Christmas in NYC brings to mind so many famous movies. Whether you want to see the NYC of Elf, Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street, Serendipity, or one of many Hallmark Christmas movies, you will be able to find it. The great thing is that the magic of New York City at Christmas is so much better than what you see in the movies. It’s boisterous, jollier, and so very much bigger!
NYC can be overwhelming under any circumstance, but trying to see everything with the Christmas crowds and NYC becomes a logistical nightmare.
Well, I am here to help! We have lived in a suburb of NYC for the past 25+ years and have taken our kids in every Christmas. I am well acquainted with Christmas in New York City and will give you a to-do list complete with subway lines to take.
Best Overall Christmas Experience: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree The heart of Christmas in NYC with the famous tree, ice rink, and angels.
Best Christmas Market: Bryant Park Winter Village A festive European-style market with food stalls, shopping, and ice skating.
Best Christmas Lights: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Entire Brooklyn streets covered in massive Christmas displays.
Best Christmas Show: Radio City Christmas Spectacular The Rockettes’ classic holiday show is pure NYC Christmas tradition.
Best Free Activity: Department Store Christmas Windows Macy’s, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman all create magical holiday window displays.
Best for Kids: Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden Mini NYC landmarks made from natural materials with trains running through them.
Best Photo Spot: Rockefeller Center + Saks Light Show The tree, angels, and light show all in one iconic location.
Best Things to Do in NYC at Christmas
Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Gardens
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Come see a miniature of NYC made completely out of natural materials. You can watch model trains travel past the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. These tiny buildings are so detailed and refined, and it is fun to guess from what materials they are made.This is a real hit for the kids!
The train show runs through to the middle of January, and purchasing tickets beforehand is a good idea.
Plan on 1-2 hours.
Macy’s Christmas Windows
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Macy’s at Herald Square might be the most Christmassy place in NYC. Macy’s decorates all of its windows with a new theme each year. They often involve animatronics and miniatures and always invoke childhood fantasy.
While there are many other options for Christmas department store windows, this is the place if you want to see the best year after year. It is one of the best parts of Christmas in NYC.
Plan on 30 minutes.
Go inside and take the escalator to the very top floor.
Santaland at Macy’s
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If you have ever watched a Christmas movie, you know that the real Santa is at Macy’s! In years past, going to see Santa could take up half of a day in NYC, but you can now make reservations! There is still a wait of 10-30 minutes, but it beats the old method. Click here for more information.
You and your kids will be delighted with the Christmas display surrounding the line. The main event, of course, is Santa! You can take your own pictures or buy a professional shot.
Plan an hour or two, depending on how quickly you can see Santa.
Plus you can get some great shopping done while you are inside Macy’s if you have some time to do it.
Walk 3 minutes to 34th Street-Penn station. Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 72nd Street -Broadway station.
Christmastime Lunch at Alice’s Tea Cup
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This whimsical tea shop is a great place to get lunch or tea. The menu has delicious treats that even the pickiest eater will eat. I really recommend the pumpkin scone, the Croque madame, and the rose and mint tea. For more information about where to eat in NYC, click here! If you still have room after your meal, you must try the best chocolate cake in New York, which is known for its rich and velvety texture. Many visitors claim it’s the perfect ending to any meal at this charming spot. Be sure to save some space for dessert!
Walk back to 72nd Street station and take the downtown 1 train (not the 2 or 3) to 59th Street Columbus Circle.
Christmas Light Show at Shops at Columbus Circle
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This indoor shopping center features 14-foot stars hanging from the ceiling. A musical light show happens throughout the holiday season. Even if you can’t get there in that time period, they are still worth seeing.
Plus you can get some great Christmas shopping done while you are waiting for the shows to start.
Plan on 15-20 minutes
Walk across the street to the corner of Central Park to 59th Street and Central Park West.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
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There are many holiday markets in Manhattan, and everyone has their favorite. This is one of mine. It always seems to be a little less crowded than others and offers similar products. Stroll around, do some Christmas shopping, and enjoy the Christmas feeling.
Tip: We always buy “No Chewing Allowed” chocolates. They are so very good.
