Everything you need to know about celebrating Christmas in New York

#1 Admire the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Kick off your NYC holiday adventure at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree - the Big Apple's ultimate festive icon. This world-famous Norway spruce towers up to 100 feet high, glowing with over 50,000 LED lights and topped with a stunning Swarovski star sparkling with millions of crystals. The lighting ceremony, an NYC holiday tradition since the 1930s, is pure magic — complete with live performances and a whole lot of cheer. Mark December 3, 2025 at 8pm on your calendar, grab some hot chocolate, and join the crowd to see the moment the Big Apple officially lights up for Christmas.

#2 Go ice skating

What’s Christmas in New York without a little ice skating? Whether you’re stepping on the ice for the first time or showing off your spins, this winter pastime is a holiday must. Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for an unforgettable session surrounded by city skyscrapers and snowy trees. Or, if you’re looking for something free, visit the rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, open from late October through early January. Either way, it’s pure New York holiday magic.

#3 Go thrifting at the holiday markets

Nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like NYC’s Christmas markets. Start your festive shopping spree at the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park, where over 170 stalls serve up handmade gifts, seasonal treats, and cozy vibes — plus the city’s only free skating rink!

Then make your way to the Union Square Holiday Market, a European-style maze of red-and-white booths, indie vendors, and live music. Finally, don’t miss the Grand Central Holiday Fair inside Vanderbilt Hall — a classy indoor option with over 30 boutique vendors. Just a heads up: no food stalls here, so save your appetite for later!

#4 Go on a City Tour at the Botanical Garden

From November 15, 2025 through January 11, 2026, step into a miniature version of New York at the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. This charming exhibit features nearly 200 handcrafted replicas of NYC landmarks — from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty — made entirely from natural materials like bark, leaves, and twigs.

Tiny trains zip through this enchanting landscape, bringing nostalgia and wonder to kids and adults alike. It’s a heartwarming escape that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.

#5 Visit Santa’s Headquarters at Macy’s

For a dash of pure Christmas fantasy, head to Macy’s Herald Square, where the holiday magic goes all out. Every year, the store unveils incredible window displays that transform into mini works of art — kicking off the festive season in November 2025.

Then, ride the elevator to the 8th floor for Santaland, opening November 28. Expect prancing reindeer, candy-cane forests, and, of course, Santa himself.

#6 Catch a truly spectacular show

Since the 1930s, the Rockettes have taken over Radio City Music Hall for the holidays, and their Christmas Spectacular Show is guaranteed to be fun and festive. Over the years, the 90-minute programme has undergone revisions and enhancements—but don't worry—the kickline is still there! and provides the ideal family-friendly activity. The Radio City Rockettes' holiday show annually mesmerises thousands of spectators. The Rockettes sing their timeless songs with ease while donning stunning, eye-catching outfits! The event gets better every year, with dancing on top of a shining double-decker bus, artistic staircases, and winter forests.

#7 Ride across Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is beautiful throughout the year, but at Christmastime, it is simply marvellous. Imagine crossing this iconic bridge while enjoying the crisp, energising air and breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline while holiday lights are strung from all these buildings. A true neighbourhood competition that started in the 1980s and has since grown, Dyker Heights at Christmas is a scene out of a Hollywood movie. With the festive display and customary Christmas illumination built by the locals themselves, the Dyker Heights neighbourhood has become a must-see for Christmas in New York.

#8 Go Window-Hopping Along Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue transforms into a holiday runway every winter, as luxury stores compete to create the most spectacular window displays. Wander from Bergdorf Goodman to Saks Fifth Avenue, where intricate designs, twinkling lights, and animated scenes bring Christmas dreams to life.

Don’t miss Saks’ legendary light show, which paints the façade with music and color — a dazzling tradition that stops everyone in their tracks. Take your time, snap a few photos, and soak up the festive buzz.

#9 Soak in the Spirit at St. John the Divine

New York’s largest cathedral, St. John the Divine, isn’t just an architectural masterpiece — it’s home to one of the city’s most moving Christmas concerts. The Joy of Christmas concert, usually held mid-December, fills the Gothic arches with the sounds of choirs, trumpets, and timeless classical pieces.

Expect masterpieces like Bach’s Gloria in Excelsis and Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. It’s a soul-stirring experience that captures the true essence of the season amid breathtaking surroundings.

#10 Discover Holiday Magic at The Met

During the holidays, The Metropolitan Museum of Artadds a festive glow to its world-class collection. In the Medieval Sculpture Hall, a 20-foot blue spruce sparkles with lights and ornaments, surrounded by an exquisite 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene.

The serene atmosphere, paired with The Met’s timeless art, offers a peaceful break from the city’s buzz — and a reminder that beauty, like the holidays, never goes out of style.

#11 Go on a dinner cruise

Sail into the holiday spirit with a Christmas Day cruise in NYC! Feast your eyes on the city's dazzling skyline while indulging in festive fare. Choose from elegant dinner cruises offering panoramic views during a 3-hour voyage, or opt for a casual 2.5-hour brunch buffet. Popular options include the sophisticated Bateaux New York, known for its glass-enclosed deck and spectacular vistas. City Experiences also offers a variety of holiday-themed cruises to suit different tastes.