Christmas in New York: Things to Do, What to Pack & More!
Activity
Activities

Things to Do on Christmas in New York

Visit the One World Observatory, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York City Ballet, Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, Dyker Heights Holiday Lights and Many more.

New York city sparkles and smells of an earthy pine scent from the Christmas trees while the important landmarks turn into winter getaways and the streets bustle with locals and visitors. Christmas in New York is a magical experience and the festive season makes it the best time to visit the city. From the gorgeous ice rinks, glittering holiday lights on the streets and Winter Wonderland to historic Ballet shows, there are a plethora of things to do in Christmas in New York.

New York during Christmas offers a multitude of festive events, activities and experiences that make your Christmas celebrations even better. If you wish to witness the vivid Christmas lights around New York, visit Dyker Heights, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lightscape in Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Rockefeller Center is a must-visit place where you can see the iconic Christmas tree decorated in thousands of lights and embellishments. You can never miss ice skating as it is a seasonal tradition that instigates the Christmas feel in New York City. Shopping for Christmas gifts and goodies in the holiday markets and munching on sweet treats are other exciting things to do in New York during Christmas.
Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message

Essential Information

01

About the Weather on Christmas in New York

  • New York is located on the east coast of the United States and hence experiences a continental weather during winter in December.
  • The temperatures drop and the climate gets freezing cold with the average temperature being 43oF (6oC) at daytime and 32oF (-1oC) at night.
  • But if you are looking forward to a snowy Christmas in New York, it is expected to snows only two days in December on average,
  • December is also the windiest month of the year and experiences rains for about eight days in the month.
02

Why Visit New York on Christmas?

  • To visit New York, Christmas is an amazing time as the city is perfectly made for winter holidays and dynamic Christmas celebrations.
  • Turns into a magical place and the streets brim, New York in Christmas is filled with amazing sights of Christmas trees, shimmering lights, glittery display of ornaments and performances.
  • Enjoy all the timeless traditions and long-standing experiences like ice skating in Central Park, Rockefeller Center Christmas Lighting, Bronx Zoo Winter Wonderland and Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show.
  • Explore the holiday markets, seasonal goodies and delightful delicacies add to the festive aura of New York city.
03

What to Pack For Christmas in New York?

  • In the winter, make sure to bring a jacket or medium-to-heavy coat, such as a peacoat or a puffy coat.
  • In case of chilly weather, bring an extra layer of clothing, such as a knitted sweater.
  • Be prepared for cold weather by packing multiple long-sleeved shirts.
  • To keep your neck warm in cold weather, carry a lightweight scarf or shawl.
  • It is advisable to cover your ears and with gloves and cap all the time. 
  • Wear comfortable warm shoes for sightseeing since you'll be doing a lot of walking.

What to Do on Christmas in New York?

50 Ratings
Excellent 50 Ratings
5.0
04
50 Ratings Ratings
  • 2H
  • 2H
50 Ratings
Excellent 50 Ratings
5.0
04
50 Ratings Ratings
$ 40 $ 36 per Adult

Activity Location: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States

Activity Timings: 10:00 AM- 12:00 AM

Last admission: 45 minutes before closing

Activity Duration: 1 hour (approx.)

About the Empire State Building, New York:

Visit the Empire State Building, an iconic skyscraper in the New York City skyline. Take an elevator ride to the 86th-floor deck and enjoy the 360-degree views of New York City. Explore the Empire State Building while listening to an audio guide and learn about the building's history. Marvel at the Art Deco architecture and interior design of the building including the intricate detailing in its lobby. Book Empire State Building Admission Tickets and learn about the history of the building & its impact on New York's skyline.

Read more
93 Ratings
Superb 93 Ratings
4.0
05
93 Ratings Ratings
  • 2H
  • 2H
93 Ratings
Superb 93 Ratings
4.0
05
93 Ratings Ratings
€ 63 € 62 per Adult

Activity Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States

Activity Starting Time: 11:00 AM

  • Closed: Wednesday

Activity Duration: 3 Hours

About Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York:

Step into a world where priceless art pieces are on display at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Admire 5,000 years of human creativity through captivating art collections from around the globe. Marvel at European masterpieces, ancient Egyptian treasures, and Asian art and know about the history related to them through a knowledgeable guide. Book your tickets for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you will also get to see Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic pieces of art on exhibit.

