Christmas in New York City is magical! The holiday season is one of the most popular times to visit Manhattan because the city really comes alive with holiday spirit. You can find some of the biggest Christmas trees, most impressive decorations and craziest light displays in the world!

While holiday season is a great time to visit NYC, it isn’t exactly the easiest. This ultimate guide to Christmas in New York City covers it all! From navigating crowds to snagging tough reservations, this guide has you covered. Read on for everything you need to have a holly jolly holiday visit to New York City!

If you’re interested in the best holiday photo spots, check out my Instagram guide to Christmas in NYC.

When to Book

The holiday season is an incredibly popular time to visit New York City. Not only do tourists fly in from across the globe, people who live in the nearby Tri-State area come in for the festivities.

Book your December trip to NYC as early as possible. Hotels fill up fast and prices skyrocket the longer you wait.

Getting to and Around NYC

Whatever you do, don’t drive into Manhattan during the holiday season! Traffic is crazy in December and many streets close for pedestrians. If you fly take a car service or train into the city, there is no need to rent a car. If you live close, opt for public transportation to get into Manhattan.

Once you’re in NYC I recommend getting around by using the subway or walking. Taxis can be used if necessary, but traffic will be high (especially around the popular holiday spots) and you’ll find your car moving very slowly.

Christmas Activities in NYC

The reason so many people flock to New York City during the holiday season is because there is SO much to do. It can be overwhelming to see everything if you live here, let alone visit for a weekend. I recommend picking out a few must-dos and save the rest for a future visit. Good news is the same events happen year after year!

Rockefeller Center

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York City is the Rockefeller Center Tree. This famous Christmas tree sits in front of 30 Rockefeller in the building’s plaza and above the ice skating rink. The tree is lit the first week of December each year.

The Rockefeller Center Tree is an incredibly popular tourist spot. Unless you visit early in the morning or late at night it will be packed. If you’re hoping to take pictures of the tree without the huge crowds, go to the other side of the ice skating rink. You’ll see a viewing platform above the rink and across from the tree, you can get great shots here!

In addition to viewing the Christmas tree you should also ice skate on the rink. It’s pretty magical skating underneath the tree’s sparkling lights. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Ice Skating

Speaking of ice skating, New York City has many places to lace up and hit the ice. In addition to Rockefeller Center, there are outdoor rinks in Central Park and Bryant Park. The rink at Bryant Park is the city’s only admission free option, but there is a fee to rent skates.

Theater

Many festive shows play in New York City during the holiday season. One of the most popular productions is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. This show is filled with glitz and glam and stars The Rockettes, so expect a lot of high kicks! The Christmas Spectacular’s first performance took place in 1933 and it’s been a NYC holiday staple every since.

The New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is another cherished holiday tradition. This beautiful production has intricate lighting, sets and costumes that really transport viewers to the land of sugar plums and faeries.

Holiday Markets

Open-air holiday markets pop up across the city during this season. One of the largest and most popular markets is the Winter Village at Bryant Park. This European inspired market has over 100 stalls featuring local small businesses. There’s also plenty of food and drink options so you can sample some of the city’s best offerings! Holiday markets can also be found at Columbus Circle and Union Square.

Festive Decor and Displays 

Christmas lights and decorations in New York City are some of the best in the world. No matter where you are in the city in December you’re sure to see some festive decor. While businesses big and small go all out, some of the best displays can be found at the city’s largest shops.

Fifth Avenue (the street Rockefeller Center is on) is home to New York’s best shopping. The iconic street is lined with luxury shops and grand department stores that deck the halls at Christmastime. I recommend spending an evening strolling Fifth Ave to admire the decorations. Some stand outs are the red bow on Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman’s glamorous window display, the glittering UNICEF snowflake that hangs across 57th street and 5th Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Saks Fifth Avenue (located across from Rockefeller Plaza) puts on the city’s best light show. The dazzling LED display broadcasts on the building facade and its set to music. The show repeats every 15 minutes. Saks also creates beautiful holiday window tableaus to compliment the show.

Macy’s festive window displays have been a staple of the NYC holiday season since 1874. The iconic department store is located in Herald Square. Each year the window decor centers around a new theme. The 2020 display paid homage to essential workers.

If you’d like to see the city’s best holiday decorations and locations easily, look into taking a bus tour.

Holiday Train Show

Each year the New York Botanical Garden puts on the Holiday Train Show. This 29-year-old tradition showcases model trains zipping through a half mile of track. The show is held in the garden’s glass conservatory and features many iconic NYC landmarks crafted out of plants, nuts and sticks.

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Where to Eat and Drink

Eating at holiday themed restaurants and visiting festive pop up bars are fun activities during Christmastime in New York. One word of advice, make reservations early! Since the season is so short these places book up fast.

Rolf’s German Restaurant is the most famous Christmas themed eatery in the city. This tiny restaurant in the Gramercy neighborhood serves German food, holiday themed cocktails and huge steins of beer. Rolf’s major draw is an incredible display of 15,000 ornaments and 100,000 lights! Dining at Rolf’s requires a reservation (and it books up by October) but there is a walk in only bar area. This is standing room and it gets very tight. Expect a long wait if you’re walking in, but the good news is Rolf’s decorations stay up until May!

Miracle is a Christmas themed cocktail bar with two locations, West Village and East Village. This festive spot serves up a variety of artfully crafted holiday themed cocktails.

230 Fifth Igloos are located on this Flatiron club’s rooftop and offer panoramic skyline views of Manhattan. Grab a group and visit a heated igloo for spiked hot chocolate and other boozy winter treats.

The Greens are beautifully decorated “winter cabins” on the rooftop of Pier 17 in the Seaport. Groups of 2-10 can reserve a cabin for dinner or drinks. The menu is delicious and features hearty fare like fondue and cocktails crafted by famed NYC bar, Dante.

Oscar Wilde is a gorgeous bar and restaurant in Flatiron. It goes all out with Christmas decor, including huge teddy bears (pictured above).

Where to Stay

The Plaza Hotel (home of Eloise) is a fabulous place to stay at Christmas in New York City. This five star luxury hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan, right next to Central Park and up the road from Rockefeller Center and the decorations on Fifth Avenue. The Plaza is also a filming location from ‘Home Alone 2!’

Lotte New York Palace is another luxury hotel located in Midtown, close to the city’s best decorations. The Lotte even has a famous tree of its own. A beautifully decorated 30-foot Christmas tree sits in its front courtyard.

The Standard is a hip hotel with two downtown locations, East Village and Meatpacking. Both hotel locations get in the holiday spirit and offer festive fun like a mini ice skating rinks and cozy holiday themed dining.