50 Free Things To Do at Christmas in New York City

I have watched Christmas in New York City play out on screen my entire life. The Rockefeller tree, the window displays, the snow dusted streets. Standing there in person for the first time, it felt like every movie and TV show I had ever seen was suddenly coming alive around me. My wife, Tonya, felt it too. Every iconic spot we visited, every string of lights we walked under, she soaked it all in. Now every time New York shows up on TV at Christmas, she reminds me that we were actually there.

The best part of our trip was that so much of what made it magical cost us nothing. Tonya and I personally did 23 of the 50 things on this list, and I wished we had time for more. This guide covers 50 free things to do in New York City at Christmas, organized by category so you can find what fits your trip. Whether you have one day or four, there is more than enough here to fill your time without opening your wallet.

If you are looking for an itinerary while in the city, I have created a 4 day itinerary that my wife and I did. In the itinerary, you’ll find things to see and do, places to stay, how to save money, ways to get around, and things to consider when planning. 

Table of Contents

• Map of Free Things to Do
• Holiday Lights and Window Displays
• Christmas Trees
• Holiday Markets
• Holiday Music & Special Events
• Iconic Christmas Photo Stops
• Neighborhood Decorations and Experiences
• Other Things to Do for Free
• Using Credit Card and Points to Save Money
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Map of Free Things to Do in New York City

Use the interactive map below to plan your route through all 50 free Christmas activities in this guide. Each pin is color coded by category so you can cluster stops efficiently and make the most of your time in the city.

• Blue pins = Holiday lights and window displays
• Green pins = Christmas trees
• Orange pins = Holiday markets
• Purple pins = Holiday music and special events
• Red pins = Iconic Christmas photo stops
• Yellow pins = Neighborhood decorations
• Gray pins = Other free things to do

Free Things To Do At Christmas in New York City

Holiday Lights & Window Displays in New York City

Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

The 5th Avenue window displays are New York City’s most famous high fashion Christmas tradition. The main holiday window displays can be found between 49th Street and 58th Street. You can enjoy the windows starting in late November until early January.

Some of the most notable stores include department stores like Cartier, Saks, Tiffany and Company, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman. Each store creates elaborate themed displays that attract thousands each season.

Best Time to Visit: We visited on Christmas Day around 7:00 PM and it was extremely busy. If you want to view the windows without fighting the crowds, go early in the morning before 9:00 AM or late at night after 10:00 PM. If you visit on Christmas Day expect large crowds at any hour.

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the heart of the Fifth Avenue window displays is 47th to 50th Streets Rockefeller Center station, which directly serves the B, D, F, and M trains.

Hudson Yards Shine Bright

Tonya and I were short on time so we were able to see some of the different light displays at the Shops at Hudson Yards but not much else. I was impressed with all of the lights. Lord willing it will definitely be a stop on our next itinerary when we come to the city for Christmas.

There are more than 2 million twinkling lights (that’s a lot of lights) with 115 miles of stringed lights, 725 evergreens, 10 custom-designed, 11-foot-tall toy soldiers, and 32 balloon centerpieces throughout the neighborhood.

Children can get pictures taken with Santa until December 23rd and there are pop up concerts located in the mezzanine on weekends in December.

Best Time to Visit: We visited around 11:00 AM and it was not busy at all. Morning visits on weekdays are your best bet for experiencing the lights without the crowds. Keep in mind that the lights are more dramatic after dark so if crowds do not bother you an evening visit will give you the full visual impact.

Time: 1 to 2 hours to see everything in Hudson Yards

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Hudson Yards “Shine Bright” holiday display is the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station, which serves as the western terminus for the 7 train. The station exits lead passengers directly out into the Public Square and Gardens or offer seamless, escalator access straight into the lower concourse of The Shops at Hudson Yards.

Brookfield Place Luminaries

The Luminaries installation at Brookfield Place, located in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City, is one of New York City’s most unique indoor holiday displays. We did not make it here on our trip but it is on my list for next time. Suspended high above the pavilion’s iconic palm trees is a grid of 650 custom-engineered, glowing lantern cubes that change color and move in choreographed patterns.

There are numerous “Wishing Stations” that are situated on the pavilion floor. You can wave your hands above a glowing sensor to “send a wish” up into the canopy. The 650 lanterns react by lighting up with cascading lights across the entire overhead grid.

Best Time to Visit: The color changing canopy responds to movement and music so evenings when the space is more active create a livelier experience. That said weekday mornings before noon will give you a peaceful visit with the display largely to yourself.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Brookfield Place Luminaries is World Trade Center (E train) or WTC Cortlandt (1 train), which connect directly to Brookfield Place via the underground World Trade Center Concourse walkway.

Time Warner Center “Holiday Under the Stars”

We did not make it here on our trip but it is definitely something we want to do. If you are looking to get out of the cold for a bit, taking in the 44 massive 14-foot overhead stars that are located inside The Shops at Columbus Circle is a wonderful option. Every night from 5:00 PM to midnight, the stars perform an automated light show every 30 minutes on the half-hour. The lights in the stars are synchronized to holiday jazz arrangements.

Best Time to Visit: If you want photos of the stars reflecting off the polished marble floors, visit on a Sunday morning or a weeknight after 9:30 PM when retail traffic empties out. Another sweet spot is Thursday evenings typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Free shows are put on at the second floor mezzanine featuring cast members from top Broadway shows who sing and take questions from the audience.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to “Holiday Under the Stars” is 59th Street-Columbus Circle, which sits directly underneath the complex and serves the 1, A, B, C, and D trains.

Cartier Mansion Bow

The Cartier Mansion Bow can be found at 5th Avenue and 52nd Street and is one of the most iconic things to see while in the city. We missed seeing it this trip but will are going to see the next time we are in the city.

The 5-story building is wrapped in a massive three-dimensional red ribbon each Christmas season. By all accounts, crawling along the illuminated ribbon tracks are Cartier’s signature panthers. These life-sized sculptural wild cats are covered in thousands of miniature white LED lights, giving the illusion that they are pacing across the front of the mansion.

Best Time to Visit: The bow is illuminated and photographs dramatically better at night against a dark sky. Go after dark for photos and before 9:00 AM if you want a clean shot without crowds blocking the frame.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Cartier Mansion is 5th Avenue-53rd Street, which directly serves the E and M trains.

