Christmas in New York City has been on my bucket list of things to do for a long time. I grew up watching movies and TV shows that took place in New York City during Christmas time.
I have been to the city multiple times but I never spent Christmas in New York City. That all changed last Christmas. My wife and I spent four days in the city enjoying much that New York City has to offer and visiting our one daughter who lives in the city.
In this post, I want to share with you what we did while we were there, where we stayed, how we got around, how we saved money, places to eat, and things to consider when planning your trip. As with any itinerary, you can pick and choose and modify it to meet your needs.
If you are on a budget and still want to take in the city, you can read my post “Christmas in New York City: Free Things to Do.” In the post, you will find 40 different things to do in the city for free. You got to like free.
Places to Stay
There are so many different options of places to stay during Christmas in New York City. Staying in Midtown is the best option if you are looking to be near the main Christmas attractions. Midtown also has easy access to the subway and bus systems. The downside to Midtown is that it’s the most expensive area to stay in. There always has to be a downside.
Generally speaking the further away from Midtown that you are the less expensive the accommodations will be. Even if you stay a little further from the Midtown area, you can easily get there by subway. The following are some great places to checkout if you are looking to enjoy the city during Christmas.
Hyatt Herald Square– The hotel is located in Midtown and is where my wife and I stayed. We enjoyed our stay very much. A standard room is kind of small but you’re in New York City to see the sites and not in your room.
Sanctuary Hotel New York– Hotel is located in the heart of Times Square and has free breakfast.
EVEN Hotel New York– The hotel is located in Midtown East and is in the heart of the Christmas action.
Dream Midtown– This hotel is located near Rockefeller Center and Broadway. The hotel is always decked out during the Christmas season.
Washington Square Hotel– This hotel is located in the Lower Manhattan area. The hotel is located in a quieter neighborhood.
Arlo Soho– The hotel is located in the heart of Soho and has a clean modern feel.
Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park– If you are looking for something a little less expensive, then this hotel is for you.
How to Lessen the Cost
If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of activities in the city that are free or nearly free because who doesn’t love free? At the same time, visiting New York at Christmas also offers experiences that are worth the splurge, especially if it’s your first time during the holiday season.
So, to help lessen the overall cost of the trip my wife and I used credit card points to help save money. For example, we flew to New York City and back home using credit card points. The total cost for the both of us for the round trip flights was $35. We also saved on credit card points by flying into the city on Christmas Day.
Next, we booked our hotel stay at the Hyatt Herald Square totally on points. If we would have paid cash for the stay, it would’ve been nearly $1,200. Ouch! We were given a Guest of Honor stay from someone which also allowed us to have free breakfast at the hotel. The best kind of breakfast is free breakfast. This helped us save some money on our eating out budget.
If you are interested in learning how to earn and use credit card points, I have a post on my blog titled “How to Credit Card Travel Hack.” You will learn the basics of credit card points to help you save money. I also have other posts on different ways to save on travel on my blog.
How to Get Around
It doesn’t matter what part of town that you are staying in. You are probably going to have to take some kind of transportation to get somewhere. The great thing about New York City is that you have a number of different ways to get around town.
My wife, daughter, and I used the subway if we had to get somewhere that walking wouldn’t do. You don’t have to buy a subway ticket. If you have Apple Wallet, you can use it to pay every time you use the subway. It’s very convenient to say the least.
Fortunately, for us our daughter knew the subway system well. My wife and I eventually had to take some trips on our own. It took us a minute to get our bearings but Google Maps helped us out and people were kind enough to help out some poor tourists.
Some other ways to get around town are using the bus, taking a taxis, and Ubers or Lyfts.
Things to Consider when Planning Your Trip
Visiting New York City during Christmas is like stepping into a holiday movie. Think Elf! There are the sparkling lights on Fifth Avenue, festive markets, and iconic ice skating rinks. Make sure you don’t break something. The city is truly buzzing. With all of the excitement comes a bit of chaos especially if you aren’t prepared.
