Grab the kids to experience Christmas in New York City with our guide to the best holiday attractions. The good news is that most family activities are open and still free. Let’s see what’s on, what’s new, what’s better than ever during the upcoming Christmas in New York City holiday season.
Top Christmas in New York City Holiday Tree
The 92nd Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a must-see attraction that is sentimental for all New Yorkers. Even in the height of the Great Depression (1931), workers at Rockefeller Center pooled their money together for a Christmas tree and brought handmade garlands from home to decorate it. The gorgeous 74-foot-tall tree is from scenic West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
Join celebrities, the Radio City Rockettes and ice skaters twirling on the Rockefeller Ice Rink at the Dec. 4th lighting ceremony. Expect more than five miles of lights and a giant star any time you visit through mid-January 2025. It’s lit from 5am to midnight or 1am daily (24 hours on Christmas Day.) It’s only lit till 9pm New Year’s Eve so as not to compete with the city’s other New Year’s festivities.
For the 2024 holiday season, Fifth Avenue from 48th Street to 59th Street will be fully closed to vehicle traffic on Dec. 8 to celebrate the avenue’s 200th birthday.
Our public safety tip: Mind the kids, the crowds and your wallets.
Favorite Christmas in New York City Events
What would Christmas in New York City be without the amazingly energetic Radio City Christmas Spectacular? It returns mid-November to New Year’s Day with some performances geared for those with disabilities. Book early if you want to sit close enough to feel the warmth of the Radio City Music Hall footlights. And, don’t miss their souvenir gift shop.
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Nearby, The Paley Center for Media on West 52nd Street hosts a winter wonderland event known as “PaleyLand.” Through Jan. 5, 2025, explore four floors of holiday cheer, take pictures with Santa and / or a Menorah, meet special guests and watch holiday films and TV shows from this media museum’s amazing collection. With kids under 12 getting in free, it’s a holiday bargain to take advantage of.
This holiday season again glows for commuters at Grand Central Terminal. The holiday fair and over the top decor are back Nov. 11-Dec. 24, 2024. If it’s your first visit, join a tour of this famous railway station at the round Information Booth. The famed Constellation Sky ceiling mural inspired by the French painter Paul Helleu floats above the 80,000-square-foot Main Concourse. Its view of the Mediterranean sky shows off 2,500 stars (60 of which are lighted with fiber optics.) We hear from astronomers that it’s backwards but we say, go anyway.
Arts and Culture Reign Over Midtown New York Holidays
Art lovers like the subway since many stations have murals done by famous artists. (Can you find Yoko Ono’s work?)
There are museums galore. Head to the Museum of Modern Art to catch the new (wacky) show by designer Norman Teague called “Jam Sessions.” Daily schedules usually include complimentary movies the kids will enjoy too. Plan ahead; you’ll need timed tickets and these discounted entry times will come in handy.
We all know the American Museum of Natural History has dinosaurs. Did you know it has its own unique Christmas tree? Boughs are decked with 1,000 paper origami animals themed to “Jumping for Joy. ” Allow time to explore the new Gilder Center. Advanced entry booking times required for the museum; Fun Christmas in New York City celebrations continue through Jan. 22, 2025.
For a matinee or evening treat, catch the annual “Nutcracker,” Mozart’s kid-friendly “The Magic Flute” and other seasonal performances up at Lincoln Center. Check out his year’s beautiful holiday tree on the plaza between the opera, ballet and concert halls.
Another don’t miss performance is the annual “Peter & The Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev, staged by Isaac Mizrahi with Works & Process at the Guggenheim Museum. The delightfully silly retelling of the classic children’s tale uses dancers to illustrate Peter’s animal friends and a chamber music ensemble to create their voices. It plays several times in mid-December with Mizrahi’s self-described sequel with composer Nico Muhly, “The Third Bird.”
