Christmas in NYC is a top Bucket List item for many people – myself included – and I was thrilled to finally realise my dream last Christmas.
Let me be honest : it cost a small fortune. It’s peak time so hotels are super expensive, the exchange rate was bad and the activities are pretty outrageously priced.
Was it worth it? 1000%.
This was my 12th tip to New York and there was a completely different vibe to the city from the moment we arrived a few weeks before Christmas. Although it was as busy and crowded as ever, people really seemed to be friendlier. The Christmas spirit was on show as people everywhere wished you Merry Christmas and generally everyone just seemed a little less stressed and into the festive vibes.
So if you’ve saved your pennies and are ready to plan your bucket list New York Christmas trip, read on.
It’s winter. It’s going to be cold, so rug up. Beanies/ear warmers, gloves, scarves, coat and 2 layers did the job, as well as waterproof shoes/boots. It rarely snows at Christmas time and the temperatures ranged from -2 to 11 degrees celcius while we were there. It’s stifling hot inside shops, restaurants and the subway, so you need to dress accordingly so you can whip your coat off when you’re inside and not be sweating.
I loved my ear muffs and my hand warmers, I used them every day.
Weather tip – take a small, foldable/travel umbrella. It can rain any time with no warning. Don’t stop any of your activities, just keep going with your umbrella!
Book your flights and hotel as far ahead as possible. It’s peak time and everything sells out and will only get more expensive as you get closer to the time. I had our hotel booked a year ahead and our flights the minute they went on sale (approx. 330 days ahead). You won’t get any sale prices on your hotel or airfares, it’s peak season pricing so you just have to suck it up.
There’s literally hundreds of Christmas themed things to do in NYC and obviously what you want to do will depend on the ages and interests of your family and/or travelling companions. Some of it you will need to have booked months ahead and some of it you can do on the fly. I can’t possibly cover ALL of the Christmas activities but I’m going to list (in no particular order because they were all amazing) our favourites.
Dyker Lights Christmas Lights Tour
A must do. I can’t find the words that would do this justice and the photos certainly won’t, but the scale of the home decorations and lights is so completely next level that you will literally walk around for a few hours with your mouth open in awe. It’s almost a sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s magnificent.
Have a look at Marco’s tours at My Christmas in New York City. I think they are the best around. Not only will you have super service, they get you right to the heart of the action from Times Square, so you can relax and not worry about traffic or parking (impossible). You’ll have a fun and friendly guide that gives you really interesting facts about the houses and the people that do the decorating. It’s a comfortable bus ride (with a toilet onboard the big buses which is a MUST for me given the lack of toilets in New York) through the city and out to Dyker Heights, so you’ll see a lot of other lights and sights as you make your way out to the incredible display. And you’ll have fun on the bus with the other customers and your guide. On the way home you’ll stop off for some fabulous pizza accompanied by stunning night time views of the city to top off your magical evening.
You can also follow Marco on Instagram for all the best info on everything Christmas in New York
Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes are synonymous with Christmas in New York City. It might not be for everyone (my son decided to go to a basketball game instead) but the magnificent Radio City Music Hall will be filled with excited audience members of every age.
The precision and skill of the dancers is mind blowing and I doubt I will ever see such a musical spectacle of that scale again. It was every bit as fantastic as I had anticipated and really should be on your NY Christmas itinerary.
TIP – if you can wait until Black Friday (last Friday in November) to buy your tickets there is a good chance you will get 50% off the price. That’s how we got ours and it made a very expensive outing so much more doable. Head to the Rockettes website for tickets and keep an eye out for the sale.
Christmas Trees
Oh Christmas tree .. There are many jaw dropping Christmas trees that you can go and see for free around the city. The Rockerfellar tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, the Stock Exchange, the Fox Christmas tree, Lincoln Centre, The Met to name a few.
Everyone wants to see them so be prepared for crowds.
