The 31 Best Things To Do In New York At Christmas 2024 + 3 To Avoid

What to do in New York City at Christmas time?

In this guide, you will find out everything about what to do at Christmas time in New York to experience a holly jolly vacation during the holidays. After being in New York during Christmas several times I’ll share my absolute favorite things to do in New York at Christmas time as well as the best Christmas activities.

If you’re in the city on Christmas Day and you’re searching for things to do in New York City on Christmas Day, or you’re visiting during the time before Christmas and are looking for things to do in NYC at Christmas time, I’ve got you covered! I will navigate you through the best and most festive events, Christmas Markets, and Christmas Stores & shows. I’ll even give you some great tips about beautiful and unforgettable things to do in New York City on Christmas Eve.

My tip: This is my complete guide to Christmas in New York.

Steffen Kneist Loving New York

Best Places to Stay in New York City during Christmas

If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, be sure to check out my article on the most beautiful hotels in NYC at Christmas time. They are beautifully decorated and you are guaranteed to get into the Christmas spirit!

These Are My TOP 31 Things To Do in New York at Christmas

Don’t stay at home or at your hotel on December 25: The city offers a lot of things to do in New York City on Christmas Day, from dinners to Broadway shows and everything in between. Even though it will be a very quiet day in NYC since most locals are either with their families or out of town visiting their loved ones, there are still a few things going on!

  1. 01

    Bryant Park Winter Village

    Christmas Market in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    Winter_Bryant_Park_New_York_191102210844006
    Add to myNY added

    Starting in October (and running through March), it is time once again for the best winter markets in New York City to open its doors. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat. This along with its amazing location among all the skyscrapers makes for an amazing Christmas experience.

  2. 02

    Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

    Christmas Tree in Midtown Manhattan
    rockefeller_center_christmas_tree_191208095722003
    Add to myNY added

    The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the largest Christmas trees in NYC, placed annually in Rockefeller Center Plaza. In New York, the Tree Lighting Ceremony right after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Holiday season and one of your best things to do in New York during Christmas!

    Over the past years, we weren’t super lucky with the weather but the Tree Lighting Ceremony attracts tons of people every year. Of course, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is the highlight of visitors coming to New York from all over the world during Christmas time. Most visitors only know the tree from movies or pictures, so it’s very impressive looking at it in person. This year, the lighting of the tree ceremony at Rockefeller Center will take place on November 29th, 2023.

  3. 03

    Visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn

    Bus Tour in Dyker Heights
    Our Highlight
    One of the Best Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours : The 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour
    Add to myNY added

    I’m a huge fan of the Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where you can find the most beautifully decorated homes in the city. It is actually so popular that it’s known as one of the best things to do in NYC for Christmas time. The easiest way to explore the Dyker Heights is to book one of the four really amazing Holiday Light tours in NYC.

    Each of them is a little different: some are bus tours, others are walking tours; some take place in Brooklyn, others in Manhattan. See the details for yourself to decide which ones of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is best for you.

    Check out our Guide to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights!

  4. 04

    Christmas Shows in NYC

    Broadway Show in Midtown Manhattan
    radio_city_christmas_spectacular_161104104936001
    Add to myNY added

    New York is home is the epicenter of entertainment and surely does not disappoint during the holiday season. There are plenty of Christmas shows in New York that are worth watching, ranging from classics to modern adaptions of your favorite tales. Our favorite one are the The Radio City Spectacular – they are undoubtedly the most popular Christmas show in NYC. The Rockettes have performed at the iconic Radio City Music Hall since 1931 and have created a holiday tradition for many visitors and locals.

    Please know that you can’t return home without having seen at least one of the best Christmas Shows in NYC!

  5. 05

    Christmas Lights in NYC

    Walking Tour in Hell's Kitchen
    New York Christmas Markets and Lights Walking Tour
    Add to myNY added

    During the holiday season, electric bills skyrocket all throughout New York City. Seeking to outdo one another, both private homes and established landmarks string up dazzling lights for you to marvel at in every direction you turn. Here’s where to go to see the most stunning Christmas lights in NYC.

    Don’t want to walk? Book this NYC Holiday Lights Tour by Limousine!

  6. 06

    Enjoy the Empire State Building's annual Holiday Light Show!

