Tonya, my wife, and I spent Christmas 2024 in New York City, our first time doing NYC at the holidays. Four days, a full list of must sees, and enough points and miles strategy to keep the trip from wrecking our budget.
This is our real Christmas in New York City itinerary: where we stayed, how we got around, what we did each day, and how we paid for a chunk of it with points instead of cash.
Whether this is your first Christmas in NYC or a return trip, this itinerary will help you make the most of your holiday visit.
Table of Contents
- Things to Know Before Visiting NYC at Christmas
- Best Places to Stay During Christmas in New York City
- How to Save Money During Christmas in New York City
- How to Get Around the City
- 4 Day Christmas in New York City Itinerary
- Day 1: Midtown Christmas Attractions
- Day 2: Broadway and Holiday Markets
- Day 3: Downtown NYC Christmas Highlights
- Day 4: Hudson Yards and Scenic Views
- How to Get to the Airport Tip
- Other Things to Do in New York City During Christmas
- FAQ: Christmas in New York City
- Final Thoughts
Things to Know Before Visiting New York City at Christmas
Visiting New York City during Christmas is like stepping into a holiday movie. Think Elf! Tonya and I experienced it firsthand during our Christmas 2024 trip, and it did not disappoint. There are the sparkling lights on Fifth Avenue, festive markets, and iconic ice skating rinks.
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 or just want to skip the 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
The holidays bring higher prices across the board. Hotel rates jump, Broadway tickets get pricier, and even a casual dinner can run more than you’d expect this time of year. Build some extra room into your budget so you’re not caught off guard.
This is exactly why Tonya and I lean on credit card points and miles for trips like this. We saved close to $1,700 on our own NYC Christmas trip just by using points for our hotel and flights instead of paying cash. If you’ve never used points before, my beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles walks you through exactly how to get started.
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, 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. 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. I have the Iniu portable charger that I really like (affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).
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
Tonya 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 Rockettes, is not being able to access your tickets through an app because of wifi issues.
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.
Best Places to Stay During Christmas in New York City
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 check out if you are looking to enjoy the city during Christmas.
These are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
Hyatt Herald Square– In Midtown, about a 15 minute walk or quick subway ride to Rockefeller Center and Times Square. This is where Tonya and I stayed, and we booked it with Chase Ultimate Rewards points, saving over $1,200. The room was clean and well maintained and the staff was very friendly and helpful. It would be a place that we would stay again.
Sanctuary Hotel New York– This boutique hotel is located in the theater district in the heart of Times Square and is only a 5 minute walk to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The hotel offers free breakfast. During Christmas, the hotel transforms the rooftop into a winter “Ski Chalet” wonderland.
EVEN Hotel New York– Midtown East provides a wellness focused hotel stay. Each room has yoga mats, resistance bands, and foam rollers. The hotel is decorated nicely with a beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby. It is located a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Rockefeller Center.
Dream Midtown– This boutique style hotel is located in the West Side of Midtown. The hotel has an up beat vibe and is located within easy walking distance to Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, and Columbus Circle Market. The hotel’s rooftop lounge, PHD Terrace, transforms into a themed winter wonderland at Christmastime.
Washington Square Hotel– The hotel is a charming historic hotel that is located in Greenwich Village at the foot of Washington Square Park. It is a wonderful option for someone who wants to get away from the noise and crowds at the end of the day.
Arlo Soho– The hotel is located in the trendy Hudson Square neighborhood on the edge of SoHo. During Christmas, the hotel’s speakeasy lounge is decorated like a winter wonderland while in the courtyard, heated cedar cabins and yurts are constructed to eat in. The Canal Street subway is close and offers a short ride to numerous Christmas attractions.
Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park– This is the most economical hotel on this list. The hotel is located on the south side of Brooklyn and is a short train ride to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, a short walk to Sunset Park, and Industry City Winter Village. It is about a 20 minute subway ride to Rockefeller Center.