Read more
153 Ratings
Excellent 153 Ratings
5.0
06
153 Ratings Ratings
  • 4H
  • 4H
153 Ratings
Excellent 153 Ratings
5.0
06
153 Ratings Ratings
$ 23 $ 23 per Adult

Activity Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States

Activity Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM

Activity Duration: 5 Hours (approx.)

About the American Museum of Natural History:

Visit one of the most famous attractions of New York City and see the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils. At the American Museum of Natural History, learn about the origins of human existence, cultures, dinosaurs, and oceans through permanent collections and displays. Explore the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which houses the magnificent Hayden Sphere. Marvel at the various displays that exhibit the universe's 13-billion-year history, the nature of galaxies, stars, and planets, and the dynamic aspects of planet Earth. Book tickets to the American Museum of Natural History and explore the museum where one of the most famous Hollywood movies "Night at the Museum" was filmed.

Read more
241 Ratings
Superb 241 Ratings
4.6
07
241 Ratings Ratings
  • 8H
  • 8H
241 Ratings
Superb 241 Ratings
4.6
07
241 Ratings Ratings
$ 34 $ 34 per Adult

Activity Location: Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, NY, USA

Activity Timings: 

  • Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 05:30 PM

Last Admission: 90 minutes before closing

Activity Duration: 4- 5 Hours (approx.)

About Bronx Zoo:

Visit one of the largest zoos by area in the United States which is home to more than 6,000 animals from around the world including Amur Tigers, Indian Rhinoceros and Okapi. Wander through lush exhibits like JungleWorld and Madagascar where exotic animals roam freely. Marvel at the majestic African lions in the African Plains and the beautiful snow leopards in the Himalayan Highlands. Engage in interactive experiences like Wild Encounters with penguins or the exhilarating Nature Trek through treetops. Book Bronx Zoo Tickets and have a memorable day with your family & see a wide array of rare and endangered species.

Read more
75 Ratings
Superb 75 Ratings
4.67
08
75 Ratings Ratings
  • 2H
  • 2H
75 Ratings
Superb 75 Ratings
4.67
08
75 Ratings Ratings
$ 31 $ 30 per Adult

Activity Location: 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014

Activity Timings:

  • Monday - Friday: 10:30 AM - 06:00 PM
  • Saturday - Sunday: 11:30 AM -06:00 PM
  • Closed on Tuesdays

About the Whitney Museum of American Art:

Explore the Whitney Museum of American Art and see over 25,000 works of art in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, film, and video. Admire the works of art by some of the most important American artists of all time, including Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns. Stroll through the various exhibits at the museum like "American Origins: Highlights from the Whitney's Collection" and "The Whitney Biennial 2023." Book your Whitney Museum of American Art tickets for an amazing journey into American contemporary art.

Read more
09

Visit The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

  • Visiting the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Centre is one of the exciting things to do in Christmas in New York. 
  • It is a momentous attraction that lures around 125 million people every year.
  • The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is usually a Norway spruce that stands at a height of 69 to 100 feet.
  • The tree is decorated with 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a crystal star on top.
10

Central Park

  • One of the favourite places to visit in New York in Christmas is the Central Park that is adorned with icy snow and festive lights.
  • You can take part in the free holiday lighting show, go ice skating on the Wollman rink, and explore the park in a horse carriage ride.
  • Take your kids for a spin on the Christmas Carousel, watch live ice-carving demonstrations and relish tasty cookies and hot cocoa.
Location: New York, NY, USA

Timing:
6 AM to 1 AM
11

Enjoy the Bronx Zoo's Winter Wonderland

  • If you wish to witness the fervour in New York during Christmas, take a trip to Bronx Zoo and marvel at the colourful holiday lights at Winter Wonderland.
  • Enjoy the animated light shows, Forest of Color, Holiday Train and Wildlife Theater at the Winter Wonderland give the Bronx Zoo a festive makeover.
  • The Lantern Trails house more than 360 bespoke lanterns representing 90 different species of fauna and flora from all over the world.

