If you miss NYC at Xmas then you will miss a lot of things! Christmas is the best season to visit NYC and you will do a lot of things here on Christmas. But now one thing you will definitely want to know about things to do in NYC at Xmas?

If you are thinking of visiting NYC at Christmas or you are a local person and want to know how to celebrate Christmas with the best things to do in NYC at Xmas. I will provide you with a list of the best things to do in NYC at Xmas. 

I spent two Christmases in NYC and it was very interesting and joyful for me. Being a local I will suggest to you the 25 best things to do in NYC at Xmas which is given below. As a local, I join some of the events during Christmas in NYC. Some of my best things and events are right here. 

25 Best Things to Do in NYC at Xmas

25	Ice Skating at Bryant Park
24	Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center
23	lightscape at Botanic Garden, Brooklyn
22	see Central Park by day or night
21	Christmas shop in Little Italy
20	Buy a ticket to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
19	SantaCon
18	Admire the window display on 5th Avenue
17	Saks 5th Avenue lights show
16	Enjoy the meal at a Decked out restaurant
15	Enjoy the Nutcracker ballet
14	Visit the Union Square holiday market
13	Imbibe at the best bar in the world
13	Holiday decoration in the West Village
11	Catch the holiday train
10	Columbus Circle Holiday Market
09	Try some frozen hot chocolate serendipity
08	Holiday decoration at Hudson yards
07	The holiday train so at the New York botanical garden
06	Tinkle bells and asmr inspired holiday special
05	New York Holidays With Svetlana’s Big Band
04	Grand Central holiday fair
03	Parade on Rockaway
02	Grand Central Holiday Fair
01	NYC’s holiday markets

25. Ice Skating at Bryant Park 

During Christmas, the Bryant Park is covered with beautiful white snow. During this time you can come here and enjoy Christmas by skating. Lot of people come here each year to enjoy ice skating. These are good, interesting things which you can do on Christmas day. 

Ice skating will make your Christmas joyful and interesting. Near Bryant Park you will see and enjoy the street view and decorations of Christmas. The winter village at Bryant Park is full of holiday Glory. After skating you can go shopping and have some delicious food. 

There are 180 shopping and food kiosks available at the winter village Bryant Park. The ice skating ground is around 17000 square feet. One of the famous restaurants, The Lodge for festive cocktails and Hearty food restaurant are available here. 

Read More: Top 20 Christmas-decorated Restaurants in New York City

24. Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

On Christmas, a lot of people want to see the beautiful Christmas trees. We can’t imagine Christmas without the Christmas tree.

 The Christmas tree is decorated with 50,000 multi-colored LED lights wrapped around the branches. Three-dimensional Swarovski stars that weigh 900 pounds and sparkle in 3 million crystals are situated at the toppest point of the tree. The Rockefeller Center is known for the Christmas tree is a beaming and brilliant symbol of the holiday season. 

So if you want to see the best Christmas tree, then you should visit the Rockefeller. Here you will see the best Christmas tree and Christmas decorations from 5:00 a.m. to midnight after a special light-up night ceremony on Wednesday 4th December. 

23. lightscape at Botanic Garden, Brooklyn 

The Botany Garden Brooklyn is covered with millions of gorgeous lights. The Guardian features the iconic winter cathedral and a larger fire garden. A lot of artists come here to decorate this garden. This is one of the best places in Brooklyn during Christmas. 

You can come here to see the beautiful decoration of the botanic garden in Brooklyn. There are millions of gorgeous lights decorated on the trees and among all the gardens. To see this decoration and beautiful botany garden you should come from November 22 to January 5th. 

You can also enjoy the delicious food and drinks here. Hot cocoa, hot cider, and mullet wine are available here. You can enjoy this beautiful decoration and a gorgeous view of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with cookies and sweets. 

22. See Central Park by day or night 

If you are thinking of spending your Christmas day in NYC then you can visit the central park by day or night. You can spend your day on a chilly morning. Afternoon or evening ahead of Christmas. 

At Central Park, you can find a lot of things to do in NYC during Christmas. You can visit the half spot of Manhattan. It is a good place to find your best and comfortable clothes. You can enjoy the beautiful decorations of Christmas here. Also, you can go ice skating at Wall Man. 

At night you can see the decorations of Christmas at Central Park. If you love to ride on a horse then you can choose this place. Central Park is a very good location to spend your Christmas. 

21. Christmas shop in Little Italy 

It is a very iconic Christmas New York shop. You can come here and see the beautiful dresses and gifts of Christmas. This is the place where you want to go every time you visit NYC. Christmas day is the best occasion to visit this place. 

you can choose this place to shop for Christmas or spend your time with beautiful decorations in this shop. Near Little Italy you can find a lot of interesting things to do in NYC during Christmas. 