How to Save Money During Christmas in New York City
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? Read my post about 50 different things that you can do in the city that are free at Christmastime to help save money.
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 Tonya 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, read my guide on how to credit card travel hack. You will learn the basics of credit card points to help you save money.
Selecting a hotel credit card can help you save money, also. I have a post that shows you how to select a card that will best fit your needs.
How to Get Around New York City at Christmas
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.
Tonya, our daughter Kenzie, who was living in the city at the time, 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 or an Android phone, you can use your phone to pay or you can tap your phone to pay. It’s very convenient to say the least. You can also use a physical OMNY card to pay for your ride.
Fortunately for us Kenzie, showed us the ropes before Tonya and I were navigating it 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 taxi, and Ubers or Lyfts. The bus and subway are cheap options both only costing around $3.00 to ride for one trip. Taxis, Ubers, and Lyfts can be worth it late at night or if you’re hauling luggage between the hotel and the airport but they are going to cost much more than taking the bus or subway.
4 Day Christmas in New York City Itinerary
This itinerary is made to be flexible. Feel free to move certain activities around to meet your needs when you are visiting the city.
Day 1 Overview of Christmas in New York City
- Arrive in NYC
- Madison Square Park
- Flatiron Building
- Eat at Malibu Diner
- Eataly Flatiron
- Fox Square Christmas Tree
- Big Red Ornaments
- Radio City Music Hall
- Candy Cane Lane
- Giant Nutcrackers
- 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 and Go to Hotel
Tonya and I flew into JFK from Columbus, OH on Christmas Day morning. We stayed at Hyatt Herald Square so we needed to get to Penn Station which was a short walk to the hotel.
To get to Penn Station, we took the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station which cost $8.50 per person. Next, we took the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station. The cost of that trip was $7.25 per person.
The full trip into the city took around an hour. We could have taken an Uber or Lyft to get to our hotel but the cost would have been $85 not including tip. 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
We got to the hotel around 11:30 AM. Our room wasn’t ready at that time of the day. They were kind enough to keep our bags at the hotel in a back room so we didn’t have to carry them around all morning.
We left the hotel around noon and walked 10 minutes south to Madison Square Park which was our first stop of the day. Our daughter, Kenzie, met us at the park. 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 free to view and was around 47 feet high. It was decorated with multi-color LED lights. It would’ve been nice to see the tree at night all lit up but it was still worth a stop to enjoy. The park had plenty of benches to sit down to take in the festive atmosphere.
Time: 10 to 15 minutes in the park.
Flatiron Building
Just across the street south of Madison Square Park is the iconic Flatiron Building. The building has a unique triangular shape to it and is free to view. Unfortunately, the building was surrounded by scaffolding since they were doing a major restoration on the building.
As of 2026, they are still working on the building but the scaffolding that was surrounding the building has been taken down. The building for the first time in its history is lit up every day of the week.
Time: It is worth a 5 minute stop to take some pictures of the building.
Malibu Diner
My favorite kind of place to eat at is a diner. Before our trip, I called diners near the Flat Iron Building to make sure that they were going to be open for Christmas. The Malibu Diner was open and was a short walk from the Flat Iron Building. Unfortunately, the diner has since closed after serving people for more than 50 years.
The Diner 24 NYC is a highly rated spot about a 10 minute walk east of the Flatiron Building. The diner is open 24 hours a day. They serve diner staples like smash burgers, blueberry waffles, and milkshakes. You can expect to pay between $20 to $30 per meal.
Time: The diner was busy and took us an hour and 15 minutes to eat.
Eataly Flatiron
Eataly wasn’t on my agenda of things to do in the city but Kenzie wanted to check it out and I am glad she suggested it. Eataly is a wonderful Italian marketplace and dining destination in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. It is a short two minute walk from the Flatiron Building.
The market has a nice upbeat vibe to it and was very busy on Christmas. You can find quick service food stations, multiple full-service restaurants, cafés, retail shops, and a cooking school under one roof. If Diner 24 NYC isn’t your speed, Eataly is a great option.