To help you have a smoother and more enjoyable trip, here are some key things to keep in mind as you plan your Christmas in New York City getaway:
1. Book Early
Hotels, popular shows like the Rockettes, and special experiences (such as skating at Rockefeller Center or dining at festive restaurants) can book up months in advance. If you’re visiting in December, try to plan and reserve as early as possible to lock in better prices and availability.
2. Expect Crowds
This is one of the busiest times of year in the city. Tourist hot spots like Times Square, Bryant Park, and Rockefeller Plaza will be packed. Be patient, allow extra time to get places, and remember it’s all part of the festive atmosphere! Ho, ho, ho! If you are feeling antisocial and want to miss the major crowds you can go early in the morning or late at night to certain places.
3. Dress Warm and in Layers
New York winters can be very cold, especially with the wind. Bring a warm coat, gloves, scarf, hat, and layers you can remove if you duck into a warm shop or cafe. It’s better to be too warm versus not warm enough.
4. Plan Your Days by Neighborhood
To avoid wasting time in transit, organize your itinerary so you’re exploring one area of the city per day. For example, like Midtown, Lower Manhattan, or Central Park. This saves time and keeps you from zigzagging all over the city. It almost always takes longer than you think to get from one point to the other.
5. Budget for Higher Holiday Prices
Unfortunately, the holidays bring an extra layer of cost. There will be higher rates for hotels, special events, and even meals. Plan your budget accordingly and build in a buffer for any surprises.
6. Take the Subway or Walk
Traffic is notoriously bad in December, and walking is often faster than taking a cab. Subways are the most efficient way to get around, as I mentioned before use the OMNY tap to pay system for quick access.
7. Double-Check Holiday Hours
If you are going to be in the city on Christmas Day, you’ll want to make sure places like museums, restaurants, and attractions are open or if they close early. Be sure to check official websites or call before locking in plans.
8. Prioritize Your Must-Dos
You probably won’t be able to see and do everything in 4 days. If you do see everything, you truly are a beast and you’ll be totally exhausted. So, make a short list of your non-negotiables (like seeing the Rockefeller Tree or going to a Broadway show), and plan the rest of your trip around those highlights.
9. Pack a Portable Phone Charger
You’ll be using your phone constantly. This may or may not be a change for you. You’ll use it for maps, taking photos, checking subway routes, and maybe even mobile tickets. A portable charger ensures you don’t run out of juice in the middle of a packed day. I have the Iniu portable charger that I really like.
10. Download Helpful Apps Before You Go
Consider installing:
- MTA Subway Time (live train updates)
- Citymapper or Google Maps (for walking/subway directions)
- TodayTix (for last-minute Broadway tickets)
- NYC Holiday Lights map apps (for DIY lights tours)
11. Make Restaurant Reservations
Restaurants book up fast in December, especially near tourist areas. Make dinner reservations in advance when possible, and have a couple backup spots saved on Google Maps just in case.
12. Be Ready for Increased Security
Major tourist spots and events may have security checks, especially near Rockefeller Center or Times Square. Allow extra time to get through lines if you’re attending anything high profile.
13. Pack Light but Smart
My wife and I are definitely team carry on when it comes to traveling. This can be truly helpful in New York City since the hotel rooms can be small. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Pack only what you need, and don’t forget the essentials like lip balm, gloves, comfy shoes, and a water bottle.
14. Be Flexible
Weather, crowds, and traffic can and most likely will cause delays or alter your plans. Build in some margin for spontaneity, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Sometimes the unexpected moments become the most memorable ones.
15. Add Event Tickets to Your Phone’s Wallet
The last thing that you want to happen for events you’re attending, like a Broadway show or the Rocketees, is not being able to access your tickets through an app because of wifi issues. Talk about panic time. The best way around this is by adding your event tickets to your wallet on your phone. You don’t need wifi to access them.
