28 Fun and Unique Christmas Activities in NYC

If you’re dreaming of the perfect winter getaway, there’s no better place to be than New York City. I've celebrated here for more than 30 years, and each year I still find new and exciting way to enjoy New York in December! From skating under the skyline to seeing the streets sparkle, the list of Christmas activities in NYC is truly endless and full of holiday magic.

The city transforms into a festive wonderland every December, with iconic landmarks dressed in lights, cozy markets filled with treats, and endless photo spots around every corner.

Whether it’s your first visit, a return trip, or the place you call home, spending the holidays in New York will always make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Christmas movie - and we're happy to help you enjoy it in the best way possible.

The Best Christmas Activities in NYC: Info About Spending The Holidays in New York City

The holidays in New York are pure magic. From ice skating under the skyline to wandering through glowing markets, the list of Christmas activities in NYC is endless. Every street sparkles, every window shines, and the whole city feels alive with holiday spirit.

Before diving into all of the best Christmas activities in NYC, let's talk a bit about what the city is like during the holiday season.

What is There to Do in NYC at Christmas Time?

There is something for everyone in New York at Christmas, whether you're a young solo traveler, a family with young children, or an older couple looking for some romance.

There are plenty of special events that happen just in December like shows, concerts, and holiday tours, but also plenty of free things to do in New York like experiencing the incredible decorations, Christmas trees, and storefronts.

Every neighborhood celebrates in its own way, making it impossible not to feel festive, and in this guide, we're sharing 29 Christmas activities in NYC for you to enjoy.

Where is the Best Place to Celebrate Christmas in New York?

Midtown Manhattan is the heart of Christmas in New York. The Rockefeller Center tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Radio City Music Hall are all close to one another, and offer the most beautiful decorations, incredible storefronts, and some epic Christmas activities in NYC. 

You really can enjoy Christmas in all of NYC though, with Christmas-themed bars, ice skating rinks, and lights scattered across the city. Neighborhoods like Brooklyn, Harlem, and Staten Island also shine at this time featuring incredible light displays in gardens, as well as some amazing Christmas markets each weekend. 

One thing is for sure though, no matter where you are in New York City, you're sure to enjoy the holiday spirit like no other place in the world.

The Best Christmas Activities in NYC

From iconic trees and ice rinks to festive markets and light shows, the best Christmas activities in NYC bring the whole city to life. Use this list to plan a mix of classics and unique local experiences that fit your style and budget.

From glowing neighborhoods to festive shows and family-friendly events, New York turns into a winter wonderland every December. These activities bring out the best of the city’s holiday charm and show off why spending Christmas in New York is such a bucket-list experience.

 Watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is the most iconic Christmas tree in the world, and is the ultimate kick-off to the holiday season in New York.

Each year thousands pack Rockefeller Center to watch the ceremony of officially turning on the lights of the Christmas Tree for the first time. It's free to attend, but if you want a good spot then make sure to get there early!

Don't want to fight the crowds? You can also sign up for exclusive VIP ticket which gives you unobstructed views of the tree, an open-bar, professional photographs and more. The price is steep, but it's certainly one for your NYC bucket list.

Party at the Christmas Pop-Up Bars

There are so many bars in New York decorated for the holidays to enjoy. But apart from the traditional bars, there are also pop-up experiences that go all out for the holidays. 

Step into places like Miracle on 9th Street, Frosty’s Christmas Bar, or the Mariah Carey Christmas bar, where every inch is wrapped in lights, ornaments, and tinsel.

These bars are the perfect mix of creative cocktails and holiday cheer, and are only around for the month of December!

Experience the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Gardens

This classic event showcases miniature trains weaving through replicas of New York landmarks made from natural materials. It is both nostalgic and impressive, bringing together families, locals, and visitors year after year. The detail in each display makes it one of the most cherished holiday events in the city, that is truly on every New Yorker's bucket list.

Attend Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Lightscape is one of the most romantic winter walks in New York, and the perfect date idea in NYC. The garden shines with illuminated trees, glowing arches, and relaxing music, which is both peaceful and fun to photograph, offering the perfect mix of art, nature, and holiday spirit.

Visit LuminoCity in Long Island

Looking for a truly local experience or something different than the traditional tourist spots? Then head over to Long Island for one of best light shows in the area.