Fifth Avenue Snowflake

This was on my list of things to see when we were in the city but unfortunately we didn’t see it. The Fifth Avenue Snowflake is a massive 30-foot-diameter 3,300-pound snowflake that hangs 50 feet in the air at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 57th Street. That is one big snowflake.

Based on what I found, the snowflake has over 16,500 Baccarat crystal prisms with over 600 high intensity LED lights inside of it. The snowflake is programmed to put on light shows every hour on the hour that you can enjoy.

Best Time to Visit: The snowflake is suspended over Fifth Avenue and is fully illuminated at night. Evening visits after dark give you the best photos. Pair it with your Fifth Avenue window display visit to make the most of one trip down the avenue.

Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the famous Fifth Avenue holiday snowflake display is 5th Avenue-53rd Street, which directly serves the E and M trains.

Bloomingdale’s Holiday Ceiling Lights

The Bloomingdale’s window displays get most of the press but Bloomingdale’s takes it to another level inside of the store. Bloomingdale’s uses LED panels, light sculptures, and kaleidoscopic colored chandeliers on the main floor ceiling of the store.

Each year the store has different themes and the ceiling decorations complement whatever the theme is that year. Numerous visitors describe a fully immersive experience as the ceiling lights reflect off the glass countertops and marble floors.

Best Time to Visit: Indoor retail spaces like this get extremely crowded on evenings and weekends in December. Weekday mornings before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM on weeknights will give you the most breathing room to actually enjoy the displays without being shoulder to shoulder with other shoppers.

Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Bloomingdale’s holiday displays is Lexington Avenue-59th Street, which sits directly underneath the department store floors and serves the 4, 5, 6, N, R, and W trains.

Washington Mews Holiday Lights

Washington Mews is a gated area with cobblestone streets that is one block north of Washington Square. The area has private residences and buildings that belong to NYU. By all accounts, you won’t find a bunch of flash in the decorations. Buildings and homes are decorated with white window candles, evergreen wreaths, and garlands. The gas-lit street lights also add to the Christmas feel. 

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM since the ambience is the best at that time. The iron gates on the 5th Avenue side are sometimes shut since NYU controls them. If you do find the gates down, you cannot drive through the area but you are still allowed to walk the sidewalks to enjoy the decorations.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to Washington Mews is W 4th Street-Washington Square, which sits just two blocks away and directly serves the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains.

Madison Avenue Holiday Decorations

If you are looking for a quieter and more relaxed 5th Ave. experience then Madison Ave. is for you. Quieter and more relaxed may be a relative term. Madison Avenue holiday decorations are primarily concentrated along the Upper East Side between 57th Street and 86th Street. You’ll find decorated boutique windows and elegant lights for stores like Ralph Lauren’s Flagship, S. Feldman Housewares, and Giorgio Armani.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings between 9:00 and 11:00 AM give you the most relaxed experience for window browsing without shoulder to shoulder foot traffic. Weekend afternoons are the busiest window so avoid those if crowds bother you.

Time: 1 to 2 hours

Closest Subway Station: There are numerous access points but the most decorated stretch is roughly 60th to 86th Street. Best entry point is the N, R, and W trains to 5th Avenue-59th Street station, then walk one block east to Madison. Or the 4, 5, and 6 trains to 59th Street station for the same area.

Christmas Trees Around the City

Tonya and I visited a number of the trees on this list personally. For the ones we did not make it to, I have done the research to give you the best possible guidance on what to expect from each one.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

This is, by far, the most iconic Christmas tree not only in New York but in the entire country. As good as it looks on TV, it is actually better in person. The lights seemed brighter in person and the star on top shined even more spectacularly than it does on screen.

The tree is placed directly on the plaza at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between West 49th and 50th Streets, and Fifth and Sixth Avenues). It sits directly behind the Rockefeller Ice Rink and the golden statue of Prometheus. The tree is usually 70 to 100 feet tall, has more than 50,000 multi-colored lights, and is topped with a beautiful 900-pound three-dimensional star.

Best Time to Visit: We visited on Christmas Day around 7:30 PM and it was extremely crowded. I mean extremely crowded. If you want any chance of getting a clean photo or actually enjoying the moment, go before 8:00 AM or after 10:00 PM. Christmas Day and weekends in December are the busiest times by far. If you can visit on a weekday morning you will have a completely different experience.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the 47th to 50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, which sits directly underneath the complex and serves the B, D, F, and M trains.

Bryant Park Christmas Tree

We got to Bryant Park around 9:00 AM. The park had quite a few people in it at that time of day but it wasn’t overcrowded. The one thing that I really liked about the tree was that when taking pictures the New York Public Library and large skyscrapers were the backdrop behind the tree.

The 50 to 60 foot tree is located directly over the fountain on the east side of the ice rink. There are 30,000 dazzling LED lights and over 3,000 ornaments that are custom designed and feature nods to New York City architecture and the library complex behind it.

The tree lighting takes place in early December, typically the first Tuesday or Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM.

Best Time to Visit: Morning visits before 10:00 AM give you the best chance at clean photos with the library as your backdrop before the market crowds build. Evening visits after dark show the tree at its most dramatic but expect significantly more people. If you want to catch the official lighting ceremony it typically takes place the first Tuesday or Thursday of December at 6:00 PM.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Bryant Park Christmas Tree is 5th Avenue-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the park and serves the 7 train, with a direct underground walking connection to the 42nd St-Bryant Park station (serving the B, D, F, and M trains).

Washington Square Park Tree

The one thing that I enjoyed about the Washington Square Park Christmas tree is the fact that it is placed underneath and centered in the Washington Square Arch. That truly makes it unique from all of the other Christmas trees in the city.

We got to the park around 10:00 AM. There were a variety of people enjoying being in the park but it wasn’t overcrowded in any way. The park is quite large so it doesn’t feel as cramped as you experience with other Christmas trees in the city. There was a man playing a piano that was located near the center of the park which was quite enjoyable to listen to. This is something that happens year round.

The tree itself is around 45 feet tall. It is decorated with thousands of multi-colored lights and is capped with a glowing white star.

Best Time to Visit: We visited around 10:00 AM a couple of days after Christmas and the park was relaxed and enjoyable. If you want to experience the caroling, it happens on Christmas Eve and select other evenings in December so check the schedule before you go. It is worth visiting the tree any time of day but I wish we had gone back at night to see it lit up against the arch.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree is W 4th St-Washington Square, which sits just one block west of the park entrance and directly serves the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains.

