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Table of Contents
Best Hotels in New York for Christmas
Other Hotels in New York
4 Days In New York Christmas Itinerary
Day 1
Ralph’s Coffee (Fifth Avenue)
Fifth Avenue Christmas Window Displays
Bryant Park Winter Village
New York Public Library
Times Square
Top of the Rock
Day 2
Apollo Bagels
DUMBO
Brooklyn Bridge
Time Out Market
New York Helicopter Tour
Festive Popup Bar
Day 3
Sadelle’s (SoHo location)
Chelsea Market
High Line
Hudson Yards
The Edge
Day 4
Central Park and Ice Skating
Little Italy
Chinatown
9/11 Memorial
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Day 1 in New York
Ralph’s Coffee (Fifth Avenue)
Start your day at Ralph’s Coffee in the Ralph Lauren store on Fifth Avenue which honestly feels like the most festive way to ease into New York at Christmas. The storefront is beautifully decorated, but what I really love is that it doesn’t feel chaotic first thing in the morning (and you will be able to grab a seat inside). The coffees and hot chocolates are genuinely good (not just pretty for photos, which does obvsiously help, haha), and it’s a great spot to quickly grab something warm before you head straight into one of the busiest areas of the city.
Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
From Ralph’s, it’s just a 2-3 minute walk to the famous Fifth Avenue window displays, which are always worth seeing even if you’ve done them before. Saks Fifth Avenue usually puts on a full light show across the building, which is impressive in person (and great to also see in the night). Bergdorf Goodman’s windows are the most detailed and creative in my opinion as every single window looks like it’s been designed for someone who loves Christmas and fashion.
If you want to make the most of this part of your day without missing anything, you can also join a New York City Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour, which takes you along Fifth Avenue and nearby festive hotspots.
Bryant Park Winter Village
A 5 minute walk brings you to Bryant Park Winter Village, which is one of my favourite things to do in December because it feels festive without needing to commit half your day. You can walk through the rows of chalet style shops, try some small bites or watch people skating. I always like stopping here earlier in the day before it gets overwhelmingly busy as you get all the Christmas feels without needing to push through the crowds.
New York Public Library
Next it’s 5 minute walk to the New York Public Library, and even if you only stop outside it’s worth it. The architecture is stunning, especially with the Christmas wreaths and garlands. Plus if you’re a Sex and the City movie fan, you’ll know this is where Carrie was meant to get married. I also love popping in for a quick loo break as I know they have toilets inside for guests to use haha.
Times Square
From the library walk 10 minutes to Times Square which is exactly what you will probably expect! It’s busy, loud and full of lights. I always recommend going once on your trip, especially if it’s someone’s first time in NYC. December makes it feel even more full on but if you want those classic New York photos, this is where you’ll get them.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Ice Rink & Top of the Rock
A 12 minute walk brings you to Rockefeller Center and this whole area is the definition of New York at Christmas. The tree is famous for a reason, it’s huge, beautifully lit and the atmosphere around it is unmatched. No matter what time you go, expect it to be extremely busy with people trying to get the best view of the tree and watch the ice skaters.
Once you’ve soaked all of that in, head into the building to go up to Top of the Rock. The views are incredible, and in my opinion one of the best especially of the Empire State Building and Central Park. If you can I would recommend booking your tickets for sunset or early evening as the city lights make it extra special.
Dinner + Rooftop Drinks
For dinner there are so many options within walking distance. I personally like Cipriani, Monkey Bar or The Polo Bar which are all about 5-10 minutes away. If you still have energy afterward your first day in the city, try a rooftop bar like 230 Fifth, The Rooftop at Nearly Ninth or Mr Purple to end your first night with a view.
Day 2 in New York
Apollo Bagels (Greenwich)
Start your morning at Apollo Bagels (73 Greenwich Ave), which is one of the BEST bagels I have ever tasted in New York! They’re big, chewy and properly seasoned, everything a good New York bagel should be. The bagel with cream cheese and tomato genuinely tastes like cheese on toast and it’s the perfect breakfast before a busy day.
DUMBO, Brooklyn
After bagels take a 10 min subway to DUMBO, which is one of the best places for skyline views. The main reason this area is so popular is because it gives you those iconic shots of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the red brick buildings. If you’re a Gossip Girl fan you will also recognise the exterior shot of Dan Humphrey’s Brooklyn loft. The waterfront views at Pebble Beach and Brooklyn Bridge Park are worth taking your time with as you get the Brooklyn Bridge, the skyline and the river all in one (one of the best FREE skyline views).
