Last updated: October 2026
Christmas in NYC is a season of giant trees, glittering shop windows, ice skating under skyscrapers and holiday markets in every borough. From late November to early January, the city puts on one of the most famous festive shows in the world.
It’s also the busiest time of year to visit, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers the top 10 Christmas things to do in NYC, with tips on timing so you can enjoy the magic without spending all your time in crowds.
For weather, crowd and pricing advice across the year, read our guide to the Best Time to Visit NYC.
Quick answer: What are the best things to do in NYC at Christmas? Seeing the Rockefeller Center tree, ice skating in Central Park, walking the Fifth Avenue holiday windows and visiting the Dyker Heights lights are the top four. Visit midweek in early December for smaller crowds.
Top 10 Christmas Things to Do in NYC at a Glance
| # | Thing to do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree | Iconic festive sight |
| 2 | Skate at Rockefeller Center or Central Park | Classic winter fun |
| 3 | Walk the Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows | Free festive walk |
| 4 | Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular | A holiday show |
| 5 | Shop at the Bryant Park Winter Village | Gift shopping |
| 6 | See the Lights in Dyker Heights | Over-the-top lights |
| 7 | Visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden | Families |
| 8 | See The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center | Culture lovers |
| 9 | Admire the City from Above | City views |
| 10 | Ring in the New Year in Times Square | New Year’s Eve |
1. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the most famous Christmas tree in the world, a huge Norway spruce covered in tens of thousands of lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. The tree lighting takes place in late November or early December and is broadcast on national TV.
The plaza gets extremely busy in the evenings. Visit early in the morning or late at night for a calmer look. The Rockefeller Center website lists the lighting date and viewing hours each year.
2. Skate at Rockefeller Center or Central Park
Ice skating is a classic New York winter experience. The rink at Rockefeller Center sits right below the tree and is small and atmospheric, but it books up fast and is pricey.
For more space, head to the Wollman Rink in Central Park, where you skate with the Midtown skyline rising above the trees. Both rinks sell timed tickets online, so book ahead in December. If you enjoy the setting, our guide to New York’s best parks beyond Central Park has more green spaces to explore.
3. Walk the Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Fifth Avenue’s department store windows are transformed into elaborate holiday displays every year. Saks Fifth Avenue is famous for its light show projected across the building’s facade, set to music each evening.
Walk from around 59th Street down to Rockefeller Center to see the best windows, including Bergdorf Goodman and Tiffany & Co. Go after dark to see the lights at their best. For more photo stops, see the most Instagrammable places in New York, many of which look even better with festive lights.
4. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes has been a New York tradition for decades. The show features the famous synchronised kick line, live music and a living nativity scene.
Performances run several times a day from November to early January at Radio City Music Hall, an Art Deco landmark worth seeing in its own right. Weekday matinees are usually the cheapest and easiest to book.
5. Shop at the Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park’s Winter Village is one of the city’s best holiday markets, with dozens of glass-walled kiosks selling gifts, crafts and food. At its centre is a free-admission ice rink (skate rental is extra), one of the few in Manhattan.
It sits right behind the New York Public Library, so you can combine shopping with a visit to the library’s grand reading room. Other good holiday markets run at Union Square and Columbus Circle.
6. See the Lights in Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for its over-the-top Christmas light displays, with homeowners competing to outdo each other with giant inflatable Santas, animated toy soldiers and millions of lights.
The best displays are between 11th and 13th Avenues, from 83rd to 86th Streets. Displays usually go up after Thanksgiving. Take the subway to 86th Street on the D or R line, or join a guided bus tour from Manhattan. Visit on a weeknight to avoid the biggest crowds.
7. Visit the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx features model trains running past miniature New York landmarks made entirely from natural materials such as bark, leaves and seeds.
It’s a big hit with families and a lovely way to see a different side of the city. Make a day of it with the best things to do in the Bronx, from Yankee Stadium to Arthur Avenue. Tickets are timed and sell out, so check the NYBG website early.
8. See The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved holiday performances in America. It has been staged at Lincoln Center for decades and features a growing Christmas tree, dancing snowflakes and a live orchestra.
Tickets range widely in price. For the best value, look at matinees early in the season.
9. Admire the City from Above
Seeing the city lit up for the holidays from an observation deck is unforgettable. Many decks add festive decorations in December, and on a clear night you can pick out the Christmas lights of buildings across Manhattan.
Popular choices include the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Summit One Vanderbilt and Edge at Hudson Yards. Each has a different view and price, so compare them in our guide to New York’s best observation decks before you book.
10. Ring in the New Year in Times Square
The Times Square Ball Drop is the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration in the world. About a million people gather to watch the crystal ball descend at midnight.
Be warned: spectators arrive in the afternoon, there are no public toilets and you can’t leave and re-enter. Many visitors prefer to watch fireworks over Central Park or from a rooftop bar instead. Planning New Year somewhere else? See the best European cities for New Year’s Eve fireworks.
What Should You Know Before Visiting NYC at Christmas?
Book early. Hotels in December are among the most expensive of the year. Book flights and accommodation as early as possible, especially for the week before Christmas.
Go midweek. Weekends are packed with day-trippers. Plan major sights such as Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue for Monday to Thursday.
Dress for the cold. December temperatures are often close to freezing, with wind between tall buildings. Wear layers, a warm coat and comfortable waterproof shoes.
Watch your belongings. Crowded holiday spots attract pickpockets. Our New York safety tips for first-time visitors cover crowds, the subway and common scams.
Mix in some warm stops. Museums are a perfect break from the cold. Our guide to New York’s best museums, from the Met to MoMA helps you pick the right one. For a quick bite between sights, try a slice from New York’s best pizza places, including Di Fara.
The official guide NYC Tourism + Conventions has an up-to-date events calendar for the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NYC get decorated for Christmas?
Most decorations go up in the week after Thanksgiving, in late November. The season lasts until early January.
Is NYC worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes. It’s busy and expensive, but the atmosphere is unique. Visiting in early December or midweek makes it more enjoyable.
How many days do you need for Christmas in NYC?
Three to four days gives you time to see the main holiday sights plus a few classic attractions.
When is the Rockefeller tree lit?
The tree is usually lit on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, but check the official site for the exact date each year.
Celebrate the Season in New York
NYC at Christmas is busy, cold and wonderful. Plan your must-sees, book key tickets in advance and leave time to simply wander the lit-up streets.
Planning a festive trip to Europe instead? London has its own festive traditions, covered in the best Christmas things to do in London, and Europe’s top Christmas markets are perfect for a winter city break.
Featured image: Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash
