Top 20 Christmas Activities in New York City

When it comes to the holiday season, New York City transforms into a magical wonderland. There is something undeniably special about Christmas in New York. The city buzzes with excitement, and the festive spirit is everywhere, from bustling markets to sparkling Christmas lights.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the holiday season in NYC is the perfect time to experience the charm of this iconic city. Here’s a guide to the best Christmas activities to make your 2024 visit unforgettable.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

No Christmas in New York is complete without seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Towering at over 70 feet, this magnificent tree is the star of the holiday season. The lighting ceremony, typically held in late November, is an iconic event that brings together thousands of people, both in person and watching from home.

What makes the tree so special isn’t just its size but the atmosphere around it. With ice skaters gliding on the rink below and the sound of Christmas music filling the air, it’s the ultimate symbol of the holiday season in NYC.

• Over 50,000 LED lights cover the tree.
• A dazzling Swarovski crystal star sits atop the tree.
• The tree is usually a Norway spruce.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

For the ultimate Christmas lights experience, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Known for its over-the-top decorations, this neighborhood is a must-visit during Christmas in New York City. Homes are adorned with millions of lights, inflatable Santas, and animated displays that will leave you in awe.

Visiting Dyker Heights is like stepping into a Christmas movie. Each house tries to outshine the next, creating a festive competition that results in one of the most extravagant holiday displays you’ll ever see.

• Best viewed from mid-December to early January.
• Many homes feature professional light installations.
• Consider a guided walking tour to learn more about the neighborhood’s history.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

When it comes to the best Christmas performances in NYC, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a must-see. This show has been dazzling audiences for over 85 years with its high-kicking Rockettes, incredible choreography, and holiday-themed music.

Taking place at the famous Radio City Music Hall, the Christmas Spectacular is the epitome of holiday magic. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you’ll leave feeling uplifted and filled with the joy of the season.

• Runs from late November to early January.
• Features the famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.”
• Radio City Music Hall is beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Skating at Bryant Park is a quintessential NYC holiday activity. Unlike the rinks at Rockefeller Center or Central Park, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers free admission, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the rink feels like a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city.

In addition to ice skating, you can also explore the nearby holiday shops, grab a hot chocolate, or warm up in the cozy rinkside restaurant. It’s a magical escape from the bustling streets of New York at Christmas.

• Skate rentals are available, though pricey.
• The Winter Village includes over 100 holiday shops.
• It’s open daily from late October through early March.

Union Square Holiday Market

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit is to visit a Christmas market. The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the city’s most famous, offering a European-style shopping experience with over 150 vendors. From handmade crafts to delicious holiday treats, this market is a treasure trove of unique gifts and festive goodies.

Walking through the market, you’ll encounter a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of carolers and the smell of fresh pine. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artisans.

• Open from mid-November through Christmas Eve.
• Features local vendors selling jewelry, art, and holiday decor.
• There are food stalls offering warm drinks and seasonal snacks.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Christmas in New York wouldn’t be complete without seeing The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. This classic ballet, performed by the New York City Ballet, is an annual holiday tradition that has captivated audiences for decades. The stunning costumes, enchanting score by Tchaikovsky, and incredible performances make this show a must-see for ballet lovers and families alike.

The story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy comes to life on stage, transporting you to a magical world where toys come alive, and dreams take flight.

• Performances run from late November to early January.
• The ballet is approximately 2 hours long with one intermission.
• Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance!

New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show

For a unique holiday season activity, head to the New York Botanical Garden for their Holiday Train Show. This magical exhibit features model trains zipping through a miniature version of New York City, complete with replicas of famous landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge—all made from natural materials.

Kids and adults alike will marvel at the intricate details and creativity that go into this show. It’s a relaxing way to spend a day surrounded by holiday cheer and breathtaking gardens.

• The train show runs from mid-November to mid-January.
• Over 150 landmarks are recreated using bark, leaves, and other natural elements.
• It’s an indoor exhibit, making it a perfect rainy day activity.

Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue

For a truly iconic New York City at Christmas experience, stroll down Fifth Avenue to admire the elaborate holiday window displays. Stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue go all out, creating artistic and festive scenes that draw in massive crowds every year.

These windows are more than just decorations—they’re works of art. Each display tells a story, combining fantasy, elegance, and the holiday spirit. If you’re visiting NYC this December, make sure to dedicate time to see these breathtaking windows.

• Displays are usually up from late November to early January.
• Walking along Fifth Avenue allows you to see multiple stores’ windows in one trip.
• Many displays are interactive, featuring motion, sound, and light.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Christmas Eve Midnight Mass

If you’re looking for a more spiritual way to celebrate Christmas in New York, consider attending Midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This beautiful church on Fifth Avenue is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a serene place to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a time-honored tradition that draws worshippers and visitors alike. The peaceful service, complete with choir music and candlelight, is a moving way to celebrate the holiday.

• Mass starts at midnight on Christmas Eve, but arrive early for a seat.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral can accommodate over 2,000 people.
• The cathedral is open for visitors year-round and is free to enter.

Holiday Cruise on New York Harbor

Take your holiday adventure to the water with a Christmas cruise around New York Harbor. These festive cruises offer stunning views of the city’s skyline, including landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, all decked out in holiday lights.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun family outing, a holiday cruise provides a unique perspective of NYC during the holiday season. Many cruises offer dinner, live music, and drinks to keep the party going.

• Most cruises last around 2 to 3 hours.
• Many companies offer themed cruises, such as “Santa Claus Cruises.”
• Book in advance as holiday cruises tend to sell out quickly.

Visit the Lotte New York Palace’s Christmas Tree

For a touch of luxury during Christmas in NYC, stop by the courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. The stunning Christmas tree in the courtyard is one of the city’s most elegant holiday displays. With the backdrop of this historic hotel, it feels like you’ve stepped into a winter fairy tale.

The Palace tree is less crowded than Rockefeller Center, making it a perfect spot for taking photos or simply soaking in the holiday spirit without the hustle and bustle.

• The tree is located in the courtyard, free to view.
• The hotel itself is beautifully decorated for the holidays.
• It’s a short walk from other major holiday attractions, like St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Watch the Lighting of the World’s Largest Menorah

To celebrate Hanukkah during the holiday season in NYC, visit Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, where the world’s largest menorah is lit each year. Standing 32 feet tall, this enormous menorah is a sight to behold. Every evening during Hanukkah, a different candle is lit in a lively ceremony that includes music, food, and traditional Jewish blessings.

The menorah lighting is a special way to honor the Festival of Lights while immersing yourself in the diverse cultural traditions of New York City at Christmas.

• The menorah is lit at sunset during the eight nights of Hanukkah.
• The event is free and open to all.
• There is a smaller, equally impressive menorah lighting at Central Park.

Visit the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show

Another delightful stop on your Christmas in New York City tour is the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal. This exhibit features a miniature world where vintage trains travel through a holiday-themed landscape.

Located in the heart of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the show offers a nostalgic trip back in time. Plus, the Grand Central Terminal itself is adorned with holiday decorations, making it a wonderful destination to explore during the holiday season.

• The train show is open from mid-November to early January.
• Grand Central Terminal also has its own holiday market.
• The train exhibit is free to the public.

Visit Santa at Macy’s Herald Square

If you’re visiting NYC with kids, a visit to Macy’s Santaland is a must. Located in Herald Square, Macy’s Santaland is a magical wonderland where children can meet Santa Claus in an enchanting setting. From toy trains to festive elves, Santaland is a delightful experience that will leave children (and adults) brimming with holiday cheer.

Meeting Santa at Macy’s is a cherished tradition for many families, and it’s one of the most famous places to visit Santa in the world.

• Visiting Santa at Macy’s is free, though reservations are required.
• Santaland features over 13,000 square feet of holiday displays.
• Photos with Santa are available for purchase.

The American Museum of Natural History’s Origami Tree

For an educational twist on the holidays, visit the American Museum of Natural History to see their Origami Christmas Tree. This unique tree is adorned with hundreds of hand-folded paper ornaments, each crafted by origami artists from around the world.

Each year, the tree has a different theme, often related to exhibits at the museum. It’s a whimsical display that combines art, science, and holiday cheer.

• The tree is displayed from late November to early January.
• The museum also offers origami folding workshops for visitors.
• Admission to the museum includes viewing the tree.

Explore the Winter Village at Brookfield Place

Another fantastic holiday market to explore is the Winter Village at Brookfield Place. Located in Battery Park City, this upscale market offers high-end shops, gourmet food, and stunning waterfront views of the Hudson River. You can also enjoy a free indoor ice skating rink or take part in seasonal events like holiday crafting workshops.

The highlight of Brookfield Place during the holidays is the Luminaries exhibit, an interactive light installation that fills the atrium with dazzling color and light.

• The Winter Village is open from mid-November to January.
• The Luminaries light show runs every hour from noon to 8 p.m.
• Brookfield Place is home to luxury retailers like Gucci, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton.

Catch a Holiday-Themed Broadway Show

Broadway is always a must-do when in New York, and during the holidays, many shows embrace the festive spirit with special performances. In addition to holiday classics like The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Nutcracker, many Broadway shows add a touch of holiday magic to their performances.

Check out holiday-themed musicals or classic plays like A Christmas Carol, and don’t forget to book your tickets in advance, as shows often sell out during the busy holiday season.

• Many theaters offer discounted tickets through the TKTS booth in Times Square.
• Holiday-themed shows run from mid-November through early January.
• Some shows offer special matinee performances during the holidays.

Visit the Oculus Holiday Market

The Oculus at World Trade Center is one of New York City’s most architecturally stunning landmarks, and during the holidays, it hosts a small but charming holiday market. The futuristic white structure, designed by Santiago Calatrava, becomes a cozy holiday destination filled with vendors selling unique gifts, artisanal foods, and holiday decor.

After shopping, take a moment to enjoy the lights and decorations that adorn the inside of the Oculus, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city during the Christmas season.

• The market is open from late November to Christmas Eve.
• The Oculus connects to the Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall.
• The building’s soaring architecture provides a stunning backdrop for photos.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Central Park

For a romantic holiday experience, hop in a horse-drawn carriage and take a ride through Central Park. The crisp winter air, the snow-dusted trees, and the sound of hooves on cobblestone streets make this a dreamy way to see the park during the Christmas season.

Rides are available throughout the year, but there’s something especially magical about taking one during December in NYC, when the park is often blanketed in snow and holiday decorations line the pathways.

• Carriage rides are available daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Rides typically last 45 to 50 minutes.
• It’s a popular activity, so consider booking in advance, especially around the holidays.

Explore Little Italy’s Feast of San Gennaro

Although it’s more commonly associated with Italian culture, the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy takes on a festive, Christmas twist during December. The streets are filled with vendors offering Italian treats like cannolis, sausage, and zeppoles, while the lights of Little Italy glow brightly with holiday decorations.

It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy some live music, and experience a different cultural side of NYC’s Christmas season.

• The feast typically runs in mid-December.
• Little Italy is beautifully decorated for the holidays, with festive lights and garlands.
• Many restaurants offer holiday-themed menus during the feast.

Final Word

New York City during the holidays is a magical experience that captivates visitors with its festive atmosphere, dazzling lights, and timeless charm. The energy in the air is unmistakable, with every corner of the city offering something special that evokes the true spirit of the season.

Whether it’s the warm sense of tradition or the joy of discovering new holiday delights, NYC brings a unique blend of wonder and excitement that makes this time of year unforgettable. Visiting during Christmas not only creates lasting memories but also immerses you in the heart of a city that truly knows how to celebrate the holidays.