Christmas In New York – Best Things to Do (2024)
Introduction
In the city that never sleeps, the holiday season is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with incredible memories. Whether you’re an avid traveler or you’re simply seeking to bask in the festive spirit, this blog is your guide to embracing the joy of a New York Christmas. If you’re planning to spend Christmas in New York sometime in the future, this guide is for you. Keep on reading to learn more about the holiday cheer of the empire state and how you can make the most of your trip!
Things to Do in New York in December
For context, while I wanted to enjoy the holiday spirit of New York, because this was also my very first time visiting the city, I wanted to do other activities that were highlights of being in the Big Apple. Therefore, this list includes both Christmas in New York activities and regular activities that the city is well known for.
Explore Times Square
Times Square is essentially the heart of Manhattan. It’s known for its bright lights, Broadway theatres, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s active day and night. Exploring Times Square means being in the middle of New York City’s entertainment, shopping, and dining scene. While I’m often not a fan of crowded spaces, I enjoyed the atmosphere of Times Square because it was simply lovely to see everyone in good spirits. It serves as a gathering place for several communities, for example, I saw dance groups who were putting on a show for the crowd, and also because we were there during the 2022 world cup, I got to witness Argentinians who gathered at the square to celebrate their win.
MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)
The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA, is an incredible spot for art lovers. It has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including famous works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and many more. Visiting this museum will feel like taking a journey through the art of the last century. I particularly enjoyed the various themes and the unique styles of art throughout the room. As someone who isn’t too fond of museums, this particular museum was pleasant to be in because each room and exhibition felt like a unique surprise, with something new to explore. I’m Nigerian to the core and I love being Nigerian, so seeing the Lagos exhibit at the museum was the highlight of my experience!
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum, is where you can take pictures with incredibly lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures and pop culture icons. Some of the figures look incredibly realistic, which I thought was quite impressive. This museum is definitely a fun and interactive experience for all ages.
Edge NYC
Edge NYC is one of the many places where you can get incredible views of the city’s skyline. It’s located in the Hudson Yards neighborhood of Manhattan. The main attraction is the outdoor Skydeck, which has a glass flooring and makes you feel like you’re floating above the city. What I liked about Edge is that your experience isn’t limited to the sky deck alone. Inside the building, there are interactive exhibits and informative displays about the city’s culture.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn offers a taste of authentic New York life, with a wide range of food, art, and entertainment. Whether you’re into street art, artisanal food, or scenic waterfronts, Brooklyn has it all. And of course, you can’t forget to visit the Brooklyn Bridge while you’re there.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is known for its over-the-top Christmas light displays. Taking a tour here exposes you to beautifully decorated homes in the neighborhood, and it truly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. You can choose to tour the neighborhood on your own, but I would recommend booking a guided tour. The tour guides know where to find the best gems in the area and share interesting stories behind the unique displays. You can book your Dyker Heights tour here.
Wall Street
Wall Street is where the global financial action happens. As you walk around the Financial District, you’ll come across several historic sites, including the famous Charging Bull sculpture. If you’re particularly interested in the bull sculpture, be prepared to stand in line to take a photo with it!
One World Trade Centre
The rebuilt World Trade Centre complex is where you will find the One World Observatory, a moving 9/11 memorial and Museum, and the Oculus transportation hub. I found it to be a place to reflect on history and pay my respects.
Classic Harbor Line Holiday Cruise
A Classic Harbor Line Cruise is a relaxing way to escape from the city’s busy streets. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge while cruising along the city’s waterways. If you book the seasonal cruise, you’ll be entertained with live Christmas carols, along with some festive treats. I booked this experience here.
Tip: I booked my cruise in the evening time and was treated to stunning sunset views behind the various NYC landmarks. It was a dreamy sight that seemed like it was straight out of a movie!
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is known to be a popular holiday tradition in the city. The show features the world-famous Rockettes dancers and just like any other Broadway-style production, you can expect a mix of music and dance, but with the holiday magic. This experience has the perfect title because it truly was spectacular and I was beyond impressed with the live show.
Rockefeller Center
It won’t be a Christmas in New York if you don’t visit the Rockefeller Center at least once! Ever since I saw the Rockefeller Center in the Home Alone movie, I’ve always wanted to see it in person, I can confirm that the reality definitely fits the grandeur that I saw on screen. The moment you arrive at the Rockefeller Center, it’s clear that it’s the epicenter of holiday festivities in New York City. You can go ice skating at the famous rink, see the famous towering Christmas tree, and enjoy a variety of seasonal attractions. Visiting Rockefeller Center during the holiday is a great way to take in all of the city’s festive atmosphere.
Knicks Game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the Knicks Game is an experience that cannot be missed while you’re in New York. It takes place at Madison Square Garden, which is one of the world’s most famous arenas. What I loved about attending a Knicks game is that wasn’t not just about the sport itself; it was an experience that was filled with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. This can keep anyone entertained, even if you don’t understand basketball. As a bonus, you might spot your favorite celebrity while you’re there because these games frequently draw in famous faces.
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
If you prefer guided experiences or a structured way to explore the city, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great option. This open-top bus tour allows you to discover New York City’s museums and landmarks at your own pace. You can hop off at any stop to explore attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
Christmas in New York Itinerary
Day One
- Explore Times Square
- Museum of Modern Art
- Madame Tussauds
- Summit One Vanderbilt
Day Two
- Empire State Building
- The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
- Rockefeller Center
Day Three
- Wall Street
- Brooklyn | Bridge, Prospect Park, Botanic Garden, Dumbo
- Dyker Heights Tour
Day Four
- Central Park
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Belvedere Castle
- Knicks Game
Where To Stay In New York
There are several places to stay in NYC, and here is a breakdown of each place as well as a brief description:
- Times Square: Central location for exploring many iconic attractions.
- Midtown Manhattan: Home to landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park.
- Theatre District: Ideal for those interested in catching a Broadway show and it’s close to Times Square
- Lower Manhattan: Includes the Financial District and the historic sites like the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street. It’s a good choice for those who want to explore the city’s history.
- Chelsea: Known for its art galleries, High Line Park, and its Boutique hotels.
- Upper West Side: Located near Central Park and has a quieter atmosphere.
- Upper East Side: Known for its museums, including The Met and the Museum of Natural History. Has more upscale hotels.
- Greenwich Village: Known for its Bohemian history and boutique hotels.
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Has a thriving arts and food scene and it’s just a short subway ride away from Manhattan.
- Long Island City, Queens: Located across the East River from Manhattan, has more affordable accommodation options with easy access to Manhattan.
If you’d like a more detailed guide on where to stay during your Christmas in New York holiday, check out my blog where I give a list of various hotels in different parts of the city.
Happy travels 🙂