Location
: 2300 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10460, USA

Timing:
November to January
12

New York City Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

  • Take part in George Balanchine's ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet show hosted every December in New York during Christmas.
  • This ballet includes 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and more than 125 children to depict the story of ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ on stage.
  • You can see amazing visual effects like the huge Christmas tree that grows from 12 feet to 41 feet in height and the comic figure of Mother Ginger.
Location: 10 Lincoln Center 

Pricing: 104 USD- 222 USD
13

ONEDERLAND at One World Observatory

  • The One World Observatory turns into a Winter ONDERLAND in New York during Christmas.
  • You can enjoy several fun and festive activities like meeting the ONDERLAND mascot Ollie the Owl, a snowy elevator ride, visiting Santa’s Village, witnessing the giant snow globe and taking pictures in the ski lift at The ONDERLAND .
  • Chalet Lounge offers stunning panoramic views from the top while ONDERLAND bar and restaurants excite your taste buds with festive treats.

Location:
117 West St, New York, NY 10006, United States

Timing:
8 AM to 9 PM

Pricing:
38USD- 45USD
14

Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show

  • Witnessing the grand Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue department store is one of the best things to do in Christmas in New York for free.
  • The Light Show is made up of thousands of LED lights synchronised to dance to the tunes of the holiday music in the background.
  • Each show is three to four minutes long and takes place at an interval of 10 minutes.
Location: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States

Timing:
5 PM to 11 PM
15

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

  • Walking through the illuminated trail of Lightscape is one of the festive things to do in Christmas in New York.
  • The trail is a mile-long walk with artistic installations across the 52 acres area of the garden.
  • You can enjoy The Winter Cathedral tunnel adorned with thousands of LED lights and the Fire Garden illuminated by real candles in Lightscape.
Location: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, United States

Timing:
10 AM to 3:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday

Pricing:
20 USD- 40 USD
16

Ice skating

  • Going ice skating is one of the must-do things to do in Christmas in New York for it is a seasonal tradition that amps up the festive aura in the city.
  • Ice skating is an exciting sport in which you can glide across an ice surface with metal-bladed ice skates. 
  • Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Wollman Rink in Central Park are some of the popular places to go ice skating in New York.
Timing: 8 AM to 10 PM

Pricing:
7.50 USD - 21 USD
17

A View From Brooklyn

  • The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit place in New York during Christmas as it is a popular location to marvel at the Christmas centric sights.
  • You can capture a panoramic view of Manhattan glistening in the Christmas lights and the illuminated skyline of the city from Brooklyn.
  • The bridge offers a plethora of photo opportunities and offers great views of iconic buildings like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.

Location: Brooklyn Bridge Blvd, New York, NY 10038, USA
18

Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

  • Walking around Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is one of the exciting things to do in Christmas in New York as the locality undergoes a transformation and sees homes grandly decorated in Christmas Lights.
  •  You can witness some of the best holiday lights on 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and from 83rd to 86th Street.
  • The Dyker Heights Holiday Lights are free to see but some houses put up a donation box on the outside, the earnings of which go to charity.
Timing: 5:30 PM to 10 PM

People Also Ask About New York

  1. What to wear to visit New York on Christmas?

    •   Long pants or jeans
    • Sweaters and windproof jackets
    •  Winter boots and close-toed shoes with good grip
    • Gloves and mittens
    • Woollen Socks
    • Beanie and earmuffs
    • Scarf
    • Hat
    • Crossbody bag
  2. Can we go for beaches on Christmas in New York?

    Visiting the beaches on Christmas in New York is not recommended as the water temperature is freezing and goes as low as 5.8oC which means it is not possible to swim in the beaches.
  3. Which are the best places to celebrate Christmas in New York?