    Building in Midtown Manhattan
    Empire State Building
    Add to myNY added

    For about one week only during the Christmas season, there will be a very special Empire State Building light show: the Empire State Building holiday music-to-light show!

    The already impressive lighting of the Empire State Building will be synchronized to songs by stars such as Maria Carey or Carrie Underwood and John Legend. Incredibly beautiful!

  7. 07

    Classic Harbor Line: Manhattan Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Our Highlight
    Best Christmas Dinner Cruises NYC
    Add to myNY added

    Why not spending time on a Christmas Holiday Cruise during Christmas in New York? Both locals and NYC visitors love the amazing Christmas Cruises New York City has to offer.

    My favorite holiday cruise is the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. The Jazz Band on board is fun and so talented which makes the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise even more entertaining. Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, and admire the city through the glassed-in observatory on the 1920s style yacht.

    My Tip: check out my article about the Best Christmas Cruises in NYC

  8. 08

    Visit the beautiful Holiday Markets

    Christmas Market in Gramercy
    Best Christmas Markets NYC
    Add to myNY added

    Holiday Markets are pretty popular in New York City and should be on top of your list of things to do in New York City during Christmas time. To me, there is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than grabbing a hot cup of cocoa and strolling through some of the best Christmas markets in New York.

    You will love the booths with local crafts, savory treats, and hot specialty drinks. The Christmas Markets in the city is the most authentic environment to have a wonderful time and wrap up your gift shopping. Here’s where to find the best Christmas markets in NYC and this is the most popular New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour.

  9. 09

    Enjoy the Christmas Lights in New York

    Other Restaurants in Gramercy
    rolfs_restaurant_nyc_191113195910001
    Add to myNY added

    During the holiday season, the entire city is stringed up with dazzling lights for you to enjoy. Both private homes and established landmarks are beautifully decorated and there are Christmas lights wherever you go. It’s one of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas time. There is no way not getting festive and excited about the holidays in New York City. Find out more about the Christmas Lights in New York City and where to find them in our NYC Christmas Lights Guide.

  10. 10

    Ice Skating in NYC

    Activities in Upper West Side
    Wollman_Rink_Eisbahn_160914160033007
    Add to myNY added

    Ice Skating is a big thing during Christmas time in New York and one of my favorite activities in New York City on Christmas day. The most famous ice rinks are the ones in Bryant Park, the Rink at Rockefeller Center with the Christmas tree in the backdrop and of course the famous Wollman Rink in Central Park. Just like with the Empire State Building, you will also have a pretty empty ice rink to show off your ice skating talent.

    Here is everything you need to know about ice skating in NYC, prices and schedules.

  11. 11

    Holiday Window Displays

    Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
    Saks_Fifth_Avenue_Holiday_Windows_NYC_211212210117004
    Add to myNY added

    Throughout the year, the big department stores prepare for the upcoming Holiday season in New York. We recommend walking from Central Park on Fifth Avenue towards Herald Square to get you in the mood. The city is adorned with wreaths and bright lights everywhere. You’ll be able to admire the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas Tree along the way!

    Keep heading downtown towards Herald Square and you’ll discover some of the city’s most beautiful window displays in NYC. Incidentally, the most beautiful Holiday Windows in New York are available from Tiffany & Co, DIOR, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and of course Macy’s. The mega-store is also decorated inside.

    These are the Most Beautiful Holiday Windows in New York this year!

    play video
  12. The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

    TOP 50 Things to Do in NYCWe’ve chosen the 50 best spots, events and activities to showcase the full diversity of New York City. Even after more than 20 visits, the city never gets boring for us. And with our recommendations, you’ll have a really good time in New York, too, and you’ll have plenty left for your next visit. If you’re not planning a trip yet, you’re sure to get wanderlust after perusing this list!

  13. 12

    Santa's Secret Immersive Holiday Experience (November 17 – December 31, 2023)

    Other Events in Hudson Yards
    Our Highlight
    Santa
    Add to myNY added

    At Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience, you’ll make your way through a winter wonderland and into Santa’s secret speakeasy. Enjoy Christmas-themed cocktails, a live band, and an eye-popping variety show of unique acts, all with a holiday twist!

  14. 13

    Take a walk in the snow

    Park in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    Central Park in Winter
    Add to myNY added

    Who knows, maybe this year there will finally be snow for Christmas in New York. What could be more romantic than a walk through the white snowy landscape of Central Park? Especially the Belvedere Castle in the middle of Central Park looks even more heavenly with snow! Central Park in winter is pretty much everyone’s favorite place in New York to enjoy the snow.

