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40 So-Not-Touristy Things to Do in New York at Christmas This Year
There’s nowhere in the world quite like New York City during the holiday season. If you think the city is bright and lively throughout the year, it becomes that much more so during the winter months. Between the decked-out stores, the Rockefeller Christmas tree, and all the twinkly lights everywhere you go, Christmas in New York is nothing short of magical.
The only question is, Which activities should be at the top of your list?
Some travelers prefer a traditional lineup of the New York classic Upper East Side spots, while others lean toward trendy new spaces downtown. Either way, NYC has a never-ending list of options. To assist in the curation of your itinerary, and to insure a perfectly balanced mix of food, drinks, entertainment, and a little pampering, we’ve consulted a few New York City tastemakers that are experts in their fields to help give the rundown on each recommended spot. Read on for our list of the most festive things to do in New York City during the most wonderful time of the year.
Tour Dyker Heights’ Christmas Lights by Bike
Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood at Christmas is truly a spectacle—one that tends to cause a commotion (i.e., a parking problem). That’s why we suggest biking it instead, via NYC Adventure’s Dyker Heights Christmas Lights eBike Tour. Running from November 29 to January 2, the tour takes you from Manhattan to Brooklyn and back, helping you see not only the famed neighborhood displays but other locales, too, like Prospect Park and the Manhattan Bridge.
Dress Up for an Evening of Ballet at Lincoln Center
Another family favorite in New York City is undoubtedly The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet. While Tchaikovsky’s classic is performed annually by the esteemed dance company, it really never gets old—especially if you’re watching it with littles, who will surely be delighted by the center-stage Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 to 41 feet.
Window-Shop on Fifth Avenue
From Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue to Tiffany & Co. and Cartier (which is literally wrapped in a huge bow and ribbon made of lights), every store’s holiday window display along this famed thoroughfare is more beautiful than the last. Every one is worth checking out, but Saks does something especially fun: Not only does the department store decorate its windows with a new theme each year, but it also projects a gorgeous light display on the facade. Once the sun sets, the show begins every 10 minutes from 5 to 11 p.m. So if you’re thinking of how to schedule your day, consider saving Fifth Avenue for last.
Listen to Holiday Classics Played by the New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic is world famous—and one of the oldest musical institutions in the country. While people make their way to Lincoln Center all year round to be serenaded by the iconic orchestra, the Philharmonic truly shines around the holidays. This year, the Phil has two holiday options for you: Elf in Concert and the eternal classic, Handel’s Messiah.
Go Ice-Skating at Wollman Rink
With shorter lines than those you’ll find at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline, Wollman Rink in Central Park is the place to go for a twirl with tourists and natives alike. Opened in 1949, the rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, and skate rentals—so all you need to do is pack your gloves!
Warm Up with a Drink from Ralph’s Coffee
Touristy, yes, but an essential staple of the Upper East Side, Ralph Lauren’s coffee shop is completely reimagined for the season. You can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea—each cup finished with a Christmassy sleeve. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the bears—Ralph’s iconic Polo Bear, that is, oversized and dressed for the season.
Watch the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
The Rockettes have been taking over Radio City Music Hall for the holidays since the 1930s, and their Christmas spectacular is a failsafe festive experience. The 90-minute show has been revamped and elevated over the years (but don’t worry, the kick line isn’t going anywhere) and offers the perfect activity for the whole family.
Go on a Christmas Market Tour
If Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday display offers more retail envy than anything else, we suggest you make your way to one of the city’s multiple holiday markets to shop. From locally crafted goods to seasonal art and holiday bites, browsing through all of the vendors is the perfect way to make your list and check it twice. Holiday markets throughout the city, like those in Union Square and Columbus Circle, typically open in mid-November and run through December 24. Brooklyn’s Borough Hall gives you a few more days to soak in holiday cheer, closing up shop on December 26.
Cheer on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden’s Christmas Game
Basketball season always pairs well with the holiday season, and not just because the timing is similar—once the temperatures drop, it’s time to rep your favorite team. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a huge sports fan to enjoy drinks in the nose-bleed section. Plus, the New York Knicks play ball at Madison Square Garden, so you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for an energetic outing. The team also hosts special events throughout the holiday season, making it perfect for a family outing or a date.
