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8 reasons to spend Christmas in New York
Rockefeller Center, the best light displays and more – here are eight reasons to spend Christmas in New York.
Nowhere in the world does Christmas quite like New York. The city has been the backdrop to countless festive movies over the years, from Miracle on 34th Street, and Home Alone II, to Serendipity, Scrooged and Elf. There’s just something about the sight of the Big Apple all lit up in festive fairy lights that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
From the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to the window displays along Fifth Avenue, there are so many magical festive sights to take in – so we’ve narrowed down a few of our favourites.
Here’s our guide to all the things that should be top of your list if you’re lucky enough to be spending Christmas in New York.
Ready to go? Take a look at our New York holidays.
From the Rockefeller Christmas Tree to the window displays along Fifth Avenue, there are so many magical festive sights to take in – so we’ve narrowed down a few of our favourites.
Here’s our guide to all the things that should be top of your list if you’re lucky enough to be spending Christmas in New York.
Ready to go? Take a look at our New York holidays.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
The festive season in New York doesn’t officially kick off until the lights on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree are turned on. Tens of thousands line the streets around the Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan for the big event each year, and millions watch it on TV. The tree usually arrives in early November, with the official tree lighting ceremony in early December. You can view it in all its glory from the plaza, The Rink, or from the Top of the Rock – which comes with some incredible city skyline views.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The Rink at Rockefeller Center remains one of the most popular winter attractions in NYC after more than 80 years. Millions take to the ice every year, so be prepared for crowds. While skating packages are available to book in advance, general admission skating is only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll need to plan ahead. If you want to avoid the rush, the rink is at its quietest during early mornings and before 4pm on weekdays.
Bryant Park winter village
The organisers go all-out for the Bryant Park Winter Village every year, with more than 100 festive shops and stalls to choose from. But while the shopping is definitely a selling point, the 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink is undoubtedly the main attraction. One of the best things about this place is that you can ice skate for free. And if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, there’s also a high chance you’ll get to witness the beauty of the Josephine Shaw Lowell Fountain when it freezes over, creating an Instagram-worthy ice sculpture.
The Christmas lights in Dyker Heights
There’s decorating your home for Christmas, and there’s decorating your home for Christmas the Dyker Heights way. The residents of this Brooklyn neighbourhood take getting into the festive spirit to new heights (see what we did there?) year after year. Think inflatable snowmen, carols blasting from loudspeakers and enough Christmas lights to put the Rockefeller Christmas tree to shame. The lights at the houses usually stay on from 5pm to 9pm, and many make their way to the area to catch a glimpse of them. If you fancy paying a visit, the nearest subway station is the 86th Street/4th Avenue station on the R line and the area is about a 20-minute walk away. There’s also a guided bus tour that picks up from Union Square in Manhattan. While there’s no set date as to how long the lights will be on show for, they tend to stay lit until the start of January.
The Fifth Avenue Christmas window displays
Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning during the festive season in New York. Department stores go to great lengths to make sure their festive displays are memorable, and those along Fifth Avenue are in a class of their own. Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue are particular stand-outs. Start at 49th Street and walk north for the Rockefeller Center and Saks, then head up to 59th Street to get to Bergdorf Goodman and The Plaza Hotel – the lobby here is a sight to behold.
The Nutcracker
Christmas in the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ version of E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the magical tale of toys coming to life has routinely had audiences transfixed thanks to its stunning choreography and spellbinding visual effects – not to mention Tchaikovsky's mesmerising score. The New York City Ballet’s annual production runs at the David H. Koch Theater from late November to early January.
The Columbus Circle holiday market
Central Park is a special place all year round, but it really comes alive at Christmas time thanks in part to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Located at 59th Street and Central Park West near the south-west park entrance, the annual bazaar sells everything from artisan chocolates and truffles to handmade wooden puzzles and is one of the best places in the city to do some Christmas shopping. There are around 100 booths to choose from, so don’t be surprised if you end up staying for a while.
The big piano at Macy’s, Herald Square
Tom Hanks and his on-screen boss Robert Loggia dancing on a giant foot piano in the movie Big has to be one of the most memorable festive film moments ever. Re-enacting the iconic scene from the 1988 movie has long been a must-do for fans who happen to be in New York at Christmas time (or any other time come to think of it). When FAO Schwarz, the Fifth Avenue store the instrument was based in, closed its doors, it seemed like the days of grown adult triumphantly tapping out the keys to Chopsticks and Heart and Soul with their feet were well and truly over. Thankfully, department store Macy’s stepped in to save the day. The nearly 16-foot-long and 3.5-foot wide instrument has been installed in the lower level of their branch in Manhattan’s Herald Square – so get ready to unleash your inner Tom Hanks.
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Author: Tamara Hardingham-Gill
Last updated: 03.02.2026