LuminoCity transforms the night into a world of color and imagination with glowing art installations and themed gardens. It is a magical escape and one of the most beautiful Christmas activities in NYC for visitors of all ages.

Explore the Homes of Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights is one of the most famous light displays in the United States. The neighborhood goes all out every December, with homeowners competing to outshine each other with creative decorations. Checking out all of the impressive houses is one of my favorite local Christmas activities in NYC.

You can go on our own, but it's a bit difficult with public transit, so we'd recommend joining a guided tour if you don't have a car.

Go to the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

The Bronx Zoo turns into a glowing landscape of animal lanterns, music, and winter treats each winter. Stroll through the park, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the creativity of each display. It is one of the best family-friendly holiday experiences in New York.

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Enjoy a Rickshaw Sleigh Ride

Experience Central Park in a whole new way with a cozy rickshaw sleigh ride. You will ride past snow-covered trees and glittering lights while wrapped in a warm blanket. It is romantic, unique, and perfect for couples visiting during the holidays.

There are also other fun alternatives like Christmas golf cart experiences in Midtown and the West Village or Elf & Home Alone 2 tours in pedicabs.

Hop on the North Pole Express

Step aboard this festive bus for a holiday adventure through Manhattan. Santa’s helpers greet guests with songs, stories, and sweet treats as you ride through the city lights. It is a comfortable way to see some of the city's highlights, and is really great for those that need a more accessible way to explore NYC.

Experience a Christmas Tour by Limo

Enjoy the holiday magic in comfort with a private limo lights tour. You will pass Brooklyn's best displays while listening to Christmas music, sipping drinks, and taking in the views. It is luxurious, relaxing, and an epic way to see New York at its brightest.

Get a Ticket to the Polar Express

All aboard the holiday express! This themes event virtually takes you on a magical train ride, and through various exhibits sharing the true spirit of the holidays. Sip cocoa, make a wish, and paint your own ornament - there are all different activities to enjoy at this ticketed event.

It is pure magic and one of the most family-friendly holiday experiences near New York.

Go to the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show

Every night, the front of Saks Fifth Avenue comes alive with a massive light show set to music. The display covers the entire building and repeats throughout the evening. It is free, beautiful, and one of the most iconic Christmas sights in New York.

Check Out One of the Holiday Music & Theater Experiences

New York’s entertainment scene shines the brightest in December. From the magic of Broadway to sultry burlesque shows, the city’s performances capture the spirit of the season in the best way possible. 

These shows are an essential part of celebrating the holidays in New York, and one of my personal favorite Christmas activities in NYC.

Here are some of the top Christmas shows in New York:

•  The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular: A New York holiday tradition featuring world-class dancing, sparkling costumes, and unforgettable festive energy.
•  A Christmas Carol: The classic story of Scrooge and redemption brought to life on stage with heartwarming performances across the city.
•  The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center: A stunning ballet with live music, elegant choreography, and timeless holiday magic performed by the New York City Ballet.
• Naughty Santa: A hilarious adults-only comedy that adds a playful and cheeky twist to the traditional holiday season.
•  Nutcracker Rouge – Theater XIV: A glamorous burlesque-inspired version of The Nutcracker filled with elegance, artistry, and bold creativity.

Visit the Holiday Window Displays

Fifth Avenue becomes a walking art gallery every December. Stores like Saks, Bloomingdale’s, and Bergdorf Goodman decorate their windows with elaborate displays with different themes and storylines. Walking past them and snapping some pictures is one of the most beautiful and free Christmas activities in NYC.

PS: We have a full guide of which stores have the  best holiday window displays in NYC during the holidays.

Take a Radio City Music Hall Tour

Step behind the scenes of one of New York’s most famous landmarks. The tour shows how the Rockettes prepare for their shows and offers a closer look at the theater’s grand Art Deco design. It is a really fun and interesting experience for anyone who loves history or the performing arts.

Go Iceskating

You cannot celebrate Christmas in New York without going ice skating. Glide across the rink at Rockefeller Center, skate at Bryant Park surrounded by market stalls, or visit Wollman Rink in Central Park for skyline views. Each location has its own charm and makes you feel part of the city’s holiday magic.

Stay tuned, because we have an entire guide of the best places to go ice skating in NYC coming up in a few weeks! Subscribe to our newsletter and you'll get the updates of each articles new guides.

