You’re planning a trip to New York for Christmas and don’t want to miss all the best things to do there for the holidays? You’re in the right place.
I live in New York and I live for Christmas! Here are my picks for the top things to do in New York at Christmas time.
Want to save these top 10 things to do in NYC at Christmas as an easy reference for your trip planning? Pin It.


1. See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center is ‘Christmas Central’ in NYC. It’s a magical – albeit crowded – place.

The Christmas Tree
An enormous real tree takes center stage. The tree is covered in lights and topped with an enormous Swarovski crystal star. It stands just above a golden statue of Prometheus and a small plaza that is turned into an iconic skating rink.
In the lane leading from Fifth Avenue to the tree, a water feature lined with angels blowing trumpets, and smaller trees covered in golden baubles create the perfect backdrop for photographs. You can get a professional photo taken for a fee – or just take your own.
The iconic skating rink featured in many movies and TV shows is at the foot of the Rockefeller tree.
If you want to hang out, there are eight cozy chalets set up above the rink level. These are $45 – $180 (for up to 6 people) depending on the time and date for a 40-minute reservation.
Location of Rockefeller Plaza: 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Street
➡️ See even more Christmas trees in NYC: Ultimate New York City Christmas Tree Guide
2. Enjoy the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The Christmas lights of Dyker Heights are increasingly famous and a definite must do when you visit NYC at Christmas.
Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn in which many of the residents try to outdo each other with over-the-top Christmas decorations. This includes lights, inflatables, statues and more.
When to see the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
The decorations are typically up from Thanksgiving until the end of the year and usually lit between around 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Keep in mind these are people’s homes and this is a suburban neighborhood, so times vary between homes, and people come home from work, eat dinner, watch TV, and don’t like people walking in their yards!
Where to see the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
The main area of crazy decorations is from 11th to 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Street. Note: 13th Avenue is also called Dyker Heights Blvd.
How to get to the Dyker Heights Christmas lights
There are several ways to get to Dyker Heights: bus (confusing), drive (traffic jams), subway and a tour.
How to Get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display by Subway
- Take the D train toward Coney Island and get off at 79th Street station in Brooklyn
- Exit near the intersection of 79th Street and New Utrecht Avenue
- Go northwest on 79th Street towards 16th Avenue
- Turn left onto Dyker Heights Blvd. (13th Avenue).
Tours to see the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
By far the easiest way is to take a tour. There are few options:
➡️ Take a bus tour from Manhattan to Dyker Heights with a guide. Meets at a standard pickup place. This is your basic option with ease of getting from Manhattan to Brooklyn. BOOK IT HERE
➡️ Take a private tour with a guide with pickup/ dropoff at your hotel. This is your most comfortable and easiest option. BOOK IT HERE
➡️ Take a walking tour of Dyker Heights (meets in Dyker Heights). Take the subway there but have a guide to show you around. This is the most economical option. BOOK IT HERE
3. Visit Macy’s Santaland
Visiting Santa at Macy’s Santaland in New York City is a highlight for kids, but requires some coordination.
Where is Macy’s Santaland located?
Santaland is on the 8th Floor of Macy’s Herald Square. 151 West 34th Street (Sixth Avenue at 34th Street). There are plenty of subway stations near Macy’s:
- A, C, E (blue line) to 34th Street/Penn Station: Walk one block east on 34th Street to 7th Avenue
- 1, 2, 3 (red line) to 34th Street: Exit on 7th Avenue and 34th Street
- B, D, F, V (orange line) and N, Q, R, W (yellow line) to 34th Street/Herald Square: Exit on Broadway for Macy’s main entrance
Reserving a time slot for Macy’s Santaland
Santaland is open between late November (just after Thanksgiving) and December 24. You need to book a time slot to visit Santa.
Time slots that are available vary day to day, but can be clearly seen online. You can book a half-hour timeslot here up to 5 days on advance starting November 24 at 6:30am. It’s free – but online reservations are necessary. Maximum capacity per reservation is nine (9) people.
The time slot you book is the time you can join the line. Wait times vary, but they are typically shorter during the week than on the weekend.
How much does it cost to visit Macy’s Santaland?
Nothing. It’s free.
Santa Express Lane
Friday-Sunday, you can book a Santa Express Lane pass, which gets you straight to Santa when you arrive in the time slot you booked, skipping the village and scenery. There’s then a separate express line.
The Santaland experience – what to expect
🎟️ A trip to Macy’s Santaland is more than just a visit to see Santa. There is a train, village and much more to keep you entertained while you wait, and friendly elves to answer your questions.
🚂 After the ticket window, view holiday window vignettes from Miracle on 34th Street and board the Macy’s Santaland Express.
❄️ Winter wonderland. Travel through villages and snow scenery with igloos, ice sculptures, poinsettias and lights.
🌲 The Enchanted Forest, where animals decorate a tree.
🌈 The Rainbow Bridge.
🚂 The Lionel Trains Industrial City. A large display with six train sets around a tree.
🛷 Santa’s Workshop. See Santa’s sleigh loaded with presents and reindeer relaxing in a stable nearby.
🎅 Santa’s home. Meet Santa! NOTE: African American and Spanish speaking Santas are available – tell an elf on arrival and they make sure you are in the right line.
Photos at Santaland
Professional photos are available, but are completely optional. Ask an elf and they will usually take your photo with your cell phone or camera.
Photo packages are available and you can see the picture on the display immediately after it’s been taken. You get a ticket and take that to the shop to buy your pictures if you want them.
Options include prints, Christmas ornaments with your photo on them and CDs with your photos.
4. Hang Out in Bryant Park Winter Village
In winter Bryant Park turns into a holiday wonderland called Bank of America Winter Village.
There is a great ice-skating rink, a large holiday market, and a pop-up bar where you can stop for a hot chocolate with marshmallows, or something stronger to fortify yourself against the cold. They also have igloos and a Curling Cafe as well as bumper cars on ice!
It’s opens until early March 2, 2025.
Bryant Park Holiday Market

