Christmas in New York

The glittering decorations on every corner, encounters with Santa Claus, the most magnificent Christmas tree in the world, wonderful toy stores, beautiful ice rinks, heartwarming traditional songs, hot chocolate, and the snow that transforms the landscape into a pristine white... There's no doubt: New York is the most magical city to celebrate Christmas ✨

If you don't know when to visit New York, experiencing the Big Apple during the Christmas holidays is a great idea. Nonetheless, there are many things to do and see during this time. To maximize your experience, here's a list of must-do activities for Christmas in New York, along with some tips for a successful celebration!

Here are some practical tips to better enjoy your Christmas in New York.

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Are you planning to visit New York during the Christmas holidays but you're not sure what to do in the Big Apple at this time of the year? In December, enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city as Christmas approaches, skate on the ice rinks of New York, stroll through Christmas markets, take in the skyline and city lights from the top of the Empire State Building, admire the window displays of the major department stores, and attend a Christmas show or a musical in New York Don't forget to book your activities before your departure to avoid disappointment!

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A very tall tree over 20 meters, adorned with 50,000 lights of all colors and a beautiful crystal star, that's what awaits you at Rockefeller Center. Hidden among Manhattan's skyscrapers, this grand plaza is a must-see during your stay in New York.

If you're around during Thanksgiving in November, it's the Wednesday after this celebration that the Rockefeller Center tree lights up for the first time This tradition has been ongoing since 1933. But whether you witness this first lighting or not, the most spectacular Christmas tree in the world deserves at least one visit.

For information, the tree lights up every evening from the end of November until early January, from 6 PM until midnight. Exceptionally, on December 25th, its lights shine all day long. By the way, this is the perfect time to admire the beauty of the tree in peace, as it's the only day during the holidays when the city calms down a bit. On other days, tons of tourists rush here to take photos, shop, or skate ⛸️

New York resembles the North Pole at the Santa Claus Winter Wonderland It's the place to be to live out your childhood dream: meet Santa and hop aboard his sleigh. You'll also find amazing lights and assorted decorations, including beautiful Christmas trees; although none can surpass the one at Rockefeller Center.

This place opens its doors from mid-November to mid-January. Take advantage of it to soak in the holiday magic. There's also a delicious menu featuring burgers, salads, mini hot dogs, and charcuterie, all accompanied by warm drinks and cocktails

Not sure what to do in New York during the holiday season? At Christmas, people head to Radio City Music Hall for two reasons: its dazzling decorations and the Christmas Spectacular featuring the famous Rockettes ‍♀️, a grand show in the spirit of America. This performance first took place in 1933 and has continued to gain fame since. With its light displays, beautiful music, harmonious dance moves, and a touch of humor, families find enjoyment here! This grand spectacle attracts many visitors, so I highly recommend you book your tickets in advance to ensure you get a seat!

Click here to book your tickets for the Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes!

To fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, attend the Harlem gospel celebration. This live gospel concert takes place on the evenings of December 24th and 25th in a church in this historic neighborhood of New York. For around $20 per person, let yourself be carried away by the lively rhythms of authentic American gospel!

If you love skating, you're in the right place in New York. The city is full of awesome spots to enjoy peaceful ice skating.

After admiring the famous tree, there's nothing better than a little skating session at Rockefeller Center. Right beneath the tree is a temporary ice rink. From late November until March, you can glide and stroll in skates amid a captivating setting

Note that the Rockefeller Center ice rink is quite small. Thus, you may have to wait a long time to access it. I suggest going early in the morning or late at night if your hotel is nearby. However, a nighttime skating session is preferable if you want to both skate and admire the sparkling lights of the location ✨

Wollman Rink is the name of the charming ice rink in Central Park, one of the most beautiful in the Big Apple. It's the perfect place to skate amid lush nature while admiring the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan. Located in the southeast corner of the park, this rink welcomes you from late November through April, covering the entire winter and beyond. Skating here is a great way to stay active and fight against the biting cold in New York

After your skating sessions, don't leave quite yet. Central Park is an iconic site worth visiting every time you come to New York, even if it's for the umpteenth time. Enjoy a stroll through this picturesque park to relive scenes from your favorite Christmas movies, including Elf and Home Alone 2. This nostalgic moment costs around $45. Yet, the memories it will leave you will be priceless

Alternatively, opt for an even more romantic activity by booking a guided carriage ride in Central Park! Capture your best photos and learn more about the park's history while admiring its most beautiful decorations during Christmas, all for only $18 per person for a 45-minute ride.

Click here to book your carriage ride in Central Park

Bryant Park, one of New York's most beautiful green spaces, transforms just for the holidays. From late October to early January, it takes on the name Bank of America Winter Village and features a large ice rink. Open for free access from 8 AM to 10 PM daily, the rink only closes in March. In the meantime, enjoy practicing your skating.

