The primary time we noticed the Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree, it was the whole lot we’d hoped for. With the sound of carolers within the air, skaters gliding throughout the ice beneath, and the large tree glittering towards the evening sky, we lastly understood the magic of Christmas in New York. It’s a spot that may make even essentially the most cynical traveller really feel like a wide-eyed child once more.
We’ve been again to NYC throughout the vacation season a number of instances since, most just lately simply final 12 months, and our love for the town’s festive spirit has solely grown. We’ve additionally realized the way to navigate the crowds, discover the actually magical spots, and keep away from the overhyped vacationer traps.
This isn’t simply one other guidelines. That is our private playbook, constructed from years of expertise, that will help you plan the proper vacation journey. We wish to share our insider ideas and favorite moments that will help you expertise the true, unforgettable magic of Christmas in New York Metropolis.
Prime 5 Can’t-Miss NYC Christmas Experiences
In the event you’re quick on time or feeling overwhelmed by the choices, these are the 5 experiences that we consider are completely important for an ideal vacation journey.
- Rockefeller Heart: The undisputed coronary heart of Christmas in NYC, from the tree to the ice rink.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Probably the most spectacular neighbourhood lights show you’ll ever see.
- The Rockettes at Radio Metropolis Music Corridor: The long-lasting, must-see vacation present.
- Bryant Park Winter Village: One of the best spot for charming vacation market buying and ice skating.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Mild Present: One of the best free vacation spectacle within the metropolis.
Watch Our Video Information to Christmas in New York
To see all this vacation magic in motion, watch our full video information to Christmas in New York.
Iconic NYC Christmas Sights & Experiences
These are the world-famous sights that you simply’ve seen in numerous vacation films, like Elf, Scrooged or House Alone 2. They’re fashionable for a purpose and are absolutely the cornerstones of any Christmas journey to New York Metropolis.
See the Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree
That is the epicentre of Christmas in New York. The sheer dimension of the tree, topped with its Swarovski star and surrounded by the golden Prometheus statue and the ice rink, is likely one of the causes we return 12 months after 12 months.
Our private take: Seeing it for the primary time is a core reminiscence for us, and it by no means will get previous.
Insider tip: To see the tree with out being caught in a human site visitors jam, go both very early within the morning (earlier than 8 a.m.) or late at evening (after 10 p.m.). You’ll get to benefit from the view in relative peace and get a lot better pictures.
Watch the Saks Fifth Avenue Mild Present
Proper throughout from Rockefeller Heart, the complete facade of the Saks Fifth Avenue division retailer is reworked into a large canvas for a stunning music and lightweight present. The present runs for about 5 minutes and repeats each ten minutes all through the night.
Our tip: One of the best viewing spot is from the central promenade of Rockefeller Plaza. It’s a incredible, and utterly free, piece of vacation magic.
Go Ice Skating (Rockefeller, Bryant Park, or Central Park)
There are a number of iconic locations to go ice skating, and every gives a distinct expertise.
- Rockefeller Heart: Skating right here is the traditional, bucket-list dream, and it’s a tremendous expertise. Nonetheless, it’s additionally insanely costly. Count on to pay upwards of $50 per individual for a session with skate leases. The rink can also be fairly small and extremely fashionable, so that you completely must e-book your time slot nicely upfront.
- Bryant Park Winter Village: That is our private favorite. The rink is giant, and also you’re surrounded by the charming vacation market and the attractive backdrop of the New York Public Library. The fee is cheaper as nicely, at about $34 for 50 minutes at peak season.
- Wollman Rink in Central Park: For essentially the most scenic skate, head to Wollman Rink. Gliding on the ice with the bushes of Central Park and the enduring Midtown skyline within the background feels such as you’re in a film. The fee is akin to Bryant Park.
See the Empire State Constructing’s Vacation Lights
Each evening throughout the vacation season, the highest of the Empire State Constructing is lit up in festive pink and inexperienced.
Our private take: Whereas going to the highest is a good expertise, the very best views of the constructing itself are from a distance. We love the view from the Prime of the Rock at Rockefeller Heart, the place you will get that excellent photograph of the lit-up Empire State Constructing with the remainder of the downtown skyline.
