The Ultimate Christmas in New York Itinerary

Who desires to spend Christmas in New York? Plainly each nice Christmas film or reminiscence of ours is one way or the other related to New York Metropolis. We requested all our Manhattan pals what to do at Christmas time in NYC, and so they gave us glorious ideas to get us into the Christmas spirit. We made our listing, checked it twice, and with a scorching chocolate in hand, off we set off to discover the Christmas shows and well-known reveals of the Large Apple in the course of the holidays.

New York Metropolis Christmas Itinerary

Get able to discover our Christmas in New York itinerary, from the Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree to well-known department shops adorned with decorations to Bryant Park Winter Village, we’ve rounded up the highest points of interest for vacation enjoyable that will help you determine the place to start out your New York Metropolis Christmas trip.

The Christmas season is a magical time of 12 months, and town that by no means sleeps actually involves life in the course of the holidays. There are such a lot of issues to do in NYC at Christmas, significantly in midtown Manhattan, the place department shops are embellished with Christmas bushes and lights as Christmas carols blast from the speaker. Christmas performances are in full swing, and skating rinks are filled with folks celebrating the vacations. These are the highest issues to do in New York at Christmas that will help you plan the proper itinerary.

1. Radio Metropolis Music Corridor

Radio Metropolis Music Corridor’s Christmas Celebration is an establishment relationship again to 1932. If you happen to plan to catch only one present in the course of the holidays in New York, The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is the one to see.

I used to be anticipating to see 90 minutes of girls kicking their legs excessive within the air in “A Refrain Line” type, however there’s a ton of funds, thought, and enjoyable power that goes into the present.

There are singers, determine skaters, a 3D display screen exhibiting Santa’s journey, full with Santa Claus himself, and a bunch of shorter and extra various female and male dancers backing up the precise Rockettes.

I used to be certain my New York pals had been going to inform me I used to be nuts once I instructed them we booked a ticket for the Radio Metropolis Christmas Extravaganza to see teh Radio Metropolis Rockettes. It turned out that everybody mentioned, “Go see the Rockettes!”

2. The Nutcracker on the Lincoln Heart

If you wish to see one other Christmas present in New York, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is carried out by the New York Metropolis Ballet on the Lincoln Heart. I’ve seen so many reveals on TV mentioning the Lincoln Centre that I felt giddy stepping foot on the complicated.

Apart from the ballet, you’ll discover the Opera Home and Geffen Corridor, the place the New York Metropolis Philharmonic performs.

3. Christmas Markets

You may’t have a correct New York Metropolis Christmas with out visiting the an NYC Christmas Market. If you would like a guided expertise of seeing the vacation markets, don’t miss this Christmas Lights and Markets Tour. We cherished it!

We visited our first Christmas Markets during a river cruise of Europe a couple of years in the past, and since that point, they’ve been sprouting up everywhere around the world. New York Metropolis has markets throughout city from uptown to downtown. You are able to do all of your vacation procuring in a single NYC Christmas journey.

4. Grand Central Terminal

We visited a number of vacation markets together with the indoor market at Grand Central Station (a New York Metropolis vacationer attraction unto itself).

Grand Central Terminal’s Annual Vacation Honest is New York Metropolis’s longest-running indoor vacation honest showcasing 36 local-artisan distributors and small companies providing one-of-a-kind merchandise throughout a wide range of classes. It takes place within the beaux-arts Vanderbilt Corridor for a very curated procuring expertise.

The most well-liked might be the Union Sq. Vacation Market, the place we randomly ran right into a buddy on this gigantic metropolis! And the beautiful Columbus Circle Vacation Market. We went to all of them and cherished every minute! However our private favourite is the Bryant Park Winter Village.

Take a look at our best Christmas Gift ideas for individuals who like to journey

5. Bryant Park

Why was Bryant Park our favourite place in New York for the vacation season? Effectively, for one, there’s an ice skating rink and you’ll skate right here without spending a dime!