Eataly has two sit down Italian restaurants and a seasonal rooftop restaurant. Making a reservation isn’t required but highly recommended especially during busy times. There are also numerous counters and cafes to grab a slice of pizza, Italian food, or a sweet dessert to enjoy. Eating at one of the counters is an affordable option while the sit down restaurants are going to be a splurge.
After Eataly, we swung back by the hotel for about 30 minutes to check in properly and then headed to the Fox Square Christmas Tree.
Time: We browsed as we went through Eataly so we were there for around 30 minutes. Plan on more time if you are going to grab a bite to eat or do more serious shopping.
Fox Square Christmas Tree
Personally, I am a sucker for a beautiful Christmas tree. With that being said, there is no shortage of beautiful Christmas trees all throughout the city. The Fox Square Christmas tree doesn’t get as much hype as many of the more famous trees in the city but I believe it is one of the prettiest trees.
The tree is free to view and is a 10 minute subway ride, which is what we took, or 20 minute walk from Hyatt Herald Square north to the Fox Square Christmas Tree. When we visited in 2024, the tree stood 50 feet high, had 18,000 ornaments, and over 340,000 lights. The dove topper on top of the tree was 6 feet tall with 4,800 lights.
The most convenient subway stop to get to the Fox Square Christmas Tree is the 47-50 Street-Rockefeller Center station, served by the B, D, F, and M trains. You’ll use this same stop for the rest of today’s attractions.
Time: 5 minutes
Big Red Ornaments
The walk from the Fox Square Christmas Tree to the Big Red Ornaments took about 2 to 3 minutes. I’d always thought these looked cool on TV, but they’re even better in person.
The ornaments are free to view and are located in the fountain plaza of the 1251 Avenue of the Americas building (the Exxon Building), between 49th and 50th Streets.
We were at the ornaments at 3:00 PM in the afternoon. It was extremely busy at this time of the day. You’ll need to be patient if you are wanting to get the perfect shots of the ornaments or take selfies in front of them.
Time: 10 minutes
Radio City Music Hall
The walk from the Big Red Ornaments to see Radio City Music Hall takes between 1 to 2 minutes. It is free to get photos of the outside of the iconic theater. As with the other things in this itinerary, seeing Radio City Music Hall in person was fantastic.
The marquee was all lit up and there was a 35 foot Christmas tree on top of it which was truly spectacular. Underneath the marquee there was garland and wreaths that were lit up with white lights.
You can take pictures from behind the Big Red Ornaments with Radio City in the background. You can also walk down the sidewalk an take pics from right across the street.
Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Candy Cane Lane
I am not a fan of eating candy canes but I am a fan when it comes to seeing the 15 foot candy canes at Candy Cane Lane. The candy canes are free to see and are located at the NW corner of 50th St & 6th Avenue which is a one minute walk from Radio City Music Hall.
The 11 larger than life candy canes make for a great photo op while doing Christmas in the city. You can find the candy canes out during the holiday season. If you are fortunate enough, sometimes on Wednesday and Fridays, the Rockefeller Group hands out free candy canes.
Time: 5 minutes
Giant Nutcrackers
Located one block away or about a minute walk from Candy Cane Lane is the free to view Giant Nutcrackers. This display is a lesser known photo op but since it’s right in the middle of everything else on this list I believe is worth a quick visit.
The 13 to 14 foot nutcrackers can be found between 51st and 52nd Streets outside the UBS Building. There were 4 nutcrackers outside of the building to enjoy when we were there.
Time: 5 minutes
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a two block or 3 to 5 minute walk from the Giant Nutcrackers. The Rockefeller Center is famously 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, there are many shops, restaurants, and other services like barbers. Just take a little off the top, please.
We enjoyed taking our time walking through the Center. We grabbed some coffee and found a table to enjoy some people watching. It was also nice getting out of the cold for a bit.
Tips
- Come early in the morning or late at night if you want to miss the crowds. This also applies if you want to ice skate.