Plan on 30 minutes
Walk to 59th Street-Columbus Circle and take the downtown D train to 47-50th Street-Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
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You have arrived at the mother of all Christmas displays! Rockefeller Center features a large Christmas tree, an ice rink, and angel sculptures. It will be crowded but so worth going. Take a picture in front of the tree, go ice skating or grab a hot chocolate at Magnolia Bakery.
Where is the Christmas tree in NYC? The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands at Rockefeller Plaza between West 49th and 50th Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The closest subway stop is 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center, served by the B, D, F, and M trains.
The tree usually arrives in early November and is lit during a televised ceremony in late November or early December. It normally remains on display through early or mid-January. Check the official Rockefeller Center website for the current year’s lighting date and daily hours before visiting.
This is one of the most crowded places in NYC at Christmas. For the best chance of seeing the tree without being surrounded by people, visit very early in the morning or after 10 p.m. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Tips for visiting Rockefeller Center:
I recommend going around 4:30 (just when it’s getting dark) or going around 10 pm. Both times are much less busy. Weekdays are also preferable to weekends if you want to avoid a crowd.
Ice skating is free at many other rinks around the city, including my favorite, Bryant Park. The rink at Rockefeller Center is on the pricey side, and there is often a long wait. But if you have always wanted to do it, it might be worth the splurge.
Walk to the area near the angel sculptures and look toward Saks 5th Avenue.
Saks 5th Avenue Holiday Light Show
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Saks has been doing large light displays on the facade of their building for the past few years. The music and light show is easy to see from parts of Rockefeller Center, so keep your eyes peeled to see when it starts!
Saks brought back the belovved light show in 2025 so stay tuned for 2026. Keep your fingers crossed.
Christmas Shows in NYC
See a Christmas Musical
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This is my favorite part about going to NYC. I love musicals! There is always a good Disney musical to take your kids to, and often there is a Christmas-themed musical like “Holiday Inn” or “The Grinch.”
Tips for seeing a Broadway show:
My favorite way to buy discount tickets is www.todaytix.com. It doesn’t require a long line or last-minute plans. The deals are as good as they get.
See the ultimate version of “The Nutcracker” at New York City Ballet if ballet is more your speed. This version is a feast for the senses and truly some of the most beautiful dancing you will ever see. If you have little ones, plan on going to a matinee where there will be lots of other little ones, and you won’t worry about noise.
See the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes
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The Christmas Spectacular might be for you if you would rather see over-the-top Christmas splendor. Music, dancing and even live camels are part of the celebration. Over the top in the best way, you will love this show. Plus, with 3-4 showings a day, there are many opportunities to fit it into your schedule.
This is another great Christmas market just steps away from Grand Central Station. It has wooden stalls set up that remind me of a German Christmas market. You can buy most of the same things here that you can buy at the Columbus Circle market, but there are so many more food options at Bryant Park.
In addition, you can bundle up and see if you still know how to ice skate. This rink is a fraction of the price of Rockefeller Center, and the surroundings are just as beautiful (it even has an enormous tree overlooking the rink!) Skating is free, but skate rentalsare an extra cost
Visit the Union Square Holiday Market
The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in NYC. Dozens of small vendors fill the park with ornaments, jewelry, artwork, food, warm drinks, and gifts that feel much more special than a standard New York souvenir.
Union Square feels more focused on shopping than Bryant Park, making it a good choice if you actually need to buy Christmas presents. It can become extremely crowded after work and on weekends, so visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon if you want enough room to browse.
The market generally opens in mid-November and runs through Christmas Eve, but check the current schedule before your trip. Plan on spending about 45 minutes to an hour here.
Getting there: Take the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, or W train to 14th Street–Union Square. Rolf’s is about a 10-minute walk away, making the two easy to visit together.
Go to lunch at Rolf’s
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You have to see this place to believe it! Visit Rolf’s to see the most over-the-top Christmas decorations ever. If you have been looking for Christmas activities in New York City, you have run into pictures of a Christmas wonderland. Rolf’s serves German food, and it is really good German food. To be able to enjoy it, you will need to get in line by 11 am on a weekday and prepare for a huge line on weekends.
If you aren’t hungry but want to see the place, grab a drink and enjoy the bar. The line is always shorter.
