A magical Christmas in New York: the ultimate guide
A city trip to New York during the holidays is a dream for many. The city turns into a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, ice rinks, atmospheric markets and unforgettable shows. Curious where to go to experience the ultimate Christmas atmosphere in New York? These are the places and experiences you absolutely should not miss.
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A magical Christmas in New York: the ultimate guide
Dreaming of a city trip to New York at Christmas?
A city trip to New York during the holidays is a dream for many. The city turns into a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights, giant Christmas trees, ice rinks, atmospheric markets and unforgettable shows. Curious where to go to experience the ultimate Christmas atmosphere in New York? These are the places and experiences you absolutely should not miss.
When is the best time?
In New York, Christmas starts early. Right after Thanksgiving (late November) the city is transformed into a winter wonderland. The most beautiful time to visit New York in its Christmas finery is therefore from Thanksgiving until Christmas. Do make sure your piggy bank is well filled, because it is not the cheapest time of year. On Thanksgiving itself there is a big parade through the city, great fun! But to avoid most of the crowds (and costs), it is best to go just after Thanksgiving.
Transport: how to get there and how to get around
You fly direct to JFK or Newark Airport in about 7 hours with airlines such as Delta Airlines, KLM, United Airlines or JetBlue.
- From JFK Airport: take the AirTrain and then the subway to Manhattan.
- From Newark: take the bus into the city.
Handy: these days you can pay contactless with your credit card on the subway and bus. If you travel more than 12 times in a week, the rest of those 7 days is free. Perfect if you plan to explore a lot. You do have to use the same payment method every time (the same card or the same device) for all payments to count towards the “fare cap”. If you switch between card and phone, or use different cards, not everything counts.
Although the subway is practical and affordable, walking is still the best way to really experience the city. So do not forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes!
Macy’s
Christmas in New York traditionally starts at Macy’s. During Thanksgiving the famous parade moves through the streets, complete with giant balloons and spectacular performances. The department store itself is beautifully decorated and on the 8th floor you will find Macy’s Santaland, where you can have your photo taken with Santa for free! Do reserve in advance via the website.
Rockefeller Center
The most famous Christmas tree in the world is without a doubt the one at Rockefeller Center, known from Home Alone 2. For many travellers this is the symbol of a Christmas holiday in New York. It must be quite an honour to choose the right tree that millions of people look at every year. The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, during a grand spectacle with singing and dancing. If you want to be there, you need to be on the square early in the afternoon or dig deep into your pockets for exclusive tickets. Fortunately, the tree is lit every day after that from five in the morning until midnight. Would you like the Christmas tree all to yourself? Then buy a ticket for the ice rink below the tree. Or buy a ticket to have your photo taken alone with the tree (without all the tourists), like we did. This costs about 43 dollars and you can book on the website of Rockefeller Center.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Diagonally opposite Rockefeller Center, the Saks Fifth Avenue department store sparkles. Every evening the facade becomes the backdrop for a spectacular light show that repeats every ten minutes. Be sure to walk past the shop windows too, which are dressed in Christmas style down to the smallest detail.
Radio City Music Hall
Already an iconic building, but during the Christmas period you will find a beautiful illuminated Christmas tree on the facade, which matches perfectly with the iconic red letters of Radio City Music Hall. It is also the stage for The Rockettes, the Christmas show New Yorkers love. You can buy tickets online or at the TKTS booths.
Fox Square
Fox Square is next to Radio City Music Hall and is decorated every year with a beautiful Christmas tree, giant baubles and candy canes. The big red baubles in particular have become an icon of the city. A lovely spot to sit down for a moment and take in the surroundings.
New York Stock Exchange
Even the Financial District cannot escape the magic of Christmas. Every year a giant Christmas tree is put up at the New York Stock Exchange, close to the Fearless Girl. They like to compete with the tree at Rockefeller Center, because Wall Street also has a tree lighting on the 1st Wednesday after Thanksgiving, only here the tree is switched on as early as 6 pm. Because of the huge crowds it is unfortunately not possible to see both trees light up on the same day, unless you spend a lot of money. But just go after the lighting, when it is on every day. Another beautiful Christmas tree that you can admire at your leisure.