Stroll Around the West Village
Any trip to New York should include dedicated time for just strolling around the quaint West Village. If your love language is gift giving, you’ll find a range of storefronts from small, locally sourced shops to the new Leset and renowned C.O. Bigelow. If you’re just looking for a quick bite, make a reservation at Cafe Cluny (see below!), and afterward, grab some reading material at Casa Magazines—specifically, a copy of ELLE DECOR.
Have a Late Night at Cafe Cluny
The most inviting little café in all of Manhattan, Cafe Cluny takes notes from European dining, making it feel like you’re sharing a meal with everyone in the bistro—especially during the holiday season. With classic yet perfected dishes and delicious martinis, the night will pass before you even know it. No worries—you can go back again for brunch.
Gaze at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Neapolitan Christmas Tree
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the crown jewel of New York’s Museum Mile any time of year, but it takes on a dusting of Christmas magic all its own around the holidays. During the Christmas season, visitors to the storied museum can stop by the Medieval Sculpture Hall to take in the Met’s magnificent tree—a 20-foot blue spruce—and spend long minutes marveling at the gorgeous 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene displayed at its foot.
Roam Through Central Park
Whether you’re attending the Central Park Conservancy’s annual holiday lighting, taking a stroll through winding paths, or whirling around Wollman Rink (see above!), there’s nothing more magical than an evening in New York’s iconic park.
Go to a Menorah Lighting
For those celebrating Hanukkah, there are two menorah lightings we love: Central Park’s (which takes place at Grand Army Plaza) in Manhattan and Prospect Park’s in Brooklyn. The latter includes live music, hot latkes, and gifts for children every night of Hanukkah.
Bask in the Glow at a Christmas Candlelight Concert
If you’ve never been to one of Fever’s dreamy candlelight concerts—which, as you’ve probably guessed, are played at locations filled to the brim with candles—you’re in for a real treat this December. Amid the warm glow of soft, almost sacred, candlelight, an entirely holiday-themed program is on tap, with hits from Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and more classics.
Find Your Inner Child at Santaland
Take a trip to the New York North Pole this year at Macy’s iconic “Santaland.” The 13,000-square-foot holiday display and indoor wonderland is located inside Macy’s Herald Square and is perfect for the whole family. Inside, you’ll be met with prancing reindeer, a whimsical array of decor, and, of course, Santa himself. Santaland opens on Thursday, November 28, and will run through Christmas Eve.
Sip Hot Chocolate at Sant Ambreous
Chilly hands and a craving for something sweet is an inevitable side effect of wandering around New York City at Christmas. Indulge in one of the city’s most decadent cups of hot chocolate at Sant Ambroeus, where the beverage is made free of milk and water. That’s right, it’s simply pure, melted chocolate. Best of all, you can satisfy your sweet tooth whether you’re uptown or downtown: The chic Italian restaurant has multiple locations throughout the city.
Score Vintage Treasures at a Flea Market
New York always has something left to discover, especially if you head to a vintage store. Some of the very best finds come from the Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo—located right under the Manhattan Bridge—or from the Upper West Side’s Grand Bazaar. If you aren’t interested in vintage designer heels and oversize, tattered-yet-trendy football shirts, then just go for the holiday-themed street food.
Visit New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
Whether you have children or not, you’re sure to feel like a kid again at this enchanting display of miniature railroads and trains at the New York Botanical Garden. The annual Holiday Train Show showcases nearly 200 Big Apple landmarks—like Grand Central Terminal and the Statue of Liberty—in miniature and made of plant materials, like bark and leaves. This year, the show is bigger than ever, as it’s expanding out onto the Garden’s Conservatory lawn. The show runs from November 16 to January 20.
Stay at the Mark
Looking to splurge? Book in a night at the Mark. Capturing all that is merry and bright, this luxury hotel leaves no detail overlooked during the holidays. The signature stripes, the meticulous toiletries, and the five-star service are just a few of the reasons to book a room. If you’re looking to stay in unbeatable opulence, check out their holiday penthouse package, which offers an unforgettable stay at the property’s 4,000-square-foot suite (the largest in New York). Don’t want to break the bank? Try to secure a reservation at their notable in-house restaurant Caviar Kaspia.
Drink at Manhattan’s Most Christmassy Restaurant
Christmas lovers: If being surrounded by hundreds of dazzling decorations as you dine is up your alley, make Rolf’s a must during your New York City holiday visit. The German restaurant, located in the city’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, is decked out in lights and decor for the holidays and, believe it or not, all year round. (Though, heads up, hours change in the off-season.) Does it get more festive than that?
