New York is one of our favourite cities to visit at any time of year, but New York at Christmas is particularly magical. There are even more lights glowing around every corner, incredible decorations and exclusive events that you can’t see at any other time of year. Just remember to wrap up warm, as the average temperature in New York in December is around 5°C!
Why you should visit New York at Christmas
- The exclusive seasonal attractions - With landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, there's of course plenty to see in New York all year round, but when it gets to November and December there's even more to keep you busy. If you're a Christmas lover, this is the perfect time to visit as you'll get to experience seasonal shows, tours, and activities on top of all the regular attractions the Big Apple has to offer (take a look below at some of our favourite Christmas experiences).
- Shopping - 5th Avenue is always the place to be when it comes to shopping in New York. At Christmas it's more about the window shopping as the department stores create beautifully elaborate displays full of lights and decorations, similar to those on Regent's Street in London.
- The weather - It can get quite cold in New York in November and December, but compared to the 30°C+ heat of July and August and the below freezing temperatures of January and February, this is one of the more comfortable times to visit the city. We'd still recommend taking those coats and hats though!
- To recreate your favourite Christmas films - Some of the most classic Christmas movies have been set in New York. Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Buddy the Elf or have your own Miracle on 34th Street, there are plenty of iconic landmarks featured in these films that you'll want to tick off your list.
Christmas Experiences in New York City
Take a look at some of our must-do Christmas experiences in New York City for a bit of festive inspiration.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes
When? Morning, matinee and evening performances daily from November 8th 2024 to January 5th 2025
Having first opened on Broadway in 1933, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a festive staple for both locals and tourists alike. The whole family will be in awe as you watch the world-famous Rockettes dancing across the stage as reindeer, wooden soldiers and more with a soundtrack of Christmas classics including Jingle Bells and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.
Plus you’ll get to see the stunning Radio City Music Hall, an iconic NYC location.
Ice skating in Central Park
When? Daily from October 26th 2024 to March 15th 2025
This is probably one of the first things you picture when you think of Christmas in New York as it’s featured in so many films and TV shows. A walk around Central Park is definitely a must-do at any time of year, but finishing it off with some ice skating at the Wollman Rink is the cherry on top of the (Christmas) cake. This is a particularly great activity if you’re lucky enough to experience some snow on your trip, as you’ll truly feel like you’re skating around a winter wonderland.
The Nutcracker at The Lincoln Center
When? Matinee and evening performances on select days from November 29th 2024 to January 4th 2025
Apart from Santa himself, there are few things more quintessentially Christmas than The Nutcracker. And what better way to see it performed than by the New York City Ballet? With 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and more than 125 children across two alternating casts, this show is truly spectacular, telling the story of Clara and her nutcracker in the most magical way possible.
Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights
When? Daily from December 1st 2024 to January 2nd 2025 (excluding December 31st)
Every year, the Brooklyn neighbourhoods of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights are illuminated by hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights and decorations - think Deck The Halls but it’s the whole street! This friendly competition between homeowners has now become a famous tradition, with people coming from all over the city to see the lights, inflatables and animatronics every year.
A self-planned visit to the Dyker Heights Christmas lights is free of charge, but if you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience the Dyker Heights Christmas Tour offers transportation to and from Brooklyn from central Manhattan and a guided tour where you’ll learn all about the history of this festive tradition. You might even meet some of the homeowners who make it happen!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
When? December 4th 2024 to January 2025 (exact dates are yet to be announced)
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is arguably one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world, and it’s easy to see why! Every year a new tree is chosen (that must be at least 75-foot tall!) and is decorated with thousands of lights and topped with a giant Swarovski star. The tree is lit in a public ceremony, usually led by the Mayor of New York on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving weekend - this year that will be on December 4th.
Fun Fact! The largest tree to stand in Rockefeller Center was 100-foot tall!
Met Christmas Tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
This Christmas tree is slightly less famous than the one at Rockefeller Plaza, but it is still just as spectacular. Standing at 20-foot tall, the Met Christmas Tree is covered in lights and beautiful angels, and towers over an 18th-century Baroque nativity scene. This is the perfect activity for a cold, rainy day as you can spend hours looking at everything the Metropolitan Museum of Art has on display, including the Spanish choir screen from the Cathedral of Valladolid that provides a beautiful backdrop for the tree!
Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Walking Tour
When? Select days from December 1st to December 23rd 2024
If you want to become fully immersed in the festive spirit, the Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Walking Tour is the perfect way to do it! Over four hours you’ll cover 1.7 miles of New York as you visit locations including Bryant Park’s Winter Village and the Union Square Market and discover some incredible crafts, decorations and foods along the way. Plus you’ll get to see the window displays on Fifth Avenue, visit some famous locations from Christmas movies, and learn all about the history of Christmas in New York from your tour guide.
The Holiday Markets and Christmas Lights Walking Tour is available on both the Go City: New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.
Christmas Movies Set in New York City
We've already mentioned that a visit to New York at Christmas will allow you to recreate some of your favourite festive film moments. Whether you're watching for research or just want to get into the Christmas spirit, here are some of our favourite Christmas movies and tv shows set in New York:
- Elf
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- It's a Wonderful Life
- Miracle on 34th Street
- Scrooged
- New Year's Eve
- Santa Claus: The Movie
- Dash & Lily
Now that you’re definitely in the festive spirit, make sure you book your tickets in advance to get the best price and availability! Browse all our New York attractions, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Summit One Vanderbilt.