Downtown Cheers Visitors with the Latest New York City at Christmas Attractions
Don’t skip lower Manhattan, whether you’re paying respects at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or ogling the Winter Whirl indoor roller rink at the architecturally-stunning Oculus transportation hub. Shop at over 50 stores, dine like a true foodie and enjoy music at the new holiday-themed, pop-up Polar Pub serving festive snacks and drinks in the heart of the Oculus.
Nearby, Holiday Under the Palms has arrived at the Brookfield Place mall. It’s next to the Winter Garden and its refreshed palm tree grove, overlooking the chilly Hudson River and the vibe couldn’t be more festive. There’s a skating rink open till March, live music performances, a Santa Sandcastle and more programming
Christmas in New York City Starts in Times Square
For many, a shopping spree is required for the ideal Christmas in New York City. Times Square, a largely pedestrian zone of shops and restaurants topped by crazy billboards, has souvenirs galore and is decked out for the season. While in Times Square, check out the TKTS Discount Tickets Booth to see which shows have same-day tickets. The apps TodayTix, SeatGeek and Goldstar also sell last minute tickets, often at a discount.
Sticking around for the famous Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve tops most bucket lists. This year, be sure to add your holiday wishes to the Times Square NYE Wishing Wall located at Times Square Plaza on Broadway between 46-47th Streets. From Dec. 2-28, 2024, add your wishes to a ton of confetti to be released at midnight on the Big Day. Stay tuned for the entertainment schedule — announced in mid-December.
Christmas in Manhattan: Holiday Store Windows
While you can certainly mask up, bundle up, walk around and enjoy the sights New York City has to offer, remain vigilant to current health and safety guidelines. Cruising along on one of the city’s double-decker buses is perfect for the older generation or littler ones. Plan ahead and dress according to the weather.
Make time for the unique storefront windows and displays of the big 5th Avenue stores. Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf’s are showcasing glittering windows and Saks features its terrific light projections as well.
Of course, Macy’s goes out both on 34th Sgtreet at Herald Square and at its Downtown Brooklyn department store. Over on Lexington Avenue between 59-60th Streets, Bloomingdales has celebrated the holidays for more than 150 years. The mall in the very splashy Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s West Side will be aglitter this season, plus they’re doing live events, surprise moments and, for a fee, a speakeasy popup for shoppers. Share photos on our Facebook page!
Favorite Christmas in New York City Shopping
We love Christmas Markets which are outdoors and inclusive. Best of all, they’re free to roam around in, providing endlessly fascinating art objets, crafts, clothes, jewelry and other gifts your kids will want to see… but probably not own.
At Bryant Park, look for a booming Christmas Market similar to the traditional European Christmas Markets seen in major cities. The small shops surround the large ice skating rink in Winter Village. Look for one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, plus New York souvenirs from late October to just after New Year’s. Stop at The Lodge or the Curling Rink for hot cider and hot chocolate to keep the chill off. For something festive, book a private Igloo and dine inside. The skating rink is open daily till March with free admission; book your skating time online in advance of arrival. Skate rentals and equipment, sanitized between every use, cost extra.
The Union Square Holiday Gift Market in Greenwich Village opens mid-November to Christmas Eve. In addition to the artisanal crafts available, look for jewelry, clothing and other quality gift items. You are welcome to buy produce, lavender sachets, artisan cheeses, etc in person at the famous Union Square Green Market, open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
New York City Icons Dress Up for the Holidays
New York City is packed with teachable moments and wonder. Take advantage of opportunities to be outdoors and energized. Why not visit two icons — the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty — for a chilly way to scratch them off your bucket list.
There are many ways to get to the top of the Empire State Building — just ask King Kong. Since it’s likely to be chilly, we suggest a walking tour that takes in many of the city’s neighborhood highlights at sea level, then whisks you up to the 86th Floor Observatory for an overview of twinkling lights.