People are very friendly and helpful. Christmas is the best time to visit here because the season and the climate are perfect to enjoy here. Many tourists come here to see the beautiful decorations of the Christmas tree. There are a lot of lights situated on the trees. 

Read More: 10 best places to visit in new york in November (LOCAL guide)

20. Buy a ticket to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall 

Watching Radio City Rockettes is the best thing that I want to do during the holiday season. I went to this place in my childhood. I spent a lot of time watching the Radio City Rockettes and this is very interesting and enjoyable. 

It is very interesting to watch Radio City Rockettes. It is especially exciting to go with someone who has never seen it before. It will be a great and exciting experience for him. 

If you want to spend your Christmas watching some musical hall show then you can visit here to see Radio City Rockettes. Buy the ticket and come with the best one who you have never seen before this show. 

19. SantaCon 

During the Christmas season, you can join SantaCon. Santa cones are charitable, nonpolitical, and nonsensical. Each year Santa Con events take place in New York City. You can join by wearing a full costume head to toe. 

This is a very enjoyable event which has happened for each year during the Christmas festival. Many people from NYC join this event to celebrate the Christmas party. 

To join this event you can visit the official website of Santacon. On that platform, you will get more information about the Santa con festival. The function or event is started each year on 14th December from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. across midtown. 

18. Admire the window display on 5th Avenue 

Every year in December the luxury department store along 5th Avenue unveils the impressive window display and turns the popular shopping corridor into a runway of holiday spirit. 

You can admire the window or display on 5th Avenue. The luxury department stores wheel the beautiful and impressive displays on their windows or corridors. A lot of people come here to watch the beautiful decorations of Christmas. 

To see the Christmas decorations in NYC is the best thing you want to do. There are a lot of gorgeous impressive window displays to admire. During Christmas, no one wants to have a boring day. So you can visit these places to see gorgeous things and decorations for Christmas

17. Saks 5th Avenue lights show 

The Christmas festival is full of lighting. During this season you will see the brightest and sparkling light on each street. Saks 5th Avenue provides you with the best light show. 

If you want to see the beautiful light decoration of a Christmas party then you can visit this place to see the gorgeous and sparkling light show during the night of the Christmas festival. 

The decoration of lighting Saks Fifth Avenue is loved by children and adults alike. The light show starts at 5 PM and runs for 10-minute intervals until 11 pm. 

16. Enjoy the meal at a Decked out restaurant 

Having a delicious meal on Christmas is loved by everyone. So you can visit the Decked-out restaurant to get delicious food. Of all the fun restaurants on offer. During this Christmas season, you will get the best offer to test the food in a famous restaurant. 

One of the restaurants which I suggest you go to is Oscar Wilde. They provide a great balance between Vibe and quality. The meal and the food of this restaurant are very delicious. The decoration of this restaurant is perfect for enjoying the Christmas party. 

There are many restaurants available to enjoy the delicious food during the Christmas festival. Many restaurants will provide you with the best food on Christmas. 

Read More: 10 Best central park Breakfast Places (Local’s Guide)

15. Enjoy the Nutcracker ballet

Watching the Nutcracker ballet is the best experience to see during the Christmas festival. I came here with my friend to enjoy the Nutcracker ballet and this is surprising for me. The ticket price is very high, almost $200 per person. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy the performance enough to justify the steep price tag. 

The performance is very interesting to see. If you want to do something special during Christmas, then you can visit and watch the Nutcracker ballet performance. You can come here with your friends and girlfriends to watch this interesting classical dance. 

The two-hour performance blew my mind to come each year with my friend. This is one of the best experiences I have had in New York during the Christmas festival. I suggest you come here. 

14. Visit the Union Square holiday market 

Without visiting the Union Square holiday market Christmas bucket list is not complete. You can visit this market to buy interesting and comfortable accessories for the Christmas party. Here you can enjoy the decoration of the market. 

Many people come here to purchase lots of things for Christmas festivals. Hosting 150 vendors this is the largest holiday marketing NYC. But this is a very crowded place. You can avoid the weekends and weekdays after 5:00 p.m. 

The market provides you with a Christmas festival environment. Many things you can purchase from here if you are looking for a true New York City Christmas experience then you can visit this place. This is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs. 

13. Imbibe at the best bar in the world 

Caffe Dante provides cocktails for locals. The cocktail of this restaurant is famous among us. Enjoying the proper martinis while decompressing from the city’s haptic pace is one of the most romantic things to do in New York City during the holidays. 

