Christmas in NYC – Things to do in New York City During the Holidays

Last Updated on November 18, 2024

This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I receive a small commission at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

New York City is one of the most desirable cities to visit for people from all over the world. It’s a great destination year round, but the truly magical time to visit is around the holidays. While I personally have a love/hate relationship with this city, I’m the first one to admit that New York City is one of the best places to be around Christmas time. To say the place is festive would be an understatement. Open air markets, countless holiday themed events and overall festive atmosphere are just a few things to be enjoyed in the city in December. If for any reason you struggle to get into holiday spirit, plan to spend Christmas in NYC.

Holiday season in NYC – when does it start?

In true American fashion, any holiday preparations start pretty early and it’s no different when it comes to Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving, celebrated on the last Thursday in November, is considered to be the official start of Christmas season, not only in NYC, but the entire country. This means, that at the end of November is when you can expect to see Christmas trees, holiday window displays and holiday music blaring everywhere.

Christmas in NYC – best things to do

Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

No visit to NYC around Christmas time is complete without seeing what’s probably the world’s most famous Christmas tree. Located at Rockefeller Plaza, the tree attracts thousands of people each day from the moment it arrives some time at the end of November. The entire Rockefeller Center is also beautifully decorated, and cannot be missed. One thing to keep in mind is, that the entire area will be VERY crowded, as everybody’s trying to get a picture of the iconic tree.

This tradition started in 1933; the same year Rockefeller Plaza opened. Finding just the right tree is quite a process, and the search for the perfect one begins months before Christmas. It’s typically a Norway Spruce, that has to be at least 75 feet tall and 45 feet wide. The tree is then decorated with 50,000 lights and a star.

While the city looks ready for the holidays right after Thanksgiving, Christmas in NYC officially kicks off with a Tree lighting ceremony. This is a free event, that draws thousands of people to Rockefeller Plaza with many more watching the live broadcast in front of their TVs. The latter might be a better option, if you are not fond of crowds. If you do plan on attending, arrive as early as 3 pm. The tree will stay up until mid-January 2025.

NOTE: In 2024, the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday December 4, with a live national broadcast “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” on NBC. Christmas Day is the only day when the tree stays lit for 24 hours. All the other days the lights are on from 5 am – midnight. On New Year’s Eve the tree will be lit from 5 am – 9 pm.

Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Skating at Rockefeller Center

Skating is one of the most popular activities do in New York City in the winter. There are many skating rinks to choose from, but The Rink at Rockefeller Center is without a doubt the most popular one. Set in a prime location, with the beautiful Christmas tree towering over, it’s easy to understand its appeal. The experience of skating in one of the most iconic spots, of course comes with a price tag and long lines.

The Rink is on a smaller side, and there’s a limit on how many people are allowed at the same time, which prevents overcrowding. Because the admission is on a first come first serve basis, expect to wait in line quite a bit during holiday season.

The Rink is open for the 2024/2025 season and will stay open through April. It’s recommended to book your ticket in advance to guarantee your spot, especially if you are planning to visit right around the holidays or on the weekends.

Where: 5th Ave (between 49th and 50th Streets)

Pricing in 2024/2025season: Adult rates start at $21 but increase to $46-65 as it gets closer to Christmas. If you don’t own skates, add an extra $12 to rent a pair.

Winter Village at Bryant Park

With the arrival of holiday season in NYC, Bryant Park transforms into Winter wonderland. With many Pop up shops, the only free skating rink and many events, the village is one of the top places to visit around Christmas.

Winter Village at Bryant Park is now open for the 2024/2025 season and will stay open through March 2nd, 2025. The skating rink is open daily 8 am-10 pm. Admission is FREE, but if you don’t have your own skates, you can rent a pair right there, and it will cost you between $18-55 depending on time of the day.

Where: 40th to 42nd Streets between 5th & 6th Ave.