Carry your hockey or determine skates alongside, and you’ll go ice skating at Bryant Park. If you happen to don’t have your personal skates, leases are $20. The world is surrounded by Christmas stalls promoting ornaments, arts and crafts, and, in fact, scorching apple cider to maintain you heat.

There’s a fantastic Christmas tree right here as effectively, which we really loved greater than the tree on the Rockefeller Centre. Positioned close to the New York Public Library, you possibly can benefit from the outdoor and head inside the enduring library to heat up.

6. Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree

You can’t go to New York at Christmas with out witnessing the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. It could be like going to Paris with out seeing the Eiffel Tower. As soon as the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony occurs, you already know New York is prepared for vacation cheer. This 12 months, it’s a large Christmas tree from West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Rockefeller Heart Tree Lighting

In 2024, the Rockefeller Tree will arrive on Saturday, November ninth, and can keep till the tip of January 2024. If you wish to be there for the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony it takes place on December 4th, 2024.

7. Rockefeller Heart Ice Skating

The Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree dominates the sq., and there’s nothing extra romantic than going ice skating or simply watching the gifted skaters.

However be ready, the charges are excessive and there’s a lengthy wait to get on the ice. If it’s not in your Christmas bucket listing to skate right here, it’s not less than price stopping by to see the vacation show on the Rockefeller Center and the entire TV Reveals filmed at 30 Rock. Plus, you should utilize the free public washrooms, have a seat, and heat up with a scorching chocolate within the concourse.

If you happen to go to the Rockefeller Heart, be sure to go within the morning or later at night time; crowds are a lot much less, and you’ll see the lights displayed on the tree overlooking the well-known skating rink.

8. The MET Christmas Tree

If you wish to see one other lovely Christmas Tree in New York Metropolis, the Met has an extended custom of showcasing a vacation Christmas Tree. The twenty-foot blue spruce is the middle of a Neapolitan Nativity scene with angels hovering overhead. You’ll discover it within the Medieval Sculpture Corridor.

9. Saks Fifth Avenue Gentle Present

New York Metropolis is thought for its vacation window shows in the course of the Christmas season, however Saks Fifth Avenue takes the vacation spirit to new heights. Positioned on Fifth Avenue, only a hop skip and a soar from the Rockefeller Heart, the Saks Fifth Avenue Gentle present is among the finest free issues to see in your NYC Christmas journey.

If you happen to time it proper, you possibly can be standing on the viewpoint of the Warner Brothers Tree at Rockefeller Heart to observe the present. If you happen to do a whole 180-degree flip from the rink, you’ll see a Saks storefront the place their mild present performs to dramatic Christmas music at common intervals as soon as the solar goes down. This can be a must-do while you go to New York Metropolis at Christmas.

Different shops that get into the Christmas spirit are close by Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany and Co. Every has elaborate shows and Christmas decorations beginning in November.

10. New York Christmas Window Shows

Talking of Saks Fifth Avenue, the easiest way to take a look at the New York window shows is to stroll alongside Fifth Avenue from Central Park. All of the storefronts are embellished to the nines. Some had been calling for youngsters to work together with the show by hitting buttons and pulling levers. Don’t overlook to make a detour to Bloomingdales, a staple of New York situated on Lexington Avenue.

11. Macy’s Herald Sq.

Macy’s Herald Sq. in New York Metropolis is legendary for its annual Christmas window shows. Every Christmas, the division retailer transforms its home windows into elaborate scenes full of Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and animated characters that inform a holiday-themed story.

At Christmas time, Macy transforms right into a magical Christmas village the place children can go to Santa Claus or marvel at Christmas bushes whereas listening to Christmas carols. At Christmas time, this village takes over a whole flooring, getting you into the Christmas spirit.

The Christmas window shows are unveiled in late November and stay on view till early January. The home windows are situated alongside Broadway and thirty fourth Road, and they’re free to view.