You can come here from 3 to 5 p.m. People come here to enjoy the weekends generously poured martinis go for $10. and negronis clock in at $10 at Dante NYC.

This bar was opened in 1915. They provide valuable services which attract people to come here. This is the place where you want to stay and spend some time. Locals love to spend some free time in this bar. So you can come during the Christmas festival season to enjoy the party. 

12. Holiday decoration in the West Village 

Seeing the holiday decorations on Christmas day is the best thing which is love to do. You can visit the western village to see the decorations of a Christmas party. In my point of view, the best village is the most charming neighborhood in the Big Apple. 

This is the best place to spend your weekends and festival season like Christmas. Most of the people are friendly in nature. During the festival season, you can visit the nearest shop and restaurant in the West Village to see the decoration of the holiday day party. 

You can shop for your festivals. There are a large number of fun activities available here. You can explore the city with your friends. I spent a lot of time here admiring the beautiful decorations of the Christmas party. 

Read More: 10 Best Toys Stores In New York City- Local Guide

11. Catch the holiday train 

You can’t miss the holiday train which offers you the chance to enjoy the moment of the festival season by vintage 1930 train. 

During the weekends in December, the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) partners with the New York Transit Museum to offer New York a chance to travel in time by running vintage trains on the f line. 

I will never forget this moment because this is one of the best things I do during the Christmas festival season in New York. If you come here then do not forget to travel in a vintage train. This is full of fun. 

10. Columbus Circle Holiday market

Columbus Circle holiday market allows you to explore the beautiful and grafted goods, jewelry, and artwork to gourmet holiday treats and delicious hot chocolate. 

You can visit here to feel the Christmas festival market environment. Nestled at The South West entrance of Central Park. Wandering throughout the Columbus Circle holiday market feels like stepping foot in a Hallmark movie. 

09. Try some frozen hot chocolate serendipity 

If you visit New York City then don’t forget to eat delicious desserts. You can eat a variety of hot chocolates. I tested some chocolates and it was very delicious. You can test many flavors of chocolate at serendipity. 

Some locals would call this a tourist attraction. This is right because a lot of people come here to taste delicious desserts. The Frozen hot chocolate is very tasty here. 

08. Holiday decoration at Hudson yards 

During the festival season decoration is one of the biggest parts which people want to see and admire. Holiday decorations give you a festival environment. You can see lots of shops, restaurants, and bars decorated for the festival season. 

You can visit the bars and restaurants to see the beautiful decorations. The malls of the Hudson yards and yards are good places to visit during Christmas day. 

The mall of this place is covered with millions of Christmas lights that make the environment of a Christmas party. This is one of my favorite things to do in New York City during the holiday with friends. 

07. The holiday train so at the New York botanical garden 

You can visit the New York Botanical Garden to enjoy the holiday train. These are unique things to do in New York City during the festival season. You can come here with your kids and adults. 

Kids and adults like this place. The holiday train at the New York Botanical Garden is a classic NYC Christmas activity for families. Many families come here to see the holiday train show.

I have not visited here but I can say that it is a good place to enjoy the festival season with your family. You can visit to see the botanical garden. The decoration of the garden is very attractive. 

06. Tinkle bells and asmr inspired holiday special 

Tinkle bells and ASMR-inspired holiday special will debut Thursday, November 21st and run throws and day January 5th. The ticket price starts from 25 dollars. You will enjoy the holiday special at 25 dollars. 

Tingle Bell was inspired by the power of asmr. Many people come here to enjoy this inspired holiday special. 

During the Christmas festival kids and families want to visit some unique places to make the Christmas festival enjoyable and memorable. If you want like this then you can visit this place to make your Christmas holiday memorable and enjoyable. 

05. New York Holidays With Svetlana’s Big Band

If you want to spend your holiday and festival season while listening to some classical songs then you can choose the New York holiday with Svetlana’s Big Band show. 

Svetlana’s Big Band allows us to watch and see the classic show. The show will perform twice in December. You can choose whatever you want from the two shows. 

The holiday song played by Svetlana’s Big Band is loved by people. The ticket for this song will start from 35 to 45 dollars. You can purchase this show sticker from the official website of Svetlana’s Big Band. 

04. Grand Central holiday fair 

Grand Central holiday fair will operate 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. This space will be closed for Thanksgiving.

This is a good place to enjoy your festival season at a Christmas party. The decoration of this grand Central Fair is very attractive. Many people come here to enjoy the holiday. 

