Nutcracker BalletTheater · Midtown Manhattan
- 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.
- West Village Holiday DecorationsStreet · West VillageIn my opinion, the West Village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple.
- 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.
5th Avenue Window Displays
Street · Midtown Manhattan
Meticulously crafted, the displays take up to a year to design (Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue have the prettiest displays in my opinion).
Bronx Zoo Light Show
Park · The Bronx
During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with bright lights and fantastic illuminated animal displays.
Bryant Park Holiday Market
Market · Midtown Manhattan
there's something truly special about the holiday season when the park transforms into a European-inspired holiday market with more than 100 vendors.
Caffe Dante
Bar · West Village
Within four years of re-opening, Dante was named the best bar in the world.
Central Park
Park · Central Park
Central Park is downright magical during the first snowfall of the year.
Christmas Concert at St. John the Divine
Event · Morningside Heights
However, if you're lucky enough to get admitted, you'll be in for one of the best Christmas experiences in New York City.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Market · Columbus Circle
The open-air market offers tons of handcrafted goods, from jewelry and artwork to gourmet holiday treats and delicious hot chocolate.
Holiday Nostalgia Train
Other · Midtown Manhattan
My favorite thing about this unique New York City Christmas experience is that it doesn't cost anything more than standard subway fare.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment
Restaurant · Midtown Manhattan
An ornate Victorian-era restaurant completely decked out in true New York holiday spirit.
Macy's at Herald Square
Store · Herald Square
In my opinion, visiting Macy's at Herald Square is non-negotiable for anyone keen on seeing iconic Christmas attractions in New York City.
Oscar Wilde
Restaurant · Midtown Manhattan
Oscar Wilde offers a great balance between vibe and quality.
Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show
Theater · Midtown Manhattan
Expert choreography coupled with wildly talented dancers performing gravity-defying kicks, the 90-minute performance is guaranteed to impress even the staunchest critic.
Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
Other · Midtown Manhattan
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 Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
Event · The Bronx
The Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a classic NYC Christmas activity for families.
Union Square Holiday Market
Market · Union Square
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.
West Village Holiday Decorations
Street · West Village
In my opinion, the West Village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple.
Wollman Rink
Rink · Central Park
The entire experience is enchanting, which is why I consider it one of the best things to do in New York City at Christmas.
Best things to do for 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: 29 FESTIVE Things to Do for Christmas in NYC (2025 Guide).