12. Central Park

Nothing is extra romantic than strolling by Central Park at Christmas time with a scorching chocolate in hand. It’s also possible to go ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park. This skating rink was opened in 1949 and has been a vacation staple in New York for many years. It’s situated close to the southern entrance of the park, with the beautiful New York Metropolis skyline as its backdrop.

Wollman Rink transforms right into a winter wonderland, full with festive lights and vacation music. It’s a fantastic place to benefit from the vacation spirit whereas additionally getting some train. Ice skating at Wollman Rink has develop into a beloved custom for each locals and vacationers alike.

Many Christmas motion pictures had been filmed in Central Park – A Nice tour to take is the Holiday Lights and Movie Tour of NYC. You’ll see vacation lights and well-known film units while you go to NYC.

13. Tavern on the Inexperienced

We had been excited to go to Tavern on the Inexperienced in Central Park. The highest hat and tails-clad doorman greeted us with a smile as he allow us to into town’s iconic landmark.

However we made the error of not making reservations, so we solely had the chance to browse the reward store and take a look at the sitting space by the bar.  After we arrived at 2 pm, there was a 90-minute look ahead to a desk.

This can be a romantic vacation spot and the setting is gorgeous, however do your self a favor and reserve a desk for lunch. With the hearth going and Christmas decorations, it’s the excellent place to get pleasure from a scorching chocolate after ice skating.

14. Empire State Constructing

The Empire State Constructing is open one year a 12 months, together with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Be ready for very lengthy strains, although. To get you into the Christmas spirit, the Empire State Constructing lights up in a festive pink and inexperienced glow.

Entrance to the Empire State Constructing is included together with your New York City Pass, which supplies you front-of-the-line entry to New York Sights. It’s also possible to purchase skip the line admission to the Empire State Constructing Remark Deck

15. New York Botanical Backyard Vacation Prepare Present

Positioned within the Bronx, The New York Botanical Backyard is price a go to to see the Vacation Prepare Present. 150 miniature New York Metropolis Landmarks span a half-mile observe that’s meticulously lit with vivid lights as mannequin trains transfer by the miniature metropolis. Get more details here.

There are many issues to maintain you busy on the gardens in the course of the vacation season, together with taking in a Christmas live performance, listening to acapella teams, Christmas carols, and poetry readings. Click here to book tickets to the Holiday Train Show

16. A View from Brooklyn

There are a lot of locations to get a fantastic view of the New York Metropolis skyline, however our favourite is unquestionably from Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO (Down Underneath the Manhattan Bridge). This can be a spot you acknowledge from many Christmas motion pictures, the place historic buildings lead down slim streets on to the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.

From the waterfront right here you possibly can snap a number of totally different views of the New York City skyline, however probably the most spectacular image comes from Pier 2 the place picket poles jut out of the water, making for a exceptional foreground. Plus, there’s a carousel right here that places you within the festive spirit.

17. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

While in Brooklyn, make your method to Dyker Heights to view the Christmas lights show. The houses on this New York neighborhood get into the festive spirit by having Christmas professionals design their lights beginning the day after Thanksgiving.

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour has develop into so fashionable that there are excursions provided out to see the shows from eleventh Avenue to Dyker Heights Blvd (aka thirteenth Avenues) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Take a look at this highly-rated Manhattan to Brooklyn Christmas Magic Tour.

18. Buddy the Elf Tour

It’s been 20 years since Elf starring Will Ferrell took the Christmas vacation season by storm to have a good time, the Elf Film Websites Tour has opened in NYC! You’ll go to iconic film scenes akin to the place Buddy and Santa Claus escaped from the Central Park Rangers on Santa’s sleigh, the Pinebank Arch, the scene of the notorious snowball struggle and see Macy’s, Buddy’s North Pole home-away-from-home.

Find out about behind-the-scenes trivia, and be led by a neighborhood actor. You should definitely pack your Christmas spirit and your favourite Santa or Elf hat.

19. Christmas Pop Up Bars

To take part in considered one of New York’s latest traditions, hunt down the Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar known as Miracle, which serves holiday-inspired drinks in a festive setting.

