Christmas in New York City is magical. There are so many timeless holiday traditions that make Christmas in New York City unlike any other city during the holiday season. There is a reason that this city has served as the backdrop for so many iconic Christmas movies like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, and Scrooged. Living in this city, I tend to stay away from midtown and the bustling tourist areas, but I make some exceptions during the holiday season.
In this guide, I will share tips for planning your itinerary, when to visit, my favorite places to see during the Christmas season in New York City.
SEE AND DO
For an efficient itinerary, I recommend starting your first day at Rockefeller Center in the afternoon and walking up Fifth Avenue toward Central Park to see the store front installations and hotel decorations lit up at night. On your second day, go ice skating in the morning, then head to Hudson Yards for the most stunning indoor shopping and decorations, and end the day viewing over-the-top neighborhood lights in Brooklyn. And, of course, Christmas in New York City is not complete without a stop (or two) at one of the many holiday themed bars. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know!
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree (49th Street and Fifth Avenue)
Tip: The tree is lit from 6am to 12am daily starting on December 1st. Skip the crowds by visiting in the early morning at dawn OR make the most of an evening visit by seeing the lights on Fifth Avenue afterward.
Fact: It is decorated with more than 50,000 lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star!
Radio City Music Hall (50th Street and Sixth Avenue)
Tip: Buy tickets to see the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The 90-minute show typically runs from November to January.
Giant Ornaments (49th Street and Sixth Avenue)
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree 
Radio City Music Hall 
Giant Ornaments
FIFTH AVENUE INSTALLATIONS
Giant Toy Installations (between 48th and 59th Streets)
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show (between 49th and 50th Streets)
Tip: The show runs every 10 minutes from 4:35pm to 11:35pm daily between the week of Thanksgiving and the first week of January.
Cartier Store Front (52nd Street)
Louis Vuitton Store Front (57th Street)
Bergdorf Goodman Window Displays (between 57th and 58th Streets)
The Pulitzer Fountain (59th Street)
Giant Christmas Toys 
Saks Fifth Avenue 
The Pulitzer Fountain
HOTEL LOBBY DECORATIONS
The Peninsula Hotel (55th Street and Fifth Avenue)
The Plaza Hotel (58th Street and Fifth Avenue)
Lotte New York Palace Hotel (50th Street and Madison Avenue)
Tip: Sadly, the courtyard tree at the Palace Hotel is not up for the 2021 holiday season due to construction, but it is my absolute favorite, so check back next year!
ICE SKATING
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity in New York City. The season typically begins in November and ends in March at these iconic rinks.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
More information HERE.
The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Tip: This is New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink! You technically have to pay for skate rentals unless you bring your own, though. More information HERE.
The Wollman Rink at Central Park
More information HERE.
HUDSON YARDS
Hudson Yards is the newest neighborhood in Manhattan and is located on the west side. The Shops at Hudson Yards are decked in glittering lights and light-up hot air balloons. Come here to warm up, go shopping, and grab a bite.
Tip: The lights are mesmerizing here, and it is not nearly as crowded as Fifth Avenue. Don’t miss this spot!
DYKER HEIGHTS
These are some of the most over-the-top neighborhood lights I have ever seen! Located predominately between 83rd and 86th Street and 11th and 13th Avenues in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Take the D train to 79th Street Station and walk from house-to-house OR drive through the neighborhood streets (but be prepared for traffic).
Tip: Plan to go between 5pm and 9pm.
HOLIDAY THEMED BARS AND RESTAURANTS
As always, I highly recommend making reservations in advance of your travels – check out Resy* and OpenTable**.
Rolf’s (Gramercy Park)
Pete’s Tavern (Gramercy Park)
Paddy Maguires (Gramercy Park)
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (Union Square)
Oscar Wilde (Nomad)
SERRA by Birreria (Nomad) **
Papillon Bistro & Bar (Midtown East) **
Miracle on Union at Thief (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Miracle on Ninth Street at The Cabinet (East Village) *
The Garret Cocteleria (Nolita) *
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
While many decorations start to go up in November and don’t come down until January, you are only guaranteed to see it all in December. Come anytime in December!
GETTING AROUND
While it may be tempting to hail a cab or call for a rideshare service, I recommend that you walk (my favorite option – always!) or take the subway. New York City is very busy during the holiday season and sitting in traffic + paying for surge pricing is no fun at all.
PACKING
The weather can range from morning-to-night and day-to-day during the month of December. Pack a warm coat that you don’t mind carrying around if you’re not always wearing it. Comfortable shoes are a non-negotiable. A mask will come in handy, too – for safety in the crowds and for blocking the wind!
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in New York City.
