Christmas in New York City sparkles. Twinkling lights, snowflakes, and energetic crowds are part of the fun. Millions of visitors — and locals like myself — can’t get enough of holiday attractions. There’s so much to see in New York during Christmas, from the spectacular tree at Rockefeller Center to the precision kicks of the Radio City Rockettes. But the fun and beauty of the season go way beyond that.
Get ready to celebrate Christmas in New York City with our guide to the best activities, food, and festive hotels in town.
What to do in New York City during Christmas
Rock around the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
Christmas in New York City wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Rockefeller Center – Photo courtesy of Matthew Penrod/ NYC Tourism
The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree transforms Christmas in New York City into a scene from a snow globe. Adorned with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a crystal-heavy Swarovski star, it’s holiday bling at its best.
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Find gingerbread magic
Gingerbread NYC invites professional and amateur bakers to design edible creations crafted entirely in gingerbread. Set in the Museum of the City of New York, you can feast your eyes on gingerbread versions of Big Apple attractions while you take in the aroma of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Celebrate Christmas in New York with trains
Christmas in New York City should include a visit to the holiday train show – Photo courtesy of Marlon Co. / New York Botanical Garden
I’ve been attending the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show for years and still get a kick out of it. Held inside the garden’s Victorian-style glasshouse, model trains chug around miniature New York City landmarks imaginatively recreated from plant-based materials such as bark, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks.
Shop for handmade gifts at a Christmas market
Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts surrounded by Beaux Arts grandeur at Grand Central Terminal’s indoor holiday fair. If you visit on a weekday, make like a local and pop into Grand Central Oyster Bar for briny bites.
Take a spin on the ice
Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge is a quintessential holiday happening – Photo courtesy of Alexa Hoyer
New York City has an abundance of ice-skating rinks throughout the holiday season. Lace up at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Roebling Rink with dramatic views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Central Park is home to two skating rinks. Glide around the oval at the Davis Center with the Harlem Meer as a backdrop or surrounded by skyscrapers at Wollman Rink.
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And of course, to feel the essence of Christmas in New York City, skate underneath the tree at the compact Rink at Rockefeller Center.
Let New York City entertain you during Christmas
Sugarplum fairies dance in New York City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – Photo courtesy of Paul Kolnik / New York City Ballet
Sugarplum fairies dance in George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center, and the Rockettes kick up a synchronized storm at Radio City Music Hall.
Lean into the spiritual with a gospel concert at one of the city’s many churches. In Harlem, the First Corinthian Baptist Church has a talented choir, and The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational church whose gospel ensemble has won Grammy Awards.
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For a trifecta of snacking, singing, and sightseeing, book Classic Harbor Line’s Cocoa and Carols 90-minute cruise on the Hudson River.
Other things to do around New York City during the holidays
Celebrate Kwanzaa in Brooklyn
The annual Kwanzaa celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum welcomes all – Photo courtesy of Winston Williams
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture that takes place from December 26 through January 1. If you’re traveling with kids, explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with live music, dance, and art workshops.
Visit the giant menorah for Hanukkah
A giant menorah at Grand Army Plaza in both Brooklyn and Midtown Manhattan commemorates Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. One candle is lit every night for eight nights, accompanied by live music and spinning dreidels.
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Ring in the new year with a polar plunge
The polar plunge in Coney Island kicks off the New Year – Photo courtesy of Jim McDonnell / Coney Island Polar Bear Club
For over a century, thousands have ridden the subway to Coney Island, beyond the boardwalk and amusement rides, for a dip in the frosty Atlantic Ocean. Start your year off with a splash and join the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, who sponsor this New Year’s Day event as a fundraiser for local charities.
Watch the Three Kings Day Parade in Harlem
To mark the Epiphany on January 6, El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem hosts a vibrant Three Kings Day procession with camels, colorful floats, and live music to celebrate Latin culture. For a post-parade treat, Don Paco Lopez Panaderia sells traditional rosca de reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread filled with trinkets.
Visit the outer boroughs during the holiday season
Wreath making is a fun holiday tradition at Wave Hill – Photo courtesy of Dave Sander / Wave Hill
For authentic cheer, don’t skip New York’s holiday happenings in its four outer boroughs, where most New Yorkers live. Here are some favorites.
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Escape to a 28-acre urban oasis in the Bronx during Winter Haven at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration with ice-carving demos and wreath-making workshops.
In Staten Island, Historic Richmond Town is a living history museum with a full calendar of holiday happenings, from a Christmas tree lighting ceremony to candlelight tours.
At the Queens Botanical Garden, Winter Wonder is a one-day December event that includes hands-on holiday crafts and photo ops with Santa.
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Residents of Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights transform their homes into elaborate spectacles with mechanical reindeer and inflatable Santas. Take a self-guided or guided tour of the blocks between 11th and 13th avenues between 83rd and 86th streets to soak in the merriment.
Festive hotels for Christmas in New York City
Guest rooms are ready for the season at The Lotte New York Palace – Photo courtesy of The Lotte New York Palace
Whether you’re staying the night or just popping in for a cocktail (or hot chocolate), hotels around New York City deck the halls with serious cheer, lights, and special events.
With guest suites decked out with a personal tree, the Lotte New York Palace brims with Yuletide cheer. Thompson Central Park is a hotbed of holiday revelry, including live music by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus and an ugly sweater movie night at their casual Burger Joint restaurant. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, The William Vale’s elixir to holiday stress is a rooftop winter spa with barrel saunas, hot tubs, and skyline views.
Where to eat and drink during the holidays
The Russian Tea Room shines for the holidays – Photo courtesy of Lanna Apisukh / Russian Tea Room
Steps from Carnegie Hall, The Russian Tea Room transforms into an elegant wonderland with crimson banquettes, green walls, and chandeliers adorned with red ornaments. Soul-warming stroganoff is a balm on a cold night.
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Eating Chinese food on Christmas Day is a tradition for many New Yorkers. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao has locations in Flushing, Queens, and Manhattan, where you’ll feast on dumplings with whisper-thin wrappers and flavorful fillings. In Manhattan’s Chinatown, slurp nourishing noodles at Great New York Noodletown, which is cash only.
It’s always a celebration at Aqua New York, where upscale Italian and Japanese menus are served under one roof. Spacious digs are perfect for large groups.
For liquid holiday cheer, Miracle on Ninth Street is a pop-up bar with carols as the soundtrack and hot toddies served in Christmas mugs.