New York City at Christmas – it captures our imaginations, makes us feel like anything is possible, and encourages us to lean into the magic. The bustling crowds, the parties and shows, the evergreens and twinkling lights all over the city, and the millions of stories of connection and redemption that exist… it is love and hope in one cacophony of humanity. New York City at Christmastime is one of my favorite places to be.
One of the beautiful things about NYC at Christmas is one of the biggest challenges, as well: there is so much to do!
But having done this a few times, there are a few tried-and-trues of enjoying the Big Apple at Christmas that you’ll want to plan on.
What to do in New York City at Christmas time
Table of Contents
Go Ice Skating in Bryant Park
This was incredibly touristy. Also, I did this by myself as no one else in my pack would join me. But I have NO REGRETS. Because this was also so much fun! It is hands-down one of the most memorable things I’ve done in New York City during the holidays.
When the weather is cold, Bryant Park, with all the Christmas shops around, nestled amidst red bows and Christmas trees, becomes one of the perfect Christmas vibes for me. To be on ice skates in the middle of it was like a daydream come true.Â
Next time I am going to make my group rent an igloo and get on skates with me. NO REGRETS.
See a Show
I mean, this is just an anytime you’re in New York City thing. There are shows everywhere.
One year, we did the Rockettes Christmas show. We’ve done off-Broadway plays that have been amazing, hit up TKTS to see what we could get for that night (An American in Paris and Something Rotten stand out), and even went online MONTHS in advance to get tickets to the one show we really wanted to see. You really can’t lose.
But, when in NYC, support the artists and the community that bring so much to the area. Go see something!
Watch the Christmas lights show at Saks Fifth Avenue
This is phenomenal. I honestly could not believe this the first time I saw it, so it’s worth the stop.
Folks line up on the street outside of Saks Fifth Avenue as the entire building dances and dings and blinks in precise choreography with Christmas tunes.
Last year, in 2021, they had over 700,000 lights and it costs in the millions to put this on.
It is truly breathtaking and simultaneously ostentatious and beautiful, as New York City does so well.
Visit Rockefeller Center
The big tree combined with the ice skating rink from Elf, it’s fun to see! We don’t ice skate here because this is where most tourists head and it gets pretty packed (plus, I am apparently the only one who will put on ice skates). But, particularly in tandem with St. Patrick’s cathedral (see below) and the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, it’s worth the meander.
Visit FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz is massively crowded at the holidays and, to be frank, always a touch disappointing when we go – in my daydreams I get to spend hours here, just like a kid, ogling the fairyland of toys. But usually, there are so many other people in there, too, that it requires a lot of navigating and negotiating.
Still, it is kind of a classic. (We don’t wait in line for the “Big” piano keys, but feel free.)
Get a Christmas Cocktail
The Plaza Hotel might be the most decadent and famous place in New York City to get a fancy Christmas cocktail. (Made even more famous by last year’s popular Christmas romance A Magical New York Christmas – which yes, I absolutely read).
But there are so many fun bars and spots to pop into for Christmas cheer. We enjoyed The Long Room for the ambiance and Lilly’s for the actual drinks on our last visits.
My friend who knows all things NYC always heads to Rolf’s at Christmas time, so put that on the list.
Side note: in the past we’ve done a food tour of NYC and I think that would be really fun at Christmas, too.
Eat Cheap & Delicious Food
Yes, we’ve always been to some really fancy and famous restaurants in New York City. They very rarely disappoint.
But the food we always crave and really remember is the cheap eats! Randomly walking off the cold, busy street into a steamy, small room that has only six tables to discover hand-pulled dumplings and a broth that stewed for days just can’t be matched.
There are so many websites and lists to help you find the smaller shops that are doing amazing things with food without the ego (and, usually, pricetag). Go find one of those!
Walk Around and Look at the Window Displays
There are so many great places in NYC to go do this: Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s. These window displays are truly art. I love looking at the creations and the worlds they contain, even if I can’t actually afford any of the items!
The next few activities are good at any time and in any season while visiting New York City, but definitely worth a mention…
Visit a Museum
New York City is home to so many famous museums. It is a shame not to pop into one for a few hours.
My favorite so far has been the Museum of Modern Art. Although, in general, I love classic and Renaissance art above all else (I have started collecting antique French figure sketches, to give you an idea), this museum was so impressive.
We couldn’t possibly see everything there is to see in one visit, but I thoroughly enjoyed not only the famous pieces but also discovering pieces of art I had never heard of but was moved by.
Walk through Central Park
Central Park is drenched in fame (and movie appearances), but it also has some phenomenal and heartwrenching history.
We took time to do a Free Walking Tour of Central Park last holiday season. It was pretty well-attended, but it was also riveting. I learned so much about Central Park I simply would never have learned without this experience.
Visit a Church or Two
Especially because it’s the season, and because of the reason, it feels quieting and centering to enter into some of the majestic churches in New York City. Escaping the noise and bustling street corners, filled with rampant consumerism, feels good. It feels healthy. Overhead, buttresses fly. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is particularly convenient for tourists but, really, take a moment to enjoy some quiet in a Holy place when you go.
I hope, if you haven’t yet, you get a chance to head to New York City for a magical Christmas. You will share the space and experiences with hundreds and thousands of other people but, from my memories, it has always been worth it. Who knows what holiday hope waits for you in a city known for its possibilities.
Like it?
Save it:
