Best Things to Do During Christmas in NYC in 2025. Find the best things to do during Christmas season in New York City.
If you’re planning Christmas in NYC in 2025, you’re in for a magical trip full of twinkling lights, ice-skating rinks, world-famous Christmas decorations in NYC, holiday markets, and unforgettable festive shows. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a family or solo, Christmas in New York City is one of the most iconic holiday experiences in the world — and this guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
From Rockefeller Center to Fifth Avenue, NYC at Christmas becomes a winter wonderland. Below you’ll find the most incredible things to do in NYC at Christmas, including the best events, performances, shopping spots, and activities during the holiday season.
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Ice Skating
Starting your trip with the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is a must. It’s the most photo-worthy symbol of Christmas in NYC, and the lighting ceremony is one of the most watched Christmas events in NYC each year.
2. Fifth Avenue Christmas Decorations and Holiday Window Displays
Fifth Avenue becomes the heart of Christmas decorations in NYC every December. Brands like Dior, Saks, Cartier or Tiffany light up the street with lavish storytelling displays and sparkling Christmas lightning.
3. Christmas Shopping in NYC — Where to Buy Gifts
Christmas shopping in NYC is more than shopping; it’s an event itself. Whether you want luxury gifts or quirky unique finds, New York has it all.
Where to shop during Christmas in New York City:
- Bloomingdale’s (Upper East Side)
- Macy’s Herald Square — Santa Land inside!
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Bryant Park Winter Village shops
- Soho boutiques for trendy fashion
Visiting these stores and markets is one of the most exciting things to do in NYC at Christmas, especially for families.
4. Ice Skating in Central Park and Bryant Park
For timeless winter vibes, go ice skating in Central Park. Calling it iconic is an understatement — this is pure NYC at Christmas magic.
Bryant Park also offers skating beneath skyscrapers, lined with 100+ holiday stalls. It’s one of the most joyful winter activities in New York City at Christmas for both kids and adults.
5. Broadway Holiday Shows
A Broadway show adds glamour to Christmas in New York City. Festive favorites in 2025 will likely include:
- The Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City
- The Nutcracker (New York City Ballet)
- A Christmas Carol
- Frozen (ideal for families with kids)
Be sure to book early — tickets sell out fast during Christmas in NYC and especially during New Year’s Eve in NYC week.
6. Holiday Lights in Brooklyn — Dyker Heights
If you love Christmas decorations in NYC, you’ll be obsessed with Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Local residents transform their houses with thousands of lights, giant Santas, and glowing reindeers.
It’s one of the best Christmas events in NYC, especially at night when the neighborhood is fully illuminated.
7. Winter Activities in NYC
If you’re wondering what to do in NYC at Christmas, here are must-do experiences:
| Activity | Why Go |
|---|---|
| Hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 | Christmas-movie vibe |
| Walk across Brooklyn Bridge | Iconic winter skyline |
| The Edge or Top of the Rock | Views of holiday lights |
| Ride the Staten Island Ferry | Free winter cruise |
| Visit the Plaza Hotel | Home Alone nostalgia |
These are perfect winter activities in New York City at Christmas if you want something atmospheric but budget-friendly.
8. Festive Dining — Christmas Day Meals in NYC
NYC restaurants prepare special holiday menus during Christmas in New York City.
Perfect dining ideas:
- Rolf’s — over-the-top Christmas decorations inside
- Tavern on the Green — cozy Central Park atmosphere
- Lilia — perfect for a luxurious holiday pasta dinner
- The Smith — casual but vibrant holiday vibe
A Christmas dinner reservation is one of the best ways to end a festive day in NYC at Christmas.
9. New Year’s Eve in NYC — Continue the Celebration
If you’re staying through New Year’s Eve in NYC, the fun doesn’t stop after Christmas. You can:
- Watch the Ball Drop in Times Square
- Get rooftop tickets for fireworks views
- Book a New Year’s Eve cruise on the Hudson
- Celebrate in Central Park with midnight fireworks
Many visitors plan how to spend Christmas in NYC and stay for New Year’s Eve in NYC to enjoy two bucket-list holidays in one trip.