The Bryant Park holiday shops (Bank of America Winter Village) are usually open late October to early January (they are open October 25, 2024 until January 5, 2025).
This is one of the largest holiday markets in New York City. There are almost 200 stalls selling artisanal foods, Brooklyn crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry and more.
⚠️ This is outside, so dress warmly.
The Lodge Bar and Food Hall
Located right next to the Christmas Tree, there’s a food gall with a large bar and several stalls selling food. There are also stands just outside (at the west end of the lodge) selling food.
❗ LOCAL TIP: The line for hot chocolate inside is often much shorter than the line outside near the tree.
Cozy Igloos
Rent your own cozy igloo and enjoy seasonal refreshments. They can accommodate up to 8 people. There are 90-minute sessions. Packages start at $242.69 (including taxes and fees).
Get more information and make reservations here.
Curling and Cafe
Another igloo option is the Curling Cafe. Try your hand at (iceless) curling and enjoy seasonal refreshments. The 90-minute sessions include your own dedicated curling lane, so you can play in between eating and drinking.
There are small package (1-4 guests) and large packages (5-8 guest). Packages include:
❄️ Carafe of hot chocolate or hot apple cider
❄️ Crispy French fries
❄️ Chicken tenders or sliders or cheese board or mac & cheese
❄️ Additional food and beverage options are available a la carte
Find more information and make reservations here
Bryant Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the people watching. The beautiful beaux art New York Public Library building makes the perfect backdrop for the Bryant Park tree and all the festive fun.
Ice Skating Rink
The rink at Bryant Park is fairly large and is completely surrounded by towering skyscrapers, which is very cool. There is a large Christmas tree, a nearby fountain that is sometimes frozen, and holiday shops in the build up to Christmas.
The rink is open October 26, 2024 – March 2, 2025:
⛸️ Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
⛸️ Select weekends (Friday – Sunday) + holidays: 8:00am – midnight (4:00pm NYE)
The best part? It is absolutely FREE – with your own skates. Skate rental is expensive at $20.32 – $57.57+ depending on the date. Check out the full fee schedule and make a reservation here.
You need to reserve a spot (most sessions are 50 minutes). If you have your own skates, “Own Skates” reservations roll out daily for dates one week out through the season.
There are some lockers available and locks for sale (you can bring your own).
❗ LOCAL TIP: There’s a very nice public restroom near the north east corner of Bryant Park that often makes a very useful stop.
Location of Bryant Park: 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
5. See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Rockettes perform precision dancing in this NYC Christmas classic.
There are classic scenes that are in the show every year such as the wooden soldier fall, in which the line of dancers fall like dominoes in slow motion; live camels, sheep and a donkey to re-enact the nativity, a double-decker NYC bus covered in dancing Rockettes, modern projections and movies, and, of course, Santa.
Kids (and kids-at-heart) will love it.
Times: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular runs from November 11, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
There are up to five shows a day: 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 8:00pm OR 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm, 10:00pm depending on the day. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Ticket prices range from $65 to $596+depending on the day, session and seat.
➡️ BOOK TICKETS FOR THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR HERE
Location: Radio City Music Hall on 6th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets
6. Tour the Holiday Windows
Touring the New York Christmas windows of the major department stores is one of the highlights of the holidays in New York.
My favorite stores are:
i. Macy’s on Herald Square Holiday Windows

