With so many holiday activities to choose from, New York City turns into a twinkling playground of festive fun. While the list of things to do could stretch as long as Santa’s naughty-or-nice list, there are a few standouts that make the season shine just a little brighter. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite well-known—and delightfully under-the-radar—holiday experiences. And of course, there’s plenty more magic waiting to be discovered beyond these.

Activities

Christmas in New York transforms the city into a festive wonderland.  I love to start with a hop on a holiday “cocoa and carols” yacht cruise to take in the city’s twinkling skyline. Aboard this 1920s-style yacht which is fully decked out in Christmas decorations, you can enjoy delicious hot cocoa, cookies, and Christmas songs performed by a live band. You’ll also get a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or beer to sip on while you sail past Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Financial District.

Christmas Shopping Markets:

Holiday markets like the Bryant Park Winter Village (125 boutique pop-up shops, an ice rink and other activities), Columbus Circle Market (80 shops), or Union Square Market (200 shops) offer a chance to grab handmade gifts, sip warm drinks, or simply wander among the festive booths and people-watch. For an indoor option, Grand Central Terminal’s market offers over 70 vendors—perfect for warming up while you shop.

Ice Skating

For those seeking more active holiday fun in NYC, there are several great options. Wollman Rink in Central Park offers a picturesque ice-skating experience surrounded by city views. The Rockefeller Center Rink is iconic, though it can get busy (and expensive). For something unique, check out the Winter Village at Bryant Park, where you can skate for free (with skate rentals available). The Edge also features a sky-high indoor ice rink with a thrilling view of the city from the 101st floor.

Window and Light Displays

New York’s famous window displays along 5th Avenue are a free treat you can’t miss. Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show and the spectacular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are nearby, making it easy to see both in one magical evening.

Hudson Yards also boasts two million twinkling lights, creating an enchanting display in the heart of Manhattan. 

For the adventurous, and those who want to be wowed, head over to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn for one of the city’s most elaborate Christmas light displays. Entire blocks glow with dazzling decorations, and each year the displays just get bigger and more over-the-top.

INSIDER TIP: The most popular way to see the Dyker Heights Christmas lights is by joining an organized tour. It’s a bit of a trek to take public transportation to Dyker Heights (which is about 45 minutes to 1 hour by train). With an organized bus tour, you’ll get comfortable roundtrip transportation. This will give you plenty of time to hop off the bus and follow your tour guide through the neighborhood. Plus, you’ll stop at the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights, where you can enjoy the view of the Manhattan Skyline before heading back to the Christmas market at Byrant Park. The best time to see the Dyker Heights lights is mid-December through New Year’s Eve, between dusk and 9:00pm, as most homes turn their displays off after 9:00pm.

Shows & Attractions

The holidays in NYC aren’t complete without seeing The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center—George Balanchine’s legendary choreography brings the holiday tale to life.

You can also explore the Bronx Zoo’s holiday lights, featuring intricate animal lanterns, (Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance. It typically takes about 2-3 hours to check out their light displays, shopping, and holiday activities).

Or take in the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens (Despite being in the Bronx—a 20-minute ride from Grand Central Terminal, this is a popular holiday destination, so expect large crowds 1 to 2 weeks before Christmas. The best time to go is when they open at the end of November and after the holiday season.  

If you’re a traditionalist, start with the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City, featuring the world-famous Rockettes, and blending timeless tradition with jaw-dropping choreography.

For something truly soulful, don’t miss the Harlem Gospel Celebration at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church—an uplifting way to experience the season. You’ll find yourself foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and signing along to the best Black gospel music of the season.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine hosts a Christmas concert that transforms the already ethereal space into a melodic holiday haven.

Fantastic Views

For the best views of New York City during the holiday season, head to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, where you can catch panoramic views of the skyline and the Rockefeller Christmas tree below. The Edge (at Hudson Yards) offers an unforgettable outdoor sky deck experience with breathtaking views of Manhattan. At 1,271 feet (387 meters), The Apex at the Edge NYC is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt gives a multi-sensory, glass-bottom view from 1,100 feet above the city, while One World Observatory at the World Trade Center provides 360-degree views of the city’s winter charm from its highest vantage point.

