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The Best of New York · Seasonal · Christmas

The best things to do in New York City in December

Updated September 2026. 15 places.

So you’ve decided to visit New York City in December, lucky you! This month just might be the best time in the Big Apple, especially for those who love the holiday festivities. In this post I’ll outline seasonal attractions and events taking place in December.

As a local, this list has been a long time in the making with many trial runs with my out of town guests (thanks, mom). I hope you find it useful in planning things to do in New York City in December.

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

Best things to do in New York City in December, 2026

  1. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant ParkMarket · MidtownThe abundance of things to do makes visiting the market a top tourist-attraction in New York City in December.
  2. Christmas Carols at Washington Square ParkEvent · Greenwich Village
  3. Dyker Heights Christmas LightsStreet · Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)The entire neighborhood turns into a holiday wonderland full of the best Christmas decorations in New York City.
  4. Fifth Avenue Window DisplaysStreet · MidtownLucky us! The competition lets us enjoy some of the best Christmas decorations in NYC.
  5. Holiday Nostalgia TrainEvent · Citywide (Subway)It’s one of the most affordable winter activities in NYC, since it doesn’t cost anything more than the standard subway fare ($2.90).
  6. Macy's Herald SquareStore · MidtownMacy’s Christmas window displays are legendary and the Santaland pop-up is one of the best events in NYC in December for kids.
  7. Oscar WildeRestaurant · ChelseaThe food is good, not great, but there’s a seasonal cocktail menu that warrants a visit.
  8. Rockefeller Center TreeLandmark · MidtownThe Rockefeller Center during Christmas has a tons of fun things to do including shopping, grabbing a bite, and vibrant decorations making it a must-stop while visiting NYC in December.
  9. Wollman Rink (Central Park Ice Skating)Rink · Central ParkOne of the most iconic things to do in New York City in December is to go ice skating at Wollman Rink, which is in the iconic Central Park.
  10. Broadway Under the StarsEvent · Columbus CirclePerformers from some of Broadway’s most popular musicals perform at the mall in one of the best free things to do in New York City in December.
  11. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (NYC Ballet)Theater · Upper West SideThe captivating dance numbers, attention to detail on the stage, and backdrops are astounding.
  12. Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic GardenEvent · Prospect Heights (Brooklyn)
  13. Miracle on 9thBar · East VillageWith warm, colorful lights and creative holiday cocktails, Miracle on 9th goes the whole nine yards.
  14. New Year's Eve CelebrationEvent · Times Square
  15. New York Botanical Garden Train ShowEvent · BronxThe Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event in New York City in December, especially if you have kids in tow.

On the map

Where they are

12 neighborhoods, Midtown and Greenwich Village most of all.

Midtown

Bronx

Central Park

Chelsea

Citywide (Subway)

Columbus Circle

Dyker Heights (Brooklyn)

East Village

Greenwich Village

Prospect Heights (Brooklyn)

Times Square

Upper West Side

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: New York in December, What I’d Do and the One I’d Skip.