things to do in nyc for christmas
New York City during Christmas is a magical place. Here are some things to do in NYC for Christmas:
Holiday Markets and Shopping:
- Bryant Park Winter Village: Ice skating, shopping, and food vendors make this a must-visit.
- Union Square Holiday Market: Over 150 vendors sell handmade goods, artwork, and local products.
- Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Located in front of the Time Warner Center, this market features a variety of vendors.
- Brookfield Place Winter Garden: Shop and dine in this beautiful glass-enclosed atrium.
Ice Skating:
- Rockefeller Center Ice Rink: The most iconic ice skating rink in NYC.
- Bryant Park Ice Rink: Free admission, but skate rentals available.
- Wollman Rink in Central Park: A classic ice skating experience.
- Brookfield Place Ice Rink: Located in Lower Manhattan, this rink offers stunning views of the Hudson River.
Holiday Light Displays:
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Brooklyn’s famous neighborhood lights up for the holiday season.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: A spectacular light display on the side of the iconic department store.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: The iconic tree is lit up in early December and stays lit until early January.
- Homes on the Upper East Side: Take a stroll through the Upper East Side neighborhoods to see beautifully decorated homes.
Special Events and Shows:
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes’ classic holiday show.
- New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A beloved holiday ballet.
- Elf the Musical: A fun and festive holiday show.
- Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden: Model trains zip through a display of NYC landmarks made from plant materials.
Holiday Food and Drink:
- Try a classic New York-style hot dog or pretzel from a street vendor.
- Visit Serendipity 3 for their famous frozen hot chocolate.
- Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at City Bakery.
- Enjoy a festive holiday dinner at a classic NYC restaurant like Carbone or Lillie’s Victorian Establishment.
Other Attractions:
- Visit the New York Hall of Science’s Gingerbread Lane exhibit.
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
- Explore the American Museum of Natural History’s Origami Holiday Tree.
- See the festive window displays at department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman.
These are just a few of the many things to do in NYC for Christmas. Be sure to bundle up and enjoy the holiday magic of the city!