Macy’s is often the most Christmassy of all of the windows, so it’s a good place to start.
In 2024, there is also a small market set up outside the front entrance on Herald Square.
The theme changes each year, but the Macy’s windows always have a nice mix of puppetry and screens to create the magic. The theme is often connected to the recurring holiday theme of “Believe”.
Have extra time? Live out your Miracle on 34th Street fantasies and start your visit at Macy’s Santaland (see below).
Have even more time? Macy’s is one of the best places in New York City to do your Christmas shopping. The store is decorated beautifully and there are often good sales. You might want to come back and do your shopping later, so that you don’t need to carry it around.
Location: Corner of 34th Street and 6th Avenue
ii. Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

Across the street from Rockefeller Center, on the other side of Fifth Avenue, is Saks Fifth Avenue.
The whole 10-storey façade of the iconic store used to be used for a spectacular holiday light and music show. Unfortunately, in 2024, they have decided not to do this and they will instead just illuminate the façade. I’m hoping they bring it back in 2025, but I guess it will depend on how good their sales are.
The windows are often themed around a Broadway show or popular children’s story. They’re usually not actually Christmassy, but are festive and always beautifully done.
Location: 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Street
iii. Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows

These are the grandest of all the holiday windows. They’re an over-the-top cornucopia of excess and beauty.
They are never overtly Christmas-themed, but always feature fashion surrounded by the most incredibly detailed displays you have ever seen.
Each year has an overall theme and then individual themes for each widow. Each window usually has a different color along with the theme and sometimes a specific material that most of the display is made from (paper, wood, glass, tiles, etc.)
Location: Fifth Avenue between 57th and 58th Street
Iv. Bloomingdales Holiday Windows

Bloomingdales’ windows have a theme that changes each year. It often features local artists, and/ or highlights a recent movie and sometimes has some interactive element that is fun for kids.
They have a “Wicked” theme in 2024 .
Location: Lexington Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets
7. Shop at the Holiday Markets
Holiday shopping is one of the highlights of any trip to New York City, and there are several cool holiday markets at which to shop. Most of them are outside, so bundle up.
Here are my 3 favorites:
i. Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is the largest and best of the holiday markets in NYC. It is open mid-November (November 14, 2024) to December 24 every day except Thanksgiving. There are well over 100 stalls selling a range of crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more.
There are plenty of handmade goods that make great souvenirs of your trip to New York, as well as great gifts. Allow at least a couple of hours to wander slowly through all of the stalls. It gets crowded.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 11:00am-8:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 10:00am-8:00pm
Closed Thanksgiving (and closes at 4:00pm Christmas Eve)
Location: South end of Union Square
ii. Bryant Park Holiday Shops

You can spend hours at Bryant Park, admiring the tree, having a drink, ice skating and shopping. The Bryant Park holiday shops (Bank of America Winter Village) are usually open late October to early January (they are open October 25, 2024 until January 5, 2025).
There are almost 200 stalls selling artisanal foods, Brooklyn crafts, handmade clothing and jewelry and more.
This is outside, so rug up. You can warm up with a drink at the outdoor café/ bar area, at the cozy popup bar near the ice-skating rink, or in the igloo cafes (see above).
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Location: 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
iii. Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair
Grand Central Terminal is always worth a visit – it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in New York City.
For the holidays, a Grand Central Holiday Fair is set up in Vanderbilt Hall in the terminal from November 11 to December 24, 2024. There are about 40 stalls selling crafts, toys, clothing and other gifts. It’s inside!
Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
December 24: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Location: 42nd Street between Lexington Ave and Vanderbilt Ave.
*** A fun option it to take a 4-hour tour of four holiday markets and some holiday windows. Book the holiday markets tour here. ***
➡️ See more holiday markets in my separate guide to The Best New York Holiday Markets
8. Watch the Holiday Train Show