Time Out Market
While you’re in DUMBO make sure you walk over to Time Out Market, which is perfect for lunch because there’s something for everyone, and you don’t need to commit to one cuisine. It’s casual, easy and the food stalls are genuinely good. The best part is the free rooftop viewpoint which gives you another stunning angle of the city.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
After lunch walk 15 minutes to the Brooklyn Bridge and start your walk back into Manhattan. The bridge is particularly nice in December as it’s crisp, the city lights start to glow earlier and the views of the skyline are amazing the entire way across.
Festive Pop Up Bar
End the night at a festive pop up bar which is one of my favourite December traditions. Blitzen’s at Omni Berkshire Place and Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar are fun options with themed cocktails and full Christmas decor. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a busy day without needing a long dinner reservation.
Day 3 in New York
Sadelle’s (SoHo)
Begin your day with breakfast at Sadelle’s in SoHo which is known for its huge bagel towers and old school New York feel. It’s a stylish spot that attracts celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey & Justin Bieber. But what I love most is that the food actually lives up to the hype. Although it’s pricer then getting your standard NYC bagel (as this is more of a restaurant/brunch spot rather than a quick bite), the experience is definitely worth it!
Chelsea Market
After breakfast, walk 10 minutes to Chelsea Market which is an indoor food and shopping hall that’s perfect if the weather isn’t the best. In December it’s decorated for the holidays, and the atmosphere makes it easy to wander around without feeling rushed. If you have no idea what to get, I can hands down recommend Los Tacos, which is one of the best tacos I’ve ever had. Doughnuttery is also a great spot if you need a quick sugar fix, and is actually one of Kim Kardashian’s favourite donut spot (her go to fix after The Met Gala).
The High Line
From the market join the High Line which is an elevated walkway that connects you directly to Hudson Yards. It’s an easy, straightforward walk with great views of the city skyline and art installations along the route. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk through it depending on how often you stop.
Hudson Yards & The Edge
At the end of the High Line you’ll reach Hudson Yards, which is fully decorated for Christmas with lights everywhere (over 2 million lights to be precise). After a quick look around the shops and decorations, head up to The Edge which has glass floors and one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Manhattan.
Dinner in Chelsea
After Hudson Yards take the subway or a short walk back into Chelsea for dinner. I really like Catch, Tao and Budakkan which all great options within 5-10 minutes of each other. Buddakan is one of my favourite spots as it’s where Carrie (from SATC) had her rehearsal dinner, and yes I can say it’s looks as amazing as it did on TV as it does in real life!!
The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
If you want to finish the night somewhere impressive, head to The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel which is around 10 minutes from most Chelsea restaurants. The views are incredible and it’s a relaxed way to end Day 3 in New York.
Day 4 in New York
Central Park
Start your morning in Central Park and walk through The Mall, which is the tree lined avenue that has appeared in countless films. It’s one of the most recognisable spots in the park and looks especially beautiful in winter. Make your way toward Wollman Rink, which is one of the most picturesque places to ice skate in New York as you get the skyline as your backdrop.
Little Italy
Take the subway for 15 minutes to Little Italy, where the decorations in December feel fun and nostalgic. Make time for the Christmas themed shops, which are packed with ornaments, candy and festive gifts. It’s touristy but in a way that makes sense for Christmas, and it’s definitely the kind of place where you can easily pick up something cute to take home.
Chinatown
From Little Italy walk straight into Chinatown, which is one of the best places in the city for proper dumplings, hand pulled noodles and bubble tea. The food is affordable and delicious, and it’s a nice contrast from the more polished parts of Midtown. Some of my favourite spots include Joe’s Shanghai, Tasty Dumpling and Mei Lah Wah.
9/11 Memorial
Then take the subway for 6 minutes south to the 9/11 Memorial, where you can walk around the reflecting pools or visit the museum. It’s a quieter, more reflective part of the day and I always recommend going if it’s your first time in New York.
Dyker Heights
Finish your trip with the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn and you can get there by taking the subway and train (around 50 minutes) from Lower Manhattan. This area is famous for its OVER THE TOP house decorations with giant inflatables, thousands of lights, and themed displays. It’s the perfect festive end to your December trip to New York City.
Here’s a map with all of the sights I mentioned in this 4 day New York Christmas itinerary as well as hotel recommendations.
