The holiday season is officially in full swing (with Queen Mariah’s Christmas blessing, of course). This post may be a little late but if you are looking for a last-minute trip to New York City to fully experience the holiday season, I’ve got you! There are so many classics when it comes to NYC at Christmastime, everything from Rockefeller Center’s tree to visiting Santa at Macy’s famous SantaLand. Let’s get to it, the top 15 things to do in New York City this Christmas.
Top 15 Things To Do During The Holidays In NYC
1. Visit Winter Village In Bryant Park
Check out over 60 shopping and food stands at the Winter Village in Bryant Park. Go ice skating outdoors at a huge rink or shop for beautifully handmade goods and unique NYC gifts. One thing is for sure, Winter Village is not to be missed this holiday season. Find out more and purchase tickets HERE.
2. Stroll The New York Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens may not scream holidays to you, but at the New York gardens annual light display, Glow!, you will see thousands of twinkling lights. Take a cozy stroll through the 1.5 miles of these gorgeous illuminated gardens. Find out more and purchase tickets HERE.
3. Take In The NYC Pops Back Home For The Holidays
The NYC Pops are Back Home For The Holidays and will be performing classic Christmas Carols. How fun? Purchase tickets HERE.
4. Marvel At The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
As one of the largest trees in NYC the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see. The tree lighting ceremony happens the night after Thanksgiving each year. This event always marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in New York.
5. Watch The Rockettes At Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Spectacular is the most popular Christmas Show in the city for good reason! This classic has been performed since 1931 and the Rockettes have high kicked their way to fame on the iconic Radio City stage from the beginning. Purchase tickets HERE.
6. Take In The Empire State Building Show
For one week during the Christmas season the Empire State Building puts on its music-to-lights display. It’s a real show stopped and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
7. Enjoy A Christmas Market
Of course, New York City has tons of Christmas markets to choose from and they each offer something unique. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to wander around a Christmas market. What’s not to love? You’ll find handmade local goods, delicious food, and hot chocolate.
8. Take In The Sights During The Cocoa & Carols Cruise
What better way to see the NYC skyline than from the water? On the Cocoa & Carols Cruise enjoy the jazz band from inside the heated cabin. All while you join in on Christmas carols and sip hot cocoa, sounds like perfection! Purchase tickets HERE.
9. The Epic Holiday Window Displays
The big department stores on Fifth Avenue go all out during the holiday season. Wander down this famous street and check out the epic window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, and of course, Macy’s.
10. Be Thankful For Broadway Under The Stars
As a gift. Broadway offers 5 weeks of completely free indoor performances that take place on the second floor of the Time Warner Center. How cool?
11. See Santa At Macy’s
If you’ve ever seen Miracle On 34th Street chances are that you’ve dreamed of seeing Santa at Macy’s. Is there anything more iconic than visiting the big man at Macy’s? No! SantaLand is an experience in itself but the culmination is meeting Santa. Both adults and kids are welcome to take part. The history of SantaLand dates back to 1861 and you can make a reservation HERE.
12. Be Amazed By The Nutcracker
Ok, this is another incredibly iconic bucket list item, watch in awe as The Nutcracker is performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. It is sure to provide a magical spark this holiday season. Find out more and purchase tickets HERE.
13. Get Wild At The Bronx Zoo Winter Wonderland
Take a stroll through the Bronx Zoo’s Winter Wonderland, where you can take in a brightly lit Christmas tree seemingly around every corner. Listen to carolers gleefully harmonizing or take in the main attraction – the lantern safari. In this immersive experience, you can see animals from every corner of the world. Find out more and purchase tickets HERE.
14. Indulge In Frozen Hot Chocolate At Serendipity
Although it’s cold and this may seem like a mistake, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to indulge in some Frozen Hot Chocolate at the iconic Serendipity. The interior is just an added bonus as it resembles Mad Hatter’s tea party from Alice In Wonderland.
Tip: During the holiday season there is a mint chocolate version of Frozen Hot Chocolate!
15. Take In The Dyker Heights Lights
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn has become a shining star during the holiday season. This neighborhood goes all out in holiday cheer and Christmas, quite literally, explodes on every square inch of house and yard.
Tip: You want to check out 11th-13th and 83rd-86th streets for the most lights!
There are so many iconic holiday experiences to have in New York City. You really can’t go wrong no matter what you do in the city that never sleeps! So get to NYC this holiday season to truly get in the holiday spirit. Have you been to New York City during the holidays? What was your favorite experience?
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For more fun places to visit this holiday season check out: Top 10 Christmas Towns In The U.S.
