Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 29, 2022
It’s no secret that New York is one of the world’s most magical places during the holidays. Whether you’re splurging on a much-needed vacation or going for a day trip on a budget, here’s 11 magical Christmas activities in NYC that you won’t want to miss this holiday season! This handy guide shows you what to see, what to do, and where to eat for a festive experience of a lifetime.
Iconic Holiday Window Displays
The city’s ornate Christmas window displays are revealed before Thanksgiving and remain through the New Year. Holiday displays at Macy’s at Herald Square, Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street, Saks Fifth Avenue at 50th Street, and Bergdorf Goodman at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue capture the essence of New York City during the Christmas season.
Insider Tip: If you visit Saks between 5 pm and 11 pm, you can see the holiday light show before or after viewing the window displays. Projected onto the Fifth Avenue façade, the spectacle showcases thousands of lights synchronized to Christmas music. Exclusive experiences are also available.
Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square
After you’ve seen Macy’s breathtaking Christmas window displays, step inside Macy’s historic Herald Square location and head to the eighth floor for a visit with the man himself.
At Macy’s Herald Square, Santa Claus will accept visitors from the end of November through Christmas Eve.
Insider Tip: You can make Santaland reservations five days in advance, so plan ahead for your time with Santa. It’s the perfect activity if you’re traveling with children!
Before saying hi to Santa, check out the indoor light show at Macy’s. Photo credit: Jim, the Photographer
Dyker Heights: Brooklyn’s Most Festive Holiday Neighborhood
You won’t want to miss Dyker Heights Christmas Lights! This enclave in southwestern Brooklyn turns up the holiday charm after Thanksgiving, as residents embellish their homes with thousands of holiday lights and life-sized reindeer, snowmen, nutcrackers, Santas, and other holiday characters.
Often called “Dyker Lights,” this Christmas extravaganza is a tradition and worth the trip on the D or R train. The over-the-top displays can be seen on houses between 11th and 13th avenues and 83rd to 86th streets in Dyker Heights. Christmas Carols may accompany the décor!
New York Botanical Holiday Train Show and GLOW
Want to explore a delightful miniature version of New York City, complete with toy trains? Hop the subway to The Bronx to see the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show. The garden is transformed into a mini train station with replicas of more than 190 NYC landmarks constructed from vines, berries, and twigs. This tradition has been enjoyed for over 30 years!
In 2021, the NYBG started a new holiday tradition: GLOW. This impressive Christian light display allows visitors to immerse themselves in an illuminated garden after dark! Don’t miss this exciting event while you’re in the area.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
One of the most iconic holiday attractions in New York, the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree presides over Rockefeller Plaza. It draws millions of people every Christmas season. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree has been a New York tradition since 1931, and is lit with more than 50,000 lights and a Swarovski crystal star on top.
Insider Tip: Since thick crowds are par for the course, the best time to visit the tree is early morning or late evening.
While there, don’t miss the other Christmas decorations on and around Rockefeller Center, arguably some of the most fabulous in New York City!
Holiday Shopping on Fifth Avenue
Start at Bergdorf Goodman at 58th Street and meander south to Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Gucci, Prada, and other flagships of luxury brands. Even if that Harry Winston necklace isn’t in the budget, it’s fun to browse and admire the holiday décor inside and out at these quintessential shops on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the giant UNICEF snowflake suspended at the 57th Street intersection and shining over Fifth Avenue.
The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes are synonymous with Radio City Music Hall, and the storied troupe shines its brightest in the Christmas Spectacular. This holiday extravaganza showcases the 36 high-kickers and more than 100 other performers, including singers, dancers, actors, and a live orchestra playing the production’s original score.
The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
If your Christmas isn’t complete without visions of sugar plums dancing in your head, look no further than New York City Ballet’s Nutcracker. Performed at Lincoln Center from November 25 to December 31, this full-length ballet tells the story of a little girl and her beloved nutcracker toy, proving that dreams can come true.