South Street Seaport Tree

The 60 to 65 foot South Street Seaport tree can be found on the pedestrian only cobblestone streets of the Seaport District at the intersection of Fulton and Front Streets just a few blocks from Pier 17. It is decorated with thousands of white and multi-colored lights. Sticking to a nautical theme, the tree is adorned with maritime themed ornaments, silver and gold ropes resembling dock lines and a beautiful star topper.

The cobblestone streets leading up to the tree are decorated with strings of white lights that make the area feel like a winter wonderland.

Best Time to Visit: We did not make it to the Seaport on our trip but based on what visitors consistently report, here is the best window to experience it. The best time to visit the tree is between between 6:30 and 9:30 PM. The cobblestones catch the reflection of the holiday lights, and the glowing span of the Brooklyn Bridge serves as a beautiful backdrop just a few blocks away.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the South Street Seaport Christmas Tree is Fulton Street, which sits a short walk away and directly serves the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z trains.

Lincoln Center Tree & Plaza

The Lincoln Center campus offers multiple tree displays clustered together. The main plaza tree anchors the space where the Nutcracker is performed each season.

The Lincoln Center tree is wrapped in thousands of brilliant white lights which is a great complement to travertine stone arches and the glass facades behind it. Sitting right in front of the tree, the light from the tree reflects off the water from the choreographed Revson Fountain.

Directly across the street, there is an immersive lighting display that includes 30 trees along Dante Park and Richard Tucker Park. The lights are fully audio reactive and change colors, pulse, and move in perfect synchronization to operatic recordings from the Metropolitan Opera.

Best Time to Visit: An evening visit is essential for this one. The audio reactive lighting display across the street in Dante Park and Richard Tucker Park only reaches its full impact after dark when the colors, pulses, and synchronized movements are visible against the night sky. The Revson Fountain also reflects the tree lights more dramatically in the evening. If you can visit between 6:00 and 9:00 PM you will get the full Lincoln Center holiday experience.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Lincoln Center tree and plaza holiday displays is the 66th Street-Lincoln Center Station, which sits directly underneath the complex and serves the 1 train.

Wall Street Christmas Tree

I was pleasantly surprised and really impressed by the Wall Street Christmas tree. It was much more grand than I was thinking that it would be. The tree is between 75 and 80 feet tall which is about the same size as the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree. It is decorated with over 50,000 multi-colored LED lights and custom designed ornaments representing listed companies to raise awareness for various global charitable organizations.

You can find the tree on the cobblestones of the Broad Street pedestrian walkway, directly in front of the New York Stock Exchange. The massive evergreen is framed directly against the exchange’s iconic Corinthian colonnade facade, which is traditionally decorated in vibrant red and green floodlights all winter.

Best Time to Visit: The Wall Street Christmas tree is a less busy alternative to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. We visited around 2:00 PM and it was not too busy. The Financial District quiets down significantly on weekends and after business hours so this is one of the easier stops on the list to enjoy without crowds. The lighting ceremony draws a larger crowd so check the ceremony date if you want that experience specifically.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Wall Street Christmas tree is the Broad Street Station, which sits directly outside the display and serves the J and Z trains.

Madison Square Park Tree

This was our first stop after checking into the Hyatt Regency Herald Square hotel. We got to the park and viewed the tree around noon on Christmas Day. There were just a few people in the park at that time of day.

The Madison Square Park tree is not only the oldest Christmas tree in New York City but also the oldest outdoor public Christmas tree in the U.S. since it was first lit in 1912. The tree is over 40 feet tall and can be found in the north side of the park near the Reflecting Pool.

The tree is decorated in multi-color LED lights, a nod to how the tree was orginally decorated. It’s also decorated with oversized classic ball ornaments in vibrant shades of silver, gold, red, and blue that stand out beautifully against the color of the tree. The ceremony to light the tree takes place the first week in December.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Madison Square Park Tree is the 23rd Street Station, which sits directly at the corners of the park and serves the N, R, and W trains (on Broadway) or the 4 and 6 trains (on Park Avenue South).

Park Avenue Memorial Trees

By all accounts this is one of the most unique and meaningful Christmas displays in the entire city and it is high on my list for our next trip. This is not one single tree but rather a two-mile stretch of trees lining Park Avenue. The tradition of the trees started in 1945 in memory of the men and women that died during World War II.

The 104 balsam trees are decorated with glittering white lights that stretch from East 54th Street all the way to East 97th Street. The trees are officially illuminated all at once on the first Sunday evening of December at 6:30 PM on the steps of the historic Brick Presbyterian Church, located at Park Avenue and East 91st Street.

Time: Most people don’t walk the full two miles of lit trees. People usually walk a 10 to15 block section, so expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes to view the trees.

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway stations to the main gathering hub for the Park Avenue Memorial Trees are the 96th Street Station on the 6 train, or 96th Street station on the Q train on the Second Avenue Subway line.

Lotte New York Palace Courtyard Tree

This tree can be found in the Villard House courtyard on Madison Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. Standing 30 feet tall, it is decorated with thousands of white lights and oversized shimmering gold, silver, and crimson metallic ornaments with a star topper at the peak. A star topper can be found at the peak of the tree.

You don’t need to do anything special to view the tree. The Lotte New York Palace courtyard is 100% open and free to the public. Anyone can walk through the open gates off Madison Avenue to admire and photograph the tree.

Best Time to Visit: This is a hidden gem tucked inside a courtyard surrounded by office buildings. Weekday midday visits between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM offer the most peaceful experience. Evening visits give the tree a more dramatic look against the dark sky and the historic Villard House facade.

Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Lotte New York Palace Courtyard Tree is 51st Street, which sits just two blocks east and serves the 6 train.

The Plaza Hotel Lobby Tree

The Plaza Hotel Christmas tree carries a little more cachet since the hotel and tree made it into the filming of Home Alone 2. The tree itself is nearly 20 feet tall and is a perfectly shaped Douglas fir. It is wrapped in thousands of white lights and hundreds of classic metallic glass ornaments, crystal baubles, and red ribbon streamers. Traditionally, beautifully decorated oversized gifts are arranged at the base of the tree with holiday greenery.

You do have to jump through a few hoops to see the tree. While anyone can walk up and photograph the exterior entrance displays, getting inside to stand next to the lobby tree generally requires you to be an overnight hotel guest, have a reservation for one of their restaurants, or be dressed up enough to browse the lower level shops and bars.

