During the holidays New York City is one of my favorite places. The city lights up and for once a year it seems New Yorkers are actually merry and bright. The city has a ton do to during the Holidays, so picking my favorites was hard. When it came down to it, these are the things I do every year without fail. In fact, it just wouldn’t be Christmas time with seeing and doing everything on this list. Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting New York City for everything else to see or do in New York that isn’t holiday related.
Top Things to See in NYC during the Holidays
Rockefeller Center
This is always number one on my list. The minute that tree goes up it feels like Christmas. Even though I have seen it almost every year, it always is magical. More than just the tree, Rockefeller center has an ice rink and beautiful decorations making this a great place to have a hot coco and people watch. This also happens to be where the “tree” is.
Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
Every year this Brooklyn neighbor has an unofficial contest to see who’s put on the best light show. Think Deck the Halls but with mini mansions. Dyker Heights is a must for any wanting to see streets lined up top to bottom in lights. They almost put the who’s from whoville to shame with all their epic decorations.
LuminoCity
Located on Randall’s Island this massive festival is a must visit. Set on 12-acres, covered with gorgeous and massive LED art installations everywhere. Be prepared for some seriously instagrammable places. There are Christmas markets, performance and some grub that is sure to be amazing. Running from November 23 to January 5, general admission is $38. Tickets and more info here.
Bryant Park Winter Village
During the Holidays Bryant Park feels like it can be straight out of an Christmas movie. Not only is it so picturesque but it has great shopping, yummy treats, and an ice skating rink. There is ton of fun activities for the whole family and you can pop into the Public Library next door if it gets too cold. If you are looking for gifts this is a great place to come and get friends and family back home something unique. The Winter Village comes live October 31 and the holiday markets are around until January 5th. More info here.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays
One of my all time favorite things to do in NYC is window shopping. The stores along Fifth avenue have the absolute best window displays come Christmas. All the stores go all out for their displays often times employee artist to help create buzz. These companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars so trust me this windows are epic. My favorites are usually Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman.
Get Jolly and Full
New York City is one of the most epic foodie cities. During the holidays the most amazing festive food establishments pop up all over the city. You would be a fool to miss out on Serendipity 3, famous for their frozen hot chocolate. Check out our Where to Eat & Drink in NYC Holiday Edition for more yummy places to visit during the holidays. Serendipity 3 on google maps.
Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall just screams Christmas to me. Between the Rockettes and the surrounding decorations it’s uber festive. Don’t forget to check out the giant ornaments across the street for some great photo ops. If you have the opportunity to I would suggest taking in one of the many shows or performances available during the holidays. The Rockettes are a New York staple and a show I have been going to for years. Radio City Music Hall info here.
Alsace Christmas Market
If you are carving some typical European style Christmas cheer than be sure to visit the cities first traditional Christmas market. The Alsace Christmas Market brings the festive French Christmas market from Strasbourg to New York City. For the first time ever this Christmas market is bring the crafts, food and beer from abroad to NYC. Located in Bowling Green Park from December 6th to Sunday December 22th, 2019. More info on the Alsace Christmas Market here.
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