The Top 5 Things to Do in New York at Christmas

This blog post is all about the top things to do in New York at Christmas.

New York at Christmas is something that almost everyone has on their bucket lists.

It’s truly a magical place to be at this time of year and ever since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to experience New York at Christmas and to live it just like Kevin McCallister from Home Alone 2.

Being here for the entire Christmas period and not just a short break means I get to see and do as many Christmassy things as New York has to offer.

So I thought I would compile a list of the top five things to do in New York at Christmas time.

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Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas

There’s truly nothing like New York at Christmas.

The city transforms into a real-life festive movie set, with twinkling lights on every corner, glittering window displays, holiday markets filled with warm treats, and that unmistakable buzz of December magic in the air.

Whether it’s your first Christmas in NYC or your tenth, the city always finds a new way to make the season feel special.

In this guide, I’m sharing the top 5 Christmas experiences you absolutely can’t miss.

If you’re dreaming of the perfect New York Christmas itinerary, these are the experiences that bring the holiday spirit to life.

1. See the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

A tradition that started back in 1933, the Radio City Rockettes have been around for a long time and every Christmas, they return to the stage to bring some Christmas cheer to the city.

It was amazing to see the inside of Radio City Music Hall for the first time as it’s such an iconic venue in New York and it was filled to the brim with santa hats – you even get one to keep as a souvenir.

It starts off with a 3D fly over the city and some of the dance routines are world-class.

How they keep so in sync I will never know. Or master.

RELATED New York at Christmas blog post to read: How to Spend Christmas Day in New York City

2. Walk Down 5th Avenue

This is one of the top things to do in New York at Christmas. 5th Avenue has it all.

Start at 52nd street and work your way down.

You’ll pass the designer shops with their Christmas displays and then come across Sak’s and its amazing light display.

To catch the Sak’s light display you’ll have to go when it’s dark.

Stand and gaze at the light show and as soon as it’s over, turn around and you’ll be faced with the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice rink.

Honestly, it really is as amazing as they say.

It was definitely a ‘pinch-me’ moment when I saw it for the very first time. It’s still as amazing every time I go back – just expect the crowds of tourists that are all scrambling for that picture.

3. See a Show on Broadway

To me, seeing a show in the theater is a very Christmas thing to do. Especially if it’s a pantomime or Christmas show.

This Christmas season I got to see two shows on Broadway – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Aladdin.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was mind-blowing. I have no idea how they did any of the staging and I don’t want to know either as I don’t want the magic to be ruined.

There may be no singing in it and I’m not usually one for plays but this is definitely a must see if you’re into Harry Potter or seeing shows on the West End/Broadway.

I won $30 tickets to Aladdin through the lottery on Broadway Direct in my first time entering. The seats were perfect and the show was brilliant.

Try Broadway Direct for lotteries that will get you tickets for much cheaper than purchasing them at one of the ticket outlets in Times Square.

RELATED New York at Christmas blog post to read: 7 Broadway Musicals You Need to See in New York

4. Ice Skate and Visit the Christmas Markets

There is many an ice rink in New York City that I’ve seen, but not stepped foot on.

I’ve never ice skated before and imagine that I would definitely be the ultimate Bambi on ice.

Head to Central Park where you’ll find two ice rinks, Rockefeller if you’re skilled enough and Bryant Park.

Bryant Park is insanely busy, so not great for those that want to show off their figure skating talents. But while you’re at Bryant Park, you can take in the many market stalls and food tent – make sure to get the smores cone (if only for the ‘Gram).

Another spot for Christmas markets is Union Square that has an entire ring of markets in the park just across from Union Square station.

The Oculus at World Trade Center also has a few stalls and a little Christmas grotto, but a little more on the expensive side.

RELATED New York at Christmas blog post to read: The 9 Best Christmas Markets in New York City to Visit 2025

5. See the Most Incredible Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

This is one I had actually never heard of and may just be something to do if you’re a ‘New Yorker’.

But if you have time, grab the subway over to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to be blown away by the many Christmas lights that line the houses from 83rd-86th Street on 11th-13th Avenues.

Each house no doubt paying a small fortune to stay illuminated, there are so many amazing displays and it’s a way to get into the Christmas spirit if you aren’t already.

It was -8 degrees out when we went, so it was bitter, bitter cold but it was an eye opener to see such large houses in Brooklyn and to get some motivation to earn a lot of money and one day be lighting your house up like a Christmas tree in years to come.

Just prepare to pay $5 for a hot chocolate because you’ll be cold enough to need one.

RELATED New York at Christmas blog post to read: A Local’s Guide to Dyker Heights Holiday Lights 2025

6. Listen to Christmas Carols in St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Throwing an extra one in since it’s Christmas and the season of giving.

Probably the event that got me in the full Christmas spirit, I went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the week for the Christmas Carol evening.

I got there an hour before it started and just about got a seat, as 4,000 people attended. The music was festive, choral and very lovely.

Hearing Carol of the Bells in a New York cathedral was probably the most movie-like experience I’ve had here so far as it was just like a scene from Home Alone.

RELATED New York at Christmas blog post to read: Why Christmas in New York is the Best Time to Visit NYC

New York at Christmas is Magical

New York City does Christmas like nowhere else, and these five festive experiences are the perfect way to make your December trip unforgettable.

Whether you’re ice skating beneath the Rockefeller tree, sipping hot chocolate at the holiday markets, or watching the Rockettes kick off the season in style, each moment captures the magic that makes New York at Christmas so iconic.

No matter how many times you’ve visited, the city always manages to feel fresh, exciting, and full of wonder this time of year.

So bundle up, plan your stops, and get ready to step into your own Christmas movie, because NYC in December truly is the most magical place on earth.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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The Best Things to Do in New York at Christmas