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 towering Norway spruce is a 75-100 foot giant, decked out with over 50,000 twinkling LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star that dazzles with it’s millions of crystals. The tree lighting ceremony, a tradition since the 1930s, is a must-see spectacle featuring performances by renowned artists. Don't snooze on this one - mark your calendar for November 29th and join the crowd to witness this sparkling symbol of NYC Christmas magic.

#2 Go ice skating

Christmas in New York is incomplete without taking advantage of the famous ice skating rinks. Whether you are a complete novice or a pro ice skater, this winter activity is among the must-dos during Christmas. Wollman Rink is a public ice rink that opens each winter in the southeast corner of Central Park, much to the delight of New Yorkers and visitors. It offers an incomparable experience, with Central Park on one side and the iconic skyscrapers in the background. You can also visit the free rink at Bryant Park, which opens in late October and closes in early January.

#3 Go thrifting at the holiday markets

Get into the holiday mood by exploring some of New York's top Christmas markets. The New York winter market season gets underway with the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park. This winter wonderland boasts 170+ charming kiosks and NYC's only free ice rink! Stick around till New Year's Day for maximum festive vibes.

Craving more? Hit up Union Square's European-style market. Picture this: 100 red-and-white booths, twisting aisles, and live tunes setting the mood as you hunt for unique treasures and munch on artisanal snacks.

Another popular spot is the Grand Central Holiday Fair. Tucked inside the iconic Vanderbilt Hall, 30+ vendors offer one-of-a-kind gifts. Just don't expect any food stalls here - save your appetite for later!

#4 Go on a City Tour at the Botanical Garden

A spectacular toy train display that honours New York City and has become a Christmas tradition—the Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show is just amazing. Nearly 200 iconic reproductions, made of plant materials like bark and leaves, are displayed at the Holiday Train Show, including Grand Central Terminal, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Relive your childhood thanks to the charming miniature railroads and trains. Kids are sure to love it too.

#5 Travel to the North Pole

Department stores in New York put Christmas decorations on their displays to bring holiday cheers and customers, and in recent years, it's gone even further; professional window decorators and dressers have been attempting to wow people with ever-more innovative and creative displays. From November 14, 2024, their legendary Christmas windows kick off the holiday season with a bang. But wait, there's more! Venture to the 8th floor from November 29 for "Santaland" - think prancing reindeer, wacky decorations, and the big man in red himself. And if that's not enough to jingle your bells, Macy's is debuting its first-ever Holiday Square. From November 1 to January 3, 2025, you can shop till you drop with 30+ local vendors offering gifts, grub, and holiday cheer.

#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

The largest department stores in New York City create their window displays of holiday cheer every year in mid-November. Every window on Fifth Avenue has something to offer and draw people in. Therefore, once you're there, you must visit each one, with "Bergdorf Goodman" and Saks being some of the most well-known. The 'big reveal' and their windows are two of NYC's most significant Christmas traditions! Take your time and enjoy the astounding Saks Fifth Avenue light show while there.

#9 Feel the divine

Under construction for over 100 years, St. John the Divine is New York City's biggest church. It also hosts one of the most soul-stirring Christmas concerts in the world. This yearly concert, also known as the "Joy of Christmas," usually occurs on a Friday in the middle of December. That is just one of the many reasons why it is a wonderful destination to visit and an even greater venue to attend a performance, particularly around the holidays. Sitting beneath the soaring arches in one of Manhattan's most stunning works of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, you'll hear J.S. Bach's majestic "Gloria in Excelsis" from the Mass in B Minor, and Arcangelo Corelli's Christmas Concerto among others.

#10 Visit the Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the gem in the crown of New York City's Museum Mile, but during the holiday season, it acquires a special touch of Christmas magic. Visitors to the renowned museum can stop by the Mediaeval Sculpture Hall during the holiday season to view the Met's spectacular tree, a 20-foot blue spruce. Take in the exquisite 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene displayed at its base and the other masterpieces while you are there.

#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.