Best Time to Visit: Hotel lobbies fill up with non-guest visitors during peak evening hours in December. If you are not a guest and do not have a restaurant reservation, a good time to show up to the hotel is from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The hotel tends to have a more relaxed door policy during early morning hours when foot traffic is lighter.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the hotel is 5th Avenue-59th Street, which sits directly outside the property and serves the N, R, and W trains.

MetLife Building Lobby Tree

The MetLife Building Lobby Tree can be found in the heart of Midtown which is located at 200 Park Avenue. The central lobby features a towering, elaborately decorated Christmas tree. It is traditionally designed with a “golden dream” theme, heavily draped in thousands of white and gold fairy lights, metallic ornaments, and a star topper.

Right behind the Christmas tree is a 40 foot high recreation of the iconic Josepf Albers mural called “Manhattan.” The white, black, and red colors of the mural give a nice contrast to the Christmas tree in front of it.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the MetLife Building is Grand Central-42nd Street, which sits directly beneath the complex and serves the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains.

Fox News All-American Christmas Tree

This was the second tree that we visited the day of Christmas. I thought that the Fox News All-American Christmas Tree was more beautiful than what I was expecting it to be. The tree is 50 feet tall and is decorated with 18,000 beautiful ornaments and approximately 340,000 red, white, and blue LED lights, and is topped with a 6-foot-tall dove topper with more than 4,800 lights.

The tree is located at the Fox Square in Midtown Manhattan located at 1211 Avenue of the Americas between 47th and 48th Streets. The ceremonial lighting takes place at the end of November, typically the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the tree is going to be Monday to Wednesday which is before the heavy weekend traffic. The tree is located near the Rockefeller Christmas tree so that is why it is so busy on the weekends. You’ll want to see the tree between 8:00 and 10:00 PM which is when the Midtown dinner crowd has cleared out.

Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway stop is the 47th-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center Station, which sits directly beneath the display and offers immediate sidewalk access via the B, D, F, and M lines.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Nativity & Décor

It didn’t work into our schedule to go into the church to see the nativity scene or inside of the church this time around but it will be in our next schedule. We were able to view the outside of the cathedral which was decorated with wreaths on the front doors and garland on the arches.

Based on what others have reported and what the cathedral shares publicly, here is what you can expect to find inside.The nativity scene is traditionally set up on the north side of the sanctuary. This allows for people to form a line where people can view the scene up close, pray, or take photos. The figures in the nativity are nearly life sized with the manger being empty until midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Besides the nativity scene, there are majestic Christmas trees that flank the large pillars and they are decorated with white lights with simple metallic balls. Rich evergreen garlands are draped along the choir stalls, the marble banisters, and around the base of the massive pipe organs, filling the entire stone cathedral with the scent of fresh pine.

Best Time to Visit: We visited the outside of the cathedral on Christmas Day around 8:00 PM. There was a long line of people going into the cathedral but the atmosphere on Christmas Day is unlike anything else. If you want a quieter visit go on a weekday morning outside of mass times. Check the mass schedule before you go since access for non-worshippers is limited during services.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes once inside

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the cathedral’s holiday decorations is 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center, which sits just one block west and directly serves the B, D, F, and M trains.

Holiday Markets (Browsing is Free!)

Union Square Holiday Market

The Union Square Holiday Market is the longest running and largest open air Christmas market in New York City. As the largest holiday market in Manhattan, it offers the widest variety of vendors. The market features dedicated sections for local NYC artists, up-and-coming designers, and international goods.

The market also has a well known food scene that is a big draw for many people who come to the market. Visitors can snack on Persian stews, hot cheese empanadas, German gingerbread, Belgian waffles, and hot chocolates. Even if you are not there to shop, the food alone makes it worth a visit. That would be me.

Best Time to Visit: We did not make it to the Union Square Holiday Market since it was already shut down by the time we visited on Christmas Day. The market typically runs from late November through December 24th so do not make the same mistake we did and assume it will be open on Christmas Day. If you want the best experience with manageable crowds, go on a weekday morning between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Weekend afternoons in December are the busiest windows and the narrow booth aisles get extremely congested.

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Union Square Holiday Market is 14th Street-Union Square, which sits directly underneath the market grounds and serves the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains.

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

The market is located at the southwest entrance of Central Park. Unfortunately for us, we were in the market at night so we didn’t get to see the beautiful views of Central Park that I had read about. The market shuts down on Christmas Eve but we were there Christmas Day and many of the different shops were still open.

The market has around 130 artisan kiosks when fully open that sell handmade wooden toys, local art, artisan jewlery and so much more. If you are hungry, you can grab a bite to eat like a bratwurst, hot chocolate, gourmet churros, and French crepes.

Best Time to Visit: We visited at night and missed the beautiful views of Central Park that serve as the backdrop to the market. If seeing Central Park as part of the experience matters to you, visit during daylight hours. That said the market has a warm glow at night that gives it a completely different but equally enjoyable atmosphere.

Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is 59th Street-Columbus Circle, which sits directly underneath the market plaza and serves the 1, A, B, C, and D trains.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

If you want to get out of the cold for a while and at the same time do some shopping then the Grand Central Holiday Fair is a great choice. Unfortunately the fair had already shut down by the time we arrived in the city, but based on past years here is what you can expect.

The fair takes place in Vanderbilt Hall at the Grand Central Terminal. There are 35 to 40 vendors that offer handmade, American made, and socially conscious products.

Best Time to Visit: Grand Central is one of the busiest transit hubs in the world and the concourse reaches peak congestion during morning rush from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and evening rush from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Visit between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM for a noticeably calmer experience where you can actually browse the fair without feeling like you are swimming upstream.

Time: 30 to 45 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the market is Grand Central-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the terminal floors and serves the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains.

Bryant Park Winter Village

I enjoyed the Bryant Park Winter Village. There are so many different places where you can grab a bite to eat or a hot chocolate which I highly recommend. If you like to shop, there are around 170 different holiday shops where you can browse or buy something. If you like to ice skate, you can bring your own skates or rent some to get your skate on.

There is a large Lodge Bar & Food Hall beside the skating rink where you can grab a bratwurst, sliders, or pizza. You can also reserve a private heated igloo. The igloos offer curated food and beverage packages making them great for groups. The park also has a beautiful Christmas tree which makes for a great photo opportunity.

Best Time to Visit: We visited the Bryant Park area around 10:00 AM and the crowds were manageable. The Winter Village market itself shuts down by Christmas Day so plan your visit before December 24th. Weekday mornings before noon are your best window for a relaxed browse through the shops and food stalls.