Free things to do during Christmastime in New York
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The great thing about New York at Christmas is there are so many free things to do. Here are my favorite in no particular order: Exploring cookie shops in New York City is a delightful way to indulge in the festive spirit. Each shop offers a unique twist on classic recipes, creating a sweet adventure with every bite. Don’t miss the chance to pick up a seasonal favorite to enjoy while strolling through the beautifully decorated streets.
Visit unique Christmas Trees in NYC.
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There are hundreds of beautiful and unique Christmas trees all over the city. My particular favorites are the Public Library, the angel tree at the Metropolitan Museum, the origami tree at the Natural History Museum, the paper crane tree at the Cathedral of St. John, the Rockefeller Center Tree, and the Bryant Park Tree.
Although Rockefeller Center tree lighting is a star-studded affair and draws huge crowds, most other trees in New York also have tree lighting ceremonies that are neighborhood affairs. Most have a countdown, refreshments, and carol singing.
The one in Central Park has lots for kids to do and is followed by a flotilla of trees down the Harlem Meer. Check here for dates and details, then go and feel the joy of the season with thousands of New Yorkers.
Hudson Yards is decorated for Christmas with gold lights everywhere. The mall at Hudson yards is litterally wrapped in Gold lights (2 million of them) and it is a fabulous place to grab a bite to eat and come in from the cold.
One of the best things to do in Hudson Yards is to catch some of their free live performances. The Toy Soldier Dancing Troupe is a great performance and a lot cheaper than going to see the Radio City Christmas Show. There are also band performances and a charming Mozart for Munchkins that helps kids enjoy classical music.
Plus you can get a view of the city all lit up for Christmas from the top of the Vessel just outside the mall.
NYC Christmas Windows
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Most major department stores in New York City spend large amounts of time and money on their Christmas window displays. The most incredible and kid-focused ones are always at Macy’s, and the enchantment grows from one window to the next.
Sak’s 5th Avenue does a Christmas light show in addition to its windows. We always make sure to stop there as it is very close to Rockefeller Center. In addition, we always enjoy Bloomingdales andBergdorf Goodman.
Christmas windows are a great way to feel festive without spending a dime. Plus, you get to celebrate with all the other New Yorkers!
Visit Dyker Heights
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Dyker Heights is an area of Brooklyn that puts on the biggest Christmas light display in the city. Private residents put up Christmas lights that fill every inch of their property, and many have different themes.
It is a great family activity because your kids love picking out their favorite houses. For maps and more information, click here.
Two days gives you enough time to see NYC’s biggest Christmas attractions without spending the entire trip running from one end of the city to the other. This itinerary groups nearby sights together so you can spend more time enjoying Christmas and less time riding the subway.
Day 1: Midtown Christmas Highlights
Morning: Macy’s and Bryant Park
Begin at Macy’s Herald Square to see the Christmas windows.
Visit Santaland if you are traveling with children. Reservations are required.
Walk to Bryant Park Winter Village for the holiday shops, food stalls and ice-skating rink.
Afternoon: Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center
Walk up Fifth Avenue to see the holiday windows and decorations.
Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral before crossing the street to Rockefeller Center.
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, angels and skating rink.
Walk around Radio City Music Hall to see the enormous ornaments and Christmas decorations.
Evening: See a Christmas Show
Finish the day with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Nutcracker or a Broadway musical. If you aren’t seeing a show, return to Rockefeller Center after 10 p.m. The crowds are often much smaller, and the tree is even more beautiful at night.
Day 2: Central Park, Christmas Markets and Dyker Heights
Morning: Central Park and The Plaza
Begin near The Plaza and walk through the southern end of Central Park.
Watch the skaters at Wollman Rink or make a reservation to skate.
Stop at Columbus Circle Holiday Market for shopping, snacks and hot chocolate.
Afternoon: Union Square Holiday Market
Head downtown to Union Square Holiday Market. This is one of the largest Christmas markets in NYC, with rows of vendors selling ornaments, gifts, food and warm drinks. It is a great place to buy something that feels more special than a typical New York souvenir.
Evening: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Finish your Christmas trip with the incredible lights in Dyker Heights. Entire streets are covered with enormous nutcrackers, glowing angels, moving decorations and thousands of lights. It takes time to reach Dyker Heights from Manhattan, so plan on spending most of the evening there.
