Giant Christmas lights New York City Christmas things to do NYC three day itinerary

50 Things To Do in New York City at Christmas

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!

Top Things to Do in New York City at Christmas

If you are planning a trip to New York City at Christmas and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. Grab your coat and mittens, a New York City Christmas is magical! The 5th Ave shops glimmer with decorations and the store windows come alive. Christmas markets, pop-up bars, and ice skating rinks emerge throughout the city. Christmas trees occupy street corners and pine fills the air. Even the Empire State Building gets into the holiday spirit with green and red lights. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal New York City Christmas bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your New York City Christmas trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read Things To Do in New York City

Macy's Christmas Lights New York City Things to do
Macy’s

Things to Do in and Around New York City at Christmas

Watch Santa come to Town in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Check out the nativity scene and Christmas Tree at the Met

Listen to Handel’s Messiah at the New York Philharmonic

Enjoy the Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental

See the Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center

Watch the Holiday Under the Stars light show at Time Warner Center

Browse the Christmas Market at Columbus Circle

Go ice skating at the Wollman Rink

Make a snowman or snow angel in Central Park

Go sledding in Central Park

Explore the Gingerbread Extravaganza at Le Parker Meridien

Check out the holiday decorations at The Plaza

Take a photo with the doorman at FAO Swartz

Grab a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3

View the window displays along 5th Ave

Buy some roasted chestnuts from a street vendor

Donate to the Salvation Army and watch them dance!

Watch the Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall Christmas New York City
Radio City Music Hall

Take a photo in front of the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center

Grab a coffee and view the ice skating rink from the Rockefeller Center Concourse

Watch the light show at Saks Fifth Avenue

Attend the New York Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Holiday Brass Concert

Browse the Grand Central Christmas Market

Go on an Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

See A Christmas Carol at Beckett Theater on 42nd Street

Take a photo in front of the Bryant Park Christmas Tree

Go ice skating in Bryant Park

Grab an apple cider and browse the Bryant Park Winter Village

Attend the Jingle Ball Concert at Madison Square Garden

See Elf the Musical at the Madison Square Garden Theatre

Have breakfast with Santa at Macy’s on 34th Street

Attend a Christmas Concert

Check out the Empire State Building’s red and green lights

Participate in the Santacon crawl

See the giant Christmas lights and ornaments on 6th Ave

Giant Red Ornaments Christmas New York City
Giant Red Ornaments

Stop in Sippin’ Santa’s Surf Shack for a holiday-themed cocktail

Have spiced eggnog at Rolf’s and check out the decorations

Browse the Union Station Christmas Market

Drink hot chocolate at Max Brenner Chocolate Bar

Eat Christmas Cookies at Milk and Cookies

Stop in Miracle on 9th Street for a holiday-themed cocktail

Tour the Whitestone Christmas Lights (Queens)

Check out Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science (Queens)

See the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)

Check out the Bronx Christmas House (Bronx)

Go sledding in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)

Tour the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn)

See the Hip Hop Nutcracker at King’s Theater (Brooklyn)

See the Nutcracker Rouge, adult only (Brooklyn)

Be sure to check the New York City Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things To Do in New York City at Christmas

Plan Your Trip to New York City

New York City Travel Guide

Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet, or pick up a New York City Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in New York City Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find to perfect property!

New York City Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Reject
Privacy Policy