Time: 1 to 2 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Bryant Park Winter Village is 5th Avenue-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the park and serves the 7 train, with a direct underground walking connection to the 42nd St-Bryant Park station (serving the B, D, F, and M trains).

Holiday Music & Special Events

Caroling in Washington Square Park

If you plan on going to see the Christmas tree under the Washington Square Park arch, timing it to also take in the caroling is a great option. People are led in song by the Rob Sussman Group Quartet. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words since you will be given a collectible songbook. This is something on my list of things to do in the city the next time I am there.

Best Time to Visit: The caroling takes place on Christmas Eve and select other evenings throughout December. The event typically begins around 6:00 PM under the arch. Check the Washington Square Park event schedule before you go since showing up on the wrong night means missing the caroling entirely. The tree is worth seeing any evening but the caroling is what makes this stop special.

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Washington Square Park caroling is W 4th St–Washington Sq Station, which sits just one block west of the park and directly serves the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains.

Trinity Church Wall Street Concerts

Trinity Church Wall Street is one of the oldest churches in New York City, dating back to 1698. During the holiday season the church hosts free concerts featuring everything from choir performances to chamber music. The historic stone interior and soaring ceilings make it one of the most spectacular settings in the city to hear live music. I did not make it here on our trip but it is on my list for next time.

If you are already planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial or the Oculus, Trinity Church is a short walk away and worth adding to your route.

Best Time to Visit: Free concerts are held on select dates throughout December, typically at noon and in the early evening. Check the Trinity Church website for the exact schedule before you visit since performances are not daily. The Financial District is significantly quieter on weekends which makes for a more peaceful experience getting to and from the church.

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Closest Subway Station: Rector Street station on the 1 train is the closest to the church entrance. Wall Street station on the 4 and 5 trains is one block away and is a good option if you are coming from Midtown.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir

The St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir is a world class, professional vocal ensemble. Hearing them perform under the cathedral’s soaring 110 foot vaulted ceilings it is widely regarded as one of the most majestic and moving experiences in New York City during the holidays.

Best Time to Visit: The choir performs during scheduled masses so your visit needs to align with the mass schedule to hear them. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses are the most spectacular but also the most crowded. If you want to hear the choir without the Christmas Day crowds, attend a weekday mass in early to mid December. Check the St. Patrick’s Cathedral website for the current mass schedule before you go.

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours for the performance or service. You’ll want to factor in more time for getting to the cathedral early to get in line.

Closest Subway Station: The closest station is 51st Street on the 6 train, or 47th to 50th Streets Rockefeller Center on the B, D, F, and M trains. Both put you within a two block walk of the cathedral entrance on 5th Avenue.

Grand Central Pop-up Music

The pop up music performances take place right inside the Main Concourse, specifically staged near the opal-faced Information Booth Clock. The musicians set up in designated spots provided by the MTA Arts & Design program, ensuring the acoustic sound echoes beautifully off the station’s high ceilings.

Based on past performances, you can expect to see a variety of performers including fingerstyle acoustic guitarists, classical cellists, opera/gospel singers, and R&B keyboards performing holiday classics mixed with jazz or pop fusions. The series runs exclusively during the peak holiday travel period, specifically from December 18th through Christmas Eve (December 24th).

Best Time to Visit: Performances tend to cluster around lunch hour between noon and 1:00 PM and during the evening rush between 5:00 and 6:30 PM when the largest audiences are passing through the concourse. There is no set schedule so these are not guaranteed but your odds of catching a performance are highest during those windows. Check the Grand Central Terminal event calendar for any scheduled performances during your visit.

Time: 5 to 15 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the pop up holiday music performances is Grand Central-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the terminal and serves the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains.

Iconic NYC Christmas Photo Stops

Radio City Music Hall Marquee and Tree

I have seen the Radio City Music Hall Marquee Tree many times on TV. It was better seeing it in person. The lit Christmas tree sits above the marquee where the Rockettes perform. To get the best photos go to the west side of 6th Avenue which is close to the giant red ornaments.

Best Time to Visit: Crowds will be heavy from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. I am talking from experience. To beat the crowds go during the day or after 11:00 PM.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes during slower times and 15-20 minutes during busy times.

Nearest Subway Station: 47th to 50th Streets Rockefeller Center station on the B and D lines, or 49th Street station on the N and W lines. Both put you within a block.

Giant Red Christmas Ornaments

I have always thought that the Giant Red Christmas Ornaments are really cool. They were even better in person. The ornaments are located across the street from Radio City Music Hall located in the outdoor plaza fountain right outside the 1251 Sixth Avenue building.

Best Time to Visit: To get the best pics of the ornaments go after 11:00 PM since you will have less crowds to deal with plus the neon lights of Radio City Music Hall reflect beautifully off the ornaments. In the morning before 8:00 AM, will give you nice daylight photos without the crowds. The 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM window will be crowded but the neon glow is at its peak during that time if crowds do not bother you.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes during less busy times and 15 to 20 minutes during busy times.

Nearest Subway Station: 47th to 50th Streets Rockefeller Center station on the B and D lines, or 49th Street station on the N and W lines. Both put you within a block.

Candy Cane Lane

I am not much of a candy cane lover, but even I had to stop and stare at these. The 11 candy canes are 15 feet tall and are located directly in the outdoor corporate plaza of 1271 Avenue of the Americas (the Time & Life Building), right across the street from Radio City Music Hall and just one block north of the famous giant red ornaments. This is another iconic display that will put you in the Christmas spirit.

Best Time to Visit: The best viewing times to take photos and see Candy Cane Lane is after 11:00 PM for fewer crowds or before 8:00 AM for daytime photos without the rush.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes during less busy times and 15 to 20 minutes during busy times.

Nearest Subway Station: 47-50th Streets Rockefeller Center Station, which directly serves the B,D, F, and M trains.

Macy’s Herald Square Entrance Displays

I have seen the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade countless times but I have never seen the store in person. Actually seeing the store decorated for Christmas in person was well worth the wait. There are 6 window displays located on the Broadway side of the flagship store. The window displays were decorated mostly in red with animated characters playing musical instruments and Christmas trees.

Besides the window displays, the main Macy’s entrance was decorated with giant wreaths, ornaments, and lights. If you are visiting the city before Christmas, you can also go inside the store and visit Santaland. Santaland requires timed entry reservations and sells out quickly, especially on weekends. So, be proactive if you think you want to visit Santaland.