Expertise Festive Occasions on the Edge at Hudson Yards
For a contemporary tackle a sky-high view, head to the Edge. It’s the very best out of doors sky deck within the Western Hemisphere, and its glass ground and angled glass partitions are an actual thrill. Throughout the holidays, they adorn the complete indoor portion with 1000’s of lights, making a spectacular, glittering expertise earlier than you even step exterior. It gives a very totally different perspective of the town in comparison with the traditional statement decks.
Go to the Oculus
The structure of the World Commerce Heart Transportation Hub, often known as the Oculus, is beautiful at any time of 12 months, but it surely’s particularly lovely throughout the holidays. Contained in the hovering, white-ribbed construction, you’ll discover festive decorations and infrequently pop-up vacation markets.
Our tip: It’s a incredible indoor spot to heat up on a chilly day, take some unbelievable architectural pictures, and do a little bit of buying.
The Greatest Vacation Reveals & Performances
It took us a couple of visits to do it, however seeing a present throughout the Christmas season is a quintessential a part of the New York vacation expertise. The town is legendary for its theatre, and so they pull out all of the stops for Christmas. These are two of essentially the most iconic performances which are value planning a visit round. And sure, they’re each value it.
See the Radio Metropolis Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio Metropolis Rockettes
That is arguably essentially the most well-known Christmas present on the planet, and it takes place within the legendary Radio Metropolis Music Corridor. It’s a real New York establishment. We suggest you are taking the tour of the Radio Metropolis Music Corridor earlier than you attend the present. It actually offers you an appreciation for the performers and the venue.
Our sincere opinion: Sure, the tickets are costly, however the present is a real spectacle. The precision of the Rockettes’ excessive kicks, the frilly costumes and units, and the sheer scale of the manufacturing are unbelievable to see in individual. We expect it’s a traditional expertise that’s completely value it for a first-time customer to New York Metropolis at Christmastime.
Watch The Nutcracker by the New York Metropolis Ballet
For a extra traditional and creative vacation custom, you’ll be able to’t beat seeing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker carried out by the New York Metropolis Ballet at Lincoln Heart. The costumes, the unbelievable dancing, and the well-known rating create a very magical and stylish night. It’s a good looking expertise for {couples} or households searching for a timeless piece of vacation tradition.
There’s a particular type of power to vacation buying throughout Christmas in New York. The town is buzzing, the shops are fantastically embellished, and the festive markets pop up in a number of the most iconic areas. If these don’t get you into the Christmas spirit, I don know what is going to.
Discover the Bryant Park Winter Village
That is our favorite of all the vacation markets within the metropolis. The Bryant Park Winter Village looks like just a little European Christmas market dropped proper in the course of Manhattan. It has over 150 little glass huts adorned with Christmas decorations, promoting distinctive items, crafts, and scrumptious meals.
Our private take: We love grabbing a scorching chocolate and simply wandering via the stalls. The mix of individuals ice skating, the enormous Christmas tree, and the festive ambiance makes it an ideal place to spend a day or night.
Store the Grand Central Terminal Vacation Market
If the climate exterior is chilly exterior, the Grand Central Vacation Honest is the place you wish to head. That is one in all our favorite indoor markets. It’s smaller and extra curated than the massive out of doors ones, specializing in high-quality, American-made items. It’s an important, less-crowded possibility for locating distinctive presents, and also you get to do your buying contained in the magnificent Grand Central Terminal.
See the Unbelievable Division Retailer Window Shows
No New York Metropolis Christmas itinerary can be full with out visiting the well-known malls alongside Fifth Avenue; like Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s. They flip their window shows into elaborate, magical artistic endeavors for the vacations. You’re feeling like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Our tip for avoiding the crowds: As an alternative of battling the lots on a weekend afternoon, go for a “window stroll” after 9 p.m. on a weeknight. The crowds are a lot thinner, the shows are fantastically lit, and you’ll take your time having fun with the artistry.
Vacation Season Magic Past Midtown Manhattan
A few of the most unforgettable New York Christmas experiences require a brief journey away from the principle vacationer hub. These are the locations which are completely value the additional effort.
