Looking for things to do in New York City for the holidays? It’s a magical time. All up and down 5th Avenue the streets are ablaze in twinkling lights. Animated characters populate the large store windows and the aroma of roasting chestnuts wafts through the crowded streets. The city puts on a special show during this time. In a town full of unique activities and attractions, here are ten ways to help you make the most of your visit to New York City for the holidays.
Top 10 Things to do in New York City for the Holidays
Stroll Central Park in the Snow
If you can catch the first snowfall, even better. A blanket of white covers the park creating a magical “wonderland of snow.”
Tip: If you want the ultimate Central Park experience, Big Onion Walking Tours offers a fantastic Central Park walking tour.
Where to stay in New York City
Ice Skate at Wollmans, Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center
Each one of these three ice rinks is in an iconic New York City location. Make sure you add at least one to your Christmas in New York itinerary.
See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
Always a holiday favorite for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
View the Holiday Angels and the Tree at Rockefeller Center
See the Holiday Window Displays on 5th Avenue
Every year it seems the stores compete with one another to see who has the most elaborate display in New York City for the holidays.
See The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Visit Lincoln Center to see George Balanchine’s ballet, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a New York City tradition.
Stroll the Holiday Markets
Union Square and Bryant Park have wonderful holiday markets. Experience a New York City winter market. Do your holiday shopping for traditional as well as unique artisanal gifts.
Visit the New York Botanical Gardens
A great opportunity for a truly unique experience at the Botanical Gardens is the holiday model train display. Ideal for kids and adults alike.
Experience the Winter Solstice Celebration
It is a little known fact that St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world. The Winter Solstice offers music within the extraordinary acoustics of New York’s greatest Cathedral. A New York City holiday experience like no other.
See Santa at Macy’s
Santa is at Macy’s and just about everywhere else in New York City during the holidays. And if you’re traveling solo to the Big Apple any time of the year, learn 10 reasons why women love traveling to NYC solo.
If you want a taste of the Big Apple, try this NYC food tour.
Here are more New York City tips from a native New Yorker.
- Where to go and what to do after a Broadway show.
- 20 unique things to do in New York City you can’t do anywhere else.
- 18 famous places to eat in New York City without breaking the bank.
- 26 best ethnic restaurants in New York City – A to Z
- Best New York City walking tours by Big Onion
- 10 Coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan
- 11 Most underrated places to visit in New York City
- Coolest Things to do in Harlem, New York
- Beautiful Places to visit in Central Park – with map!
- Where to stay in New York City depending on what you want to see and do
Have you been to New York City for the holidays? It is a unique experience and we’d love to hear about it.
Research more what do in New York City for the holidays before you go using these useful guides:
BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful, money-saving links to book your trip:
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