Christmas in New York City Itinerary
Day 1 Overview of Christmas in New York City
Arrive in NYC
Madison Square Park
Flat Iron Building
Eat at Malibu Diner
Eataly Flatiron
Fox Square Christmas Tree
Radio City Music Hall
Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Christmas Tree at Night
Store Fronts 5th Ave.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Eat at Ichiran
Arrive in NYC
My wife and I flew into JFK on Christmas Day morning. Depending on where you live will obviously determine how you get to the city. If it fits into your schedule, I would try to arrive in the city as early in the morning as you can so that you get a full day to enjoy New York.
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park was just south of our hotel, so it was our first stop of the day. The Rockefeller Tree gets all of the limelight in the city but the first tree lighting in New York City took place in Madison Square Park back in 1912. They still hold a festive tree lighting in the park each Christmas season. The tree in the park was 55 feet high and worth a stop to enjoy. The park is nice and there are plenty of benches to sit down to enjoy the scenery.
Flat Iron Building
Just south of Madison Square Park is the iconic Flat Iron Building. The building has a unique triangular shape to it. Unfortunately, the building was surrounded by scaffolding since they are doing a major restoration on the building. Go figure! It’s still worth a look if you haven’t seen it before.
Malibu Diner
If you want to grab a bite to eat, I highly recommend taking a short walk to the Malibu Diner. Personally, I love to eat at diners. French Toast with a side of ham is my go to dish. Please don’t judge me. The food and service were both great.
Eataly Flatiron
Eataly is a sprawling Italian marketplace and culinary destination in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The venue blends a gourmet food hall, multiple full-service restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and a cooking school under one roof. Whew, that’s a lot of stuff. The market has a very upbeat vibe and is worth a stop even if you don’t buy anything.
Fox Square Christmas Tree
If you want to take in another Christmas tree, it’s a short subway ride or 30 minute walk from Eatalys north to the Fox Square Christmas Tree. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for Christmas trees. You won’t be disappointed in the tree since it stands 50 feet high, has 18,000 ornaments, and over 340,000 lights. The dove topper on top of the tree was 6 feet tall with 4,800 lights.
Radio City Music Hall
New York City has so many iconic things to see. Less than a 5 minute walk from the Fox Square Christmas Tree is Radio City Music Hall. You can enjoy the iconic front sign with the Christmas tree on top. Don’t forget to get some pictures with the giant red ornaments and candy canes across the street. They are definitely hard to miss.
Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is known for its Christmas tree and ice skating rink. You definitely want to see both of those things while at Rockefeller Center. What you may not know is that inside the Rockefeller Center there are many shops, restaurants, and other services like barbers. Just take a little off the top, please. It’s definitely worth some of your time to stroll through the Center. Plus, it’s nice getting out of the cold for a bit.
Tips
- Come early in the morning if you want to miss the crowds. This also applies if you want to ice skate.
- You can get close up shots of the Christmas tree but make sure to get some shots from the far end of the Channel Gardens. You’ll see the bronze statues and Christmas Angels in front of the tree.
Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock experience is definitely something that you should do if you want to take in great views of the city. During the experience, you’ll watch a short video about the history of Rockefeller Center. After the video, you’ll be taken to the observation decks. There are three different levels that you can choose from. The top deck gives you complete 360 degree views of the city.
Tips
- You’ll want to make sure that you buy your tickets in advance if there is a specific time that you want.
- If you want to see the city during the day and at night, you can schedule a time when it’s still light out but will be turning dark.
- There are other add on experiences that you can do at the Top of the Rock. With the Skylift experience, you are taken above the crowd in a large crows nest. You get unobstructed 360 degree views of the city. The Beam experience recreates the famous photo of the 11 iron workers sitting on a beam enjoying lunch.
- If you are looking for the best observation deck in the city to get great pics of the Empire State Building, then the Top of the Rock is your choice.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree at Night
It’s one thing to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the day but if you can make sure to view the tree at night. Keep in mind that you are going to have to battle tons of people to get the shot that you want.
Store Fronts
The store fronts on 5th Ave. and the surrounding area are like art work. Most of the best window displays are just a short walk from Rockefeller Center. You can enjoy such stores as Cartier’s, Saks Fifth Ave., Bergdorf Goodman, and FAO Schwartz just to name a few. Make sure to sharpen your elbows since there will be thousands of your closest friends enjoying the window displays, also.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
If you are enjoying the store fronts on 5th Ave. and surrounding streets, you’re going to walk by St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s truly impressive to see the cathedral from the outside. If you have the time, you can go inside the cathedral to enjoy the stained glass windows, marble cladding, and towering arches.
Eat at Ichiran’s
Ichriran is a Japanese restaurant that offers Tonkotsu Ramen. They have a number of different locations in the city. We ate at the one located on 31st Street. If you dine at the restaurant, you’re seated in individual booths. You can also go into the restaurant and easily place a to go order. The ramen was truly top notch and very much worth it.
Day 2 Overview of Christmas in New York City
Bryant Park
New York Public Library
Grand Central Station
Eat at Angelina Bakery
See Wicked on Broadway
Eat at Carnegie Diner and Cafe
Columbus Circle
Macy’s at Herald Square
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is one of the most popular parks to visit during the Christmas season. There is a good reason for this. There is a lot going on in the park during the Christmas season. First, the park has the largest ice skating rink in the city and you can skate there for free if you have your own skates. Who doesn’t like free?
The park also has a European style open air market with all kinds of shops. You can also grab a bite to eat at various places in the park including the Cosy Igloos. They are clear plastic igloos that fit up to 8 people.
I love hot chocolate, so I grabbed a hot chocolate at Joe’s Coffee. The park also has a large Christmas tree where you can get some great pics in front of. Don’t forget to show those pearly whites.
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is located in Bryant Park and is definitely worth a visit. The library has, amongst other things, wonderful architecture to enjoy. There are two different free tours that you can take. One of them is an hour long and the other is 15 minutes.
If tours in groups aren’t your thing, you can download the Bloomberg Connects App and take a self guided tour. Don’t forget to get some pics with the famous lions in front of the library before or after going through the library. Don’t worry they don’t bite.
Grand Central Station
Who hasn’t seen Grand Central Station in TV shows and movies? It’s one thing to see it in shows and movies and another thing to see it in person especially during the Christmas season. Besides having fantastic architecture to enjoy, you can also go to the Grand Central Holiday Fair that is located in Vanderbilt Hall. The fair runs until Christmas Eve.
You can also see a free model train exhibit located in the Transit Museum Shop. The display is two levels, 34 feet long and has a miniature New York City and countryside landscape.
Eat at Angelina Bakery
Angelina Bakery has several locations throughout New York City, including one right in Times Square. It’s just a short walk from the Gershwin Theatre where Wicked is performed. The bakery offers an impressive variety of treats, from fresh croissants and indulgent desserts to pizzas, cakes, gelato, and their famous bomboloni. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a delicious experience.
See Wicked on Broadway
My wife and I had never been to a Broadway show so we wanted to go to one while in the city. We ended up picking Wicked. We were in the nosebleed section of the Gershwin Theater but that didn’t matter. The show was great. I don’t want to give away the story line but I felt like part of my childhood was a lie after seeing the show.
Tips
- If you want to guarantee yourself a ticket, you’ll want to book early.
- If you want to live dangerously and want to save money, you can buy same day tickets at the theaters themselves or at one of the four TKTS booths located in the city.
Eat at Carnegie Diner and Cafe
The Carnegie Diner and Cafe has two different locations in the city. We went to the one located on 8th Ave. which is a one minute walk from the Gershwin Theater. We had to wait awhile to get a table. I didn’t know it at the time but they do take online reservations. The food and service was great and I would definitely go back.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Columbus Circle is located on the southwest corner of Central Park. During the Christmas holiday, there is a holiday market located in Columbus Circle. You’ll find over 100 different vendors in the market. The area around Columbus Circle also has many other shops and restaurants to go to.
Macy’s at Herald Square
One of the most famous stores in New York City is Macy’s at Herald Square. Think Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our hotel was located a few minutes from Macy’s, so we stopped to enjoy the store front before going to our hotel. You can also go into Macy’s to see Santaland.
Day 3 Overview of Christmas in New York City
See the Rockettes
Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
Times Square
Washington Square Park
Oculus
9/11 Memorial
NYSE Christmas Tree
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Eat at Butler Bake Shop and Espresso Bar
Lightscape Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
Eat at Quality Pizza Company
See the Rockettes
I had heard that the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes show was fantastic but I was kind of skeptical. In the end, it ended up being the highlight of the trip for my wife and I. The show was 1.5 hours long and it included: singing, dancing, humor, fantastic sets, and even live animals. You won’t be disappointed if you decide to see it.
Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner
If you love the retro vibe of the 1950s, then Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a must-visit. The restaurant is decorated with all kinds of nostalgic memorabilia and sits right in the heart of the Theater District, just a short walk from Radio City Music Hall. Not only will you enjoy a classic diner-style meal, but you’ll also be entertained by the singing waitstaff—feel free to join in if you know the words!
Times Square
Times Square is one big tourist trap but it’s still worth a stop especially if you have never been there before. You will definitely get sensory overload between all of the people and electronic bulletin boards.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is a short subway ride from Times Square. The highlight in the park is the Washington Arch with the Christmas tree centered in the arch. The park also has plenty of places to sit down and relax to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Oculus
The Oculus is located in the Financial District and is a white steel ribbed structure. The building is supposed to resemble a dove taking flight from a child’s hand. Okay? I just think that it’s a cool looking structure.
The building is the hub to 12 subway lines, PATH trains and Westfield’s retail mall. At Christmas time, the Oculus has a festive market, Christmas trees, roller skating rink and is decorated with all kinds of lights.
9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is just outside the doors of the Oculus. It’s never a bad time to visit the Memorial to remember the people that lost their lives on 9/11.
NYSE Christmas Tree
The NYSE Christmas tree can be found on Broad Street which is right across from the New York Stock Exchange. The tree is usually between 55-65 tall and is worth the 5-10 minute walk from the 9/11 Memorial.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
There are a number of ways that you can get from the financial district to the Brooklyn Bridge Park. First, you can walk 10 minutes to Pier 11 and take a Ferry across to the park. You can also take the subway across to Brooklyn and then walk 10 minutes to the park. If you really want to burn some calories, you can take the 40-45 minute walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to the park.
From the park, you’ll get the iconic views that I’m sure you have seen in multiple movies and TV shows over the years of New York City and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Eat at Butler Bake Shop and Espresso Bar
If you are looking for a place to grab a light bite to eat, a great place to go to is the Butler Bake Shop and Espresso Bar. It’s a short walk from the park to the shop. They offer a number of different light offerings geared towards breakfast and lunch. They also offer the usual coffee shop drinks, as well as desserts and pastries.
Lightscape Brooklyn Botanical Gardens
If you love to see all kinds of Christmas light displays while you take a walk, in reality who doesn’t love that, then the Lightscape Brooklyn Botanical Gardens will be for you. As you walk the path through the Botanical Gardens, you will find all kinds of artistic displays. A few of the things that you will see on the path include: illuminated butterflies, glowing flowers, large round colorful spheres, water displays, tunnels, and multicolor trees. It was worth the money and Lord willing will be something we will do again.
Tips
- You can buy walk up tickets but if you want to make sure that you can get in it’s best to buy tickets online. The tickets that you buy are timed tickets.
- There are places to buy hot chocolate and something to eat as you walk. At the Visitor Center, you can buy drinks and there is also a restaurant. It’s best to make reservations for the restaurant if you think you may want to eat there.