- The skate rink opens at 7:00 AM and closes at midnight. Make sure to book a reservation for a time slot. You can skate for 60 or 90 minutes. There is surge pricing with more popular times being more expensive. The cost to skate ranges from $21 to $205 per person.
- 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.
Time: 45 minutes to an hour. Factor in more time if you are going to ice skate.
Top of the Rock
While putting together this itinerary, I was debating on what observation deck to do while in the city. I eventually chose to do Top of the Rock and I am glad we did.
The Top of the Rock experience is definitely something that you should do if you want to take in great views of the city. The entrance to Top of the Rock is inside Rockefeller Center at 50 W. 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.
After going through security, you’ll go to the concourse level where there is a 3D model of Rockefeller Center, history exhibits, and a theater where you’ll watch a 5 minute video about the history of Rockefeller Center. All of these different things are very well done and worth seeing.
When you exit the theater, you will take one of the express elevators to the 67th floor. It takes 43 seconds to make the trip. Make sure to look up when entering the elevator since it has a transparent ceiling with a synchronized projection on it as you make the trip. It is very cool.
On the 67th floor, you can go outside to the observation deck. There are glass walls to see through to take your photos. The Weather Room Cafe and Bar is also located on this level. It’s a great place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
You can take the stairs up to the 69th floor. As with the 67th floor, there are glass walls on this level. Finally, you can go to the 70th floor. This is the most popular level because you have 360 degree views of the city with no glass walls to see through.
We did the Top of the Rock on Christmas Day at the 4:30 PM time slot. It was crowded at this time of day. You will want to be patient as you move from level to level and when you are trying to get photos.
Time: Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours
Tips
- You’ll want to make sure that you buy your tickets in advance if there is a specific time that you want.
- The price to Top of the Rock has surge pricing. Prices are cheapest at the beginning or end of the day. The most expensive time is late afternoon to early evening.
- 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.
- Our time slot was for 4:30 PM. That is close to the time that the sunsets in New York City on Christmas Day. I thought it was a wonderful time slot since the sky was a beautiful orange color at first. After about a half an hour, the sky was completely black. It was nice seeing the city in a couple of different lights instead of just one.
- Make sure to factor in time for getting on the elevators to go back down once you are done. It took us over 30 minutes to get in one of the elevators.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree at Night
It’s one thing to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree during the day but make sure to view the tree at night. I was kind of worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype but I didn’t have anything to worry about.
The 74 foot tree was decorated with 50,000 multi-colored lights and was topped with a 900 pound crystal star covered in 3 million crystals. It was stunning to see in person.
We were at the tree around 6:00 PM. The crowd was quite large with people trying to get their photos and videos. That is to be expected with such a popular attraction.
Time: 10 to 15 minutes
5th Avenue Store Fronts
The store fronts on 5th Ave. and the surrounding area are like art work. Depending on which store front you visit first, it is only a 3 to 5 minute walk to them from Rockefeller Center. Some of the more popular store fronts include Cartier, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and FAO Schwarz. Personally, my favorite store to see was Saks Fifth Avenue.
There were no lines that were formed to view the store fronts when we were viewing them. During busier times lines will form to view the window displays. If you want to miss the crowds, go early in the morning between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM or later in the evening after 10:00 PM.
Time: 20 to 30 minutes
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. There is no way that you can miss it since it is truly quite massive and is impressive to see.
If you spot a large glittering tree behind the cathedral, that’s actually the Lotte New York Palace Christmas Tree next door, not part of St. Patrick’s itself, a mix up plenty of visitors make.
The outside of the cathedral was decorated with garlands, large red ribbons, and doorway wreaths. We didn’t have the time to go into the cathedral.
We didn’t go inside, but while researching this post I learned there’s a full sized nativity scene, set up on the first Sunday of Advent, though the baby Jesus figure isn’t placed in the manger until Christmas Eve Mass. The stone columns and altars are decorated with large illuminated Christmas trees, massive wreaths with large red bows, and hundreds of red poinsettias.
They have special midnight mass services on Christmas Eve. Tickets are required for Midnight Mass through a lottery system for non parishioners. There are numerous mass services throughout Christmas Day.
Time: 5 to 10 minutes if you are just viewing the outside. You can expect to take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy it is to see the inside of the cathedral.
Eat at Ichiran
There are so many great restaurants to eat at in New York City. We decided to eat at Ichiran which 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 which was a short walk from our hotel at the Hyatt Herald Square.
The wait to get into the restaurant was out the door and went down the sidewalk 50 feet or so. 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 which is what we did. It took about 15 to 20 minutes to get our food after we placed the order. The ramen was truly top notch and very much worth it. You can expect to pay between $20 to $30 per meal.
Time: 15 to 20 minutes for carry out. Depending on how busy it is, you can expect 1 to 1.5 hours if eating at the restaurant.
Day 2 Overview of Christmas in New York City
Day 2 takes you from one of the most beloved parks in the city to a Broadway show that Tonya, Kenzie, and I will never forget. Along the way you’ll explore some of the most iconic buildings in New York City and cap the night off at one of the most famous stores in the world.
- Bryant Park Winter Village
- 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 Winter Village
Bryant Park Winter Village is a short 7 to 10 minute subway ride or 15 minute walk from Hyatt Herald Square. We took the subway to the park.
Bryant Park Winter Village 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? I was surprised with how many people were skating at 9:30 in the morning.
You can expect to pay $18 to $60 if you need to rent your skates for the 55 minutes sessions. You need to reserve a time slot no matter if you are skating for free or renting your skates.
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 Cozy 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 which was pretty good.
In the back of the park, is where you’ll find a large Christmas tree which makes for a great photo op. I liked that the skyline of Manhattan can be seen behind the tree. Don’t forget to show those pearly whites.
Time: 30 minutes to 45 minutes to walk through the village. Plan 1 to 3 hours if you plan on doing more shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.
New York Public Library
Tonya loves libraries and so I knew that we needed to visit the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building which is the flagship library of the New York City Public Library system. The library is located adjacent to Bryant Park so it takes about a minute to get to the library.
I wasn’t looking forward to seeing the library but I was pleasantly surprised by how impressive it was. The library is subtly decorated with garlands and wreaths. A beautiful Christmas tree can be found in the main entry way. Don’t forget to take some pics with the two lions, named Patience and Fortitude, wearing wreaths in front of the library. Don’t worry they won’t bite.
The library’s architecture is spectacular and is worth seeing all on its own. My favorite room was the Rose Main Reading Room, which is 78 x 298 feet and has 52 foot ornate ceilings. You are only allowed in this room from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday through Saturday if you aren’t on one of the tours the library offers.
The library is free to tour on your own. You can also download the Bloomberg Connect App and take a self guided tour.
There are also two free tours offered throughout the week. The first is a 15 minute tour of the Rose Main Reading Room, which gives an overview of the room. The tour times are 11:20 AM, 1:30 PM, & 3 PM. You need to register in person at the McGraw Rotunda starting 30 minutes before the tour to get a ticket.
The second tour is a one hour building tour, which highlights the history and architecture of the library. The times for this tour are 11 AM & 2 PM. You must have a ticket to go on one of the tours. Tickets for the one hour tour are released on Sunday for the upcoming week.
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour if touring the library on your own. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours if you do one of the tours or do a deeper dive into the exhibits in the library.
Grand Central Terminal
Who hasn’t seen Grand Central Terminal 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.
The trip from the New York City Public library was an easy 5 to 10 minute walk to Grand Central Terminal.
I loved the fact that the station is so grand and impressive all by itself but the Christmas wreaths and garlands that are there enhance the beauty and are subtle at the same time.
We were at the terminal on a Thursday late morning. It was bustling with people but I didn’t feel that it was overcrowded.
The terminal opens at 5:15 AM on weekdays. If you want to beat the crowds during the week, go to the terminal between when it opens to 7:00 AM or between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM when it closes.
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 from late November until Christmas Eve. Hours for the fair are 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.
You can also see a free model train exhibit which is hosted by the New York Transit Museum at its Gallery & Store location within the terminal. The display is two levels, 34 feet long and has a miniature New York City and countryside landscape. The exhibit runs from late November to early February. Expect lines on the weekends. It takes about 15 minutes to see the exhibit.
One other fun thing to do when at the terminal is to do the Whispering Gallery outside the Oyster Bar. You can whisper and the person can hear you across the room since the arched entryways allow sound to travel across the ceiling.
Time: Plan on 15 to 30 minutes if only seeing the main concourse or 1 to 2 hours if going to the fair, train show or grabbing a bite to eat.
Eat at Angelina Bakery
Angelina Bakery is a 15 minute subway ride or 25 minute walk from Grand Central Terminal. The bakery has several locations throughout New York City, including the 1675 Broadway location near Times Square.
The closest subway stop to the 1675 Broadway location is the 50th Street Subway Station, which sits just one block away at the intersection of West 50th Street and Broadway. You can grab the 1 train to the bakery.
Make sure to try one of their famous bombolonis, which are filled Italian styled donuts with an Asian twist. You won’t be disappointed. The bakery also offers a variety of other treats, from fresh croissants and indulgent desserts to pizzas, cakes, and gelato. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a delicious experience.
You can take your treats to go or you can sit down and enjoy them inside the bakery. Expect to spend between $10 and $20 per person.
Time: 15 to 30 minutes
See Wicked on Broadway
Tonya and I had never been to a Broadway show so we wanted to go to one while in the city. We talked it over with Kenzie and we then decided to see Wicked. The walk from Angelina’s Bakery to the Gershwin Theater was about 3 to 4 minutes.
We got tickets for the 2:00 PM show and showed up to the theater about an hour before the show was to begin. The doors opened up 45 minutes before the show. This gave us enough time to walk around the theater, take pics, find our seats, and go to the bathroom. You can grab a bite to eat or get a souvenir also at this time.
We were in the nosebleed section of the Gershwin Theater but that didn’t matter. Halfway through the production there is a 15 minute intermission. The show was great and was worth the money that we spent to see it.
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. Don’t worry about me. Therapy has really helped me get over it.
Tips
- If you want to guarantee yourself a ticket, you should try to book your tickets 4 to 6 months out.
- You can book tickets directly with the theater, through StubHub, Ticketmaster, TodayTix, or Vivid Seats.
- If you want to live dangerously and want to save money, you can buy same day tickets at the theater.
Time: 3:30 to 4:00 hours
Eat at Carnegie Diner and Cafe
We needed to grab a bite to eat after seeing a Broadway show. Since I love diners, we went to the Carnegie Diner and Cafe. There are 5 locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. We went to the one on the corner of 50th Street and 8th Avenue. It is a one minute walk from the Gershwin Theater.
The diner is quite large. There are all kinds of booths and tables throughout it. You can also eat your meal at a bar area.
I would advise making a reservation if you are going to eat here. You can call in to make a reservation or you can make one on their website. Unfortunately, we did not make a reservation and had to wait 45 minutes to an hour for a seat since it was so busy.
Once we were seated, we got to see their extensive menu. They serve all day breakfast, which I am a big fan of, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastrami, pasta, seafood, and steaks.
The service and food were both really good. My diner staple of french toast and ham were both delicious. We would definitely go back again but this time with a reservation.
This is a great option anytime, and especially if you see a late show since it is open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM every day of the week. You can expect to pay $20 to $30 per meal.
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour if you have a reservation or come at less busy time. Expect an 1.5 to 2 hours during busy times without a reservation.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
A 10 minute walk north up 8th Avenue from Carnegie Diner and Cafe is the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. The market is located on the southwest corner of Central Park.