Beyond cheer, Rolf’s serves up lots of German beer and schnitzel. If that’s not your thing, you can also find dishes like sausage platters, meatloaf, pork chops, steamed mussels, and apple crepes on the menu. A seasonal roast suckling pig is also served, and there are crispy potato pancakes and wursts, resembling hot dogs, to keep the kids happy. One thing: Expect a bit of a wait to be seated, especially during the holidays. If possible, it may be worth stopping by on a weeknight before the dinner rush.
Find Time for a Broadway Show
We all have that one friend who only talks about Broadway shows, and the most buzzed-about show is Sunset Blvd., which is coming in from London and stars Nicole Scherzinger. If you’re not into the latest talked-about performance and just want to dive into the Christmas spirit completely, Elf the Musical is also returning. Whether it’s your first time to the city or your 200th, a Broadway show is a must.
Meet Up with Friends at Casino
No gambling here—just cocktails and good times at one of the most intimate bars in lower Manhattan. The lovely yet minimal holiday decorations set up at Casino are just the start to what makes this bar the perfect ending to any chilly night out. The ambience, a slice of their chocolate cake, and chic interiors create a memorable evening with your inner circle.
Have a Parisian Christmas at Hotel Chelsea’s Café
Christmas with a French twist? Hotel Chelsea’s very own Café Chelsea welcomes guests to enjoy the traditional French dishes, while taking in all the decor of the beloved hotel. The restaurant’s classic bistro aesthetic will appear even more enchanting covered in lights. Plus, the restaurant’s menu will get a holiday overhaul too.
See a Screening of a Holiday Favorite
Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? It is in our book—and you can catch it at Staten Island’s spectacular St. George Theatre on December 28, complete with a preshow by a live band. (For a more family-friendly option, check out the theater’s earlier screening of The Polar Express). If Staten Island is too far for your tight schedule, Brooklyn’s Syndicated theater and bar has a holiday series showing all the best Christmas classics.
Wind Down at Spencer’s Spa
Marrying design and self-care, Spencer’s is the holiday escape you’ll need to rest from the miles of walking on New York’s streets and sidewalks. If the photo of the gorgeous interiors doesn’t speak for itself, the spa offerings might, from best-in-class facials to relaxing massages. Throughout the holidays, there will be specials too. As spa founder Ryan McCarthy tells us, the establishment isn’t “reinventing anything; rather making sure the simple things are done well.” Could there be a better encapsulation of the holiday spirit?
Write a Letter to Santa at Lotte New York Palace
If you’re searching for the quintessential holiday landing spot in New York City, look no further than Lotte New York Palace. Centrally located on Madison Avenue, this historic landmark hotel is only minutes from some of New York’s best holiday sightseeing spots, including Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral—making it a fabulous place to stay. During the holidays, the Palace (as it’s called) is best known for its 30-foot Christmas tree, which glows in the courtyard, framed by the hotel’s iron gate. Children are welcome to send their wish lists off to Santa in their Santa Mail box.
Hand-Make a Gift Filled with Love at Happy Medium
Channel your creative side at Happy Medium, a café where you order paints, brush sets, and clay instead of an iced latte. Not only is the experience a chance for community and newfound skills, but it also allows you to create a thoughtful gift for someone special. The café has locations in Manhattan and Greenpoint. And, if you’re not confident in your artistic vision, the Manhattan location has just opened its gift shop in time for the holidays. Leave with something homemade—just not by you.
Sit for Afternoon Tea at the Baccarat Hotel
If you love the traditions of the Christmas season—the gift giving, the tree decorating, the caroling, and more—you’ll like this tradition too: a holiday afternoon tea. There are few places that do a more delicious and opulent holiday tea than the Baccarat Hotel. Here’s what to expect at the festive tea: adorable tea sandwiches, the softest of scones, and a variety of bite-size desserts with holiday flair, inspired by the famous children’s book The Little Prince.