Check out store window displays

NYC goes all out for Christmas and that holds true especially for big department stores with their over the top window displays. They are quite spectacular and often have a theme. Walking around Manhattan and admiring them is a great free activity in this otherwise expensive city. Unveiling the displays is an event on its own, and that takes place between the mid and end of November.

Here are some of the best window displays and decorations in stores. A lot of them are located along the famous 5th Avenue and nearby, so you can start at Bergdoff Goodman and make your way down. Or make Macy’s your first stop and start heading Uptown.

• Saks Fifth Ave – 611 5th Ave
• Tiffany & Co – 727 5th Ave
• Bergdoff Goodman – 754 5th Ave
• Bloomingdale’s – 1000 3rd Ave
• Macy’s – 151 West 34th St
• Hudson Yards – 20 Hudson Yards

One of the most popular traditions during Christmas in NYC, was the light show at the Saks Fifth Avenue store in Midtown. Sadly, the department store just announced, that it’s canceling the annual show in the 2024 holiday season.

Giant ornaments in Midtown

Some of the most photographed ornaments can be found in Midtown Manhattan, right across the street from Radio City Music Hall. The over sized, red ornaments sitting on top of a fountain surrounded by trees covered in lights are especially magical at night.

Where: 1251 6th Avenue building (Exxon Building) across from the Radio City Music Hall.

See Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular

Seeing a show is a must if you are in New York City basically year round. But Christmas in NYC means there are some holiday classics not to be missed. The most iconic show, dating back to 1933, is of course Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The 90 min show (without an intermission!) does live up to its name, as it really is spectacular with dazzling decorations and amazing costumes.

Being the most popular show to see in New York City during Christmas season, it does sell out early, so making arrangements way in advance is not only recommended, but absolutely necessary. The opening day is on November 17, 2024, and the show runs through January 5,2025.

You can book your Rockettes Christmas Spectacular tickets here.

If you do miss out on getting tickets to The Rockettes, the good news is, that there are more holiday shows in NYC to choose from: The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and A Christmas Carol at Lyceum Theatre.

Stop at Rolf’s restaurant

A lot of bars and restaurants decorate around the holidays, accents around the holidays, but not many can compete with Rolf’s, a German restaurant in Gramercy Park. Rolf’s takes festive to a whole new level, with its inside literally dripping in Christmas decorations. Thousands of lights and ornaments cover what seems like every inch of the restaurant. The process of putting them up takes about 6 weeks, and costs the restaurant about $60,000.

Being one of the most festive spots during Christmas in NYC, the restaurant is insanely crowded, especially on the weekends leading up to the Holidays. Whether it’s for food, the ambiance, getting that perfect Instagram shot, or all of the above, scoring a table at Rolf’s is not easy. If you are determined to dine there, making a reservation is a must, otherwise prepare for a long wait. You can always opt for a glass of Mulled wine or Christmas themed drinks at the bar, which might be a bit easier.

PRO TIP: If you can’t get in or don’t want to deal with crowds, visit Rolfs after the holidays. The Christmas decorations stay up till some time in Spring.

Where: 281 3rd Avenue (Gramercy Park at 22nd Street and 3rd Avenue)

Other Christmas themed bars and restaurants in NYC

While Rolf’s is one of the most famous Christmas restaurants in NYC, there are more Holiday themed bars and restaurants you can visit. Here are a few to choose from:

• Frosty’s Christmas Bar New York
• Oscar Wilde
• Lillie’s Victorian
• Miracle on the 9th Street
• Peter’s Tavern
• Papillon Tavern

Just like with Rolf’s, if a place takes reservations, I recommend making one, as soon as you have your travel dates. Christmas in NYC is really busy, and these Holiday themed establishments are really popular.

More things to do during Christmas in NYC

• Top of The Rock – while taking a look at the Rockefeller Tree, why not go up the Rock for some of the best views of New York City.
• One World Observatory – another great place to enjoy 360 degree views of NYC from the 102 floor of the building.
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour – a great way to explore the city, with over 40 stops, including the most iconic spots in NYC.

READ NEXT: 12 Free things to do in New York City

Click on the Pin below to save for later!