Best Time to Visit: We were at the store around 8:00 PM and it was very busy. If you want to be able to view the window displays and other decorations without all of the crowds come to the store at 10:30 PM or later. In the morning, you can beat the crowds by getting to the store between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Nearest Subway Station: 34th Street-Herald Square, which sits right underneath the storefront and directly serves the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains.

5th Avenue Hotel Holiday Lobbies

If you want to see some of the most elegant and spectacular holiday displays in New York City, make sure to go to the following 3 hotels located on Fifth Avenue. I did not make it inside any of these on our trip this time but they consistently rank among the most spectacular hotel displays in the city.

The Plaza Hotel (5th Avenue and Central Park South): This hotel is the most famous hotel lobby in the city. The hotel has a grand lobby with a large Christmas tree decorated with glowing lights and classic ornaments.

The Peninsula New York (5th Avenue and 55th Street): This hotel goes all out, starting with a grand staircase outside wrapped in a massive light display. Inside, the lobby is transformed into a winter wonderland with a giant tree, holiday music, and a festive gingerbread house display.

The St. Regis New York (5th Ave & 55th St): Known for old world luxury, the St. Regis decorates its landmark lobby with grand vertical nutcrackers, elegant evergreen garlands winding up the mezzanine, and classic, sophisticated lighting.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the hotels is midday between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. There is less foot traffic at that time. Another good time to see the displays is between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Each hotel has different rules about visitors so make sure to check each hotel before visiting. Some hotels restrict photography, some require reservations during peak times, and some have dress codes for lobby access.

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours for all 4 hotels

Nearest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the heart of the 5th Avenue luxury hotel displays is 5th Avenue–53rd Street, which directly serves the E and M trains.

NY Public Library Lions & Christmas Tree

The New York Public Library is located on 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, with Bryant Park sitting directly behind it. The Lions named “Patience” and “Fortitude” wear wreaths, and are located in the front of the library. Personally, I love lions and I love Christmas, so this one felt like a two for one deal. Don’t worry the lions won’t bite so you can get pictures with them.

If you walk up the stairs past the lions and enter the library, you’ll enter Astor Hall where you’ll see the New York Public Library’s Christmas tree. The tree is beautiful since it is decorated with white lights, metallic ornaments, and ribbon streamers.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the lions is after 9:00 PM. The crowds are thinner and the flood lights illuminate the lions wearing their wreaths. The best window to view the tree is from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Closest Subway Station: 5th Avenue-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the library steps and serves the 7 train, with a direct underground connection to the 42nd St–Bryant Park station (serving the B, D, F, and M trains).

Neighborhood Decorations & Experiences in New York City

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Brooklyn

I did a lot of research about Dyker Heights and the Christmas lights before our trip. We were looking forward to seeing the homes all decorated but we never made it because we were tired from all of the other things that we did that day. It is on top of our list of things to do the next time.

Even though it is an hour trip from Manhattan, by all accounts it is worth the trip and consistently ranks as one of the top holiday experiences in the entire city. When it comes to Christmas light displays, the homes in Dyker Heights are on steroids. Homes are decorated with millions of lights featuring flashing, static, and synchronized displays alongside life-sized nutcrackers and massive Christmas inflatables.

The best zone is between 83rd and 86th Streets, spanning 11th to 13th Avenues. If you only have time for one street, 84th Street between 11th and 13th Avenues gives you the highest concentration of decorated homes in the entire neighborhood. Don’t drive your own vehicle to see the displays. You will experience bumper to bumper traffic and parking is next to impossible to find.

The following are some homes that you don’t want to miss when you visit the neighborhood.

• The Spata House (1152 84th Street): Lucy Spata’s home started the trend in the 1980s. Her home features a huge angel and Santa collection.
• The Polizzotto Home (1145 84th Street): This home is famous for its massive, 15-foot tall toy soldiers. You can’t miss the giant mechanized nutcracker that guards the lawn.
• The Star Wars House (12th Avenue & 84th Street): The name is misleading since you won’t find anything Star Wars at the house. It got its name from a Spike TV commercial that was filmed there. It is known for its life-sized nativity scene, and is considered a local legend.

All three of these homes are clustered within a few blocks of each other on 84th Street making them easy to visit in one loop.

Best Time to Visit: Dyker Heights draws visitors from around the world and the most popular viewing window is weekends between 6:00 and 9:00 PM when the crowds are at their peak. If you want to see the lights without the congestion go on a weeknight between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The displays are fully lit by dusk so there is no reason to arrive before dark. Many homes turn their lights off between 9:00 and 10:00 PM so plan accordingly.

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway stations to the Dyker Heights light displays are the 79th Street station on the D train or the 86th Street station on the R train. Both require approximately a 15- minute walk to the main display area between 83rd and 86th Streets.

West Village & Greenwich Village

We wandered through the West Village on our way to Washington Square Park and the brownstone lined streets made it feel like a completely different city. The area has decorated brownstones, cozy cafes and classic holiday charm. You can also enjoy the Christmas tree under the Washington Square Park arch, which I highly recommend doing, or the quiet, tree-lined streets like Perry, Grove, or Charles.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings between 5:00 and 8:00 PM are the sweet spot when the brownstone windows glow with light and the decorated storefronts along the side streets are fully lit. Weekend afternoons draw larger crowds along the main commercial strips.

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Closest Subway Station: There are a number of different access points for this area. For Washington Square Park and the arch tree: A, B, C, D, E, F, and M trains to West 4th Street-Washington Square station, which drops you one block from the arch.

For the residential streets like Perry, Grove, and Charles: 1 train to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square station puts you in the heart of the neighborhood.

Central Park Winter Walk

This is something that is on our list of things to do the next time we are in New York City for Christmas.

There are many things that you can enjoy in the park for free. While in the park, you can watch people skate at Wollman Rink. Visit the Gapstow Bridge or Bow Bridge to see beautiful views of the city skyline. Do some shopping at Columbus Circle Holiday Market or walk down the Mall to see the beautiful winter trees and Bethesda Terrace. Visit the Delacorte Clock located near the Central Park Zoo to hear it play Christmas music every half hour.

Best Time to Visit: Central Park is worth visiting at any hour but the holiday experience peaks in the evening when Wollman Rink is lit up and the winter trees along the Mall take on a completely different atmosphere after dark. Avoid weekend afternoons between 1:00 and 4:00 PM when the park reaches its peak holiday crowds.