  15. 14

    Annual Central Park Holiday Lighting (November 30, 2023)

    Other Art & Culture in Harlem & Washington Heights
    Add to myNY added

    For the 26th year, the Annual Holiday Lighting in Central Park will be held this year at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center on the Harlem Meer. Carols will be sung on the plaza, Santa Claus will be there, and the highlight will be the lighting of a flotilla of Christmas trees on the Harlem Meer. You’re guaranteed to be among New Yorkers at this Christmas event, which makes it extra special!

    When?

    • Thursday, November 30 at 5:30 pm
  16. 15

    Broadway Under The Stars

    Broadway Show in Hell's Kitchen
    broadway_under_the_stars_191113200936001_1920x960
    Add to myNY added

    This holiday season, Broadway and the Shops at Columbus Circle are gifting us with another round of Broadway Under The Stars. For you, that means free Broadway performances in one of the most magical settings. Broadway Under The Stars is a five-week series of FREE indoor Broadway performances and will take place on the second floor of the Time Warner Center.

    So why is it called Broadway Under The Stars? „Under the stars“ refers to the 12 massive stars hanging from the 100-foot ceiling at Time Warner Center. They are the largest specialty crafted display of illuminated color in the world. The 14-foot stars are one of the most beautiful Christmas lights in NYC and draw thousands of visitors to their spectacular light show.Broadway Under The Stars typically takes on Mondays, starting early November and ending in early December. The exact dates for Broadway Under The Stars have not been announced yet. The performances start at 5 pm sharp and include interviews with the Broadway stars. They will perform 2-3 songs per show, depending on how many shows are featured that day.

  17. 16

    Go to church on Christmas Day

    Building in Midtown Manhattan
    210203111138001_St_Patricks_Cathedral_New_York_Midtown
    Add to myNY added

    If you like to go to church on Christmas Day and enjoy a Christmas service you can also do so in New York City. There are several churches I can recommend going on Christmas Day. 3 of the best churches in New York City for a remarkable Christmas service are the Grace Church on Broadway, the St Mary the Virgin Church Main Office & Rectory in Midtown and St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. It’s high on my list of great things to do in NYC on Christmas Day, not only because it’s a tradition for me to go to church on Christmas Day, but also because the Christmas services are absolutely beautiful!

  18. 17

    Check out the stunning Cartier Holiday Decorations

    Shop in Midtown Manhattan
    221209104227001_Cartier_Holiday_Decorations
    Add to myNY added

    Have you ever seen a building wrapped in a giant Christmas bow? Cartier’s Fifth Avenue Manhattan store goes further than just decorating the windows. The entire building, which is a gilded age mansion built for Morgan Freeman Plant, son of Henry B. Plant, the railroad tycoon, is wrapped in a Cartier signature red bow. The shiny red ribbon stretches across the building from Fifth Avenue to 52nd Street, with festive garland outlining every ground-floor window. 

    The building is decorated now and will remain that way until Christmas. You can find it at 651-653 Fifth Avenue and 4 East 52nd Street not far from Rockefeller Center with the most famous Christmas tree in New York.

  19. 18

    Visit one of New York's best Rooftop Bars – event in the wintertime!

    Rooftop Bar in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    190111215815001_Refinery_rooftop_bar
    Add to myNY added

    A very small rooftop bar very close to Bryant Park with a nice view of the Empire State Building is the Refinery Rooftop from the Refinery Hotel. This two-story rooftop bar in Midtown isn’t particularly large, but it certainly has its appeal due to the combination of location and quality of the cocktails. 

  20. 19

    One of the most famous Christmas Stores in NYC: FAO Schwarz

    Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
    fun_things_to_do_in_nyc_in_the_winter_181206121306001_1_1920x960
    Add to myNY added

    FAO Schwarz is unlike every other toy store and a fun thing to do in NYC at Christmas time. Take your kids or just feel like a child again entering the amazing collection of unique toys and life-sized stuffed animals.

    Schwarz FAO is the oldest toy store in the United States and with its location right in front of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, it’s something you can’t miss during Christmas time in NYC. Don’t miss the famous clock on the staircase. Also, you can play “The Big Piano” on the floor (famous from the movie “Big”).

  21. 20

    Christmas Shopping in NYC

    Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
    Saks_Fifth_Avenue_Holiday_Windows_NYC_211212210117004
    Add to myNY added

    As one of my favorite Christmas time activities, Christmas shopping in NYC is a must-do. While the city is covered in Christmas lights and decoration, there is no better place to buy gifts for your family and friends. Large department stores like Macy’s, Saks on Fifth Avenue or Bloomingdales decorate their holiday windows different every year which is worth checking out as well.

    Macy’s at Herald Square invites you to have a date with Santa Claus at Santaland and buy special ornaments at their Holiday lane on the 9th floor.

  22. 21

    Visit the new One Vanderbilt Observation Deck

    Building in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck
    Add to myNY added

    Are you wondering what to do in New York City on Christmas Day? Some of the best NYC attractions are open on Christmas Day in NYC and one of them is the new One Vanderbilt Summit. So if you’re looking for shorter lines and fewer crowds, Christmas Day may be the perfect day for you to visit this observation deck in New York. Maybe you can even catch the sunset before heading to Christmas dinner!

  23. 22

    Go see Santa Claus at Macy’s

    Other Events in Midtown Manhattan
    211126133704001_Macy_Christmas_NYC
    Add to myNY added

    There’s nothing you can’t do in New York City. During the holidays, you should set up a date with Santa Claus at Macy’s and share your wish list. Santaland at Macy’s is a whole experience with a meet & greet with Santa in the end. Both kids and adults come to Santaland to talk to the big guy. It’s a special thing to do in New York on Christmas Eve.

    Every year, Macy’s Santaland is the main highlight of Macy’s Christmas celebrations. The history of Santaland goes back to 1861 when the store advertised that Santa Claus would come to stock their counters with the finest and most special Christmas gifts. Fast forward to today, close to 200,000 Santa fans are visiting Santaland at Macy’s every season. If you’d like to be one of them make your reservation online beforehand.

  24. 23

    Bateaux Christmas Eve Gourmet Lunch or Dinner Harbor Cruise

    Cruise in Chelsea
    Bateaux Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise NYC
    Add to myNY added

    If you are spending Christmas in NYC and still looking for a special locale to celebrate the holiday, then look no further. Santa’s Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise is the perfect option. Featuring three decks, holiday LED lighting, and an evening of food, drinks, and dancing, the modern yacht invites you to a Christmas party that you won’t soon forget.

  25. 24

    Attend a service at St. John the Divine Church

    Building in Harlem & Washington Heights
    220915111158001_The_Cathedral_Church_of_St._John_the_Divine
    Add to myNY added

    The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world and when you enter it, you will be amazed by the ceiling height and the many details. This year, there will be festive holiday services at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

    When?

    • Sunday, December 24, 2023: 10:30 AM | 4:00 PM | 10:30 PM
    • Monday, December 25, 2023: 10:30 AM
  26. 25

    Amaze Light Festival in Flushing: The largest lights festival in the U.S.

    Other Events in Flushing
    Amaze Light Festival
    Add to myNY added

    Superlative Christmas Lights can be experienced for the first time this year at Citi Field (the New York Mets’ stadium) in  Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, as the Amaze Light Festival.

    It is the largest festival of lights in the country and offers you booths with festive food and a light show in addition to the incredibly impressive Christmas lights. The Amaze Light Festival takes place outdoors and with the amazing stadium as a backdrop, it becomes even more unique.

    You can stroll through a total of five themed worlds with millions of twinkling lights, 3D light decorations and a Christmas market. There will even be a small forest with lanterns and frost-covered trees. Every 30 minutes there will be an animation of the trees, which will then dance to Christmas music. Especially for children, this will be a real highlight at Christmas time.

    In total, over 400,000 Christmas enthusiasts are expected to attend the Amaze Light Festival. Tickets for the event will be available from October 3 via the official website.

  27. 26

    Go Christmas caroling

    Park in Greenwich Village
    Washington_Square_Park_160914155957003
    Add to myNY added

    It’s a tradition and one of my favorite things to do on Christmas Eve in New York City to gather under the Washington Square Arch next to the illuminated tree to sing traditional holiday songs at 5 pm. Meet the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and accompany the crooners to sing your favorite Christmas songs. You don’t know the lyrics? No worries, songbooks are provided.