Author Keith McCarthy encourages New Yorkers and visitors to “spend the day rekindling a sorely-tested faith in Democracy” on a Statue of Liberty tour. This winter, get up close to Lady Liberty and also visit Ellis Island. A holiday time- and money-saving tip: Swing by Lady Liberty on a holiday-themed Circle Line round-the-island cruise or for more savings, the free Staten Island Ferry.
Holiday Beauties in the Bronx
Don’t miss “Holiday Lights” on select dates (mid-November to first weekend in January) at the Bronx Zoo. Roam among animal lantern safaris, ice-carving demonstrations, holiday treats, costumed characters, wildlife theater, stilt walkers and more. Capacity is limited; please book ahead and use the code HOLIDAYMAGIC to save 15% on checkout.
Also in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden presents its annual Christmas “Holiday Train Show.” It’s a limited capacity, wildly popular attraction (train tracks laid out in a huge tent) so get tickets now. Another treat is NYBG GLOW, a spectacular illumination of the gardens and buildings in its third year. We love the photo-worthy installations that fill the Reflecting Pool. Look for artistic ice carving displays, roving dancers and musicians plus more outdoor fun. Both ticketed events require reservations and are open select nights from mid-November to mid-January.
Find #StarryLights in Dyker Heights and More in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is known for many things. One of our favorite holiday activities is to explore the DUMBO area between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. (Join Dom’s terrific Made in Brooklyn Tour if you’re short on time!) Look for garlands at Roberta’s Pizza, a seasonal chill at Brooklyn Ice Cream and glittering lights in the trees outside the legendary River Cafe. From here, the lights of Manhattan reflected in the East River and those of the growing city of Brooklyn surrounding you will put you in the holiday spirit year round.
Alternatively, head to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for the reimagined fantasy of Lightscape. The stunning illumination is transplanted here from the originated at Kew Gardens outside London. The Fire Garden and gorgeous Winter Cathedral are favorite spots for family Christmas cards. Over at Industry City, there’s a new IC Ice Skating Rink offering seasonal specials like Ten Dollar Thursdays and Après Ski VIP Lounge access. Don’t miss the Maker Holiday Fair and unique gift items at their holdiay markets.
For an even bigger dose of holiday lights, join more than 100,000 annual visitors to view the amazing decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Book a private bus tour, or take the R or N subway out to Brooklyn. Bundle up for a 15-minute walk through Brooklyn’s quiet neighborhoods. The action is along 10th through 13th Avenues between 81st and 86th Streets, near the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Even if you drive or take a car service, get out and walk by the homes so you can appreciate the animatronics and lightshows. Please ask the kids to bring a few dollars to contribute to a local charity, as some homes take collections.
Queens Lights Up With Holiday Festivities
One mid-December weekend each year, the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bayside puts on an “Outdoor Living Nativity” in Bayside. It’s a cozy local affair with music, live animals and lots of performers, followed up by hot chocolate. The local New York Family site has many other weekend events. Checkout schedules at the Queens Botanic Garden and the Queens County Farm Museum, among our favorites.
Support Local, Travel Sustainably For The Holidays
Do your part to sustain our planet by shopping gifts that give back in sustainable ways. And if you’re coming to New York City, drop into the thousands of stores eager for your support. Most importantly, stay safe, enjoy the holiday cheer, and check out the NYC & Company website for last-minute updates.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Christmas in New York City? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
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8 Replies to “Christmas In New York City – The Best Holiday Attractions”
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Always bring a small container of new little toys and a little treat for each child to have in the car or on the plane.
We do this with our sons…we purposely get some new toys and treats that fit into a small container so it is easy for them to carry it on their own. The novelty of new little things keeps it fab fresh and fun for them, which keeps it peaceful and happy for my hubby and me. A little bag of crackers or cookies, a small bottle of water, and a few little toys to play with keeps them happy. If we fly, we even try to find some gum that they may not have had before, as it keeps it interesting for them to try something new.
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