Movie-Inspired Christmas in NYC — Home Alone 2 and Elf Locations
New York is not only iconic for its holiday traditions but also because of the Christmas movies filmed here. Visiting famous locations from Home Alone 2 and Elf is one of the most fun ways to experience Christmas in New York City — especially for families and nostalgic couples.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York — Filming Locations
Relive Kevin McCallister’s Christmas adventure by exploring these classic spots:
| Location | Why It’s Iconic |
|---|---|
| The Plaza Hotel | Kevin checks in and orders room service |
| Wollman Rink – Central Park | Ice-skating scene and chase moment |
| Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree | One of the most emotional scenes of the film |
| FAO Schwarz | Inspiration for Duncan’s Toy Chest toy store |
This is one of the most memorable things to do in NYC at Christmas for movie lovers.
ELF — Buddy the Elf Filming Locations
Follow Buddy’s Christmas journey across New York:
| Location | Movie Connection |
|---|---|
| Empire State Building | Buddy looks for his father |
| Rockefeller Center | Christmas spirit in full force |
| Central Park | Final scene with Santa’s sleigh |
| Macy’s Herald Square | Buddy’s toy department job |
These stops create unforgettable winter activities in New York City at Christmas — especially for kids and families.
💡 Tip: Several guided holiday tours include both Home Alone 2 and Elf filming locations, an amazing option for visitors who want to fully embrace NYC at Christmas.
Where to Buy Christmas Decorations in NYC — Best Stores and Markets
If you want to bring a piece of Christmas in NYC home with you, the city offers incredible shops full of ornaments, snow globes, wreaths, stockings, candles and festive home décor. This is one of the best parts of Christmas shopping in NYC.
| Store / Market | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| Macy’s Herald Square | Personalized ornaments, festive collections, gift items |
| Bryant Park Winter Village Holiday Market | Handmade ornaments & artisan Christmas décor |
| FAO Schwarz | Themed ornaments & unique toy-inspired decorations |
| The Christmas Cottage (6th Ave) | Year-round Christmas decoration store with NYC-themed ornaments |
| Saks Fifth Avenue | Luxury holiday decorations & collectible keepsakes |
| Grand Central Holiday Fair | Elegant ornaments and winter gift stalls |
| Target at Hudson Yards | Stylish and affordable decorations |
| Michael’s | DIY Christmas décor, garlands, wreath-making supplies, ribbons, crafts |
| HomeGoods – Chelsea or Midtown | Discounted seasonal decorations & home textiles |
Is Christmas in NYC worth it?
Absolutely — Christmas in NYC is one of the most magical times of the year. The city is filled with holiday markets, Christmas decorations, festive shows, ice-skating rinks and unforgettable seasonal events. If you love winter city vibes, NYC at Christmas is unbeatable.
When do Christmas decorations in NYC go up?
Most Christmas decorations in NYC are up by mid-November. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting typically happens around the end of November, and holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue are fully live by early December.
Where should I go to see the best Christmas lightning?
The best Christmas lightning displays are at the Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, and Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Dyker Heights is one of the most impressive Christmas events in NYC, especially at night.
What are the best things to do in NYC at Christmas with kids?
Families love ice skating in Central Park, visiting FAO Schwarz, seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and exploring holiday markets. These are perfect winter activities in New York City at Christmas for both kids and adults.
Is New Year’s Eve in NYC crowded?
Yes — New Year’s Eve in NYC is extremely popular, especially around Times Square. Make restaurant reservations early and consider rooftop parties, New Year’s cruises or fireworks in Central Park for a more comfortable celebration.
How expensive is Christmas in New York City?
Prices are higher during Christmas in New York City, especially hotels and holiday events.
To save money, book early, look for free viewpoints (like the Brooklyn Bridge or Top of the Rock lobby area), and combine paid events with budget-friendly festive walks.
Tip: Buy a New York CityPASS to save money on top 5 attractions an viewpoints.
Where to stay in NYC at Christmas?
The Plaza Hotel is the most iconic place to stay — luxurious, festive, and steps from Central Park and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
For a cheaper alternative, Hilton Apartments offer comfortable rooms just a short walk from the metro — great value and easy access to all NYC Christmas attractions or Hyatt Place New York in Midtown.
When should I visit NYC in Winter?
Every month in Winter is worth visiting NYC. December is a magical in NYC with all the decorations and lightnings, January is a perfect month for shopping in sales and February is the best for celebrating Valentine’s Day in NYC.