- It’s winter so you will want to dress appropriately. I know, duh!
- There is parking but it’s $25. That hurts!
- Strollers are welcomed but leave Fluffy at home since pets and service dogs aren’t allowed in.
Quality Pizza Company
There are between 1,800-1,900 pizza shops in NYC. That’s a lot of pizza. I’m not going to be so matter of fact and say that the Quality Pizza Company is the best but it’s very good. It has a 4.8 Google rating and is definitely worth a taste if you are wanting to get a really good pizza in the city.
Day 4 Overview of Christmas in New York City
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Explore Hudson Yards
Eat at In Common
Fly Home
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry can give you wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty and of the city. Another great thing about the ferry is that it’s totally free. With that all being said, it was a foggy, overcast, and rainy day when we took it. Maybe next time. The ride one way is approximately 25 minutes long. You have to get off of the ferry and get in line to ride it back to Manhattan.
Explore Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is a fairly new developed area on the West Side of the city. It’s located between Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. The area has over 100 shops and restaurants, as well as art galleries and offices.
The Hudson Yards Mall is an upscale mall. It’s decked out with more than 2 million lights during the Christmas season. The Vessel Building is nearby and has a unique architectural look to it. You can also walk the Highline which is 30 feet above street level and 1.5 miles long.
Eat at In Common
In Common is a cafe that is located in Hudson Yards and is just minutes from the Highline. They are open for breakfast, brunch and lunch. The cafe is located in a renovated 1960s warehouse. The cafe is kind of small and they don’t take reservations. If you have to wait to get a seat it’s very much worth it.
We had a chance to talk with the owner of the cafe and he was super personable and nice. I got my usual dish of French toast. Personally, I couldn’t have told you what whipped mascarpone was before having it on my French toast. All I can say now is that it was fantastic.
Fly Home
After we ate, we said good bye to our daughter and then went and checked out of our hotel. We went to LaGuardia and flew home.
How to Get to the Airport Tip
There are many ways to get from the city to LaGuardia or JFK. A newer option is the Uber Shuttle, which my wife and I used to reach LaGuardia.
They have a number of different pick up and drop off locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. We were picked up at Penn Station. It was a great experience. The van had plenty of room, was comfortable, and our driver was very personable.
At the time we were in the city, they didn’t offer the service to JFK but they do now. The price was very reasonable at just under $40 for the two of us not including tip. This is considerably cheaper than taking a regular Uber/Lyft.
Other Things to Do at Christmas in New York City
Christmas in New York City is not only magical but there are so many different things that you can see and do. We covered a lot of ground in the four days we were in the city but there is so much more. Below are some other things that you can enjoy while in the city.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights– Many homes in this Brooklyn neighborhood decorate their homes for Christmas.
- Christmas Shopping– If you love to shop, there are many shops and stores to get your shop on in the city.
- Watch the Nutcracker– You can enjoy the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center.
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights– You can stroll through the zoo to see all kinds of Christmas light displays.
- Central Park– The park has various festive activities and decorations during the Christmas season.
- New York Botanical Garden and Train Show– Model trains travel through a miniature model of New York City.
- Astra Lumina in Queens– This is a mile long stretch of Christmas lights at the Queens Botanical Gardens.
- New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise– The cruise is 1.5 hours long and takes place at night. You get wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty and of the city.
Final Thoughts on Christmas in New York City
Christmas in New York City is nothing short of magical, and planning a thoughtful 4 day itinerary can help you make the most of your time in the city. From iconic landmarks dressed in holiday lights to cozy winter experiences like ice skating and festive markets, there’s something special around every corner.
Being around thousands of your closest friends and chilly weather are part of the experience, the memories you’ll make are well worth it. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary is designed to balance the must sees with moments of wonder that will make your Christmas in New York City truly unforgettable.
Go to my blog Travelwidstom to find more travel itineraries, as well as ways to save on travel, how to earn and redeem credit card points, and other travel related topics.