Festive Places to Eat & Drink

Warm up with a famous frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3, or for a more laid-back experience, head to Jacques Torres in Brooklyn for some of the city’s best hot chocolate. If you’re seeking festive ambiance check out the list to follow—just be sure to make reservations during the holiday season—the popularity of these spots makes them fill up quickly:

• Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, known for its grand Victorian-style interior year-round, this restaurant amps up the holiday spirit with ornate decorations.
• Oscar Wilde welcomes you to admire some of the best Christmas décor in an early 1900’s space that pays homage to Irish playwright, Oscar Wilde complete with over 300 varieties of whiskey.  On Sat & Sun come for brunch or afternoon tea, or come in the evenings for delicious food, craft cocktails, mocktails, and late-night bites.
• Rolf’s German Restaurant will charm you with its over-the-top holiday décor. Starting in November, the restaurant is transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with thousands of Christmas lights, ornaments, garlands, and massive nutcrackers.
• Pete’s Tavern is a classic spot in Gramercy, decked with twinkling lights and garlands, perfect for a cozy holiday meal. 
• Panna II Indian restaurant on 1st Ave is over-the-top festively decorated year-round, and offers delicious Indian food.
• Papillon Bistro & Bar, a French bistro located near Central Park, is festive with lights and seasonal decor, making it a great holiday dining spot.
• For cocktails, the Miracle Pop-Up Bar is a Christmas-themed cocktail bar that originated in New York City in 2014. It features over-the-top holiday decorations, festive drinks, and a cozy atmosphere. With locations across the globe, Miracle bars serve cocktails with playful names like the “Snowball Old-Fashioned” and “Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r.” The décor is whimsical and festive, making it the perfect spot for those who love holiday cheer. The bar is family-friendly before 7 PM, and afterward, it becomes 21+.
• Magic Hour at the Moxy Times Square is an indoor/outdoor bar with a festive (pink!) décor,  views of the Empire State Building, and themed drinks like pink hot cocoa.
• For drinks and dancing, head to the pop-up bar, Frosty’s, near Times Square.  A neon-decorated holiday party place.

Where to Stay

While staying at a hotel that goes all out for Christmas can definitely enhance your trip to New York, choose what fits your preference on location and budget.

Upscale:
Stay in the heart of the holiday magic at:

• The St. Regis (located in Midtown Manhattan alongside the Fifth Avenue shopping district).
• The Plaza for elegantly festive décor surrounded by luxury and tradition.
• Lotte New York Palace (located in Midtown). The hotel transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas time with lavish holiday decorations, twinkly lights, Christmas trees, and a holiday-inspired menu at its restaurants.
• The Peninsula New York is a luxury historic hotel located in Midtown East, close to MoMA, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center. The hotel has one of the best holiday displays in the city and goes all out with garland, lavish ornaments, winter flowers, and Christmas trees.
• The Langham is located on Fifth Avenue, between the Empire State Building and Bryant Park. This festive hotel is perfect for those who want to celebrate the holidays in central Manhattan. They offer a “Nutcracker Land of the Suites” package, which includes tickets to the Nutcracker ballet in NYC, a luxury car service to and from the show, a beautifully adorned Christmas tree in your suite, and more holiday-themed gifts.
• The Mark Hotel is located in the Upper East Side, which is perfect for those who want to celebrate Christmas in New York but get away from the hustle and bustle of touristy Midtown Manhattan. It’s near the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park.
• The Mandarin Oriental hotel is located in the heart of all things Christmas near the Columbus Circle holiday market and boasts incredible views of the skyline and Hudson River.

Trendy:
If you prefer something trendy:

• The Standard East Village is a luxury hotel located near Greenwich Village, NoHo, SoHo, and the Lower East Side. It’s perfect for those who want to stay in a trendy neighborhood near Christmas pop-up bars and tasty restaurants. The hotel transforms into a Christmas haven during the holidays with its highlight being the Winter Garden.
• The Ritz-Carlton is located near Central Park and transforms in a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. From the hotel’s Park View rooms and suites, you can check out a beautiful view of the skaters.
• The Roxy: While there are a few locations, the mid-town spot is right in the middle of the festive action near Times Square, has a rooftop bar, and a very social vibe.

Budget-friendly:
Keeping in mind that there isn’t much that is truly budget friendly in NYC, especially around the holidays, budget-conscious travelers might consider YOTEL Times Square or Pod Times Square for an affordable yet central stay.  A few more great choices are the Moxy (two locations), Solita SoHo Hotel, Millennium Downtown, and Hotel 32 32

Planning Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip, aim for 3-4 days to fully absorb both the classic tourist spots and the holiday magic. Yes, it’s cold and crowded, but that’s part of the charm!  To avoid missing out, make reservations for popular activities early. Pack comfortable walking shoes and layers to keep warm.

Happy travels!

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