A New York City Christmas Itinerary – The 16 Best Things To Do 2026

Are you looking for the 15 best things to put on your New York City Christmas itinerary?

As a former New Yorker and a lifelong New York fanatic, I absolutely love spending the holidays in New York City. If it’s your first trip or your fifty first, you can soak up the festivities all over Manhattan.

There’s a lot to see and do , so I’ve narrowed down the 16 best things for you to do in New York City this Christmas season – including the pop up Christmas Markets around town and the best places to eat during the holidays.

Here are the 16 best things to do in New York City during Christmas.

Spend the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful city of New York! Day or night, the city is lit up and exciting!

This is a guide to help you make the most of your New York City Christmas holiday season.

#1 See the Iconic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center
Location: Between 48th & 51st Streets at Fifth Avenue

The one and only tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center is on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.

The ceremony begins about 6:00 PM and the tree is lit at about 9:00 PM. Enjoy the festivities with thousands of proud New Yorkers who love their tree!

For the whole season, you can find the tree at Rockefeller Center towering over the famous ice skating rink. Check out all the lights and music to skate by. 

Rockefeller Center, which opened in 1939, is actually 22 acres of 19 buildings, but the iconic spots are its Top Of The Rock viewing area, the famous ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, and the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor.

Go for a skate, for the views, for the mosaics and statues, or for pics by the Christmas tree – just go!

PRO TIP: If you go to the Top Of The Rock, you can see the Empire State Building and its lights! 

You can buy tickets to skate, take tours, and go to the observation deck at rockefellercenter.com. 

Check Out This Very Exclusive Tree Lighting Dinner and Event
at Rockefeller Center

Book a Top Rated Christmas Lights Horse & Buggy Ride Here!

#2 Climb the Empire State Building During the Holiday Season

The Empire State Building
Location: 20 West 34th Street

The Empire State Building is open 365 days per year from 8AM – 2 AM. During the holiday season you’ll see beautiful decorations and the famous light show.

If you go at sunset, you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and see the whole city lit up for the holidays. There are heating lamps and the famous viewing binoculars on the outside deck. I promise it’ll be one of the most memorable things you’ll do on your Christmas holiday visit to NYC!

Spend $44 p/adult, $38 p/child, and $42 p/senior for the 86th floor.

Pro Tip: Don’t feel compelled to spend $77 p/adult, $71 p/child. $75 p/senior for the 102 floor. 

Get your tix for the Iconic Empire State Building Here!

#3 Don’t Miss the Christmas Spectacular Starring
The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes

Radio City Music Hall
Location: 1260 Sixth Avenue

You may have seen them on TV for the Thanksgiving Parade, but to see these gals live in the famous theater of Radio City Music Hall is quite another thing entirely!

Since the 1930’s The Rockettes have been performing in the famed theater for the holiday season. Watch the kick line and be amazed at the live animals on stage too! It’s so much fun for the whole family.

Get your tickets early because it’s a very popular show. Most days there are 4 shows, so you have plenty of choices.

Get Your Tix to See the Spectacular Rockets here!

#4 Walk and Shop 5th Avenue During the Christmas Holiday Season

Fifth Avenue
Location: Central Park South & 59th Street – 17th Street

A day not to be missed includes the fabulous stroll from Central Park down 5th Avenue to see all the holiday window displays.

Pass The Plaza and the dancing Polar Bears and continue on to experience the lights and decorations in all the stores. Look for the window displays at Bergdorf’s, Bloomingdales, and Saks.

When you get to the Empire State Building at 34th St, then head west for a block to arrive at the magical Macy’s at Herald Square (34th St). Plan on some time to stop in to say hello to Santa at Macy’s Santaland, a true winter wonderland.  It’s legendary!

Back to 5th Ave, keep walking down to the Flatiron Building (22nd St) and Union Square (17th St) to find the festive Holiday Markets at Union Square.

#5 Explore Chinatown at Christmas

Chinatown
Location: Mott Street & Bleecker Street

Looking for somewhere to eat on Christmas? Head down to Lower Manhattan.

Go to Chinatown and find  lanterns, lights, and food. Stroll on Mott Street between Bleecker and Chatham Square or Canal Street and you will be in the pulse of Chinatown.