The New York Botanical Gardens hosts an annual Holiday Train Show in the conservatory/ greenhouse.
It is huge display of more than 175 New York landmarks made out of natural materials like bark and leaves, with model trains running around and through it. Landmarks featured include the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center.
When is the Holiday Train Show
The Holiday Train Show is open November 16, 2024 – January 20, 2025.
Hours of the Holiday Train Show
General hours (timed entry needed to visit):
10:00am – 6:00pm: Tuesday to Sunday
Holiday Train Nights
There are special evening hours with festive food and drinks available for the following dates:
Adults 21+: November 23, 29, 30; December 7, 13, 14, 28; January 4, 11, & 18
All Ages: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, & 27
Hours:
1 hour 30 minute sessions starting 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm, 8:30pm (varies depending on the day)
Closed: November 23 (Thanksgiving) and December 25 (Christmas).
Advance purchase of timed entry tickets is strongly recommended as tickets do sell out.
Price of the Holiday Train Show
Gardens and Train Show pricing 2024-25
💲 Adults: $39 (Peak Timed Entry) | $35 Off Peak Timed Entry
💲 Seniors and students: $35 (Peak and Off Peak)
💲 Children: 2-12 years $27 (Peak Timed Entry) | $25 Off Peak Timed Entry
💲 Flex ticket: allows you to arrive at any time before 4:30 p.m. on your selected date without reserving a specific 15-minute time slot. Even if timed-entry tickets are sold out, your entry is guaranteed. $10 extra per person (adult or child).
Holiday Train Nights pricing
💲 Adults: $42-$52
💲 Children: $32
💲 Seniors/ Students: $46
Location of the Holiday Train Show and how to get there
2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. If you have a car, get off the Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road (Exit 7W). Enter the gardens through Main Entrance at 2900 Southern Boulevard for onsite parking. Offsite parking is also available at NYBG’s Parking Garage (401 Bedford Park Boulevard).
However, taking the subway or Metro North train from Grand Central Terminal is easier. Find complete directions here.
9. Go Ice Skating
There is nothing quite like ice skating in New York City. You can choose from rinks surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree, Central Park or head out to Brooklyn and skate with the locals.
i. The Rink Rockefeller Center

This is the iconic skating rink featured in many movies and TV shows. It’s at the foot of the Rockefeller tree. The downside is that it’s small and can get crowded.
Dates
The rink is open from October until March 31, 2025.
Times
It’s open daily 9:00am – 12:00am (midnight).
There is timed entry throughout the day and you get about 60 minutes of skate time for the time of your ticket (90-minute premium sessions are also available).
Prices
It costs $21 – $114 ($11-$61 for children 5 and under) depending on the dates. Skate rental is an additional $12 and you can also get a Rockefeller center tree ornament for $19. Check out the fee schedule and buy tickets here.
What’s great about it?
The location is iconic, with the famous Rockefeller Tree right there, next to and above the rink.
If you want to hang out after (or before) skating, there are eight cozy chalets set up above the rink level. These are $45 – $180 (for up to 6 people) depending on the time and date for a 40-minute reservation.
ii. Bryant Park

The rink at Bryant Park is fairly large and is completely surrounded by towering skyscrapers, which is very cool. There is a large Christmas tree, a nearby fountain that is sometimes frozen, and holiday shops in the build up to Christmas.
Dates
The rink is open October 26, 2024 – March 2, 2025.
Times
⛸️ Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 10:00pm
⛸️ Select weekends (Friday – Sunday) + holidays: 8:00am – midnight (4:00pm NYE)
Prices
It’s absolutely FREE – with your own skates. Skate rental is expensive at $20.32 – $57.57+ depending on the date. Check out the full fee schedule and make a reservation here.
You need to reserve a spot (most sessions are 50 minutes). If you have your own skates, “Own Skates” reservations roll out daily for dates one week out through the season.
There are some lockers available and locks for sale (you can bring your own).
What’s great about it?
If you have your own skates, it’s free, which is great! It’s amazing being surrounded by towering midtown skyscrapers and the New York Public Library. And The Bryant Park Winter Village is a whole scene with a nice vibe.
iii. Wollman Rink Central Park

