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Table of Contents
Best Festive Things To Do in New York
1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Nothing says “It’s Christmas in New York” like the Rockefeller Center tree. Standing tall above the skating rink, it glows with more than 50,000 lights and has a sparkling Swarovski star on top. It’s one of those moments that gives you goosebumps, even when you’re surrounded by hundreds of people.
This year’s tree lighting ceremony takes place on Wednesday 3rd December at 10pm, and the display will stay up until mid January. The best time to go is after dark when the plaza is glowing, the music’s playing and skaters twirl beneath the lights. Even if you’ve seen it in movies a hundred times, seeing it in person is completely different, it truly gives you that festive feel!
2. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is the kind of place you can visit again and again in winter and never get bored. The park turns into a little winter village complete with an ice rink, market stalls and twinkling lights strung between the trees. The rink is free if you bring your own skates (otherwise rentals are available) and it’s open from October 24th 2025 to March 1st 2026.
The best part though in my opinion is walking through the Holiday Shops. There are over a hundred stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments and snacks like hot cider and churros. I came here one evening after dinner and it felt so cosy with the music in the background and couples skating under the skyline. If you’re visiting New York in December, this spot is an absolute must.
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Walking Tour
When I first heard about Dyker Heights, I thought it might be a bit over the top. But honestly, it’s incredible!!! This Brooklyn neighbourhood takes Christmas decorating to a whole new level, with their entire houses covered in twinkling lights, life sized Santas and even moving reindeer.
You can explore it yourself but the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Walking Tour makes the experience so much easier (and more fun). The guides share stories about the families who started the tradition and take you straight to the best houses. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and runs from December 1st to January 1st, with tickets starting from £16. You can book your spot here.
4. Holiday Window Displays
Walking along Fifth Avenue in December feels like being inside a snow globe. The holiday window displays at stores like Saks, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are famous for a reason! They’re incredibly detailed and full of little moving scenes, lights and sparkle.
If you want to see all the best ones without missing anything, I highly recommend joining the New York Holiday Lights Tour, which includes stops at Rockefeller Center and all the main department store windows. The tour costs around £19 per person and runs from November 29th through early January, and you can book your tickets here.
It’s such a fun way to see the city at night, especially with a hot chocolate in hand and Christmas music in the air.
5. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
If you want to see something truly magical, Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of the prettiest things to do in the city during December. The gardens transform into a glowing trail of twinkling tunnels, rainbow lights and gentle music that guides you along the paths. It’s peaceful, romantic and absolutely beautiful.
The event runs from November 21st 2025 to January 6th 2026 and tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for children.
6. The Christmas Shop in Little Italy
Hidden among the pasta restaurants and bakeries of Little Italy is a shop where Christmas never end, called Christmas in New York. It’s open all year round which means you can get into the holiday mood any time, but December is when it really shines.
Inside there are hundreds of ornaments, decorations and snow globes, all glowing under fairy lights and Christmas music. You’ll find everything from classic glass baubles to quirky New York themed ornaments (my favourite was a yellow taxi in a Santa hat). It’s also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and honestly it smells amazing.
Location – 142 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
7. Ice Skating at Brooklyn Bridge Park
For views that beat any other ice rink in the city, The Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park is unbeatable. The Manhattan skyline stretches out in front of you and as you skate, the lights from the bridge reflect across the ice. It really does feels like something out of a film.
The rink opens from November 24th 2025 and tickets cost about £8 (with skate rental for £6). Each session lasts around 90 minutes which is the perfect amount of time to take photos, skate a little and warm up with a hot chocolate afterwards. If you can try to go at sunset as the view of the bridge glowing as the sky turns pink is unreal.
8. Stay at The Plaza Hotel
There’s something about The Plaza Hotel that just screams New York glamour. It’s one of the city’s most famous hotels and if you grew up watching Home Alone 2, you’ll probably recognise it instantly. The hotel goes all out for Christmas, with a giant tree in the lobby, garlands wrapped around marble pillars and staff dressed in classic holiday style.
Rooms start from around £800 per night but even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth visiting for afternoon tea in The Palm Court. Sitting under the glass dome surrounded by twinkling lights feels like the perfect festive splurge especially on a girls’ trip.
9. Holiday Sightseeing Cruise
Seeing New York from the water is something really special and the Holiday Sightseeing Cruise makes it even better with a festive twist. You board a beautifully decorated boat at Chelsea Piers and spend about 90 minutes gliding past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the glowing Manhattan skyline. Everything looks magical with the lights reflecting off the water and it feels like a totally different way to see the city.
The cruise includes one complimentary drink and you can choose from hot cocoa, wine, beer, or soda which makes it feel extra cosy as you take in the views. It is such a relaxing way to enjoy the holiday lights, especially if you want a break from walking or crowds.
Tickets start from around £57 per person and can be prebooked here.
10. Helicopter Tour Over New York
For something a little more unforgettable why not take a helicopter ride over Manhattan. You’ll see Central Park, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty from above all while the city sparkles beneath you. It’s takes about 15 minutes but honestly it’s worth every penny for the views alone.
Flights run all year and prices start from £200 per person. Winter flights are especially beautiful when the rooftops are dusted with snow. It really feels like a bucket list experience that feels even more special in December
11. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
No December trip to New York is complete without seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It’s everything you’d hope a holiday show would be with dancers, music, sparkles and of course the famous Rockettes kicking in perfect sync.
The show runs from November 6th 2025 through to January 4th 2026 2 and tickets start from £49, you can book them here. Even if you’re not usually into theatre, this one’s pure joy from start to finish. It’s festive, funny and full of that old school New York magic.
12. Ice Skating in Central Park
You can’t visit New York in December without going ice skating in Central Park. The most popular rink is Wollman Rink which is set right in the middle of the park with the city skyline in the background. It’s open from October through March and skating under the twinkling lights with music playing in the background, honestly feels like the definition of Christmas in New York.
If you want to make it extra special you can book a Ringside Igloo, which is a cosy heated spot with comfy seating and an electric fireplace.
Tickets for general skating start from around £15 for adults and £10 for children, and igloo bookings cost extra but are so worth it if you’re visiting with friends.
Best Christmas Markets in New York
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Union Square Holiday Market
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Grand Central Holiday Fair
The Oculus Holiday Market
Best Christmas Trees in New York
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Bryant Park Christmas Tree
Union Square Christmas Tree
Wall Street Christmas Tree
Radio City Music Hall Christmas Tree
Best Festive Displays in New York
Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas Lights
Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Windows
Macy’s Herald Square Display
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Tiffany & Co. Holiday Windows
Cartier Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Best Festive Pop Ups in New York
Miracle on 9th Street Bar
Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Blitzen’s at Omni Berkshire Place
Frosty’s Christmas Bar
Best Ice Rinks in New York
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink
Wollman Rink, Central Park
Bryant Park Winter Village Ice Rink
Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Skate at Domino Park
Here’s a map with all of the Christmas attractions I mentioned in this post as well as hotel recommendations.
I hope this guide to the best things to do in New York in December has helped with planning your trip! Don’t forget to check out The Ultimate Guide to New York 2026 with more things to do, where to stay and where to eat. I’ve also put together a 4 day itinerary to New York in December which you can find here.