Enjoy the best Chinese food and all the NYC souvenirs your family wants for the holidays. 

#6 Eat Your Way Through Little Italy At Christmas

Little Italy
Location: Mulberry Street

Little Italy loves the holidays!  

New York’s large Italian population thrives in this neighborhood. Great restaurants and bakeries are just north of Chinatown.

You’ll be in the center of Little Italy on Mulberry Street. Mulberry Street is famous for its celebrations during the holidays. Go there hungry and eat your way through the the holidays.

#7 Enjoy Central Park During the Holidays

Central Park
Location: Between Central Park West & Fifth Avenue and 59th Street to 110th Street

Lighting shows, carole singing, ice skating, horse and buggies; it’s all possible in Central Park in winter. Here are my favorite winter wonderland moments in Central Park:

• 86th Street & 5th Avenue – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir -I recommend you start the exploration by walking around the Reservoir to feel the crisp air by the water and take in the views of the beautiful residences on both the east and west sides.
• 59th Street & 6th Avenue – The Wollman Skating Rink – Even if you don’t want to rent skates and take a spin, visit this rink, famous since 1949, to watch the skaters and have some cocoa.
• Mid Park & 72nd Street – The Bethesda Fountain – The fountain is the iconic spot in the park for strolling, listening to music under the bridge, and meeting up with friends. When it’s snowing by the fountain, you’ll feel like you’re in a classic New York movie!
• Mid Park & 66th Street – 72nd Street – The Mall – This historic promenade in Central Park is so beautiful in the winter with snow on the ground, the American Elm trees covered in icicles, and walkers all bundled up for a brisk walk.

Get your skating tickets here that include skate rentals!

#8 Visit the Metropolitan Museum Of Art During The Holidays

The Met
Location: 1000 5th Avenue and Central Park

The Met is the gem of Museum Mile any time of the year, but during the holidays, it’s particularly special. Check the schedule for the Met’s spectacular tree and its daily light show.

Since 1957, The Met has celebrated with a magnificent, 20 foot Blue Spruce tree decorated with a priceless, Baroque Crèche, the Nativity Scene. The ornaments are 18th Century Angels and the room is surrounded by lifelike angels hovering above. You can just imagine that one of the world’s best art museums will have the most gorgeous decorations, it’s really breathtaking.

There will be long lines at popular times, so book your tickets below, in advance, and plan on grabbing a pretzel or hot chocolate while you wait to get in!

Book a Top Rated highlights tour of the iconic Met here!

#9 Hudson Yards At Christmas

Hudson Yards
Location: 10th and 12th Avenues from West 30th to West 34th Streets

Hudson Yards is a massive hub of stores, restaurants, and has some of the most elaborate holiday decorations of anywhere in the city! They call it “Shine Bright” with over 2 million holiday lights covering the entire mall! There are no less than 725 Christmas trees and also giant displays lit up throughout. And, of course, the famous 32 foot hot air balloon hanging from the ceiling!

Santa will be available for photos and taking wishes from November 29 – December 23. And a Chanukah Menorah lighting will happen for eight nights from December 25 – January 2. You can also hear chorus singing for free throughout the season. So, be sure to look at the schedule for all the holiday events and celebrations.

#10 Are You Up For the New Years Eve Ball Drop at Times Square?

Times Square
Location: 42nd Street and Broadway

Warning! This activity is not for the faint of heart!

The New Years Eve Ball has dropped from the One Times Square Building since 1907. ​​ Each year, New Yorker’s celebrate ringing in the New Year with the most extravagant party on the planet! Times Square used to see about 60,000 people for the famous ball drop festivities. And, since the pandemic, the craziness has become a bit more challenging to navigate! Literally, thousands of revelers descend upon Times Square to watch the Times Square Ball, which weighs six tons with 32,256 LEDs, drop from the One Times Square Building at midnight.

How to Watch the Ball Drop from Times Square
Unless you are invited to, or pay for, a penthouse spot overlooking Times Square, then you may want to see what all the fuss is about by attending the drop. Here’s what you need to know:

• The traffic to Times Square is closed by 3PM on the December 31.
• The festivities begin at 6PM and the performances begin at 8PM. 
• Recommendations are that you arrive by noon!
• The earlier you get there, the better your chances are of getting a spot and seeing the ball drop.
• That does mean you will be standing in the cold for at least 12 hours – without a bathroom!
• Since the pandemic, the crowd is now capped at 15,000 on a first come first serve basis.

