things to do in nyc at christmas
New York City is a magical place during the Christmas season. Here are some things to do in NYC at Christmas:
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A classic NYC Christmas tradition. The tree is decorated with thousands of lights and topped with a giant Swarovski crystal star.
Ice Skating: NYC has several outdoor ice skating rinks during the holiday season, including Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Central Park’s Wollman Rink.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes’ annual holiday show is a must-see. It features their legendary kick line, festive costumes, and classic Christmas songs.
Holiday Markets: NYC has many holiday markets, including the Bryant Park Winter Village, the Union Square Holiday Market, and the Brooklyn Flea Winter Market.
The Christmas Lights of Dyker Heights: Head to Brooklyn to see the over-the-top holiday displays in Dyker Heights. You can take a guided tour or go on your own.
The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History: This unique tree is decorated with origami models inspired by the museum’s collections.
The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show: See model trains zip through a display of iconic NYC landmarks made from plant materials.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: This department store puts on a stunning light show every 15 minutes after 4:30 pm.
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park: A classic NYC holiday experience.
The Christmas Window Displays: Department stores like Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co. create elaborate holiday window displays.
Attend a Holiday Concert or Show: From the New York Philharmonic to Elf: The Musical, there are many holiday performances to choose from.
The Bryant Park Winter Village: This annual winter market features over 150 vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Christmas Lights: Take a nighttime ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island lit up for the holiday season.
The Brookfield Place Winter Garden: This beautiful atrium is decorated with over 2,000 plants and features a stunning light installation.
- The George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center: A classic holiday ballet performance.
Remember to check the specific dates and times for each event, as they may vary from year to year.