Be Amazed by the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
In the event you suppose you’ve seen spectacular Christmas lights, you haven’t seen something till you’ve been to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This neighbourhood goes all out, with skilled, over-the-top shows which are extra like large artwork installations.
Our private take: We have been utterly blown away. It’s an unbelievable spectacle of lights, big inflatable snowmen, and music.
Insider tip: The easiest way to get there may be to both e-book a devoted bus tour from Manhattan or take the subway (D practice to 71st St) and be ready for a few 15-20 minute stroll. The primary shows are between eleventh to thirteenth Avenues from 83rd to 86th Road.
See the Vacation Practice Present on the New York Botanical Backyard
This can be a actually distinctive and beloved NYC custom. The Vacation Practice Present options mannequin trains zipping via a surprising miniature panorama of greater than 190 iconic New York landmarks, all artistically crafted from pure supplies like bark, twigs, and leaves.
Our take: It’s a magical expertise for all ages. It does require a visit as much as the Bronx, but it surely’s a incredible option to spend a day, particularly when mixed with their out of doors mild present, GLOW. You should definitely e-book your tickets nicely upfront because it’s highly regarded.
Planning Your New York Christmas Journey
Just a little little bit of planning goes a good distance, particularly throughout the busy vacation season in New York. Right here’s our important recommendation on getting round, the place to remain, and what to pack.
Methods to Get Round
Navigating New York is surprisingly simple when you get the dangle of it.
- The Subway: That is, for sure, the quickest and best option to cowl longer distances. We suggest getting an OMNY card or just utilizing the tap-to-pay characteristic together with your bank card or telephone on the turnstiles.
- Strolling: For shorter distances, strolling is one of the best ways to see the town and soak within the festive ambiance. You’ll miss a lot in case you’re at all times underground. Simply be ready for crowds on the principle avenues.
- Taxis and Rideshares: We solely use taxis or Uber for brief distances if our ft are drained or if we’re travelling late at evening. Site visitors, particularly throughout the holidays, may be extremely sluggish.
The place to Keep for the Holidays
Staying in the appropriate location could make or break your journey. For a Christmas go to, we suggest staying in Midtown Manhattan to be within the coronary heart of the motion. We now have a complete information devoted to the place to remain within the metropolis that is filled with our private suggestions.
- For the Final Festive Vibe: Staying close to Rockefeller Heart or Instances Sq. places you within the epicentre of the vacation buzz.
- For a Barely Quieter Base: Think about a lodge a bit additional away from the principle motion, like in Chelsea or the Higher West Aspect. You’ll nonetheless have simple subway entry however a extra relaxed place to return to at evening.
What to Pack for a New York Winter
- Damaged-in, Snug Boots: That is non-negotiable. You’ll be doing a large quantity of strolling, and comfy, waterproof boots are your most essential piece of substances.
- Layers, Layers, Layers: The climate can change shortly. Pack thermal layers, sweaters, and a heat, windproof and waterproof outer jacket.
- A Hat, Scarf, and Gloves: These are important for staying heat, particularly within the evenings whenever you’re watching mild exhibits or strolling via markets.
Steadily Requested Questions About Christmas in NYC
Listed here are our fast solutions to a couple extra widespread questions we get about planning a vacation journey to the town.
You possibly can anticipate to see many of the main decorations and vacation markets pop up proper after US Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November). The well-known Rockefeller Heart tree is often lit for the primary time on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving.
To comfortably see the principle vacation sights with out feeling utterly rushed, we suggest a minimum of 4 full days. This provides you adequate time to see a present, go to a market, go skating, and discover a neighbourhood or two.
It may be! Whereas many Broadway exhibits and a few shops might be closed, you’ll discover that many points of interest, eating places, and ice skating rinks are open. It’s typically rather less crowded than the times main as much as it, making it a surprisingly nice day to be out and about.
The Magic of the Holidays in New York
There’s a purpose why Christmas in New York is legendary all over the world and why we love visiting throughout this time of the 12 months. There’s a particular type of power within the air, a mixture of festive cheer and big-city pleasure that’s utterly distinctive. We hope this information, constructed from our personal vacation adventures, helps you discover the moments of magic that can stick with you lengthy after you’ve left.
When you have any extra questions, drop them within the feedback beneath! We’re at all times joyful to assist.
