Whether you’re splurging on a much-needed vacation or hopping the train for a day trip on a budget, here’s an overview of fantastic and fun things to do for Christmas in NYC.
It’s no secret that New York is one of the world’s most magical places during the holidays. And with that magic comes bright lights, festive décor, and all the splendor of the season.
In Midtown, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree dazzles thousands of spectators while the Rockettes prance on stage to packed houses nightly at Radio City Music Hall. But that’s not all. Fifth Avenue’s bedecked windows, Santa Claus at Macy’s, outdoor holiday markets, and The Nutcracker ballet, are excellent reasons to visit New York City at Christmas.
See the Most Iconic Holiday Window Displays in New York
The city’s ornate windows 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 p.m. and 11 p.m., 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.
Visit Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square
You’ve seen Macy’s windows, so now it’s time to step inside this historic department store and head to the eighth floor, for you guessed it: a visit with the man himself.
At Macy’s Herald Square, Santa Claus will accept visitors from November 25 through Christmas Eve. You can make Santaland reservations five days in advance, so plan ahead for your time with Santa at Macy’s flagship in New York.
Tour Dyker Heights, Brooklyn’s Most Festive Holiday Neighborhood
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.
Go to the New York Botanical Holiday Train Show and NYBG GLOW
Hop the subway to The Bronx for this holiday presentation, on display from November 19, 2022, to January 16, 2023. The garden is transformed into a mini train station with replicas of more than 190 NYC landmarks constructed from vines, berries, and twigs.
While the Holiday Train Show at the Botanical Garden has been around for over 30 years, a new holiday tradition in NYC began several years ago. NYBG GLOW allows visitors to immerse themselves in an illuminated New York Botanical Garden after dark.
Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
An iconic holiday attraction in New York, this towering tree presides over Rockefeller Plaza, drawing millions of people every Christmas season. In 2022, the tree will be lit the night of November 30th and will stay lit from 6 a.m. until midnight every day, with the exception of Christmas when the lights will twinkle for 24 hours, and on New Year’s Eve when the lights will be on from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Since thick crowds are par for the course, the best time to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas 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.
See the Radio City 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.
Attend a Performance of 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.
Have 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, 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.
Buy Christmas Gifts 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.
Shop Columbus Circle, Union Square, and the all-time favorite: Bryant Park, 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.
For such a special night, we recommend the hip Whitby Bar in The Whitby Hotel in Midtown; Bar Boulud on the Upper West Side to savor several courses of Daniel Boulud’s French fare; 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!
Tracy Kaler is a freelance journalist focused on travel, food, wine, and design. She fell in love with New York as a child and began writing about the city when she moved there in 2007. When Tracy’s not glued to her laptop, she’s likely planning her next food-filled adventure, uncorking a bottle of red, or wandering the streets of NYC.