Ice skating in Central Park is magical. The Wollman Rink is in the south part of Central Park. The rink is fairly large, so you have room to skate around. The best part, though, is it location, with incredible views of Central Park and midtown Manhattan.
Dates
It’s open every day October 26, 2024 – March 15, 2025.
Times
Times vary. (Resurfacing happens several times a day and takes 30 minutes).
⛸️ Monday – Tuesday: 10:00am – 2:30pm
⛸️ Wednesday – Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
⛸️ Friday – Saturday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
⛸️ Sunday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Prices
There are prime, peak and off-peak days.
Prime Days:
💲 Adults: $38.00
💲 Children: $10.00
💲 Seniors: $10.00
Peak Days:
💲 Adults: $27.00
💲 Children: $10.00
💲 Seniors: $10.00
Off Peak Days:
💲 Adults: $15.00
💲 Children: $10.00
💲 Seniors: $10.00
Skate rentals are $12.00 + tax and lock rentals are $8.00 + refundable deposit. Skate aid rental is $25.
Tickets can be bought online or in-person.
What’s great about it?
You can see Central Park, the Plaza Hotel and the iconic New York City skyline.
iv. Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
This is my favorite ice rink in Brooklyn (possibly because it’s so close to Manhattan, where I live 😉) You’ll find it at the Emily Warren Roebling Plaza directly under the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn Bridge Park, near the cool Time Out Market New York and the famous DUMBO Manhattan Bridge viewpoint.
Dates
It’s open November 5, 2024 – February 2, 2025.
Times
It’s open 7 days/ week.
You book for a 60-minute time slot. They close the ice for half an hour between each 60-minute session to fix the ice.
It’s open:
⛸️ Monday-Thursday: 2:00 – 9:00pm
⛸️ Friday-Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Prices
Admission is $10 for a 60-minute session.
Additional fees are for:
💲 Skate rental: $7
💲 Helmet rental: $3
💲 Skate aid: $5
What’s great about it?
Skating under the iconic Brooklyn bridge with a spectacular view of the skyline of downtown Manhattan? Yes, please!
➡️ See even more ice skating rinks in NYC in my Ice Skating in New York Guide
10. Marvel at a Light Festival
There are several cool festivals of lights in NYC during the holiday season. These are fields of huge lanterns in the shapes of animals, birds, flowers, etc. That you wander through. They also have food and drink, and often have additional entertainment.
i. Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

This is held at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens from November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
There’s an illuminated trail through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with light-splashed landscapes and luminous installations plus seasonal treats and festive music.
Check their website for prices and to get tickets.
Ii. Tianyu Lights Festival

This isn’t specifically Christmas, but is a light festival huge 3D lighted lanterns created around a theme of Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest. The lanterns create a whimsical wonderland that you walk through to see Koda’s dreams through the luminous art installations. There are live cultural music and dance performances throughout the journey.
There’s also a holiday market and food and drinks are available.
It’s held in the Citi Field parking lot. Admission is:
💲 Adult $44
💲 Child $36
💲 VIP Adult $94
💲 VIP Child $86
It’s open Wednesday – Sunday, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (closed on December 20, December 9, December 16, and January 6). It runs from November 29, 2024 – January 19, 2025.
See full details and get tickets here.
Iii. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

This is another lanterns festival, but this time themed for the zoo. There are millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across 6 lantern trails representing almost 100 animal and plant species.
There are also cool animal-themed illuminated performers (like giant illuminate puppets), as well as ice carving demonstrations and a holiday train. And of course, yummy holiday treats for sale.
It runs November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
You can buy tickets that are available for any night or buy tickets for a specific date.
Holiday Lights tickets are available for timed arrival windows, from 3pm to 8pm (to 9pm on Fri & Sat)
3:00pm tickets allow guests a little time to visit animal exhibits before those close for the day at 4:00pm. Then see the park transform and light up during sunset transition!
Sensory-Inclusive nights are Thursday, December 5, 2024 and Friday, January 3, 2025
Prices are:
Any-Night Tickets
💲 Adult (13 & over): $56.95
💲 Senior (65 & over): 51.95
💲 Child (3 – 12): $41.95
💲 Child (2 & under): FREE
Date-Specific Tickets
💲 Adult (13 and over): $41.95 (regular) and $46.95 (peak)
💲 Senior (65 & over): $36.95 (regular) and $41.95 (peak)
💲 Child (3 – 12): $26.95 (regular) and $31.95 (peak)
💲 Child (2 & under): FREE
➡️ See even more NY lights: New York City Christmas Lights: Where to Find them
If you liked this list of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas , Pin It to your Holiday Board or New York City Board!


More Planning Resources for Christmas in New York
📃 Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC
🎄 New York City Christmas Tree Guide
🚶♂️ Ultimate New York Christmas Walking Tour
🏮 New York City Christmas Lights: Where to Find them
⛸️ Ice Skating in New York Guide
🛍️ The Best New York Holiday Markets
🎆 10 Events Not to Miss in New York City During the Holidays
🏨 Best Hotels In New York City At Christmas
🎫 The Best NYC Christmas Tours
‼️ Tips for Visiting New York City at Christmas Time
🎁 Gift Guide of great New York City experiences
About the author

James Ian has traveled to 83 countries and all 7 continents. He is passionate about experiential travel, i.e. meaningful travel that actively engages with the environment and culture. He helps people have similar experiences that involve active participation in activities and festivals; engaging with the local food and handicrafts through lessons and food tours; and interacting positively with environment by hiking, riding, rowing, diving and low/no impact animal encounters.