You’re planning a Christmas trip to NYC but aren’t sure what to wear in NY in winter? You’re in the right place. I live in New York and I love Christmas but hate being cold, so I know exactly what to pack for New York in December.
I’ve created a comprehensive winter packing list for New York, but you can adapt it to your own trip. I’ve included an outfit for going out at night – either to see a Christmas show, a Broadway show or a fancy restaurant. If you don’t plan to do any of those things, then you can skip those clothing items, of course.
How many items you pack will also depend on the length of your trip – but feel free to wear the same outfit more than once if you want to travel with only hand luggage.
Keep in mind that New York can get very cold in December. It’s possible, on rare days, for temperatures to get into the 50’s, but that’s not normal. Usually it’s in the low 40’s during the day and 30’s at night. Though the polar vortex could reach down and temperatures can plummet into the single digits. So be prepared for anything!
Snow is not that common in NYV in December, but it does happen, so you should plan for that too. And, of course, although there are many sunny days, it does rain, so be prepared for that too!
No time right now to get your complete New York Christmas Packing List? Pin It and save it for later:
There’s a free downloadable NYC Christmas packing list with everything you need for December in NYC, plus an item-by-item breakdown if each item.
Most of these apply to men and women, but where appropriate, I’ve separated it out. And, if you see something on the list that you don’t have, you can get it right here.
New York in Winter Packing List
1. Warm, waterproof, comfortable walking shoes (x 1)
You’ll walk a LOT in New York. Yes, there are taxis, Ubers and the subway, but NYC – more than any other city I know – is a walking city. And there’s something to constantly see, so it’s not a hardship. BUT you don’t want to end up miserable because your feet are freezing cold or sore.
➡️ See my guide to The best Winter Boots for Women if you need to buy some.
➡️ See my guide to The best Winter Boots for Men if you need to buy some.
️So, all three things are very important – comfortable, warm and waterproof!
NEED COMFORTABLE AND WARM SHOES? ➡️ GET SOME FOR WOMEN HERE
➡️ GET SOME FOR MEN ON AMAZON HERE
2. Dress shoes (x 1)
If you’re going to go out at night – to a show or nice restaurant, you’ll need some nice shoes. Wearing your comfy walking shoes is not a good look at the theater or a nice restaurant.
I recommend going with black (men and women) as they will go with most outfits.
NEED A PAIR OF DRESS SHOES FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET SOME HERE
NEED A PAIR OF DRESS SHOES FOR MEN? ➡️ GET SOME HERE
3. Warm Socks (x 3 or 4)
I always take more socks than I think I’ll need. A long time ago, I’d only pack a couple of pairs of socks, but then when they both got wet and wouldn’t dry and I didn’t have any dry socks, I changed my tune. Socks take up almost no room in your luggage and can easily be squeezed into random nooks and crannies in your suitcase. So, if you can squeeze in more than 4, if your trip is longer, then go for it.
Make sure they are warm! December days and nights in New York can get really cold!
NEED WARM SOCKS? ➡️ GET THEM HERE
4. Long Underwear
You’ll spend a lot of time outside, walking around and enjoying the Christmas sights as well as the regular tourist sites in NYC. You absolutely have to have warm, long underwear.
NEED LONG UNDERWEAR? ➡️ GET SOME FOR WOMEN HERE
5. Long Pants (x 2 or 3)
Jeans are fine, though if you’re choosing other types of pants, go with thick, warm ones. I usually choose dark colors so that any dirt doesn’t show. Of course, you want to wear clean clothes, but a smudge of dirt can show up in photos (or IRL) on pale pants, but be invisible on darker colors.
NEED WARM LONG PANTS FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET SOME HERE
NEED WARM LONG PFOR MEN? ➡️ GET SOME HERE
6. Long Tops/ Shirts (x 2 or 3)
Choose your own style, but again, thick and warm is best.
NEED A LONG TOP FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
NEED A LONG TOP FOR MEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
7. A Nice Dress (women) (x 1)
Black goes with most things and is easy to wear on multiple occasions. Of course, this is a personal choice, but New Yorkers wear a lot of black and even though it may seem somber for the holidays, you can add holiday sparkle with colorful jewelry or a colorful (indoor) scarf.
NEED A LITTLE BACK DRESS? ➡️ GET ONE HERE
8. Colorful Jewelry (women)
It’s Christmas and you want to add color to your black dress. The easiest way to do this is with jewelry or perhaps a cotton scarf. Red, green and gold will add Christmas cheer to your outfit.