TIP – the Rockerfellar tree has to be seen to be believed. It weighs over 12 tonnes is over 70 foot tall and again I know I keep saying it but it’s just jaw dropping. It’s lit from 5am until midnight, so many people try and get ahead of the crowd by making an early morning visit. It is close to Radio City so after our late Rockettes show, we got to see the tree about 11.45pm. It was raining and it was cold, but we were able to see it with nobody else around and spend ages there. It was incredible.
Christmas windows/lights
Close to the Rockerfellar tree you’ll find Macy’s and Saks, some of the most beautiful lights/window displays in the city.
Don’t just look at the Macy’s windows, go inside to experience the elaborate decorations. Look up, as there is a lot of awesome activity going on above your head as you are walking through the store.
My favourite window has to be Saks. After you’ve looked in the actual windows at the display, go across the road so you’re looking at the Saks building (the street will be blocked off to cars) and stand and watch the 4 minute light and sound show. Again it’s next level – the lights are all synchronised in time to music that blasts from speakers from many angles. Each year it’s a different theme so you can go every year and it will be different. It’s a real carnival atmosphere with street vendors selling glow in the dark sticks, snacks etc. It will definitely put a smile on your face!
Christmas Lunch/Dinner
There are a number of iconic places that go over the top with decorations for Christmas, some of the most well known being Rolf’s, Pete’s Tavern, Papillion and Tavern on the Green.
We chose Tavern on the Green for our Christmas lunch and it was nothing short of spectacular. Walking through Central park on Christmas morning on our way to Tavern on the Green I felt like I was in a fairy tale. Our experience – the decorations, atmosphere, food and service were outstanding. It was perfect.
TIP – if you want to dine at a Christmas-y restaurant on Christmas Day, book months ahead. I booked Tavern on the Green in late September and it was fully booked for Christmas by mid October. Check their website here
Holiday Train show at the Botanic Gardens (The Bronx)
I feel like this one is under-rated – but trust me this will appeal to ALL ages. It’s a magical Winter wonderland with model trains running through intricate replica miniatures of iconic New York buildings, thousands of fairy lights, trains running above you, around you, inside and out the naturally beautiful gardens and building of the NY Botanic Gardens.
It’s open daily and on select nights. We chose to go in the day as it was bloody cold and a fair hike to get there (on the subway up to the Bronx then a 15 minute walk) but next time I’ll brave it for the night to get a whole other experience with all of the lights.
Info about the holiday train show here
Holiday Markets
Next time I’m in New York at Christmas I’m going to spend way more time (and money!!) at the Holiday markets, my favourites being Union Square and the Bryant Park Winter Village.
Both are crowded, but Bryant Park being the bigger one and in the centre of the city, is super crowded. Much to my husband’s delight that meant I didn’t really have much time to shop, but instead we wandered as we marvelled at the Christmas tree, watched the skaters on the ice rink, drank the BEST hot chocolate I’ve ever had and sipped on mulled wine and Christmas treats.
Both markets feature specialty vendors, local crafts, quirky and unique gifts for that hard to buy for person.
TIP – if you’re going for Christmas don’t take presents with you, buy your family’s gifts locally at these markets. Not only will you find something for everyone, they will always be treasured as souvenirs of your special Christmas.
Carols and Cocoa cruise
On Christmas Eve we did a Carols and Cocoa cruise. Like all our other NYC Christmas experiences it was sensational.
Onboard was a small jazz band who rocked out all the favourite Christmas carols. You get to stay toasty and warm inside or brave the elements on the top deck as you take in New York from the water with breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Your ticket includes a spiced cocoa or other drink of your choice and Christmas cookies (other food and drinks available to purchase)
In true NYC Christmas spirit, everyone on board was friendly and in a great mood and again I had to pinch myself that it was real.
Check out the cruise here
Of course that barely scratches the surface of the feel and the magic of New York at Christmas time. If there’s anything you want to know about, feel free to message me and I’ll help if I can.
Whatever Christmas “must do’s” are on your list, I wish you a marvelous NYC Christmas experience.
