New York is probably the most popular city in the USA. Every year, millions of tourists from all around the world visit to enjoy its top-notch attractions and various entertainment options. It also has countless beautiful hotels for you to stay in when you visit. Or, if you don’t want to stay at a hotel, you can always go for an Airbnb vacation rental in New York. With Christmas just around the corner, you will need to start planning your itinerary. There is no place better than the Big Apple if you are looking to indulge in magical moments to celebrate the holidays. There are tons of activities to explore here in December, and it may not be possible to try them all. That is why you need to pick only the best. Read on to learn more about the top things to do in New York this Christmas.
1. Go on a Christmas Lights Carriage Ride throughout the city (from USD 395.0)
What better way to experience the glittering metropolis of New York City other than going on a horse carriage ride during the Christmas season? This particular activity starts when you climb aboard at the corner of 59th Street and 6th Avenue, then you’ll make your way through Central Park in all its bright, shining glory. You’ll also get to see other historical city landmarks adorned with Christmas decorations. The whole ride will culminate when you reach the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
The best part of this Christmas activity is that up to four adults are allowed in the carriage. Or if you’re with your family, two children under seven years old count as one adult.
NYC: Magical Christmas Lights Carriage Ride (Up to 4 Adults)
Duration: 45.0 minute
2. Be amused by Radio City's Christmas Spectacular
Featuring the Radio City Rockettes, Christmas Spectacular is one of the highly anticipated shows in December. This annual event is a musical that is going to amuse you for the whole 90 minutes. Over 140 talented performers will dance and sing and sometimes humor you with stories and scenes related to Christmas.
Radio City's Christmas Spectacular
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, USA
Website: Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular
Takes place: November to January
3. Enjoy ice-skating at Rockefeller Center Rink
Rockefeller Center is already a must-visit point of interest, regardless of the season. But when Christmas is coming, the place becomes even more interesting as it transforms into an ice rink. It is the tradition of many locals to ice-skate here, and you should take part in that tradition too. Swirl away and show off your skating skills while at the same time you can marvel at a golden statue right in the center of the rink. Afterward, you can recharge your energy by indulging in delicious dishes at one of the high-end restaurants nearby.
Rockefeller Center Rink
Address: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020, USA
Website: Rockefeller Center Rink
Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)
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4. Indulge in artsy time at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Did you know that even museums cannot resist themselves from taking part in the festive celebration of Christmas? Indulge in artsy time at The Metropolitan Museum of Art by exploring every section. Admire a collection of statues, paintings, sculptures, and more. Once you are satisfied, you should head to where a luminous Christmas tree is displayed, with a vivid nativity scene in the backdrop. To make the experience even more delightful, Christmas music is played throughout.
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Website: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art
Opening hours: Sun - Tue, Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm (closed on Wed)
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
5. Watch a Christmas movie with craft cocktails at Nitehawk Cinema
If you’re traveling with your partner, one romantic thing to do in NYC for Christmas is to make a stop at Nitehawk Cinema and watch a Christmas-themed film. As the movie is being played, you can indulge in craft cocktails for a more splendid sensation. Afterward, the cinema usually hosts an after-party. You can savor delicious homemade cookies and other Christmas delicacies along with Christmas punch.
Nitehawk Cinema
Address: 136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
Website: Nitehawk Cinema
Opening hours: Varies (daily)
Price: Varies
6. Admire beautiful holiday window displays on Saks Fifth Avenue
Looking for free things to do in New York City at Christmastime? Luckily, you have many options. One activity you can do is walk from one window display to another at Saks Fifth Avenue. There are abundant shop windows that can be found throughout the city, but nothing is as good as the ones here. The holiday windows for 2019 will be revealed in late November with a performance by Idina Menzel. Admire the passion and creativity that go into every window display.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Address: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Website: Saks Fifth Avenue
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Price: Free
7. Have a magical time in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Rockefeller Center is just full of wonderful things during the holiday season. As if the skating rink were not enough, the venue also boasts a large Christmas tree, known as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. In late November or early December, you can witness a public ceremony where the lighting of the tree takes place. The event is free, and you can enjoy live performances after. So do not leave immediately once the program is finished.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA
Website: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Takes place: December
8. Be surrounded by Christmas lights on Dyker Heights
What an amazing time it is to be in New York in December, thanks to attractions like Dyker Heights. If you want to marvel at the best Christmas lights, you have to come to this site. The blocks and avenues here all feature luminous displays. The most breathtaking spectacles can be found on 11th, 12th, and 13th avenues as well as on 83th, 84th, 85th, and 86th streets. You are supposed to just wander down streets instead of driving through. The popularity of this attraction is unbelievable, and you will be stuck in a traffic jam if you choose to be in the comfort of your car.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Address: New York, USA
Website: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
9. Enjoy playing on ice at Bryant Park
Different skating rinks may give you different sensations, and if you are looking to enjoy another spot, you should go to Bryant Park, which is situated adjacent to Rockefeller Center. What is so amazing about this skating rink is that it is free, but there is a time limit of 1.5 hours per person. What’s more, the skating center also features free skating shows and special events and activities from time to time, especially during Christmas.