This market has around 100 vendors that include homemade jewelry, home goods, unique art, all kinds of food, and various other items. The market is known to be more laid back than Bryant Park Winter Village. We were there at 6:45 PM and it wasn’t nearly as busy as Bryant Park was when were there.
If you want to beat the crowd, go during the week when they first open. Late afternoons and weekends are going to be the busiest times.
In 2026, Columbus Circle Market is running from December 2nd to December 31st. The hours are Monday-Friday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The market is closed on Christmas Day.
Time: 20 to 45 minutes if you are just browsing. Plan on 45 minutes to 1.5 hours if you plan on doing more indepth shopping or eating.
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 before going to our hotel.
Macy’s Herald Square Christmas decorations can be viewed from late November through early January. The store has a number of different areas to enjoy while at the store.
First, there are the detailed, beautiful, and animated window displays. The displays were quite impressive. The outside of Macy’s had red lights that were nice accents on the building. On top of the marquee was Santa Claus surrounded by gifts holding a sign that read “Give Love”.
There’s an outdoor market in front of the store on West 34th Street, which actually got its start the same year we visited, 2024. The market also extends into Herald Square Park and Greeley Square.
If you get to the store before Christmas Day, you can visit Santaland which is located on the 8th floor. Entry into Santaland is free but you need to secure an online reservation ahead of time. Time slots are released 5 days in advance at 6:30 AM. There are photo packages with Santa that you can purchase starting at $39.99.
Holiday Lane can be found on the 9th floor. This Christmas shop is quite expansive. You can find New York themed ornaments, sparkling trees, and unique holiday decor.
Holiday Square is an area that can be found on the lower level of the store. There are numerous vendors selling handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and customized items.
If you are looking to beat the crowds, go during the week when the store first opens. Another slower time is the last two hours before the store closes. Make sure to check the store’s website to see the most current hours.
It is a 10 to 15 subway ride from Columbus Circle Market to Macy’s Herald Square or a 30 minute walk. The closest subway station to the store is the 34th St-Herald Square station, which sits directly outside the store and connects to Broadway and 6th Avenue (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines)
Time: 15 to 30 minutes if you just do the outside of the store. Plan on 1 to 2 hours if you also do the inside of the store.
🎄 Add These Free Christmas Activities to Your NYC Trip 🎄
If you’re following this itinerary, adding a few free activities is a great way to keep costs down while still experiencing the best of New York City during Christmas.
👉 50 Free Things to Do in NYC During Christmas — A helpful guide to festive experiences that won’t cost you anything.
Day 3 Overview of Christmas in New York City
If Day 2 was about iconic landmarks, Day 3 is about experiencing the full range of what makes Christmas in New York City so special. From a show that ended up being the highlight of our entire trip to a stunning light display in Brooklyn, this day covers a lot of ground and is worth every step.
- 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 Tonya 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
Day 4 is a lighter day by design. It’s perfect for soaking in a few last experiences before heading home. We took in some free views of the city, explored one of New York’s newest and most impressive developments, and ended the trip with a breakfast that I’m still thinking about.
- 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 which can cost you $50 to $80 not including tip.
Other Things to Do in New York City at Christmas
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 do in New York City at Christmas.
- 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.
FAQ: Christmas in New York City
Yes, Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit New York City. The city is filled with holiday decorations, festive markets, ice skating rinks, and iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Most visitors need 3 to 4 days to see the major Christmas attractions in New York City without feeling rushed.
Some of the top things to do include visiting Rockefeller Center, seeing the Rockettes, exploring Bryant Park Winter Village, walking Fifth Avenue, and watching a Broadway show.
Yes, prices are typically higher during Christmas, especially for hotels and shows. However, there are also many free things to do, including holiday markets, window displays, and Christmas trees.
It’s best to book hotels and major attractions at least 3–6 months in advance to get better availability and prices.
A 4 day Christmas in New York City itinerary typically includes Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Broadway shows, Fifth Avenue window displays, holiday markets, and scenic spots like Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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.