Featuring a score by the famed composer Tchaikovsky and choreography by George Balanchine, not to mention the elaborate sets and costumes, this enchanting production captures the true spirit of the holiday season in New York City.
Afternoon Tea at The Plaza Hotel
There’s nothing like a cup of tea on a chilly day, but there’s really nothing like a cup of tea at The Plaza Hotel–especially during the holidays when the hotel is decorated to the nines.
This celebrated property hosts afternoon tea daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Palm Court. Guests can choose from the Manhattan Tea, Signature Tea, or the upscale Grand Imperial Tea, which includes caviar and Louis Roederer Cristal. Tea sandwiches, tarts, custards, and a variety of teas from around the world round out this lavish culinary event at The Plaza Hotel.
Christmas Gift Shopping at the Holiday Markets
New York houses several unique outdoor markets for holiday shopping, so Fifth Avenue isn’t your only option in terms of gift buying. These pop-up marketplaces promise a chance to discover one-of-a-kind items from local artisans and craftspeople. If you love shopping for food gifts, don’t miss our ultimate guide to food markets in NYC!
Shop Columbus Circle, Union Square, and the all-time favorite: Bryant Park Winter Village, where you can ice skate in between shopping. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the lovely green space morphs into a lively winter village with a European feel and is incredibly alluring after dark. After skating and shopping, grab a bite and beverage at The Lodge, a rink-side bar and food hall.
Eat Christmas Eve Dinner
Many of New York’s top-tier eateries stay open on Christmas Eve. Some NYC restaurants serving Christmas dinner offer regular menus, while others feature fixed menus designed for the holiday. Here’s our complete guide to restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC.
For such a special night, we recommend the hip Whity Bar in The Whitby Hotel in Midtown; Tom Colicchio’s Craft in the Flatiron District, The Odeon in Tribeca, and Altesi in SoHo for some of the city’s freshest pasta.
But perhaps the most magical place to have Christmas Eve dinner in New York is Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Adorned with scores of lights and decorations and boasting its own 20-feet Christmas tree, the landmark restaurant will plate four delicious courses ranging from wild mushroom gnocchi to slow-roasted beef tenderloin with a grand finale of spiced eggnog crème brûlée. Yum!
Experience the Best of New York City on a Tour
Want to see the Statue of Liberty up close and tour historic Ellis Island? Book a spot on our next Fully Guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour!
Set sail across New York Harbor to meet Lady Liberty up close on this unforgettable Statue of Liberty tour. Choose between a quick two-hour express visit to Liberty Island or a more in-depth four-hour experience that includes the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island. With an expert NYC guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the fascinating history behind this iconic monument, enjoy stunning skyline views, and explore the powerful stories of the millions of immigrants who passed through these historic shores.
Featured Review: Fully Guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
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– Mark on GetYourGuide
Christmas in NYC Activities FAQs
When do the holiday lights and decorations go up in New York City?
The major displays along Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Center tree lighting typically begin just after Thanksgiving, so plan to arrive in early December at the earliest.
Which Christmas neighborhoods and markets should I see in NYC?
Don’t miss the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue, the glowing lights of the homes in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights, and the holiday markets at Bryant Park and other boroughs.
What are some must-see experiences for Christmas in NYC?
Iconic experiences include visiting Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square, watching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and seeing the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. All of these are popular and often sell out early, so book your tickets in advance if possible.
How should I handle crowds in NYC at Christmas?
Expect major sites to be very busy by afternoon; aim for early-morning visits to popular spots, book your tickets/reservations in advance, and build in buffer time so you’re not rushing through every activity.
What should I pack and wear for a December trip to NYC?
December in NYC can be snowy and chilly (often 4–10 °C/40–50 °F), so bring layers, sturdy shoes, and warm wraps (coat, gloves, and a hat), especially if you plan to walk outside at night.
