16 Things to Do in NYC at Christmas

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC at Christmas that have a dash of magic in them, this is for you.

One of the best things about New York in December are the thousands of twinkling lights, window displays, Santas and reindeer decorations that can be found all over the city. If you’re looking for a fun way to see them in all their glory, give this scavenger hunt a try.

Follow clues to discover the city's most brilliant holiday light displays, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Whether you’re with family, friends, or competing with a special someone, this hunt brings out the holiday cheer and a bit of competitive spirit in anyone (even self-diagnosed Grinches). 

It also has a cute storyline attached that makes you feel like you’re starring in a holiday movie of your own!

Icons are icons for a reason, and if you haven’t heard of The Rockettes before, we’re guessing you’re not from around here. 

But that’s ok, because everyone is invited to share in the holiday cheer this uniquely NYC show inspires!

This iconic performance has been a part of NYC history since 1933 and honestly, it just gets better and better. The show combines dazzling choreography, glamorous costumes, and plenty of festive numbers like the famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,”. 

In other words, it’s a tradition that leaves audiences in awe year after year.

If you’ve ever wondered how Santa feels after he’s visited millions of homes around the world, eaten all the cookies and milk (and even drunk shots of whisky, sherry, beer and sometimes even rum) SantaCon is for you. 

Join thousands of merry participants dressed as Santa (and no, you can’t “just wear the hat”) and parade through the city spreading festive cheer. 

It’s a boozy, chaotic, and unforgettable NYC holiday tradition, but be warned: SantaCon is not for the faint of heart—prepare for an all-day extravaganza of holiday-themed bar hopping and laughter.

While Rockefeller Center gets all the hype, NYC has plenty of other great ice skating spots that are less crowded and just as festive. 

For instance, Bryant Park’s Winter Village offers free skating (if you bring your own skates) in a charming holiday market setting. Plus, you can warm up afterward with hot chocolate from one of the nearby holiday stalls. 

If you’re looking to go even further afield, you can find ice skating rinks pretty much all over NYC, including Wollman Rink at Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park and many, many more.

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC at Christmas, then visiting the city’s holiday pop-up bars are a must. 

Iconic bars like Miracle on Ninth Street and Rolf’s transform into winter wonderlands with over-the-top decorations and festive cocktails, with more twinkling lights, Christmas tree and more tinsel than you can shake a candy cane at. 

If you’re worried about your seasonal beverage costing you a pretty penny, then sure: there are cheaper places than the themed bars to grab a drink. A lot of places will offer creative, seasonal drinks like eggnog or peppermint martinis – just take a look at the specials!

Spend any time at all looking for things to do in NYC at Christmas, and there’s a high chance you’ll find Dyker Heights near the top. 

If you haven’t heard of it before, this is where you go to find over-the-top holiday light displays that would make even Clark Griswold jealous. 

Every December, this neighborhood transforms into a Christmas wonderland, with houses decked out in thousands of lights, inflatables, and larger-than-life Santas. Some displays are synchronized to music, making it a true spectacle. 

It’s festive, fun, and one of NYC’s most beloved (and glittering) holiday traditions.

If you’re looking for things to do in NYC at Christmas that involve some history and a creative twist, head over to The Met. 

A Christmas tree like no other, this tree is traditionally decorated with 18th-century Neapolitan Baroque crèche figures and surrounded by a stunning Nativity scene. 

Set in the museum’s Medieval Sculpture Hall, it’s a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. While you’re there, take a wander through The Met’s iconic galleries—it’s a great way to get out of the cold for a while!

Speaking of unique Christmas trees…you can’t miss this one either.

The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History is another iconic NYC tradition that just gets better and better each year. 

It’s pretty much exactly how it sounds: each year, hundreds of meticulously folded paper ornaments, inspired by the museum’s exhibits, adorn this towering tree. 

Take a closer look and see everything from dinosaurs to kangaroos, squirrels and newly discovered species hanging from its branches!

Nothing says festive cheer like seeing The Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights display. 

This family-friendly event transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights, giant animal lanterns, and animated displays. 

You’ll also find festive treats, costumed characters, and performances to keep everyone entertained. It’s the perfect way to experience holiday cheer while learning about wildlife conservation—because even the animals like to celebrate Christmas!

One of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas is to take a bite of the holiday traditions that make NYC the ultimate melting pot.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, what ends up on your plate in December could vary hugely from that of your neighbors’, which is something New Yorkers probably take for granted. 

From tamales to latkes and the Feast of the Seven Fishes, every family has its own holiday traditions built on heritage and handed-down customs, and the good news is, they’re all available right here in NYC!

I’d recommend any sweet tooth to try Dominique Ansel Bakery’s Christmas Cereal or Dylan’s Candy Bar’s holiday candies, and eggnog pie at Four & Twenty Blackbirds is a must-try.

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than joining a crowd of merry carolers in Washington Square Park on Christmas Eve. 

Sing along to classic Christmas tunes as you gather around the iconic arch, accompanied by a brass band. Whether you’re a songbird or tone-deaf, it’s all about the festive atmosphere and sense of community. Plus, it’s free! So, grab a scarf, warm up your vocal cords, and get singin’!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in NYC at Christmas, you can’t miss out on the annual Santa Rescue. 

Watch as brave firefighters "rescue" Santa from the roof, and stick around for photo ops, holiday activities, and tours of the museum. It’s a unique way to celebrate the season and learn about the history of NYC’s bravest people in uniform.

PLEASE NOTE:  This museum is currently closed and it is not yet clear whether the Museum will reopen for this event this year 2024. We’ll update as soon as we know!

NYC is home to some of the best holiday markets around, and they’re a shopper’s paradise during Christmas (as long as you don’t mind crowds!). 

From Bryant Park’s Winter Village to the Union Square Holiday Market, you can find everything from handcrafted gifts to festive snacks, and even if you don’t want to buy anything at all, it’s a total vibe just being there.

Packed with holiday, markets are for those of you who want to sip on hot chocolate, nibble on gingerbread, and browse the stalls—there’s nothing quite like it.

So I’ve already mentioned two examples here, but I’ve just realized I’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to NYC’s Christmas trees. 

Honestly, you could probably spend a whole day tracking down all the spectacular Christmas trees you can admire, so here you go–just a few more of my favorites:

The Rockefeller Center tree is the big celebrity, but don’t miss the Wall Street Christmas tree's elegance. For something a bit more tucked away, Lotte New York Palace Hotel always boasts a stunning tree.

For a fresh take on a holiday classic, check out The Brooklyn Nutcracker. 

This reimagined performance blends traditional ballet with hip-hop and other modern dance styles, creating a dynamic, culturally diverse show that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn’s vibrant arts scene, it’s an exciting way to experience the magic of The Nutcracker in a whole new light. Whether you’re a fan of the original or looking for something different, this is a must-see.

The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a miniature world of wonder. Model trains zip through a detailed landscape of NYC’s landmarks, all made from natural materials like bark, leaves, and acorns. 

It’s a whimsical holiday experience that combines nature, art, and nostalgia, and the intricate craftsmanship and festive atmosphere make it a magical outing for both kids and adults alike.