The decoration will highlight the work of 36 local food and craft vendors. There are a large number of small businesses known for their quality craftsmanship and products. 

03. Parade on Rockaway 

If you like to see the parades then you can come here to see the Christmas fabulous parade on Rockaway. The biggest parade on Rocks Away will take place on Sunday, stretching from 130th Street to 143rd Street on Rockaway Boulevard. 

You can come here during the festival season. This is a good place to watch interesting parades and see the decorations of Christmas festivals. I came here with my friends and watched the parade and it was very impressive.  

02. Luna Luna: Forgotten fantasy

Luna Luna is the biggest art exhibition to open in New York City and it’s on Views Rock on January 5th, 2025. You can purchase this art exhibition ticket at 44 per person. 

Exhibitions contain puppets and other invasive experiences. You should come here to enjoy some valuable experience. You can see fabulous art performances here and some beautiful decorations for Christmas parties.

01. NYC’s holiday markets 

During the holiday season, the market of New York City is packed with people. Many people come here to purchase some valuable things and accessories for Christmas. New York City holiday markets offer us to purchase local things. 

You can purchase a lot of things here such as clothes and holiday accessories for a Christmas party. Kids, children, and adults come here to enjoy the holiday market environment. 

During the Christmas festival season, this is the best place to come here and see the beautiful decorations of the festival season. If you come here with your family then you can enjoy a lot and it will be a memorable time for your family. 

Things to do in New York with kids during Christmas

#5. Free holiday-themed kids concerts 

You can visit the theme concert with your kids. This is a good choice for your kids. For over a decade, an award-winning single Suji Shelton has been creating music for kids inviting them to dance, sing, and explore the world around them. 

On holiday time you can come here with your kids to explore lots of educational concerts and memorable things which you can do with your kids. 

#4. Stunning holiday lights in NYC 

Festival season is decorated with a lot of lights and it makes the festival glorious. If you plan to visit NYC with your kids then you can visit New York City to watch the beautiful holiday lights. 

A lot of events occur during the holidays. You can see and watch these events with your kids. And you can book a restaurant seat to eat some delicious food also. 

#3. Enjoy the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights

Visiting zoos is the best place for your children and kids. You provide you with interesting and joyful moments. For children, this is the best educational place. I have particularly fond memories of going there in college on a field trip for a biological anthology class.

If you are traveling with your kids during the Christmas festival then you can visit the Bronx Zoo. This is a good place for your children. 

If you are a student and preparing all kinds of things to do in NYC during the Christmas time then you can add the Bronx Zoo to cover. This will provide you with the best experience. 

#2. Holiday shop at Brooklyn Flea

If you want to do some shopping for your kids and want to see the shopping market and Brooklyn flea then you can visit this place. During the festival season, the market provides you with the best view. 

Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This open-air market sits beneath the archway at the start of the dumbo side of the Manhattan Bridge. 

#1. Feast on Breads Bakery’s Linzer tarts

Bread Bakery makes incredible bracket goods all around their chocolate babka. You can visit this place with your children to enjoy the delicious bread. 

During the Christmas season, you will get some offers from the bakery. I was especially impressed by the harvest of babKa this year. You will taste the delicious pastry here. 

Non Touristy things to do in NYC Christmas

If you are looking for the Best Non-therapy things to do in NYC Christmas then the below list will help you a lot. Check the below list ➖

Read More: Top 10 Non-touristy Things to Do in NYC 

• Take a Bike Tour of Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
• Get Ready for a Ballet Evening at Lincoln Center’s Fifth Avenue Window Shop
• Play some holiday classics.
• Visit Wollman Rink to go ice skating.
• Warm up with a Ralph’s Coffee beverage.
• Take a Tour of the Christmas Market
• Explore the West Village on Foot
• Wander Tour Union Square via Central Park. The Holiday Market
• Discover Bryant Park and go to the ice rink.
• The Dyker Heights Visit Smorgasburg to see the Christmas lights.
• Explore Greenpoint and the NYSE Christmas Tree. 

new york christmas itinerary 4 days

NYC Xmas Itinerary Planning Map

Conclusion

I hope This article will help you list the best things to do in NYC for Xmas (Christmas). Many people forget to create a plan or list for exploring NYC during Christmas; they don’t explore the whole city during the festival season. 

But with the help of this article, you can make a plan of the best things to do in NYC for Xmas (Christmas). The festival season came with enjoyment. So it’s important to explore the festival events, performances, decorations,s and more. 

There are many things available to do in NYC with kids, family, children, and friends. You you love this article then spread this article to your friends and family. If you know more things to do in nyc then let me know in the comment sections. 

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