Bryant Park
Address: New York, NY 10018, USA
Website: Bryant Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Take pictures with Santa Claus at Macy’s Santaland
Who says Santa Claus is not real? If you are headed to Macy’s Herald Square and enter Santaland, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Santa Claus himself and take pictures with him if you wish. You are going to see not just Santa but also his elves. If you are with kids, this place is definitely a must. Welcome to the winter wonderland.
Macy’s Santaland
Address: Macy’s Herald Square, New York, USA
Website: Macy’s Santaland
Takes place: November to December
11. Have a happy shopping spree at Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Shopping, shopping, and shopping—New York is also particularly famous for its myriad of stores, boutiques, and markets. Since Christmas is a special celebration, New York comes with holiday markets too. With so many options, you may find it hard to decide which places are worth visiting. Head to the entrance of Central Park, and you will find yourself in paradise as soon as you step inside Columbus Circle Holiday Market. From delectable cuisines and homeware to art pieces and jewelry, this holiday bazaar surely has something for everyone.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Address: Columbus Cir & 59th Street, New York, NY 10019, USA
Website: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Takes place: November to December
12. Learn about trains at New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show
Create the most wonderful winter memories in New York by making a stop at New York Botanical Garden, the one and only place where you can enjoy a spectacular train show. Book your tickets to enter the Holiday Train Show and be stunned by an extensive collection of model trains that pass through hundreds of the most well-known landmarks of New York City, including Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Watch closely and you can see how all the model trains and landmarks are recreated from natural materials.
New York Botanical Garden
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458, USA
Website: New York Botanical Garden
Takes place: November to January
13. Relish The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Whether you are fond of ballet or not, it is a must to watch the most famous ballet show in New York City, The Nutcracker, which is performed at the magnificent Lincoln Center. This holiday classic promises an unbeatable choreography, resulting in an enchanting ballet performance. Be prepared to be in awe.
The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA
Website: The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Takes place: November to January
14. Visit the Empire State Building
The only place to soak up the sweeping views of a city is from high above. In this case, a skyscraper would be an excellent choice. In New York, Empire State Building is a must-visit attraction, and if you have not visited it yet, you cannot really say that you have been to New York. Particularly during the festive holiday season, visiting this site brings a wondrous feast for the eyes. Imagine the beauty of a city that is well lit with all the Christmas lighting everywhere and decorated with festive ornaments—and you get to see everything from the sky. You should also stop by right on Christmas day when the tower is lit with mainly green and red colors.
Empire State Building
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Website: Empire State Building
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 1pm - 10pm; Thu - Sun: 9am - 12am
15. Please your eyes with the views at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Last but not least, visit Brooklyn Bridge Park for pleasant views that are needed by your eyes, mind, and soul. Take a relaxing stroll around the lush landscape and marvel at the famous Brooklyn Bridge. You can also enjoy free performances of The Winter’s Tale at different locations inside the park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Website: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)
Price: Free
16. Enjoy a stroll at Central Park
Of course, Central Park, the biggest and most popular park in New York, is a point of interest that you do not want to miss. When winter comes, the site is loaded with Christmas tree along with holiday lights and Christmassy decorations all over the place. You will surely enjoy a pleasant stroll. If you like, you can also ice-skate at Wollman Rink inside the park.
Central Park
Address: New York, NY, USA
Website: Central Park
Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)
Price: Free
Have a very merry Christmas in New York
With all the amazing attractions and splendid things that it can offer, New York is, without a doubt, one of the most magical places for you to enjoy the festive season. There are many Christmas events in NYC, so whether you come all by yourself or with your loved ones, this glorious concrete jungle will always have something for everyone to see and enjoy. What are you waiting for? Make plans and fly to New York this coming December, and see for yourself how you can have a very merry Christmas.
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