The bars are usually decked out in Christmas decorations, together with Christmas lights, Christmas bushes, garlands, and holiday-themed knick-knacks. The menu typically options artistic holiday-inspired cocktails with festive names like “Jingle Ball Nog” and “Christmapolitan.”

The pop-up bars are often open from late November till the tip of December, offering a festive place for folks to collect and have a good time the vacation season.

20. Ball Drop on New 12 months’s Eve

Occasions Sq. for New 12 months isn’t for everybody, but when it has at all times been your dream to do it, we are saying go for it! If you’re on the town on December 31, go to Occasions Sq. for New 12 months’s Eve. Occasions Sq. on New 12 months’s Eve is on lots of people’s bucket lists, however it may be a difficult expertise because of the massive crowds, chilly climate, and lengthy wait occasions.

If you would like view, it’s best to plan on arriving as early as attainable. As soon as you’re in Occasions Sq., it may be troublesome to depart and are available again to your spot. Carry snacks and water. Bogs are restricted, and I plan on ready round for a very long time.

21. Bronx Zoo Gentle Present

Through the holidays, the Bronx Zoo transforms right into a winter wonderland with mild shows and animal lanterns. Guests can stroll by the zoo and benefit from the dazzling lights, dwell leisure, and Christmas carols.

The Vacation Lights present runs from late November by early January. The shows are designed to have a good time wildlife. The zoo additionally hosts dwell performances, together with carols, ice carving demonstrations, and extra.

22. New York Transit Museum’s Vacation Prepare Present

The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Gallery hosts a Vacation Prepare Present. Departing from a miniature reproduction of Grand Central Terminal, the Transit Museum homes a set of mannequin trains, together with Metro-North, Polar Categorical, and classic subway prepare units making their well past New York landmarks and onto the North Pole.

The present opens on Thursday, Nov. 14, and runs by February 2025. Open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday by Friday; 10 a.m. to six p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed on main holidays. Details here.

The place to Keep in New York at Christmas

One of the best space to remain in New York at Christmas time is Occasions Sq.. Certain, it’s busy, however you’ll be within the coronary heart of the motion and can really feel the Christmas cheer throughout you.

The final time we stayed in New York, we stayed on the Intercontinental Times Square. It’s a unbelievable property that gives a special, extra upscale alternative.

We have now additionally stayed at Vacation Inn Occasions Sq.. Regardless that our room was small on the Holiday Inn Times Square, it had all of the facilities we wanted and a unbelievable view of Manhattan.

Learn About these Times Square Hotels that we have now stayed at. It’s a excellent spot to make a house base when visiting New York in the course of the holidays.

The place to Eat in New York at Christmas

Serendipity 3 has attracted well-known celebrities since 1954 and has now opened a restaurant in Occasions Sq. the place you possibly can get pleasure from its well-known for Frozen Scorching Chocolate dessert.

Rolf’s German Restaurant is situated close to Gramercy Park for Christmas decorations. It’s embellished year-round and claims to be probably the most festive restaurant in NYC.

Take a look at extra issues to see in Occasions Sq. at Things to do in Times Square – A Walking Tour and Nearby Attractions.

Does it snow in New York at Christmas?

It’s chilly in December in New York, and it will possibly snow. Pack your layers and be ready for winter climate.

Is Christmas time to go to New York?

Christmas is an incredible time to go to New York. Christmas markets are open throughout city, storefronts are embellished with colourful lights, and particular Christmas performances happen. New York is made for Christmas celebrations.

What’s there to do on an NYC Christmas Journey?

There are such a lot of issues to do in New York in the course of the holidays, like Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Gentle present at Saks Fifth Avenue, Christmas Markets, and the Christmas lights of Dyker Heights.

Get pleasure from all this stuff to do in New York Metropolis at Christmas? Put it aside to Pinterest for future journey planning.

This put up is in partnership with IHG Rewards, however as normal, all views of our expertise are our personal.