    1.Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center is a large complex that is adorned with holiday lights and a giant Christmas Tree every year during Christmas. It also hosts other festive activities like the Christmas Lighting event, ice skating, and seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

    2.One World Observatory:
    The One World Observatory turns into a Winter ONDERLAND during Christmas with a plethora of festive experiences. You can visit Santa Village, see the giant snow globe, pose beside the ski lift and eat delicious Christmas treats.

    3.Central Park:
    Visit Central Park and Take part in the variety of Christmas events like the Holiday Lighting show, ice-carving demonstration and Christmas Carousel. You can also go on a carriage ride, relish hot cocoa and cookies and go ice skating.

    4.Bronx Zoo:
    The Winter Wonderland at Bronx Zoo gears up for Christmas by putting on holiday lights, animal-themed lanterns, Holiday Train and Wildlife Theater.
  4. Which are the best activities to enjoy in New York in December?

    1.Go for ice skating: Ice skating is one of the undeniable things to do in Christmas in New York as it lets you enjoy the snow as well as the colourful Christmas lights. New York puts up several ice rinks throughout the city that are suitable for beginners as well as experts.

    2.Enjoy Dyker Heights Holiday Lights: Visit the Dyker Heights neighbourhood in Brooklyn and witness the vibrant holiday lights put up every December. All the houses decorate their homes with Christmas embellishments thus adorning the entire locale.

    3.Walk through Lightscape: Lightscape in Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an illuminated trail that is adorned with thousands of LED lights and artistic installations. A walk through Winter Cathedral and Fire Garden is sure to enthral your senses.

    4.Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: Witness the marvellous Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue in which thousands of lights orchestrate with the background music and create patterns.
Newly Added New York Experience

New York Top Attractions

Places To Visit In New York

More New York Attractions

The Perth Mint Fremantle Prison, perth Perth Zoo Hillarys Boat Harbour, perth Swan Bell Tower, perth St Mary's Cathedral, perth Art Gallery Of Western Australia, perth Aqwa Under Water World, perth Rottnest Island, perth John Forrest National Park, perth Aviation Heritage Museum, perth Scarborough Beach, perth Penguin Island, perth City Beach, perth Adventure World, perth Mullaloo Beach, perth Araluen Botanic Park, perth Statue Of Liberty, new york city Statue Of Liberty, new york city Times Square, new york city Times Square, new york city Central Park, new york city Central Park, new york city Metropolitan Museum Of Art, new york city Metropolitan Museum Of Art, new york city Broadway And The Theater District, new york city Broadway And The Theater District, new york city The Museum Of Modern Art, new york city The Museum Of Modern Art, new york city World Trade Center, new york city World Trade Center, new york city Rockefeller Center, new york city Rockefeller Center, new york city Empire State Building, new york city Empire State Building, new york city 9/11 Memorial And Museum, new york city 9/11 Memorial And Museum, new york city High Line, new york city High Line, new york city Brooklyn Bridge, new york city Brooklyn Bridge, new york city Fifth Avenue, new york city Fifth Avenue, new york city One World Observatory, new york city One World Observatory, new york city Wall Street, new york city Wall Street, new york city New York Public Library, new york city New York Public Library, new york city Yanchep National Park, perth St. Patricks Cathedral, new york city St. Patricks Cathedral, new york city Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, new york city Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, new york city Bryant Park, new york city Bryant Park, new york city Carnegie Hall, new york city Carnegie Hall, new york city American Museum Of Natural History, new york city Top of the Rock, new york Ghostbusters Headquarters, new york American Museum Of Natural History, new york city Scitech, perth Elizabeth Quay, perth Fremantle Markets, perth Caversham Wildlife Park, perth Bathers Beach, perth Washington Square Park, new york city Washington Square Park, new york city Radio City Music Hall, new york city Radio City Music Hall, new york city Liberty Island, new york city Liberty Island, new york city New York Harbor, new york city New York Harbor, new york city Wa Maritime Museum, perth Leighton Beach, perth Nambung National Park Perth Rockingham Beach, perth

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong