Guide to Christmas in NYC: Things to Do & Practical Info

I have spent more Christmases in New York City than I can remember. Since my mom is from the Big Apple, we would make the Transatlantic Christmas flight from London almost every year when I was a child. Even now, I still make the pilgrimage from Copenhagen to NYC at this time of year whenever possible. 

Plenty of movies have showcased the magic of NYC at Christmas, from Home Alone to Elf. Unsurprisingly, visiting the Big Apple at this time of the year is on many people’s bucket lists—maybe even yours. Let me say with confidence: This really is the “most wonderful time of the year”. 

The overwhelming majority of my trips to New York have been at Christmas, and as a result, I have a local’s level of knowledge. In this guide, I’ll bring everything together to help you plan a memorable trip. You’ll discover the best things to do, along with my top tips for enjoying the Big Apple. 

Things to Do in NYC at Christmas

While NYC is a year-round city, the Holiday Season offers plenty of fun activities. I’ll provide Christmas-specific tips for each of the recommendations I mention below. 

1. Visit the Top of the Rock at Night

In my opinion, the Top of the Rock offers the best views of NYC. I had already visited a few times before, but I was impressed at how much had changed when my girlfriend and I went in December 2024. Besides the view, you can now experience that iconic Beam photo in a separate experience. 

When visiting NYC for Christmas, I recommend visiting the Top of the Rock at night. The Big Apple’s skyline is mesmerizing when the building lights twinkle, and since the days in December are short, going at night allows you to do other stuff during the day. 

The Top of the Rock is open on Christmas Day, meaning you can come here if you want something interesting to do when many other places are closed. Booking your tickets in advance is a good idea; be prepared to wait in a queue outside. 

When visiting the Top of the Rock, you’ll need to go through a security check. Only small bags are allowed. The wind was also brutal when we went up there in December; dress warmly and bring a good pair of gloves. You can book tickets below.

If it’s too cloudy to see anything from the observation deck, you can rebook your tickets for another day free of charge. 

2. Go Clothes Shopping

I normally don’t like shopping, but doing so in NYC just after Christmas is a good idea. I often save a large chunk of my shopping for my annual trips to the Big Apple; the clothes I get are nice souvenirs, and the VAT rate is significantly lower than in Denmark. Sometimes, the exchange rate is also favorable. 

You can find pretty much everything you want in NYC, so allocate a day or so to shopping if this is your thing. I rarely go to Macy’s, to be honest, but it’s nice to see once if you’re in NYC for the first time. Virtually every major brand has an outlet somewhere in the Big Apple; check holiday opening hours before visiting. 

Besides clothes shopping and department stores, you can find plenty of places to buy gifts for your loved ones. 

Good to know: Clothes prices in NYC are listed without tax included. If you’re visiting from Europe, keep this in mind.

3. View NYC From the Water

Seeing NYC from the water is an absolute must, regardless of when you visit, but I really like the cold winter air in particular. You’ll get some amazing views of Manhattan and its iconic skyline, and the lighting is perfect at this time of year. 

Plenty of boat tours run throughout NYC. My personal favorite is this Circle Line cruise, which I took for the first time in 2002 and have been back on numerous times since. You’ll see all the Big Apple’s most iconic sights from the water. 

The Staten Island Ferry, which is free, is another option. Rather than one or the other, I recommend taking both. Note that the Staten Island Ferry terminal can get very crowded, especially if you’re there at rush hour. It’s worth thinking twice if you’re claustrophobic. 

4. Go Ice Skating 

Ice skating is one of the most quintessential NYC Christmas activities, and it’s an absolute must if you’re in the Big Apple at this time of year. The moment you put your skates on, you’ll feel like you’re the star in your own movie. 

While the Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular places to skate in NYC, it’s not your only option. If I were to pick one, I’d say that Central Park is the best. I have many happy childhood memories skating here. 

The Wollman Rink is the most famous ice rink in Central Park, and it’s open throughout the season. However, I used to go skating at the Davis Center—close to Harlem Meer. This is an excellent place to skate if you want more of a local vibe. 

Besides Central Park and the Rockefeller Center, you can also ice skate in Bryant Park. The Bryant Park Winter Village is nice in general, too. 

5. Spend a Day in Brooklyn

While there are more than enough fun things to do in Manhattan for multiple trips, I recommend seeing other parts of NYC when you visit. Dare I say, I actually prefer Brooklyn to Manhattan. 

While one day isn’t enough to see *everything* in Brooklyn, you can cover quite a lot. Brooklyn Brewery is a must if you like craft beer, and Williamsburg is also great for walking around. The highlight of the day for me, however, was going to Domino Park and the waterfront route here at sunset. 

Brooklyn is huge, and as a result, you’ll need to plan how you’ll get there in advance. If you also want to see the Brooklyn Bridge Park and DUMBO, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an option. However, I suggest doing this earlier in the day; it was incredibly crowded when we went at sunset. 

When visiting Brooklyn, it’s very easy to visit both Domino Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. They’re just over 20 minutes away from each other on foot. 

6. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza is one of the first things many people associate this time of year with in the Big Apple. And if you happen to find yourself in NYC for Christmas, stopping here for a picture or two is a good idea. 

You don’t need to spend too long here, but it’s worth seeing anyway. Plus, you can double it up with a visit to the Top of the Rock or the ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center. You don’t have to pay a fee to see the tree. 

7. Eat Your Way Through NYC

The weather in New York City can get a bit chilly at Christmas, and if it gets too much for you, there’s no better thing to do than eat your way through the city. Nowhere on the planet has as many good food options, and even after 15+ visits, I’m still working my way through NYC’s best places to eat. 

Regardless of the cuisine you’re after, you will find a place for it in NYC. Trying at least one bagel is a must; Apollo Bagels is great, and we also enjoyed Bagels & Schmear. There are plenty of delis throughout New York offering great sandwiches, too. 

Depending on where you are, have a wander around the neighborhood and see what takes your fancy. For absolute musts that you already know you want to try, I suggest booking in advance. 

Besides finding places to eat yourself, you can also join plenty of food tours in the Big Apple, such as this one. These are a great way to learn more about the food and cuisines you’re eating, along with their connections to NYC. 

8. Find Your Favorite NYC Christmas Movie Filming Spots

One of my favorite things to do in NYC is look for filming locations in my favorite movies. I don’t do this anywhere else, but this city has been filmed so many times that it’s pretty much an automated response. 

With so many Christmas movies from NYC, you definitely won’t be bored in this respect. For example, the Empire State Building features in Elf—as does the Rockefeller Center. 

In addition to looking for these locations yourself, you can join tours that’ll take you to some of the city’s most iconic filming spots.

Useful Things to Know When Visiting NYC for Christmas

Besides knowing what to do in NYC at Christmas, it’s worth knowing the most important practical information. Below, I’ve added the most essential ones to ensure that you’re fully prepared. 

1. Snow Isn’t Guaranteed

While it’s true that NYC covered in snow is magical, it’s not guaranteed. I’ve been to the Big Apple for Christmas in some years and encountered massive blizzards, along with freezing temperatures. However, it has also sometimes felt more like spring than winter. 

I always say that treating snow in NYC at Christmas should be the same as going to Iceland for the Northern Lights. It’s a bonus, rather than something you should plan your entire trip around. 

2. Table Reservations Are a Really Good Idea

Restaurants are pretty busy around Christmas and leading up to New Year’s, even though many locals are out of town. As a result, you should book tables for any restaurants and upscale bars that you know you want to visit. 

Booking these tables as soon in advance as possible is wise. You can usually do so via the website. More low-key spots may not need reservations, but I still suggest booking those in advance so you have a 0% chance of being disappointed. 

3. Decide if You Want to Stay for the New Year

I personally think that the week between Christmas and New Year is one of the best times to visit New York City. So, it’s worth thinking about how long you’d like to stay for.  

