30 Magical Things to Do In New York City at Christmastime
During the holidays “The City That Never Sleeps” turns into a fairytale. Visiting New York City during Christmas has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. After finally visiting, I was smitten by the magnificent window displays, spectacular Christmas Trees, vibrant holiday markets, and breathtaking Christmas lights. It will keep you wanting to come back!
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30 Magical Things To Do in NYC At Christmastime:
1: The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center-
New York, the Nutcracker, and the New York ballet at the Lincoln Center… does Christmas get any more special than this? The Nutcracker Ballet is a truly magical experience.
2: Columbus Circle Holiday Market-
There are lots of 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. It’s located just outside Central Park. The artists and merchants sell food, clothes, artwork, and novelty crafts. I found a booth that sells homemade Christmas ornaments that are hand-made in a village in Ecuador. I love my NYC/Ecuador ornament.
3: Holiday Under the Stars, Shops at Columbus Circle-
This indoor shopping center has 14-foot stars hanging from the ceiling. The stars light up in synchronization with holiday music. The show happens on the half hour from 4 to 7 pm.
4: Central Park-
Visit Wollman Rink for ice skating or walk the park paths and take a look at the holiday lights and decorations. My favorite is taking a carriage ride. If it’s not too cold take a bike ride or bike tour in Central Park.
5: The Plaza Hotel-
Remember the hotel from the movie Home Alone 2… When little Kevin ended up alone in New York City at Christmas. He stayed at The Plaza Hotel. It’s beautifully decorated for the holiday season. You can only come into the lobby if you’re staying here or have a reservation at the Palm Court. They serve an afternoon tea every day from 10:30– 4. If you plan on going, I would make a reservation in advance.
6: Pulitzer Fountain-
The Pulitzer Fountain which is just a few steps away from the Plaza Hotel gets a fabulous makeover for the holiday season.
7: Holiday Sculpture Trail-
After leaving the Pulitzer Fountain head south towards Rockefeller Center. You’ll start to see the Holiday Sculpture Trail (giant toys) scattered on 5th Avenue.
8: Department store window displays-
Touring the NYC Christmas windows of the major department stores is always the highlight for me. When I was a little girl I dreamed of living in NYC and designing window displays. No one does holiday windows like New York City. It was a dream come true to see these amazing window designs! The Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows are the grandest of all the window displays. Each year they choose a different theme and the details are always amazing.
Some of the best window displays are:
Bloomingdale's, Barney's New York, Tiffany & Co, Henry Bendel, Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s at Herald Square.
9: The Peninsula Hotel-
One of the most decorated hotels in NYC. The decorations are both inside and out. They have hundreds of lights and garlands. Location: 700 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
10: St. Patrick’s Cathedral-
One of my favorite cathedrals in America. I love seeing it at Christmas time, don’t miss the nativity inside.
11: Saks Fifth Avenue music and light show-
This is a synchronized light and music display on the front facade of Saks Fifth Avenue. Music is played on speakers and lights dance around the building. The light show starts a few days before Thanksgiving and runs nightly through the first week of the new year. The show lasts about 4 minutes and runs every 10 minutes between 5-11 p.m. It can get really crowded, especially on the weekends. People were literally pushing each other in order to move. 😳
Before you leave visit the Saks Fifth Avenue Window Displays. Each year the store decorates their windows with sparkles and glitz around a particular story or festive theme.
12: Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree-
There is a beautiful 30-foot Christmas tree in its outside courtyard. I stopped for hot chocolate and a quick picture. The Lotte is a luxury hotel on the corner of 50th Street and Madison Avenue and was built in 1882.
13: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-
Rockefeller Center is Christmas Central! The Christmas tree tradition started in 1931 when Rockefeller Center workers pooled their money together to buy a Christmas tree. Today visiting the Christmas tree remains a quintessential New York experience. The Christmas Tree lighting usually takes place on November 30 and the Tree will be lit daily from 5 am-12 am.
14: The Rink at Rockefeller Center-
Skate beneath the twinkling lights of the Rockefeller tree. Make sure to get reservations in advance they sell out quickly.
15: Top of the Rock-
Come here for city views and to see the red and green-lit Empire State Building.
16: Visit your kid’s favorite stores-
American Girl Place New York, The LEGO® Store Fifth Avenue, FAO Schwarz, and a little further away is Harry Potter New York.
17: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes-
There is nothing quite like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. This is a must-do if you're visiting around the holidays. Since 1930 The Rockettes have graced Radio City Music Hall with their high kicks and Christmas festivities. All of the music will put you in the Christmas spirit. I went for the first time last Christmas and absolutely loved it.
18: Sixth Avenue Christmas Decorations-
On Sixth Avenue (Between 49th & 50th), across the street from Radio City are giant red Christmas ornaments, Christmas lights, and toy nutcrackers. Come earlier to have fewer people in your pictures.
19: The Grand Central Holiday Fair-
Located at Grand Central Terminal the Holiday Fair runs for six weeks and showcases 40 local artisan vendors offering one-of-a-kind products.
20: New York Public Library-
In front of the New York Public Library are two lions sporting wreaths. It makes a nice photo stop. Go inside to see the Christmas tree. I think the Christmas tree, in Astor Hall, is one of New York City's most beautiful.
21: Bryant Park-
During winter the park is transformed into a European-style Christmas market and is a popular place to get in the festive spirit. You can spend hours shopping and ice skating while admiring the Empire Star Building. This ice skating rink is free if you bring your own skates.
22: Angelina Paris Bryant Park-
Angelina’s has the best hot chocolate and a yummy French bakery.
23: Macy’s at Herald Square-
Macy's at Herald Square might be the most Christmassy place in NYC. Don’t miss the Macy’s Christmas window displays. They are my favorite! They often involve animatronics and always invoke childhood fantasy.
Go inside and check out the Christmas decorations. I always stop here to get an NYC Christmas ornament… They always seem to be on sale. Santa has been visiting Macy’s since 1926. The arrival of Santa has been the finale of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Macy's Santa was the star of the film A Miracle on 35th Street (Which is probably why I wanted to come for so many years).
24: Hudson Yards-
More than 2 million white lights illuminate Hudson Yards. I loved the shimmering string lights throughout The Shops. The Public Square has holiday trees and a beautiful hot air balloon display.
25: Chelsea Market-
You'll find dazzling lights along the exterior of the market and decorative presents, Christmas trees, and shiny ornaments.
26: Eat at Rolfs-
This German restaurant located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood knows how to do Christmas. The entire ceiling of the restaurant is covered in Christmas decor…over the top ornaments, icicles, etc.
27: Union Square Holiday Market-
You can purchase handmade goods from craftsmen and artists while munching on delicious snacks. It’s known for its eclectic array of stalls.
28: Washington Square Park-
A beautiful Christmas tree sits right under the Washington Square Arch.
29: New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree-
The New York Stock Exchange Christmas Tree dates back to 1923. With the adjacent Stock Exchange building lit in red and green, this Christmas tree and the Wall Street area are worth a visit this time of year.
30: Brooklyn's Dyker Heights-
This residential neighborhood takes Christmas pageantry to a whole new level. Each year, since one resident started the tradition over 30 years ago, homes of Dyker Heights deck out their homes with over-the-top Christmas and holiday displays. The best lights are from 11th Ave to 13th Ave and from 83rd to 86th Street.