#11 Venture Out to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Dyker Heights Brooklyn
Location: Dyker Heights Boulevard at 11th Avenue & 13th Avenue and 83rd Street – 86th Street

Dyker Heights is a beautiful neighborhood in the southwest corner of Brooklyn. Known for its large single family homes and tree lined streets, Dyker Heights has mostly become famous because of its Christmas decorations. The residents of the Dyker Heights neighborhood have created a tradition that looks like Christmas at Disneyland, except it’s in Brooklyn!

For decades, about 100 homes have joined in on the fun and it has become one of New York’s most cherished holiday experiences. Complete with tour buses and official Dyker Heights Neighborhood Tours. This community run tour will pick you up at Bryant Park in the city and drive you to Dyker Heights, with a guide who will take you to the most coveted homes! (It’s $75 per seat, so if you try it, let me know what you think!)

The annual lighting up begins on the day after Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s Day. Generally speaking the lights go on around 5PM and viewing lasts until about 9PM each night.

How to get to Dyker Heights by Subway:
Take the D train to 79th St. Station in Brooklyn.
Walk northwest on 79th St.
Turn Left onto Dyker Heights Blvd.

If you are going to drive:
There is parking available on 86th Street at Dyker Beach Park & Golf Course.

Book a Top Rated , Budget Friendly, Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour here!

 #12. Enjoy New York Botanical Gardens (NYBT) Holiday Events

The New York Botanical Gardens
Location: 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx

The New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx were established in 1891 and is now a stunning 250 acre garden that has been awarded a National Historical Landmark status. While the NYBG is worth visiting all year round, it’s especially worthy of a holiday adventure.

The NYBG holiday events run from Nov. 17 – Jan 15 from 5PM -10PM. Find more info here. Tickets are limited, so get them early!

• The Holiday Train Show is a Christmas favorite with model trains riding by 200 of New York’s most famous landmarks in a  spectacular miniature New York.
• The NYBG GLOW show is a 1.5 mile light show within the gardens that illuminates all the gardens and historic buildings surrounding.
• Bar Car Nights on Dec 7 & 14 or Jan 5 is for 21 years or over – A signature cocktail treat as you watch the train show and see the GLOW show in the park.

How to get to the NYBG in the Bronx by subway?
Take the B, D, or 4 train to the Bedford Park Blvd Station
Walk 8 blocks down the hill on Bedford Park Blvd.
Left on Southern Blvd.
One block to the Mosholu Entrance to the garden.

#13 See The World Renowned NYC Ballet’s Nutcracker

New York City Ballet
Location: Lincoln Center Plaza

As a former dancer, and a huge Nutcracker fan, I highly recommend you add this performance to your new York Christmas Itinerary. If you‘ve never seen Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece choreographed by George Balanchine and performed by the world renowned New York City Ballet, you simply haven’t lived!

Get dressed up and visit the iconic David Koch Theater in New York’s own Lincoln Center. The magic of this music, this choreography, and Lincoln Center will blow you away! You’ll experience a holiday tradition that you’ll never forget – guaranteed. Tickets go quickly, so I recommend you purchase your tickets early!

Purchase the World Renowned NYC Ballet Nutcracker Tickets Here!

#14 Take a Holiday Cruise

Hudson River Park
Location: Chelsea Pier

Enjoy holiday brunches or night time cruises on one of New York’s premeier yacht excursions. You can be guaranteed festive decorations, music, food and drink and some of the best views of Manhattan that you’ll ever see.

The Sunset Cruise that departs from Chelsea Pier will sail through the Hudson River along New York’s west side that separates New York from New Jersey. You’ll sail into the East River which separates Manhattan and Brooklyn. Along the way, you’ll see the magnificent city skyline, lit up with its holiday splendor and you’ll pass Lady Liberty herself. I have to say, seeing her lit up at night is breathtaking.

Book A Memorable NYC Holiday Sunset Cruise Here!

#15 Visit Macy’s Santaland

Macy’s
Location: 151 West 34th St.