NEED SOME JEWELRY? ➡️ GET SOME HERE
9. A Pair of Nice Pants & Dress Shirt (men) (x 1)
If you’re going to a show or a nice restaurant, men should have one pair of pants and a nice collared shirt to wear.
NEED A PAIR OF DRESS PANTS? ➡️ GET IT HERE
NEED A DRESS SHIRT? ➡️ GET IT HERE
10. A Nice Jacket (Men and Women) (x 1)
You’ll wear your thick coat outside (see below), but it’s a good look – and more comfortable – if you also have a nice coat to wear inside.
NEED A NICE JACKET FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET ONE HERE
NEED A NICE JACKET FOR MEN? ➡️ GET ONE HERE
11. Sweater (x 1 or 2)
I think you can get by with one sweater, but having two is a way to add color and variety to your outfits so that you don’t look exactly the same in every photo. They should be thick and warm though!
NEED A SWEATER FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
Or CHECK OUT THIS CUTE SWEATER ON ETSY
NEED A SWEATER FOR MEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
12. A very warm coat (x 1)
Because you’ll be outside a lot and because it can get very cold, a really warm outside coat is essential.
Most New Yorkers wear black. If you look around a subway carriage in December, almost everyone is wearing black!
Of course, if you already have a good coat and isn’t black, that’s fine. But if you’re looking to get one for your trip and want to look like a New Yorker, get black!
➡️ See my guide to The Best Winter Jackets for Extreme Cold if you need to buy one
NEED A WARM COAT FOR WOMEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
NEED A WARM COAT FOR MEN? ➡️ GET IT HERE
13. A scarf (x 1)
You’ll need a warm scarf. This is also a way to add a splash of color to your outfit.
NEED A SCARF? ➡️ GET IT HERE ON AMAZON
or CHECK OUT THESE CASHMERE SCARFS ON ETSY
14. Gloves (x 1)
Make sure they are very warm.
NEED A WARM PAIR OF GLOVES? ➡️ GET THEM HERE ON AMAZON
Or GET SOME WARM ALPACA GLOVES ON ETSY
15. A Warm Hat (x 1)
A beanie or some other kind of warm hat is essential. The narrow streets, between tall buildings, can create wind tunnels and being blasted by freezing cold winds without a hat is a sure way to freeze your head and make you cold.
If you really don’t want to mess up your hair, at the very least, get ear warmers.
NEED A WARM HAT? ➡️ GET IT ON AMAZON HERE
Or CHECK OUT THIS WINTER FLEECE HAT ON ETSY
16. A Bag (x1)
I recommend a messenger bag or cross-body bag rather than a small backpack, so it isn’t behind you and you can see it all times.
Ideally it would be antitheft, so the strap can’t be cut or the bag be opened easily. New York is generally much safer than the news would have you believe, but it is a big city and there are bad people out there, so it pays to be overly cautious.
️ See my guide to The Best Anti-Theft Luggage if you need to buy some
NEED AN ANTITHEFT CROSS-BODY BAG? ➡️ GET ONE HERE
17. Suitcase (x1)
Try to get by with just hand luggage if you can, to avoid luggage fees and the potential of lost luggage. The downside of traveling in December is that your clothing is a lot bulkier than if you travel in summer, so you may not be able to get away with it.
➡️ See my guide to The Lightest Luggage if you need to buy some
NEED A SUITCASE? ➡️ GET IT HERE
18. A Compact Umbrella (x 1)
It can rain – or snow – in New York around Christmas time, so I always carry around a small foldup umbrella that fits easily in my bag.
NEED A COMPACT TRAVEL UMBRELLA? ➡️ GET IT HERE
19. Sunglasses
Although it’s cold, December days can be surprisingly sunny in New York. Plus, the light is often low, glaring into your eyes down the streets and avenues by mid-afternoon.
NEED A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES? ➡️ GET THEM HERE
20. You’ll also need toiletries, including makeup. Plus, don’t forget your phone and phone charger, and any medication you need.
Plus, starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically.
Get your free printable NYC winter packing list
Have a great time on your Christmas trip to NYC!
Do you have any other thing to include on your New York winter packing list that’s not here? Comment below.
If you found this New York December packing list helpful, Pin It to your NYC Christmas 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
🎅 The 10 Best Things to Do in New York City at Christmas
🎆 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
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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.
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