What’s open on Christmas Day in NYC – Complete Guide

What can you do on Christmas Day in NYC?

Christmas Day on December 25, is a city, state, and federal holiday in New York which means that there are many stores, attractions, and other spots that are closed that day. Christmas Day is known as the quietest and least crowded day of the year in the city.

But don’t worry, there are just as many things to do on Christmas Day for you. In case you’re visiting New York City during the holidays and are wondering what’s open on Christmas Day this guide will help you out.

What is closed on Christmas Day in New York?

What's closed on Christmas in NYCLet’s start with everything that is closed on Christmas Day in the city during Christmas in New York so you can make plans about what you can do on Christmas Day in NYC. All government buildings will be closed. City, state and federal offices are closed, as well as post offices, banks, libraries and National Monuments like the Statue of Liberty. 

After an eventful season, most NYC retailers take Christmas Day off. Most retail stores (such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Saks, H&M and Zara), Malls, Outlets and supermarkets like Whole Foods, Target and Trader Joes will be closed on Christmas Day and will close around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve (earlier than usual). This also means that Macy’s Santaland is closed on Christmas Day as well.

In case you’re in urgent need of something you can always count on Walgreens, Duane Reade, and CVS. Check their website, because selected stores remain open on Christmas

The museums and National Park units including the Statue of Liberty will be closed. The New York City public transportation will be running on a limited schedule (busses, subways, and ferries).

So, what’s open on Christmas Day in New York?

What can you do on Christmas Day in NYC? Actually, a lot! Famous attractions like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory will be open. Times Square’s Madame Tussauds remains open as well.

Plenty of musicals (both Broadway and Off-Broadway) will host performances on Christmas Day as well as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Also, the movies are open on Christmas in NYC. Even though shopping will be a challenge because almost every store will be closed, you can visit the Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park, where many of the 170 participating vendors opt to stay open on December 25. So if you were having doubts if New York is open on Christmas Day, there are a lot of things you can do on December 25 in New York City.

The ice skating rinks are all open for skating on Christmas Day, weather permitting.

The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is open on Christmas Day. It is actually the only day where the tree is lit for 24 hours.

You may also want to enjoy a quiet Christmas stroll through one of the city’s green spaces such as Central Park, Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Van Cortlandt Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and all other NYC parks which are all open on Christmas Day. At Battery Park, the Sea Glass Carousel will also be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Public buildings/transportation hubs like Grand Central or the Oculus in Lower Manhattan are open too. You will probably be impressed by how empty the city can be.

What museums are open on Christmas Day?

As far as museums go, the Jewish Museum will be open on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The most popular museums in New York City such as the Guggenheim, the National Museum of Natural History, MoMA or the Met are closed on Christmas Day.

Where can I eat on Christmas Day in New York?

Where can you go eat on Christmas in NYC?While many restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, Chinatown is a very popular destination for a Christmas dinner because many spots are open around there.

Restaurants can get pretty packed as it’s kind of a NYC tradition to go eat Chinese food on Christmas if you aren’t celebrating the holidays at home. But there are a few more really great restaurants who are hosting a Christmas Dinner party in New York City like one of our favorite restaurants Tavern on the Green that usually offers a four-course prix-fixe menu. Here is a full list of the best Christmas restaurants NYC for your unforgettable Christmas Dinner.

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?