  28. 27

    Get festive at a museum

    Museum in Midtown Manhattan
    Our Highlight
    Museum of Modern Art MoMA in NYC
    Add to myNY added

    Many of the major museums in NYC are open on Christmas Eve. Lines are short and most museums will put you in the holiday spirit as well. My favorite museums like the MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Whitney Museum are my go-to museums on Christmas Eve in New York and very popular things to do in New York City on Christmas Eve as well.

    What’s worth visiting? These are our 36 best museums in New York!

  29. 28

    Radio City Music Hall

    Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
    radio_city_music_hall_191126151832003
    Add to myNY added

    The Radio City Music Hall is a very famous theater building in the middle of New York. It is part of the Rockefeller Center and is located in close proximity to the Top of The Rock and the Museum of Modern Art. When you see the Radio City Music Hall from the outside, it will seem like a journey 80 years into the past. In many movies you can see the old neon sign and therefore it is really famous.

  30. 29

    The Nutcracker

    Other Events in Upper East Side
    The Nutcracker
    Indiana Woodward and Company in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Photo credit: Erin Baiano
    Add to myNY added

    The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets and enjoys great popularity among visitors and locals. It is performed by the New York City Ballet and is one of the most important things to do during Christmas in New York. The ensemble includes 90 dancers and 62 musicians – it’s truly magical!

    The piece, set to the music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered in New York back in 1954, making it an important holiday tradition!

     

  31. 30

    Check out the Christmas tree on Wall Street

    Christmas Tree in Financial District
    Wall Street Christmas Trees in NYC
    Add to myNY added

    The Christmas tree on Wall Street looks back on a long tradition: this year it can be seen for the 100th time. Not only is the tree itself festively decorated – the building of the New York Stock Exchange also looks beautiful, as it is illuminated from the outside in Christmas colors.

    The 100th Annual Tree Lighting will take place on November 29, 2023 from 2 pm – 6 pm. 

  32. 31

    Discover the impressive GingerBread Lane at Chelsea Market

    Other Attraction in Lower East Side
    GingerBread Lane NYC
    Add to myNY added

    Imagine the aroma and whimsical fun of walking through the world’s largest gingerbread village. What if we told you that one actually exists in New York City? If you’re planning on spending Christmas in NYC, then be sure to head over to Manhattan’s Chelsea Market and check out the amazing and delicious creation brought to you by “The Gingerbread Man” Jon Lovitch. 

play video

Avoid These Places

In my opinion, there are certain places that are either completely overrated or where visiting at the wrong time can ruin your experience. Here are the locations you might want to avoid during the Christmas season:

  1. rolfs_restaurant_nyc_191113195910001

    01 Dining at Rolf's Restaurant

    Yes, Rolf’s restaurant is beautifully decorated and truly stands out during the Christmas season. I’ve visited it myself, and unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The value for the price just isn’t there, and it feels like you’re being overcharged. And it’s not just my opinion; there are numerous negative reviews on Google and Yelp to support this.

    So, my advice? Admire the decorations through the windows, but if you’re hungry, head to the Union Square Holiday Market instead. You’ll get much more for your money!

  2. Private_Horse_Drawn_Carriage_Tour_Central_Park_NYC

    02 Skip the horse-drawn carriages at Central Park!

    It always surprises me how many people still opt for the horse-drawn carriages there. It’s been widely reported for years that the horses aren’t treated well. By choosing not to book these tours, you can play a part in promoting better animal welfare.

    So what are your alternatives? Consider a leisurely bike ride through Central Park or book a private Pedi Cab tour!

  3. rockefeller_center_christmas_tree_191208095722003

    03 Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree on a weekend

    Don’t get me wrong, I love the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, but if your travel schedule allows, I’d recommend avoiding it on the weekend. It’s extremely crowded, with people jostling for the best photo. You’ll find a more pleasant Christmas atmosphere if you visit on a weekday.

Steffen Kneist Loving New York

My Personal Best New York City Christmas Time Activities

I hope after reading my recommendations about the best things to do in NYC at Christmas time you know now what to do in New York City during the most wonderful time of the year.

If I had to pick my absolute all-time favorite New York City Christmas activities I personally would choose to visit the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center after watching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Then I’d go to one of the many great restaurants in town for a Christmas dinner before heading to a rooftop bar for a drink or visiting my favorite holiday market at Union Square.

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!

Did you like this article?