Christmas in New York City has been on my bucket list for years. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, and its iconic locations have graced countless holiday movies like Home Alone 2, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, and Serendipity. With the rise of social media, glimpses of NYC’s Christmas spirit flood our feeds, making it impossible to resist. From the dazzling lights of Rockefeller Center to the festive atmosphere at Bryant Park, NYC goes all out for the holidays. Plus, its status as a major flight hub makes it a perfect destination for day trips or weekend getaways. Read on for your guide to enjoying Christmas in New York City, including a bonus itinerary for a weekend!
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Getting to New York City for Christmas
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll want to fly or drive. With New York City being such a huge city, there are a few flight options. You’ll likely find flights to the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Both are great for getting into Manhattan. I recommend an early flight into the city, and a late flight out to make the most of your day trip. Give yourself some time to get from the airport to Manhattan, and back to the airport! The closer you visit to Christmas, the busier it gets.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): There are a lot of options for getting into Manhattan from JFK. The fastest is the AirTrain and Long Island Railroad (about 35 minutes in total). The cheapest is the AirTrain and subway. An Uber or taxi will cost about $75+.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): The best way to get to Manhattan from Newark is the NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak. It takes about an hour to get from the airport to NYC Penn Station (not to be confused with the Newark Penn Station).
What to Wear in New York City
Before your trip, check the weather! While temperatures are usually mild, it’s best to prepare for rain or snow. Opt for comfortable walking shoes, as this itinerary involves plenty of exploration. For Instagram-worthy photos, consider wearing festive colors like red or green, and don’t forget fun accessories like scarves and bows!
What I wore:
- My pink Ted Baker jacket (I got it for 75% off)
- A white bodysuit and black vegan leather pants
- A DIY red bow for my hair
- Green scarf from Pokoloko
- A small backpack for my camera, scarf and a hat if I needed it (I didn’t)
- My Vessi’s (they are waterproof and very comfortable for walking)
The pink jacket was really nice for standing in front of all the red and gold decorations. The red bow was also great for a little extra in shots where I was turned away from the camera (and made a fun Red Bow Carousel). A fun Christmas dress would also be really nice in photos – think twirling and popping your foot!
When to Visit for Christmas in New York City
NYC is decked out in holiday decor from mid-November to early January. If you’re hoping for a snowy experience, visiting early in the season is your best bet. Keep in mind that prices rise closer to Christmas, so plan accordingly!
Why a Day Trip?
A day trip to NYC allows you to soak in the holiday magic without the expense of a hotel stay. During my 2023 trip, I found that flights for a single day were cheaper compared to longer stays. Most Christmas attractions are concentrated in Manhattan, making it easy to explore in a single day—though a weekend getaway is equally enchanting. If you’re short on time, you may miss skating and the evening light show at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Christmas Attractions in New York
Skating in New York City
There are four major outdoor rinks in the city during Christmas: Rockefeller Centre, Bryant Park, Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink. There are more than this, but these would be the top four. DYK: you can bring your skates on the plane as a carryon, as long as the blades are not detachable and they are in a bag. Save the cost of renting skates!
How do I get tickets for the ice skating rinks?
You should book your ticket online! They are for timed entry, and they do clear the rink before the next timed entry.
See the Saks on Fifth Lightshow
One of the most spectacular decorations for Christmas in New York City is the Saks on Fifth lightshow. These photos are from the 2023 lightshow, and it changes every year. I hope to make it again in 2024. While the decorations are stunning during the day, the night time show is even more magical. If you’re visiting for the day, head there immediately. By noon, the area surrounding Saks on Fifth and the Rockefeller Centre are absolutely packed.
Typically the show lasts around three to four minutes long, the show takes place every 10 minutes from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night.
Skating at the Rockefeller Center
The most iconic, and the busiest and most expensive rink is at the Rockefeller Center. If you visit during off-peak times or weekday, it’s cheaper! The closer you visit to Christmas, the more expensive it gets to skate on the rink. In addition, you have to purchase a timed ticket and you still have to wait in a really long line! My friend and I opted not to wait since we were only there for a day. But, it was our first stop of the day and it wasn’t quite as busy before noon. By mid-afternoon, you could hardly walk up Fifth Avenue past the lights and Rockefeller Centre!
Giant Christmas Decorations
There are giant candy canes and ornaments at 1271 Ave of the Americas, W 50th Street and 1251 Sixth Avenue, respectively. These iconic decorations are perfect backdrops for holiday photos.
Christmas Trees around Manhattan
Don’t miss the spectacular Christmas trees at locations like Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Radio City Music Hall, and Lotte Palace (famous for its Gossip Girl connection).
Cartier and Dior Light Decorations
Luxury brands Cartier and Dior create stunning holiday displays that are a feast for the eyes. Make sure to add these to your itinerary!
Christmas Weekend in New York City
New York City is the type of place you can go back to again and again and never see the same thing twice. Not only is it a huge city, there are new attractions built around the city regularly. So, I highly recommend picking the few things you’re most excited for and go from there.
The best neighbourhoods in New York City for accommodations are plentiful. Where to stay may be highly dependent on what you want to do and the vibe you want. You can’t go wrong with staying in Midtown Manhattan and walking or taking the subway to different districts. Chelsea is a very trendy neighbourhood and is packed with little eateries and easy access to the Highline. Greenwich Village has movie-set vibes and is a perfect location for a more easy-going trip. Stay in New Jersey and take the train across the river if you’re trying to visit on a budget. TIP: If you’re looking to do any early morning photoshoots, plan to book your accommodations near your photoshoot locations like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Centre or the Flatiron Building so you can sleep in a little. You’ll thank yourself later.
Read more: New York City 5-day Itinerary
If you’re visiting New York City for Christmas, I recommend focusing on Christmas activities, as most other attractions in New York City are open year round! One thing I did find around the holidays is that while some places you can walk into at any other time of the year, reservations are required around Christmas time! For example, non-guests can have a drink or food at the Champagne Bar at the Plaza at any time of the year except the holiday season.
I recommend starting with the Saks on Fifth lightshow, and the Rockefeller Center, especially if you get into the city before noon. The earlier the better here! Both get busier throughout the day and I do suggest seeing both during the day, and at night. Next, wander around Manhattan and visit the Giant Christmas decorations (giant ornaments, trees, and candy canes). The Cartier and Dior Light decorations are wonderfully festive as well.
You’ll need to book tickets in advance, but plan the afternoon to go skating on one of the rinks! Typically your ticket will allow you to skate for a specific period of time (they do clear the rinks between ticket times), and you may end up waiting in line in advance! So give yourself plenty of time to wait in line, skate, and grab a hot chocolate after.
Make a reservation at a restaurant for dinner. There are SO many amazing places, it’s hard to give a short list in a blog post. I do recommend travelling away from Times Square and finding authentic restaurants for the best experience and the best food. You could honestly pick any cuisine and find a restaurant within a few blocks!
Spend the evening heading back to the Saks on Fifth Lightshow!
Depending on your flights/travel plans for the next day, you could head to Hudson’s Yard to see the amazing holiday lights and decorations! Dyker Heights is another neighbourhood in New York City that goes all out for Christmas.
Depending on where you went skating the day before, head to Bryant Park Winter Village for some holiday shopping and food truck food! You can also skate here.
Visiting New York City during Christmas is an unforgettable experience filled with festive cheer, dazzling decorations, and iconic attractions. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this guide provides everything you need to make the most of your holiday adventure in the Big Apple!
