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:

  1. Bryant Park Winter Village: Ice skating, shopping, and food vendors make this a must-visit.
  2. Union Square Holiday Market: Over 150 vendors sell handmade goods, artwork, and local products.
  3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Located in front of the Time Warner Center, this market features a variety of vendors.
  4. Brookfield Place Winter Garden: Shop and dine in this beautiful glass-enclosed atrium.

Ice Skating:

  1. Rockefeller Center Ice Rink: The most iconic ice skating rink in NYC.
  2. Bryant Park Ice Rink: Free admission, but skate rentals available.
  3. Wollman Rink in Central Park: A classic ice skating experience.
  4. Brookfield Place Ice Rink: Located in Lower Manhattan, this rink offers stunning views of the Hudson River.

Holiday Light Displays:

  1. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Brooklyn’s famous neighborhood lights up for the holiday season.
  2. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: A spectacular light display on the side of the iconic department store.
  3. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: The iconic tree is lit up in early December and stays lit until early January.
  4. Homes on the Upper East Side: Take a stroll through the Upper East Side neighborhoods to see beautifully decorated homes.

Special Events and Shows:

  1. Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes’ classic holiday show.
  2. New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: A beloved holiday ballet.
  3. Elf the Musical: A fun and festive holiday show.
  4. 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:

  1. Try a classic New York-style hot dog or pretzel from a street vendor.
  2. Visit Serendipity 3 for their famous frozen hot chocolate.
  3. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at City Bakery.
  4. Enjoy a festive holiday dinner at a classic NYC restaurant like Carbone or Lillie’s Victorian Establishment.

Other Attractions:

  1. Visit the New York Hall of Science’s Gingerbread Lane exhibit.
  2. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
  3. Explore the American Museum of Natural History’s Origami Holiday Tree.
  4. 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!

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