Festive & Unique Things To Do In NYC During Christmas (To Get In the Spirit)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and yes, it’s as iconic as the Christmas movies. This list of Things to Do in NYC during Christmas has you covered. Even if you don’t necessarily celebrate, there are tons of ways to get in the holiday spirit. From a freshly coated snow blanket in Central Park to seeing the holiday decorations, festive cheer, and wearing big puffer jackets with Timbs on the treacherous roads, NYC has it all. If you have the chance to visit once in your life, it’s a must. Let’s get into the Top Things To Do in NYC During Christmas! 

Things to Do in NYC During Christmas If It’s Your First Time Here

1. Visit Rockefeller Center: No matter how “touristy” this may be, we locals still enjoy it. It’s become a tradition for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Ice Skating here is definitely a bit much. For starters, it’s so expensive, and the chalets are impossible to book and overrated. Check out the tree and keep it moving. 
2. Window Shop Along Fifth Avenue: 5th Ave has it all. Stop to enjoy the iconic window displays and romanticize your NYC Holiday.
3. Check out the Plaza Hotel: If the Home Alone movie wasn’t enough to inspire you to take a peek at the inside, then maybe these pictures will. While you’re on a walk around Central Park, pop in to this hotel, get warm, and soak in all the cheerful holiday decor.
4. Walk Around Central Park: They say this upcoming year is going to have so much snow, which is the perfect opportunity to see the beautiful park with a fresh coat of snow.
5. Go Ice Skating: When it comes to winter activities in NYC, this is one of those basic activities that you just get sucked into doing every year and for all of the right reasons. Here are seven different skating rinks all over NYC, so you really have no excuse but to go. Ice Skating Rinks to Check Out. LeFrak Center Prospect Park | The Rink at Rockefeller Center |  Brookfield Place | Bryant Park Rink | Industry City Skating Rink | Wollman Rink at Central Park

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Things to Do in NYC During Christmas: Visit the Christmas Villages

Another classic NYC winter pastime that’ll make you feel like you’ve hopped over to Europe: the city’s Christmas villages. Sure, the food and souvenirs can be pricey, sometimes it feels like a total money grab, but the atmosphere is exactly what gets you into the holiday spirit. From the packed stalls at Bryant Park to the more laid-back markets in Astoria, even I’ll admit that locals end up visiting these spots no matter how much we pretend we won’t. With that said, I’d only choose one to go to since they are all pretty much the same.

Top Things to Do In NYC During Christmas: Magical Christmas Villages: Bryant Park Holiday Market | Artists & Fleas at Chelsea Market | Union Square Holiday Market | Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair | Columbus Circle Holiday Market | Holiday Market at The Oculus | Astoria Market

NYC Holiday Lights That Will Blow You Away

1. Dyker Heights Lights. Growing up in South Brooklyn, I can attest that nobody does it better than the folks over at Dyker Heights. Did you know that people hire workers to put up decorations?? I mean, once you look at how big these houses are, that comes with even bigger decorations. There’s something about how many decorations there are that will question your holiday decorating routine.
2. Hudson Yards Lights: The lights here are breathtaking, and there’s no better time to visit than during winter.
3. Saks 5th Avenue Lights: These lights are a true spectacle and are conveniently right across from Rockefeller Center. The lights start on Nov 24th, all the way until early January, so start planning to see it. My tip is to go later in the day to avoid all the crowds, I am talking 10 pm.

More NYC Holiday Lights to Check Out. Rockefeller Christmas Tree | Giant Red Ornaments on 5th Ave across from Radio City Music Hall | Grand Army Plaza Holiday Lights | Columbus Circle Lights

Things To Do in NYC During Christmas: Curated NYC Holiday Events

1. NYC Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show. From November 15, 2025, to January 11, 2026, step into the magic of the season at the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show. It’s a dazzling display of nearly 200 twinkling NYC landmarks crafted from natural materials like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and palm fronds, all inside the warm glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. From special themed nights to the festive holiday spirit, it’s perfect for a solo adventure, date night, and even a family outing.
2. Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Starting November 21st, Brooklyn has got a show for you, and that might be an understatement in itself. Talk about an enchanting experience that is perfect for family, friends, and loved ones!
3. Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides. If you love all things vintage, then the Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides bring you back to the 1930s in the best way. Running every Sunday in December from 10 am to 5 pm, the Holiday Nostalgia Train departs from both the 2 Av–Houston St on the uptown F line and 96 St–2 Av on the Q line. SCHEDULE: Q Train departs from 2 Av–Houston St on the uptown F line in lower Manhattan every 2 hrs starting at 10 am, & the F Train departs from 96 St– 2 Av on the Q line every 2 hours, starting at 11 am
4. Lastly, a new double-decker Christmas Carousel is ready for the holiday cheer, and it’s only $7. It runs from 11/21 to 1/6 from 10 am to 10 pm right in the heart of Greeley Square at the intersection of 33rd Street & Broadway, so add this place to your list and get going!

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

Things To Do in NYC During Christmas: Festive Performances

1. See the Rockettes: Seeing the Rockettes is a classic, and the talent of those dancers is truly something else. The shows are held year-round at Radio City Music Hall, another place you must check out.
2. Nutcracker Performances at the NYC Ballet: The Iconic Nutcracker is the reason for the season. There is something so impressive about the way ballerinas move their bodies and stress their muscles, yet look so graceful. I salute them for their poise. Check out their calendar and start planning before it sells out! See here
3. Broadway: I mean, it’s no question that if you don’t have any plans lined up to fill it with the iconic NYC Broadway scene. There are tons of musicals out on the market that you have to experience. I am a Broadway lover and have quite a thing or two to say about what show to see! For more information on all things Broadway, check it out!
4. Candlelight Performances. The intimate environment, wonderful music, and chilling performances make this such a great event that everyone and anyone will enjoy. Here are a few that are on my bucket list!! Check them out here

Things To Do in NYC During The Holidays: Places to Eat

When it comes to festive restaurants, NYC knows how it is done. Check out these spots and trust, you will have a great time. 

1. Michael’s of Brooklyn: You might know them for their famous sauces sold in grocery stores. Personally, I can’t eat vodka sauce from any other restaurant but here. Michael’s of Brooklyn is one of the most authentic spots in South Brooklyn, and you know it from the locals who have supported this business for three generations. They also go all out for Christmas decorations, and it’s a great way to see how the locals live and where we dine. Some of my favorite dishes are the Fisherman’s platter (a plate of every and any fish and perfect for sharing with another person), along with the Mozzarella in Carozza, Baked Clams & all of their pasta! Check it out here https://www.michaelsofbrooklyn.com.
2. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment & Oscar Wilde: Owned by the same management, these restaurants take their decorations very seriously. From life-size decor hanging from the ceiling to the little details everywhere you look, this place is beyond impressive, and their food and cocktails are equally as divine.
3. Dine the German Way at Rolf’s: Rolf’s is known for their incredibly designed interior. With jingle balls hanging from every square inch, to a warm, cozy energy.

Check Out My Ultimate Guide to NYC

Check out my Ultimate Guide to NYC right here on Google Maps, including the Top Things To Do in NYC during Christmas. This will make it 10x easier to plan your trip and be at ease without copying and pasting places into Google Maps only to find out you’re so far away.

Bars & Festive Nightlife to Check Out During the Holidays in NYC

When it comes to NYC nightlife, it already wins. Now add Christmas to the equation, and NYC understands the assignment every time. Check out these top spots and trust, you will have a great time. 

1. Dance the night away at Frosty’s: This holiday-themed restaurant and nightclub is right in the center of Times Square, perfect for all the Christmas cheer. If you’re watching a Broadway musical or strolling around the city, this spot hits all the marks. Service is excellent, the decorations are extravagantly on theme, and the vibes are certainly there. 
2. Magic Hour: This bar always goes all out for the holidays. In the winter, they have this fun ski gondola decor that gets me so excited for winter fun and is perfect for a girls’ night out. 
3. Ophelia: Another Instagrammable winter-esque place is Ophelia, with delicious drinks and a great time.
4. Santa Con: If you’re looking to feel in the holiday spirit and want to go that extra step, then why not dress like Santa, his helpful elves, and Mrs. Claus, and get festive for the funniest day in December? Behold, Santa Con. A day dedicated to the man behind the iconic holiday is happening on December 13th.

Things to Do in NYC During Christmas If You Want To Give Back & Spread the Holiday Cheer

1. Volunteer at God’s Love We Deliver: If you’re on Santa’s naughty list, then maybe this will give you redemption. I loved volunteering with God’s Love We Deliver because signing up is so easy, and they have a vast availability. No matter what your schedule is, there’s always a spot for you here to make a difference. From meal deliveries to baking, meal packing, kitchen projects, and meal kit labeling, there’s something you can do that will make a true difference in someone’s life. Consider volunteering and donating as well!

Things to Do in NYC During Christmas: Weekend Getaway & Day Trips

Every once in a while, we need a break from the countless tourists in the way and the hustling, bustling city that never sleeps. So yes, this “Things to do in NYC During Christmas Post also includes a weekend getaway. Lucky for us, we have Upstate NY, only about 2 hours away from NYC, making it the perfect winter escape. From hiking to skiing or just cozying up in a cabin with a fire going, there’s something for everyone will love.

1. Winter Hiking: If you like hiking in the Summer, Spring, and Fall, then you HAVE to try it in the Winter! I mean, after all, there is something so dreamy about walking through fresh snow. One of my favorite winter hikes is Slide Mountain up in the Catskills. It’s truly one of the most magnificent views I’ve seen that felt like I was straight out of Lapland, Finland, no joke. Check out the complete list here https://thebrooklyniteabroad.com/best-hikes-in-new-york/
2. Skiing/Apre Skiing/Snowboarding: The best ski resorts in the Northeast can’t quite compare to out West or in other parts of the world, but I have had a handful of good skiing days that make it all worth it. That being said, you can learn to ski at any age, and it’s one of those lifetime sports. For the best ski resorts in the Northeast, check them out here https://thebrooklyniteabroad.com/best-ski-resorts-in-the-northeast/
3. Winter Weekend Getaways: If you’re looking for more upstate adventures, I have the list for you. From seeing Scottish Highland Cows in their element to places like Montreal that feel just like Europe and everything in between, check it out, and happy traveling! https://thebrooklyniteabroad.com/winter-weekend-getaways-from-nyc/

Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com

There You Have It

The holidays are the best time of year, especially in NYC, and especially after reading this post. When it comes to things to do in NYC during Christmas, this list has you covered in the best way. You’ll love visiting the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden and the Vintage Holiday Train Rides and festive bars to put you in the holiday spirit. 

Veronica

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica, but you can also call me Vee! I grew up in the iconic city of Brooklyn, NY, the cultural hub of the world, and hence learned about so many different cultures. It was those experiences that inspired me to travel and from then on, I had learned the power of travel. In return, I want to give others that same experience, to help inspire others to unleash their inner travel enthusiast no matter the trip.

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