Celebrating the Holidays in NYC

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But how should you celebrate the Holidays in NYC? We got you covered with the best events for the Holidays in NYC, attractions you shouldn’t miss and much more. 

The months of November and December are considered as the most exciting and beautiful ones in the city. There’s no place like New York to celebrate the holidays. From Thanksgiving to New Years Eve, these are the things to do during the holidays in NYC that you have to experience:

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

It’s the city’s most exciting and greatest parade and a must-see during the holidays in New York City.  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place in Manhattan. The parade route will remain the same as previous years. It will start at West 77th Street & Central Park West, travel towards Columbus Circle and then lead straight down 5th Ave to Macy’s at Herald Square. In total, the entire route is 3 miles long! Here is our guide to the Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in NYC

Christmas in-New York

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is probably the most famous tree in the world. People from all over come to see it during the holidays in NYC. The tree lights up on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving with a huge party and ceremony. Make sure to come early to grab a good spot with a view, enjoy the live music and of course the unforgettable moment when New York City officially starts their holiday season. Read more about the Tree Lighting Ceremony in NYC right here.

Holidays in NYC: Ice Skating in New York

Another highlight when it comes to celebrating the holidays in NYC is visiting the famous and popular ice-rinks. There are a few that you should go and check out. Our favorite ice-rink in the city is the one in Bryant Park. First it’s free, all you have to pay is a rental fee for your shoes and second it has a very magical atmosphere. More information about ice skating in New York can be found here.

Holiday Markets in NYC during the Holidays in NYC

No one celebrates the holidays like New York City. A really great way to experience the special atmosphere is by visiting one (or a few) of the amazing holiday markets in NYC. Don’t miss out the Winter Village in Bryant Park or the Union Square Holiday Market. These two are our favorites and offer everything from cute shops with local handcrafted gifts to delicious food from the city’s best restaurants. Read more about the holiday markets in New York right here.

Holiday Windows in New York

Take some time while celebrating the holidays in NYC and walk around the city to check out the best holiday windows in NYC. It’s a tradition for many stores in the city to decorate the most stunning holiday windows during the holidays in NYC. Big local stores like Macy’s set up a whole story board in their shopping displays. The famous Fifth Avenue is another great area to explore the most beautiful holiday windows in NYC. You will be impressed and surprised by their creativity at the same time. Find out where to find the best holiday windows in our guide.

New Years Eve in New York City

New Year's Eve at Times Square

Counting down the clock to the new year on Times Square or at a fancy party in Manhattan is a must-do for many of tourist heading to the city for the holidays. It’s an incomparable excitement of a million spectators coming together to watch the ball drop during the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, while others watch this event on big screens at local parties or dinner cruises. You are not sure what to do on New Years Eve in the city? Find out what we recommend right here.

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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