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Closest Subway Station: For Columbus Circle and the Holiday Market, take the A, B, C, D, or 1 train to 59th Street-Columbus Circle. For Wollman Rink and Bethesda Terrace, take the N, R, or W train to 5th Avenue-59th Street.

Brooklyn Bridge Night Walk

We didn’t have enough time to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at night but it is something on my list the next time we are in the city. By all accounts, the skyline is stunning from the bridge at night. Plus, you can burn off the calories you have been enjoying while in the city. It is a 1.1 mile one way walk across the bridge.

Best Time to Visit: The name says it all. This one is worth doing at night when the Manhattan skyline is fully lit. Weeknights after 9:00 PM give you the clearest bridge with the fewest pedestrians. Weekend evenings are busier but the views are the same.

Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Closest Subway Station: Manhattan side entrance: Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station on the 4, 5, and 6 lines. Brooklyn side entrance: High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station on the A and C lines.

Astoria & Jackson Heights Lights (Queens)

While in Astoria make sure to travel from 14th Street and the adjacent avenues to see great house displays and inflatables. If you go to the Great Lawn in Astoria Park, you’ll see a beautifully lit tree with the Hell Gate Bridge in the background.

In Jackson Heights, head over to 37th Avenue and the Dunningham Triangle (near the Post Office on 78th Street and 82nd Street). This area is famous for its bright community displays, festive storefronts, and vibrant street life. It is easy to travel between both neighborhoods via the NYC Subway. You can take the R or W train to move between central Astoria and Jackson Heights.

Best Time to Visit: Evening visits between 6:00 and 9:00 PM are when the lights are fully on and the community atmosphere is at its best. Both neighborhoods have a vibrant street life in the evening that adds to the experience beyond just the light displays themselves.

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station for the Astoria holiday displays is 30th Avenue (N, W trains), and the closest for Jackson Heights is Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Ave / 74th St (7, E, F, M, R trains). Each one of these lines is well lit and easily accessible at night.

Carl Schurz Park Tree & Lights

The park is quieter than many other parks and can be found at the corner of 86th St. at East End Avenue near Gracie Mansion. Taking a walk along the John Finley Walk will give you wonderful views of the East River.

You can walk a few blocks down Park Avenue to see the other beautiful trees that line the streets. To reach Park Avenue, you will walk west along 86th street across York Avenue, First Avenue, and Second Avenue until you hit Park Avenue. The Fund for Park Avenue is 43 blocks long running north to south. Beautiful evergreen trees are lit up on the center malls all the way from 54th Street to 97th Street.

Best Time to Visit: Carl Schurz Park is one of the quieter stops on this list so crowds are rarely an issue. Evening visits between 5:00 and 8:00 PM give you the best combination of lit trees and East River views after dark.

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway staion is the 86th Street Station on the Second Avenue Subway line (serving the Q train)

Other Things to Do for Free in New York City

The following items are free things that don’t fit into any of the above categories. All of the suggestions aren’t Christmas related but are still worth doing while enjoying the city at Christmastime.

Grand Central Terminal

I have seen Grand Central Terminal so many times in movies and TV shows but standing in the main concourse at Christmas was something else entirely. The light pouring through the arched windows, the constant movement of travelers, and the festive decorations throughout make it one of the most energizing places in the city during the holidays.

One advantage of visiting Grand Central at Christmas is that you get out of the winter cold. Garlands, wreaths, and festive lighting can be found throughout the Main Concourse. Make sure to check out the hallway outside the Oyster Bar. Two people can stand in opposite corners of the hallway and whisper and still hear the other person because of the acoustics. It works even when the concourse around you is packed with holiday travelers, which makes it feel like a small miracle.

You can also enjoy the Grand Central Holiday Fair and the Holiday Train Show both of which are covered in this guide.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is on Sundays since there is less commuter traffic. Monday and Tuesdays between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM are also good because midweek tourist traffic hasn’t fully peaked. Avoid weekday mornings between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM and early evening between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM to avoid peak commuter traffic.

Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the holiday train display is Grand Central-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the terminal and serves the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains.

Grand Central Terminal

The Oculus, which is located in the financial district, was my favorite building to visit while in New York City. The ribbed interior structure is unlike anything else in the city. The Oculus is a main central hub since 12 different subway lines come together underneath it. If you take the subway, you’ll come up from the station right into the Oculus.

During Christmas the main floor of the Oculus is transformed into an Alpine Village. The center of the expansive marble floor is filled with rows of charming, custom-built wooden chalets and pop-up boutiques. There is also a beautiful Christmas tree that is decorated with white metallic ornaments. It is a great place for a photo op.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to beat the crowds is after 8:00 PM or weekend mornings between the hours of 9:00 to 11:30 AM.

Time: 30 to 45 minutes

Closest Subway Station: World Trade Center station (E train) connects directly inside the Oculus. WTC Cortlandt (1 train) and Cortlandt Street (R and W trains) connect to the plaza level. Fulton Street station (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, and Z trains) is a 5 minute underground walk away.

9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial was a very sobering experience having lived through September 11th. I remember I was teaching school and my principal told our class what happened. It is very much worth a visit. The memorial is located in the financial district and is just a short walk from the Oculus. You’ll want to visit the memorial during the day to get the best photos. The reflecting pools with the names etched around the edges photograph better in natural light.

Best Time to Visit: To beat the crowds go between the hours of 8:00 to 10:00 AM. If you want a more dramatic feel, visit the memorial around 4:30 since the light from the setting sun will make for more dramatic pictures.

Time: 30 to 45 minutes

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway stations to the 9/11 Memorial are WTC Cortlandt (serving the 1 train) and World Trade Center (serving the E train), both of which drop you off right at the perimeter of the memorial plaza.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

I’m really glad we went to Brooklyn Bridge Park since the views stopped us in our tracks. You can see the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge. I’m sure you have seen movies and TV shows that have been shot from this park. There is a 1.3 mile path to walk to enjoy the views. The park is worth visiting day or night. The skyline at dusk hits differently than midday, and the bridge lights up beautifully after dark.

Best Time to Visit: We visited around 3:00 PM and the park was not too crowded. The skyline at dusk hits differently than midday so if you can time your visit for late afternoon you will catch both the daytime view and the city lighting up as the sun goes down. The bridge lights up beautifully after dark if you want to stay into the evening.

Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to Brooklyn Bridge Park depends on which section of the park you want to visit first, but the best overall entry point for the popular northern section is the High Street–Brooklyn Bridge Station (serving the A and C trains) or the York Street Station (serving the F train).

Ride the Staten Island Ferry

The great thing about the Staten Island Ferry is the fact that you get great views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, when we rode the ferry there was a thick fog. We were still able to make out the skyline through the haze, and the Statue of Liberty appeared just enough to confirm she was there. You can get on the Staten Island Ferry in the Financial District. Make sure to sit on the right side of the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty when leaving Manhattan.

Best Time to Visit: We rode the ferry around 10:00 AM and there was plenty of seating available. Morning rides between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM are your best window for thinner crowds and better light for Statue of Liberty photos. Unfortunately we had thick fog on our ride so visibility was limited. Clear days give you dramatically better views so check the weather before you go.

Time: It takes around an hour for a round trip ride on the ferry. You will have to leave the ferry and reboard the ferry to do a round trip.

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the Staten Island Ferry terminal in Manhattan is the South Ferry station, which sits directly inside the terminal complex and serves the 1 train.

Times Square

I know Times Square is one big tourist trap but it’s such an iconic spot that you need to least do a walkthrough. It was Tonya’s first time to visit Times Square. Every time we see it on TV now she mentions the fact that we were there. If you take the subway, the closest subway stop to Times Square is the Times Square-42nd Street station.

Best Time to Visit: We visited around noon on Christmas Day and it was very busy. Times Square is honestly busy at almost any hour but the neon spectacle is best experienced after dark. Weekday evenings between 8:00 and 10:00 PM give you the full lights experience without the worst of the weekend crush crowds. If you go during the day you will still get the iconic experience but the neon impact is significantly reduced without darkness around it.

Time: 30 minutes to an hour

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the heart of the area is Times Square–42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the main plazas and serves the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S (Shuttle) trains.

Grand Central Holiday Train Display

As someone who watches the Polar Express every Christmas, the Grand Central Holiday Train Display is one I am not skipping next time. The show can be found inside the New York Transit Museum and Store, located in the Shuttle Passage next to the Station Master’s Office. The show runs from mid-November through February and is completely free to view.

There is no timed entry or reservation needed to view the display. Strollers are not permitted inside the display area due to the tight quarters. Based on what visitors consistently report, here is what you can expect.

The display has a 34-foot, two-level model layout. Lionel model trains, vintage subways, and the Polar Express run through detailed miniature NYC streets and landmarks before heading to the North Pole. Throughout the layout you will find tiny pedestrians, realistic lights, and moving vehicles winding through the streets.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is on Sundays when commuter levels drop entirely or early weekdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM right when the Train Show opens, or late afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Avoid the week between Christmas and New Year if crowds bother you since Grand Central reaches its peak congestion during that period.

Time: 10 to 15 minutes on quieter visits, 30 to 45 minutes on weekends and during peak commuter hours.

Closest Subway Station: The closest subway station to the holiday train display is Grand Central-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the terminal and serves the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (Shuttle) trains.

New York City Public Library

The main reason I wanted to tour the library was for my wife Tonya. She is a teacher and goes to the local library to get books for her students every day. If she wasn’t on the trip, I probably wouldn’t have gone into the library. After going through the library, I am glad that it was on our list of things to do.

You can tour the library on your own or go on a guided tour. Both options are free and you don’t need a reservation. If you enter the library, you’ll enter Astor Hall. In Astor Hall, you’ll see a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and two majestic marble staircases.

After you climb the stairs, you’ll find a dramatic vaulted thoroughfare which has arched ceilings and colorful frescoes on the third floor. The Rose Reading Room is the main showstopper and is found on this floor. The room truly is awe inspiring to see. It covers almost a whole city block, has 52 foot ornate ceilings, and has a grid of massive, glowing brass chandeliers hanging down from the center of the room.

Make sure to check the hours for the library before you go since holiday hours may be different than their normal hours.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon give you the quietest Rose Reading Room experience. The room fills up with tourists by early afternoon. Check holiday hours before you go since the library runs a different schedule in late December than its normal hours.

Time: 1 hour to 1.5 hours

Closest Subway Station: 5th Avenue-42nd Street, which sits directly underneath the library steps and serves the 7 train, with a direct underground connection to the 42nd Street–Bryant Park station (serving the B, D, F, and M trains).

How We Saved $1,700 on Our NYC Christmas Trip Using Credit Card Points and Miles

The following 50 free things to do in the city are all great ways to help keep your costs down while visiting New York City. If you want to save even more money while visiting the city, a great way to do so is by using credit card points and miles.

Tonya and I were able to save nearly $500 on our round trip flights (4 one-way tickets total for the two of us) and $1,200 on our 3 night stay at the Hyatt Herald Square by using credit card points and miles.

We used a total of 69,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book our Hyatt Hotel stay. This redemption was solid since we got 1.7 cents per point for our stay. We used 9,000 miles, 4,500 miles per ticket, through the Alaska Mileage Plan (now Atmos Rewards) to book our flights to New York City.

We used an additional 9,000 Ultimate Rewards points, 4,500 points per ticket, transferred to Virgin Atlantic to book our flights home. Both of the flight redemptions were excellent since we got over 2.5 cents per point with each redemption.

Points and miles can be intimidating to understand and use. Read my post about a beginner’s guide for earning and using credit card points and miles to take the guess work out of earning and using them for your travel.

In the post, you’ll find out what points and miles are, how to get started with them, types of credit card points, best beginner cards to consider, and ways that points and miles can transform your travel.

Over the years, I have learned that people don’t know how to transfer credit card points to airline and hotel partners. If that describes you, make sure to read my post about how you can transfer points from credit cards to travel partners. This one thing will help you save more of your money and will help you get better value from your points.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great travel credit card. It is the card that I recommend the most for people who are wanting to get into credit card points. It has a nice large sign-up bonus, excellent transfer partners, fantastic travel protections, and other valuable perks. Read my full Chase Sapphire Preferred post to see all of the perks that come with the card and how to use them.

If you are ready to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, this is my referral link, I’ll earn bonus points if you’re approved, at no cost to you.

FAQ for Christmastime in New York City

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Christmas in New York City is truly magical, but it doesn’t have to be expensive to enjoy. This list of 50 free activities proves that you can soak in the lights, sounds, and festive traditions without breaking your budget. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re wandering through holiday markets, admiring dazzling window displays, or taking in the city’s iconic decorations, there’s no shortage of ways to make unforgettable memories. So bundle up, grab a hot drink, and experience the magic of Christmas in New York without spending a dime.