There are plenty of things to do in NYC around New Year’s Eve, though I must admit I quite enjoy having a relaxed evening inside. We briefly considered seeing the ball drop at Times Square last time I visited, before then deciding we’d watch it on TV at our hotel instead. 

If you do stay in NYC for New Year’s and want to do something on New Year’s Eve, booking in advance is a very good idea. 

4. The Days Will be Short

The days around Christmas are the shortest of the year, with just over nine hours of daylight. Planning your activities around this is wise; if you need help, I’ve written a separate 5-day NYC itinerary to help you. 

While the days are short, the lighting is at least pleasant. It’s very soft at this time of the year, meaning that your photos will look nicer. 

5. Expect Crowds

If you were visiting NYC at Christmas to escape the crowds, I’m afraid to say that you’ll be disappointed. The city is busy throughout the year, and you will still need to deal with big crowds. 

While NYC being so big means that there are a lot of people, it also means you can find a number of quiet spots if you want some time to yourself. For example, I really like Roosevelt Island. Central Park is big enough to get lost in, too. 

6. Many Stores Will be Closed on Christmas Day

While some attractions are open on Christmas Day, many are not. Moreover, the majority of big stores and chains will be closed. 

When planning your itinerary, double-check to ensure that everything you want to experience is open on the days you’re in NYC. 

Where to Stay for Your NYC Christmas Trip

I suggest staying in Manhattan, and preferably, as centrally as possible. We stayed at the Prince Kitano New York hotel in Midtown on our most recent Christmas trip, and I can fully recommend it. The hotel is Japanese-themed, and our room was very comfortable. 

The hotel is within walking distance of many of New York City’s big attractions, including the Rockefeller Center. Moreover, it’s right next to Grand Central Station. 

Despite being in Midtown, the hotel was quiet. Moreover, the soundproofing was pretty good. It pretty much hit all the green checkers for what I was looking for in a hotel on this trip. 

Top Tips for Visiting NYC at Christmas

To help you plan for your trip even better, I’ve added some more of my top suggestions for visiting NYC at Christmas. 

1. Pack Multiple Layers

I made a big mistake on my previous trip to NYC by only packing for the coldest possible weather. This worked for the first few days when it was around 14ºF, but not so much when it quickly changed to 59ºF a few days later. Let me say with confidence: Walking around in a wool turtleneck in the latter weather is not fun. 

Dressing in layers is a good idea for your Christmas trip. That way, you’re prepared for all scenarios. Moreover, you can easily add or remove layers as and when you need to. 

2. Start Your Day Early

Since the days are short, I suggest being out of your hotel pretty much as soon as the sun rises. With so many things to see and do in NYC, you’ll be very active. We averaged over 20,000 daily steps on each of the 5 days we were most recently in the Big Apple at this time of year. 

If you aren’t eating breakfast at your hotel, starting your day early is an even better idea. Consider beginning your day in Central Park and then going for some brunch somewhere else after. You can grab a coffee on the way, too. 

Another benefit of starting your day early is that you can see New York City slowly wake up (well, it wakes up quite quickly, actually). Doing so is a very rewarding experience. 

3. Book Your Flights and Accommodation Well in Advance

Christmas is one of the most popular times to visit, and as such, flights and accommodation will cost a lot of money. Booking well in advance is essential, especially if you want to get a good deal. You can check and compare flights to NYC on Skyscanner. 

I’d suggest buying your flights no later than 2-3 months before you travel if you’re visiting from outside the US. As for accommodation, getting your hotel booked as soon as possible is wise. Many offer free cancellation, so it’s low-risk, high-reward. 

Final Thoughts

Christmas in NYC really is just as amazing as you thought it would be. Even after experiencing it so many times, I still love spending time in the Big Apple at this time of year. I strongly recommend coming here during this period, too; you won’t regret it. 

Planning your trip will require some research on your end, but now that you’ve read this guide, you should have all the practical information you need. Moreover, you now have a better understanding of the best things to do.

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