Channel Your Inner Eloise at the Plaza
It should come as no surprise that the Plaza is an utter beauty at the holidays—and the festive opportunities behind its iconic doors are truly endless. Slip into the Palm Court, the Plaza’s Gatsby-era restaurant, for a holiday afternoon tea while enjoying a perfect view of the hotel’s yuletide decor—or grab a drink at the Champagne Bar. Either way, be prepared for Santa to stop by (he even does story time for kids on select Fridays and Saturdays) or for the Sarafina’s dance troupe to treat you to a performance. If you’re in town on November 29, book a room or a dining reservation and attend the hotel’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. You won’t regret it.
Visit the New York Public Library
The New York Public Library—truly a New York must—is just a few minutes’ walk from Bryant Park. We’re happy to confirm that the 1911 Beaux Arts building will once again be displaying a beautiful Christmas tree—plus, the Rose Main Reading Room is not to be missed. Time to check out a copy of A Visit from St. Nicholas!
Get Inspired by the Art at the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, with its Renzo Piano–designed building, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also features powerful programming and breathtaking works from artists all over the globe. The museum is home to a peaceful bar on the viewing deck, offering some of the best views in the city. Be sure to pop by during the festive season and into the new year.
Indulge in a Treat ‘From Lucie’
While there may be a bakery on every block of Manhattan, the East Village’s most aesthetic bakery, From Lucie, is worth going out of your way for. Bringing a taste of the French countryside to the adorable nook just a block from Tompkins Square Park, it offers a daily selection of heaven-sent cakes and cookies unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, a product of Lucie Franc de Ferriere. The bake shop is known for its fresh flowers topping off the purest ingredients. Order a tiny cake if you’re looking for self-gifting ideas.
Take an Illuminated Walk Through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
This one’s a relatively new addition to the list, but already quite beloved: the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape. The immersive experience features illuminated pathways, archways, and sculptures, all set to holiday tunes and served with a side of seasonal treats. What could be more magical?
Listen to Christmas Music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
When it comes to beautiful churches, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is nothing short of, well, divine. A mix of both Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture, the cathedral has been under construction for over 100 years and still isn’t complete. And yet, it’s still the sixth largest church in the world. That’s just one of the many reasons it’s an amazing place to visit—and an even more incredible place to take in a concert during the holidays. That concert, held this year on December 10, is the Joy of Christmas. You’ll hear Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, Amy Beach’s Peace on Earth, and J.S. Bach’s sublime “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” all while sitting under the vaulted arches in one of Manhattan’s most spectacular buildings.
Catch ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Merchant House
The Charles Dickens’s holiday classic is unforgettable and still being performed around the world more than 200 years later, including at the East Village’s historic Merchant House. Decorated with 19th-century holiday decorations and period furniture, the Merchant House is the perfect place to see the timeless tale, performed by John Kevin Jones (as Dickens, narrating).
Walk in a Winter Wonderland at Watermark
Enclosed igloos at the South Street Seaport overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge—need we say more? We’re already waiting at Pier 15, which will soon be transformed into a magical outdoor bar, restaurant, and event space for the season. Once you step through the illuminated tunnel, you’ll find lights, trees, and hot cocktails.
Hear the Jazz at the Beekman
The Beekman hotel’s atrium is a sight to behold all year round, but it’s especially radiant—as you can see—when this Christmas tree is unveiled in the hotel’s Bar Room. You can sit by the tree for breakfast, lunch (Monday through Friday only), or dinner—but for an especially memorable experience, make a weekend reservation for jazz brunch, with jazz music from the Kate Quartet on Saturdays and the Temple Court Quartet on Sundays.
Soothe Your Soul at Sky Ting’s Winter Series
Some people never want to break their routine, even while traveling, so owner Krissy Jones offers just that. If you want to still break a sweat or start a new fresh day in stillness and compassion, book a yoga class at the design-forward Sky Ting. The studio sets out to switch up the programming for the winter months, offering winter movement courses, holiday challenges, and donation classes, with proceeds going to local shelters and food kitchens.
Admire the Famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Last—but not least—you have to visit the city’s most famous Christmas sight: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. While she’s dazzling on TV, she’s even better up close, wrapped in technicolor lights and topped with a Swarovski star. You won’t soon want to leave her, so stay awhile at one of the new restaurants surrounding the rink, like Lodi, Naro, 5 Acres, or Jupiter. Then get all of your pictures before touring the rest of the square, where you’ll find FAO Schwarz, the Nintendo Store, Hill House Home, and a lineup of illuminated, trumpeting angels, guiding you to Fifth Avenue.
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