As a visitor to NYC, you might not consider going into Macy’s when there is so much to see and do outdoors, all around the city. However, NYC’s Macy’s of Herald Square is not your average department store! It’s home of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the world’s favorite Santa sits in Macy’s Santaland listening to children tell him their secret wishes for Christmas.

November 29, 2024 – December 24, 2024 from 10AM – 9PM you’ll find Santa and his elves greeting all visitors. While admission is free, you will need reservations available on the Macy’s website.

#16 New York City Christmas Markets!

Young longer have to fly to Europe for charming and festive open air holiday markets! These are the basic deets for the 2025 Christmas season:
The Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Park – Broadway To 4 Ave., E 14 St. To E 17 St.
November 13 – December 24

Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park – 5 and 6 Av, W 40 St and W 42 St
October 25 – January 5

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park – 59th St.
December 2 – December 31

Herald Square Holiday Market
Herald Square -Broadway, Ave of the Americas, bet. W. 34 St. and W. 35 St.
December 3 – January 3

Where to stay in New York City at Christmas?

I’ve done a lot of the leg work for you! I’ve found the safest places to stay in NYC. From the upper west side to the lower east side, you can easily walk to the spots on this New York City itinerary list and will fall in love with the charm and vibe of whichever part of town you choose.

A big part of the New York City experience is the neighborhood culture, the local coffee shops, markets, and street venders, so embrace the holiday spirit and get outside! 

Here are some top choices:

→ Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho
231 Hudson Street
Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. This spot can cost you $292 and up.

→ Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon
2130 Broadway & 75th Street
The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. This hotel can cost you $479 and up.

→ Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace
455 Madison Avenue

Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. This grand, 5 star hotel can cost you $595 and up.

Consider Booking a NYC Vacation Rental from VRBO here!

What’s the best way to get around NYC in the winter?

• Bring good winter walking boots and a really warm coat because walking is what New Yorkers do and you can see so much more! 
• Load ApplePay on your phone and you can scan in at subway station turnstiles, OR Purchase a Metrocard at subway stations and use it on the buses as well.
• Each ride costs $2.75, but a 7 day, unlimited ride card is $33 for one person use.
• The Regular Pay Per Ride cards allow you to swipe through the turnstile and pass the card to your travel partner behind you. It’s actually legit to do that with up to 4 people.
• Buy one unlimited card for the trip or load up a regular card and use it for the whole family! 
• Taxi and ride apps are also always available.  Have them loaded on your phone in advance so you can compare prices before you order. Prices change a lot during “surge” or peak hours.

Where to eat in New York City at Christmastime

Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in NYC for the holidays that aren’t a Christmas Pop-Up. They all have Gluten Free options. Angelina Paris, Serendipity 3, and Sant Ambroeus are famous for their hot chocolate! Be sure to make reservations in advance!!!

Click the map for more restaurant details!

Try these spots for starters!

• Angelina Paris – Bryant Park bakery from Paris: 1050 6th Avenue
• Serendipity 3 – famous for desserts in midtown: 225 East 60th Street
• Sant Ambroeus – lovely bakery with many locations: 1000 Madison Avenue
• Dante – historic Italian café in Greenwich Village: 79-81 Macdougal Street
• Jack’s Wife Freda – American/Mediterranean in several locations: 224 Lafayette Street
• Katz’s Deli – famous Jewish deli on the Lower East Side: 205 East Houston Street
• Modern Bread & Bagel – the best gluten-free bakery in the world on the Upper West Side: 472 Columbus Avenue
• La Pecora Bianca – Italian in several locations: 1133 Broadway
• Lola Taverna – Greek in Soho: 210 6th Avenue
• Lure Fishbar – Japanese in Soho: 142 Mercer Street
• The Waverly Inn – American comfort food in Greenwich Village: 16 Bank Street
• Via Carota – Seasonal Italian in Greenwich Village: 51 Grove Street

Now you’re ready to have the best New York City Christmas!

In a nutshell…

As the holidays arrive, New York City becomes a magical escape, inviting you to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. From iconic attractions to hidden seasonal gems, a Christmas in NYC is truly unforgettable. So bundle up, embrace the twinkle of the lights, and let the city’s holiday splendor sweep you off your feet!

The city celebrates the sparkling season in so many iconic ways – you’ll want to be a part of the festivities all over Manhattan.

Happy Holidays!

xx,
Carrie