Christmas markets and ice rinks
Market lovers are in for a treat in December. Spread across the city you will find several ‘holiday markets’. Close to Central Park is the Columbus Circle Christmas market, small but cosy with some nice stalls. In Central Park you will find the most beautiful ice rink in the city, Wollman Rink. Take a spin on the ice here with a view of the skyscrapers. There are also a number of Christmas stalls in the middle of Times Square. Union Square is also transformed every year into a fresh produce market and Christmas market in one. For the biggest Christmas market, head to Bryant Park Winter Village. There are more than 180 Christmas stalls, street food, and one of the best ice rinks in the city. Entry to the ice rink is free, you only pay for skate hire. Besides skating, you can also go curling, bump into each other on the ice in bumper cars and rent an igloo. Would you rather skate with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline? Recently an ice rink has also opened under the Brooklyn Bridge (on the Brooklyn side), Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park. These are the places to experience the ultimate Christmas in New York.
Dyker Heights
Between Brooklyn and Coney Island lies a neighbourhood called Dyker Heights. Here the streets turn into a true festival of lights, as residents compete with each other for the most beautiful Christmas decorations. Every year there is a competition for who decorates their house in the most beautiful and original way. Take the orange subway line to 79th Street and walk about 20 minutes to the neighbourhood. The houses between 12th and 15th Avenue and 82nd and 85th Street are the most impressive. From giant light installations to inflatable figures metres high: you will not know where to look. You can walk around yourself or join an organised tour. An absolute must for anyone looking for unique, local Christmas tips for New York.
Pier 15 Watermark
Every year Pier 15 is transformed into Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Entry costs 20 dollars. Inside you can enjoy all the Christmas decorations, food, drinks, a small carousel and a meet & greet with Santa. You can buy tickets online.
Hudson Yards
One of the most beautiful Christmas decorations hangs in Hudson Yards. Every year a stunning golden hot air balloon shines in the shopping centre, next to the equally beautiful building The Vessel. The Hudson Yards shopping centre also organises Santa’s Secret, a show with a live band, cabaret and burlesque performances.
Hotels
Every year various hotels do their best to transform their hotel into a winter paradise. The best-known hotels with the most beautiful decorations are The Plaza Hotel (known from Home Alone 2), The Peninsula Hotel and The Lotte New York Palace. You can simply walk into all of these hotels if you ask nicely.
Restaurants
More and more restaurants are also going all out with their Christmas decorations. The best-known restaurants that turn their interior completely into a Christmas scene are: Frosty's Christmas Bar New York, Rolf’s, Lillie's Victorian Establishment, Ralph’s Coffee, Oscar Wilde and Loreley Beer Garden.
Christmas shops
Finally, a special Christmas shop cannot be missing. At The Christmas Cottage on 7th Avenue you can pick up lots of baubles and ornaments, as well as the famous turtle doves from Home Alone 2. The best Christmas shop, Christmas in New York, is in Little Italy. Here you can even have baubles personalised, a beautiful souvenir to take home or give as a gift.
Conclusion: is Christmas in New York worth it?
Whether you come for the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, the atmospheric Christmas markets or the spectacular light shows, one thing is certain: Christmas in New York is an experience you will never forget. Put on your warm coat, take the subway or walk through the city and let yourself be enchanted by the ultimate Christmas atmosphere. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Practical tips for Christmas in New York
Preparation
On the spot
Frequently asked questions about Christmas in New York
When is the best time to visit New York during the Christmas period? +
The most beautiful period is from Thanksgiving (late November) until Christmas. To avoid most of the crowds and costs, it is best to go just after Thanksgiving. Keep in mind that it is not the cheapest time of year.
When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lit? +
The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. After that, the tree is lit every day from five in the morning until midnight.
Can you have your photo taken alone with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? +
Yes, you can buy a ticket to have your photo taken with the tree without other tourists, like we did. This costs about 43 dollars and you book via the Rockefeller Center website. You can also buy a ticket for the ice rink below the tree.
What are the best Christmas markets in New York? +
The biggest is Bryant Park Winter Village, with more than 180 stalls. There are also Christmas markets at Columbus Circle, on Times Square and on Union Square.
Where can you go ice skating in New York? +
In Central Park at Wollman Rink, at Bryant Park Winter Village (free entry, you only pay for skate hire) and at Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline.
How do you get to Dyker Heights? +
Take the orange subway line to 79th Street and walk about 20 minutes to the neighbourhood. The most beautiful houses are between 12th and 15th Avenue and 82nd and 85th Street. You can walk around yourself or join an organised tour.
How do you get around New York? +
You pay for the subway and bus contactless with your credit card. If you travel more than 12 times in a week, the rest of those 7 days is free, as long as you always use the same card or device. Still, walking remains the best way to experience the city.
Which Christmas spots in New York are free? +
You can have your photo taken with Santa for free at Macy's Santaland (do reserve in advance). The light show on the facade of Saks Fifth Avenue, the baubles on Fox Square, the Christmas tree at the New York Stock Exchange and the decorated lobbies of hotels such as The Plaza also cost nothing.