Christmas time in New York is pure magic! The holiday decorations go up at the end of November and start of December so don’t assume that you can only see the city on December 25th. I had a very short time frame to see the city due to my work schedule (essentially, I had no PTO time). I flew in from Chicago on Friday evening and left on Sunday to be back at work on Monday. I went on the first weekend in December and there were soooo many people and crowds everywhere. I can only imagine the crowds at the end of the month.
Where to stay in New York City?
I recommend staying in the heart of the city. This way you are able to get the most out of your short weekend trip. The city has a very good public transportation system to easily maneuver around the city. At the same time, keep in mind that NYC is a very walkable destination. I averaged 50,000 steps a day according to my off-brand step counter. I compiled the list of everything I managed to see and do while exploring Christmas time in New York.
Table of contents
- Go see the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree
- Watch the Saks Fifth Light Show
- Walk around and check out the Christmas window displays
- Grab Coffee or Hot Chocolate at Ralph Lauren
- Visit the Macy’s Store
- Take a cruise on the Hudson River
- The difference between Day time vs. Nighttime Sightseeing
- Ice Skate in NYC
- Go to the Hudson Yards & Vessel
- Visit the New York Public Library
- Take a day trip to from NYC to Dyker Heights
- Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to the United States
Go see the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is decorated with over 50,000 multicolored lights and crowned with a dazzling Swarovski crystal star. Located above the famous ice-skating rink in Midtown, the lighting ceremony kicks off the Christmas season and creates a magical backdrop that has come to symbolize the holidays in NYC.
This was my favorite place to people watch. So many couples that were ice skating under tree had their proposal here. Ughh, how cute 🩷
Watch the Saks Fifth Light Show
Directly across from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the Saks Fifth clock….
I recorded the full 2023 show if you’d like a preview of what to expect. I recommend arriving early since the show always draws a big crowd. The earlier you get here, the better your view will be.
Walk around and check out the Christmas window displays
All around the city you can find amazing Christmas theme display windows, especially along Fifth and Sixth Avenue. The storefronts transform into magical scenes with twinkling lights, moving figures, and festive themes.
Honestly New York is a vibe no matter where you walk. Christmas oozes out everywhere from the people to the buildings. The best part is stumbling around and finding an off the beat piece of magic.
Grab Coffee or Hot Chocolate at Ralph Lauren
Located directly in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and just down the street from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, you’ll find Ralph Lauren’s little green truck serving warm hot chocolate and coffee. Especially during the cold weather, it’s the perfect location to take a break and warm up.
Visit the Macy’s Store
On the top floor, take the wooden escalator of the Macy’s flagship store to the Christmas tree and ornament paradise. The Christmas section is divided into themes by colors and subjects.
Don’t forget to walk around the exterior of the building to see the unique holiday window displays.
Take a cruise on the Hudson River
View the city from a different perspective on a holiday cruise on the Hudson River. Listen to live entertainment as you sip on hot chocolate and snack on cookies.
The difference between Day time vs. Nighttime Sightseeing
When is the best time to view the decorations?
I loved wandering around and watching the decorations transform from day to night. The city feels completely different in each light. During the day, you can appreciate all the festive details and colors, while at night the twinkling lights make everything feel magical. Honestly, both times are the right answer, and seeing the contrast made the experience even more special.
You can find the giant red ornament fountain right across from Radio City Music Hall and near Bryant Park.
Radio City Music Hall is also adorned with a beautiful Christmas tree on the exterior. During Christmas, it’s home to the world famous Christmas Spectacular, starring the Rockettes with their perfectly synchronized high kicks, dazzling costumes, and festive performances.
Ice Skate in NYC
There are so many ice-skating rink locations around New York City, each with its own charm. You can go classic at Rockefeller Center under the famous Christmas tree, glide across the rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village surrounded by holiday markets or enjoy a more relaxed experience at Central Park’s Wollman Rink with skyline views in the background.
By the Central Park’s Wollman Rink is the Plaza Hotel. I wanted to relive the Home Alone movie scene, but security doesn’t allow you to enter the premises unless you are staying on the site.
Go to the Hudson Yards & Vessel
Hudson Yards turns extra festive at Christmas, with sparkling lights, giant hanging ornaments, and holiday displays that make the sleek shops and restaurants feel magical. It’s also a great spot to see the Vessel lit up and enjoy seasonal events while soaking in the city’s holiday spirit.
FYI: The lights are on during the daytime and evening so you can visit at any time. I went around the afternoon.
Visit the New York Public Library
Entrance is FREE. The New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue is a stunning landmark famous for its marble lions and beautiful architecture. Even outside of Christmas time, it’s an iconic NYC destination to visit. During the holiday season, you will see multiple pieces of decor sprinkled throughout.
Right around the corner from the library is Bryant Park’s Winter Village where you can buy various treats and souvenirs.
Take a day trip to from NYC to Dyker Heights
If you have more time, I highly recommend taking this 4-hour day trip from New York to the colorful neighborhood of Dyker Heights.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to the United States
Are you also planning on visiting?
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels or boutique hotels the United States has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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