There’s no place more magical than New York City in December. There are so many things to do in New York City in December, from watching the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular to shopping at the holiday markets. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with colorful lights, festive decorations, and one of a kind experiences.
There’s something about New York City in December that’s just magical. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, one of the most iconic sights in the world, to ice skating in Central Park, there are endless ways to experience the Christmas season in New York City. You can also catch a Broadway show, visit the Bronx Zoo Light Show, or find last minute gifts in the best shopping center in the world! No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a magical holiday season in New York City.
A Winter Wonderland: The Top 15 Things to Do in New York City in December
see The Rockettes at radio city
The Rockettes are one of the best shows in New York City. Located at Radio City Music Hall, the Christmas Spectacular is a Christmas tradition when visiting New York. The show features everything from live camels and donkeys to snow falling around the theater. The Christmas Spectacular features holiday classics, festive stage design, and breathtaking choreography. Every aspect of Radio City is decorated with colorful holiday lights, with Santa Claus as a special guest! The Christmas Spectacular is completely magical, creating the perfect classic Christmas experience in New York City.
Watch the Nutcracker by the new york city ballet
Watch the beloved holiday classic performed by one of the most renowned dance companies in the world. This timeless story features charming dancers spinning through beautifully curated sets, with an exquisite one-ton Christmas tree that grows to 41 feet tall! The New York City Ballet performing this classic ballet creates the perfect family Christmas activity to make special memories.
go ice skating
One of the best places to ice skate in New York City is at Rockefeller Center. This iconic venue is surrounded by towering skyscrapers and some of New York’s most prevalent landmarks and buildings. Skate by golden statues surrounding the rink with the Rockefeller Christmas Tree above. If you’re looking for a less crowded spot, head to Bryant Park. Bryant Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland surrounded by festive holiday lights illuminating the seasonal Holiday Village. After skating, warm up with hot chocolate while browsing the local shops set up in the park.
Visit the rockefeller tree
One of the best things to do in New York at Christmas is to visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The enormous Norway Spruce sits in Rockefeller Plaza from the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving through mid-January. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is one of the most festive things to do in New York City if you’re in town for the holidays. You can also catch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony if you’re visiting the city on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
buy gifts at the union square christmas market
Union Square Christmas Market is an outdoor winter holiday market offering visitors the chance to shop over 150 local vendors and artists. This festive market has a variety of fun and unique holiday gifts, ranging from decor and candles to homemade teas, oils, and honey. Food trucks and local food stands offer drinks and snacks while you shop, including some of the best hot chocolate in the city! Our favorite food stand is always the German Bratwurst stand.
have a snowball fight in central park
If you’re lucky enough to have a White Christmas in New York City, be sure to head to Central Park! Seeing the 843 acre park covered in snow transports you into a real life snow globe. The snow-covered trees and pathways are decorated with colorful lights. Central Park is home to a variety of winter festivities, including ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. If you’re looking for a more casual activity, you can stroll through the park and enjoy the local artists painting the winter scenery. There are also plenty of places to explore while you warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.
watch the bronx zoo christmas light show
The Bronx Zoo hosts an Annual Christmas Light Show, creating a magical wintertime experience in New York City. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 500,000 lights lighting up the park. The show features festive displays, animal lanterns, and animated light shows.
The Bronx Zoo also hosts several other activities during the holidays. You can visit the Holiday Train, take a ride on the Carousel, or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a pastry at the Zoo Cafe. There are also special events throughout the season, such as the Pajama Party Weekend and the Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Countdown.
see a broadway show
Seeing a show on Broadway is a New York tradition, and is even more magical during the holidays! The lights, music, and festive atmosphere all combine to create a special occasion. If you’re visiting during the holidays, you can opt for a Christmas classic such as A Christmas Carol, or attend a beloved classic. Some of the most popular Broadway shows during the holidays include The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton.
TIP: Book your tickets early. Broadway shows are popular year-round, but they’re especially in high demand during the holiday season.
window shop along fifth avenue’s holiday decorations
If you’re looking for things to do in New York in December, head over to Fifth Avenue. New York City is known for its spectacular holiday window displays, which are a must-see for visitors. Some of the most popular places to see Christmas windows in NYC are Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s. The windows are filled with elaborate displays, festive music, and animated characters. Each interactive display represents a theme, with scenes from classic holiday movies and stories to whimsical windows with circus acts. Walking along the Christmas window displays is a fun and festive way to spend an afternoon in the city.
explore the new york public library
Escape inside the massive New York Public Library to browse collections about the history and culture of New York City. The library is home to over 53 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. The New York Public Library is a great place to visit during the holidays, as the area transforms into a winter wonderland each year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal music and browse the decorations in the festive atmosphere. You’ll find a range of activities for guests of all ages, including special exhibits and programs such as the Holiday Open House on the first Saturday in December. One of the most special things to do at the library during the holidays is seeing Charles Dickens’ personal copy of A Christmas Carol.
tour grand central station
Grand Central Terminal is a must-see for any visitor to New York City, but it’s especially magical during the holidays. The terminal is decorated with festive lights and wreaths with a variety of activities, from caroling to train shows. Inside the station you’ll find local vendors, food, and drinks while you warm up. One of the most popular things to do at Grand Central Station during the holidays is to visit the Holiday Fair. This indoor market features local vendors selling handmade crafts, gifts, and food. There’s also live music, so you can enjoy some holiday classics while you shop. Another popular event at Grand Central Station is the New York Transit Museum’s annual holiday train show. The show features a miniature model railroad with over 1,000 cars and 150 buildings, all decorated for the holidays.
Marvel at st. patrick’s cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is an iconic landmark in New York City. The Cathedral is especially stunning during the holidays, when it is decorated with thousands of lights and a towering Christmas tree. St. Patrick’s Cathedral hosts a variety of masses throughout the holiday season. The Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is the most popular, with thousands of people attending the service in the elegantly designed architectural cathedral.
stroll through dyker heights
Visiting the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is one of the most popular things to do in New York City at Christmas. Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its colorful, festive Christmas light displays. These displays feature everything from giant Santa Clauses and reindeer to elaborate nativity scenes. With its vibrant displays and festive atmosphere, Dyker Heights is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City during the holidays.
TIP: I recommend visiting Dyker Heights in mid-December through New Year’s Eve, when most of the displays are up.
Keep in mind that Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood. Visitors should be respectful of the homeowners and their property.
visit the brooklyn museum
If you’re looking for a festive and family-friendly activity in New York City during the holidays, be sure to check out the Brooklyn Museum’s Holiday Train Show. The Brooklyn Museum’s Holiday Train Show features a miniature landscape of New York City landmarks, all made from natural materials. Trains zip through the display, which are replicas of New York City subways.
In addition to the Holiday Train Show, the Brooklyn Museum also offers a variety of other holiday events.
- A holiday market featuring local artists and vendors
- Performances by carolers and musicians
- Family-friendly workshops and activities
Go to a sports game
If you’re a sports fan, New York is the place for you! New York is home to some of the best sports teams, and if you’re visiting in December, you have the opportunity to catch a game. In December, you can see the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden or the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. If you’re looking for something a little more seasonal, head over to the Garden to watch the New York Rangers play hockey.
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