My tip: If you are traveling with young children or everyone is tired, choose either Union Square or Dyker Heights instead of trying to squeeze in both. Christmas in NYC is much more enjoyable when you leave yourself time to stop for food, warm up and simply enjoy the decorations.
Where Does the Holiday Train Show Fit?
The New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show is in the Bronx and requires at least half a day once you include transportation. I would visit it on a third day or use it in place of the Central Park and Union Square portion of Day 2. Trying to combine the train show with a full day in Midtown will leave everyone exhausted.
What to Do in NYC on Christmas Day
Christmas Day in New York City is quieter than the days leading up to it, but there are still plenty of things to do. You can see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, walk past the Fifth Avenue decorations, explore Central Park, go ice skating, or visit the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights.
The Staten Island Ferry is another great Christmas Day activity. It is free and gives you wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. The ferry operates on a holiday schedule, usually departing every 30 minutes.
Some performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other holiday shows may be scheduled for Christmas Day. Tickets and ice-skating reservations should be booked well in advance.
What Is Open on Christmas Day in NYC?
Outdoor attractions such as Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and Dyker Heights remain accessible on Christmas Day. Some observation decks, skating rinks, restaurants, movie theaters, and shows are also open.
Many museums, stores, and holiday markets are closed. Macy’s is closed on Christmas Day, and the Union Square Holiday Market usually ends on Christmas Eve. Subway trains and buses continue running but follow a holiday schedule.
Restaurants that serve Christmas dinner fill up quickly, so make reservations before your trip. Always confirm Christmas Day hours directly with each attraction or restaurant because schedules can change from year to year.
Make sure you dress warmly to keep seeing all the awesome Christmas things!
When is the best time to visit New York City to see Christmas sites?
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Most Christmas events run from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. If there is something particular that you want to see, check before you go.
Where to stay for Christmas in NYC?
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If you are staying in NYC over Christmas, you want to ensure you are staying in a hotel that is as dressed up for Christmas as the city is! My pick for staying during Christmas has to be:
Ever since I saw Home Alone when I was little, I have been in awe of The Plaza. It seemed so fancy, so posh, and so New York. Well, The Plaza is all those things, but it isn’t quite as expensive as I had imagined. It is an iconic landmark in New York, close to midtown, and as Christmassy as it comes.
You will feel Christmas all over at the Plaza, starting with the lobby with an enormous Christmas tree in the center of it. The lobby is lined with lights, garlands, poinsettias, and more. The rooms are much larger than your standard New York City room and you can see the city’s dazzling lights out of your window.
When do Christmas decorations go up in New York City?
Most Christmas decorations in New York City start appearing in mid-November. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting usually takes place in late November or early December, and holiday markets typically open around the same time. Decorations remain up until early January.
What are the best free things to do in NYC at Christmas?
Some of the best free Christmas activities in New York City include visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, seeing the famous department store window displays, walking through Bryant Park Winter Village, exploring holiday markets, and viewing the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights.
Is New York City crowded during Christmas?
Yes, New York City can be very crowded during the Christmas season, especially around Rockefeller Center and the major holiday markets. Visiting early in the morning, late at night, or on weekdays can help you avoid the largest crowds.
What is the best Christmas market in New York City?
Bryant Park Winter Village is often considered the best Christmas market in New York City. It features dozens of holiday stalls, festive food, and a beautiful ice skating rink surrounded by the Manhattan skyline.
How many days do you need in NYC at Christmas?
Two to three days is usually enough time to see the main Christmas highlights in New York City. In that time you can visit Rockefeller Center, explore holiday markets, see the Christmas windows at Macy’s and Saks, and attend a holiday show like the Rockettes or The Nutcracker.
When is the best time to see Christmas lights in NYC?
The best time to see Christmas lights in New York City is from early December through Christmas week. Visiting just after sunset allows you to see the lights while avoiding some of the late-night crowds.
Want to visit New York City at a time other than Christmas?
NY is so beautiful at the holidays….looks like you had a great time.
Thanks for your comment Ellen. It is wonderful at Christmas!
Last time I saw Macy’s windows was 50 years ago. I will always remember how beautiful they were. Someday…