Holiday Flying Dress Photo Shoot

Capture your visit with a fabulous flying dress photoshoot in front of the city’s most famous landmarks. Whether it is at the impressive decorations at the Vessel, Central Park, or the World Trade Center, it is a fun way to turn your trip into a memory that lasts forever, in the most glamorous way possible!

Happy Holidonuts Festive Donut & Sweet Treat Tour

Taste your way through the holidays with a dessert tour of New York’s best bakeries. Sample Christmas donuts, cookies, and seasonal sweets while exploring decorated neighborhoods across the city.

It's the perfect opportunity to eat and drink your way through NYC while immersing in the bustling vibe of New York's streets.

Have Tea Around Town

Tea Around Town offers a very unique Christmas experience. This holiday themed afternoon tea takes place aboard a pink double decker bus that drives through Manhattan’s twinkling lights. 

You can sip warm tea and enjoy pastries while passing top holiday sights. It is charming, cozy, and one of the most memorable Christmas activities in NYC.

Take a Cookie Decorating Class

Join a cozy hands-on workshop where you can bake and decorate Christmas cookies. It is fun for all ages and a great way to spend time indoors on a chilly winter day, enjoying delicious homemade holiday treats.

Visit the Iconic Christmas Trees

New York city fills with beautifully decorated trees in December, and going to see them all is a true Christmas activity in itself.

Start at the Rockefeller Center tree, the most famous in the world. Then make your way to the smaller but equally beautiful trees in places like Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, and the Stock Market Exchange.

Each one has its own charm and a perfect spot for holiday photos, and we have a full guide for the top Christmas trees in NYC, which includes dates for each of the tree lightings!

Celebrate Santacon

Once a year, thousands of Santas take over the streets of Manhattan for one of our absolute favorite holiday traditions. This incredible fundraiser brings locals and visitors alike to celebrate with costumes, music, and the city's biggest bar crawl. 

If you're in town for the second Saturday in NYC, then you won't want to miss out. Visiting a different weekend? The nearby city of Hoboken also does their own Santacon typically the weekend before or after Manhattan's.

Browse the Christmas Markets

Looking to do some holiday shopping? Don't miss out on the various Christmas markets in and around the city! New York’s markets are filled with handcrafted gifts, festive foods, and warm drinks. 

Bryant Park Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market are open daily and are perfect find unique souvenirs and treats. Meanwhile, Brooklyn hosts several weekend pop-ups in all different neighborhoods.

For a full list of Christmas markets and dates, you can grab our ultimate Christmas in New York e-book, complete with 158 things to do and see in NYC during the holiday season!

Go on a Holiday Yacht Cruise

One of the best things to do in New York is to enjoy the skyline, and there really is no better way to do so than to go sailing around it! 

End your trip with a cruise along the Hudson River, complete with music, lights, and panoramic views of the city skyline. Seeing New York from the water at Christmas is so special, and the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season.

The Best Christmas Activities in NYC: Final Thoughts, Tips, & What's Next

New York is one of the best places to visit in December, and these Christmas activities in NYC prove it. Whether you’re visiting for the season or lucky enough to call the city your home, make sure to squeeze some of these fun activities and events into your schedule.

If you love traveling during the holidays, check out our other festive guides for the best Christmas bars, winter getaways, and seasonal events around the world.

Also, many Christmas activities in NYC have high demand and limited spots, so don't forget to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance!

What's Next?

Now that you know all of the fun Christmas activities in NYC, let's help you explore all of the other ways to enjoy New York!

Here are some other New York guides that we have for you:

 22 Christmas Bars in NYC

17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC

 29 Christmas Activities in NYC

 The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC

 Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
  13 Best Holiday Window Displays in NYC

 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York

 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try

 The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC

 The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York

 Our 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC

 The Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas in NYC

 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free

 The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide

...and more coming each week!

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best Christmas activities in NYC! As a local, I love sharing unique things to do and see around this iconic city.

Looking for more incredible ways to enjoy Christmas in New York? Don't miss out on our other New York travel guides! Also, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so that you can stay up to date with all of our newest articles and get access to exclusive content.

Looking to plan the most incredible trip to New York this holiday season? We're here to help! From customized itineraries to finding you affordable flights, Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning will take care of it all. Want to learn more? sign up for your free consultation!

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