If there's one thing we love to do at Christmas, it's wandering through the lively and colorful markets. In New York, they are more beautiful and more numerous.

The Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg Winter Market is a two-in-one market brimming with delightful surprises:

Wander through creative stalls in search of rare antiques or surprisingly tasty treats!

Run by traditional artisans and local vendors, the Union Square Holiday Market stands proudly in the heart of Manhattan. It features about 185 stalls where you can buy all sorts of products. Candles, hats, scarves, decorations, handmade gifts, art... This market is overflowing with souvenirs to bring home.

But handmade crafts aren't the only things you'll find here. You'll also enjoy plenty of warm delights such as waffles, soups, and even cider. This gourmet stop is accompanied by live music

With nearly 80 vendors, the Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair is the largest Christmas market in New York. What's great about this Christmas market is that it offers a wide variety of products: clothing of all sizes, trendy handbags, artisanal jewelry, toys for the little ones, Christmas decorations, etc.

As a bonus: there's a fabulous light show every 30 minutes. Additionally, it is an indoor market, not outdoors. Thus, you won't be exposed to the cold while you stroll through its stalls. That's why I recommend this site for families looking to do Christmas shopping together

I absolutely love the market at the Bank of America Winter Village. Remember, it's in Bryant Park, just next to its ice rink. This combination creates a festive and friendly atmosphere. Moreover, the market is the gathering point for artisans and vendors from all corners of the world. They come together in 200 stalls designed like boutiques, filled with beautiful items: jewelry, decorative accessories, delicious treats, and warm drinks. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious churros, crepes, and pretzels

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market stands out from the others due to the wide range of products it offers. Run by over 75 artisans known for their craftsmanship, the stalls at this market are filled with all types of Christmas gifts There's something for everyone, from decorations, designer jewelry, household items, wooden objects, chocolates, and holiday treats. They also serve the best gingerbread around!

There's still so much more to discover in the Christmas markets of New York. A guided tour is a must to ensure you don't miss anything important. For around $50, familiarize yourself with local arts and crafts. Indulge in delicious traditional dishes accompanied by festive drinks ☕️

Click here to book your tour of the Christmas markets and lights

Decorating their windows has become a sort of tradition for New York's department stores. For decades, they have relied on professional decorators to stand out and showcase the most creative displays.

So, stop by Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue New York, or Tiffany & Co. The most surprising of them all is Macy's Santaland, a North Pole-like village right in the store. If you're visiting New York with family, be sure to take your children there to drop off their wish list to Santa

New Yorkers don't hold back when it comes to decorating their facades for Christmas. Several streets even hold competitions for the best displays. This is the case in Dyker Heights, a neighborhood in Brooklyn where the houses are particularly extravagant. It seems like a fountain of lights that serves as a movie set!

In this area, some homes sport discreet yet elegant lights. These houses create an interesting contrast with those adorned in more bling-bling style where oversized ornaments, large red bows, twinkling lights, elf figures, and Santa's sleigh intertwine across the facades. You can even find them on rooftops and throughout the gardens.

In short, this is the place to be if you want to experience the magic of Christmas the American way. The lights of Dyker Heights are indeed a must-see during your Christmas vacation in New York. A guided night tour is a must for an even more sensational experience. It's offered for around $40 per person

To book your guided night tour of Dyker Heights, click here

In New York, hot chocolate is the iconic holiday drink. We love it because it's delicious and warms us up. Whether you're a hot chocolate fanatic or not, the following spots are worth a visit:

After exploring the places I mentioned, take a cruise on a yacht where you'll enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while watching Christmas performances. For around $110 per person, embark on a discovery of New York's highlights from your boat while enjoying live jazz music and delicious Christmas cookies. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will be within reach!

Click here to book your Christmas cruise

Because hot chocolate doesn't replace a Christmas feast, I suggest heading to the best foodie spots in New York to savor a memorable holiday meal.

Click here to book your Christmas gourmet dinner cruise!

On the Saturday before Christmas Day, December 14, 2024, head to the Santa Convention, abbreviated SantaCon This extraordinary charity event takes place at Times Square. Starting at 10 AM, thousands of Santas roam the streets of the neighborhood on a pub crawl. Everyone can participate. If that's your wish:

Just like flight tickets, room prices soar as Christmas approaches in New York. That's why I recommend making your reservations as early as possible to find your where to stay in New York. Here are some suggestions to help you find the best accommodations.

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All in all, you've understood, a Christmas in New York promises to be magical. During this time, the city is adorned with lights, Christmas carols, and an incredibly festive atmosphere. It's undoubtedly the best time of the year to discover an even more dazzling Big Apple.