New York Christmas Itinerary: Must See NYC at Christmas Time!
New York is seriously one of the COOLEST cities in the US. I love it. And I know I’m not alone in that opinion. š Itās great to visit at any of time year; but, thereās something especially magical about New York at Christmas time. The holiday lights, decorations, ice skating rinks and (if youāre especially lucky) light snowfall are the stuff you see in movies. š If youāre lucky enough to find yourself in the Big Apple during the most magical season, this is the New York Christmas itinerary I would recommend doing while you’re there.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Ths is probably the epitome of Christmas in New York for me. You know the season has really kicked off when the Rockefeller Christmas tree is lit! (It also might be the biggest Christmas tree you’ll ever see in your life! š®) Be sure to check out the view from 5th Ave where you’ll find the iconic trumpet playing angels lining the walkway.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller
This is another iconic experience of Christmas in New York. If you’re going ice skating anywhere in the city, this is the place I recommend! It’s the rink you see in almost every Christmas movie set in New York. š It’s a little pricey and the wait can be pretty long at times, but I still say the experience is totally worth it.
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show
Check out the light show that’s projected right onto the store front of Saks Fifth Ave. There’s music, it’s magical, and it’s free. š
Radio City Rockettes
If the Rockefeller Christmas tree is the eptiome of Christmas in New York for me, then the Rockettes are a close second! Their iconic performance is fun to see at least once in your life. Check out my post How to Score Cheap Tickets to Shows and Events for my secret on how to score cheap tickets.
Plaza Hotel
Step inside the lobby of the Plaza Hotel and take a peek at how it’s decorated for Christmas. The hotel and lobby themselves are beautiful but there’s a little extra magic inside when the holiday decorations are out.
Bryant Park and Union Square Holiday Markets
If you’d like to do a little window shopping or otherwise for some interesting and unique gifts, check out the holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square. (Bryant Park also has an ice skating rink!)
Wollman Rink in Central Park
If Rockefeller Center’s ice rink is my first recommendation on where to go ice skating in NYC, then Wollman Rink in Central Park is my second. This rink also makes frequent appearances in Christmas movies. š
The Nutcracker Ballet
Check out New York City Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker. I haven’t done this myself; but, I can only imagine it’s incredible. Plus, how cool would it be to see a performance at the Lincoln Center? š
*** Note that my pictures here are a little deceiving… My mom and I saw a performace of The Nutcracker by the American Ballet Theatre at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. (It’s the company Misty Copeland dances in and she was *AMAZING*)***
Store Front Window Displays
Check out the holiday window displays in the major department stores around the city. I’ll admit some of them are a little….. “interesting…..” to say the least, but I’d also say store front window displays are iconic of the Christmas in New York experience. (So be sure to check out at least a few. š)
The Random Decorations Around the City
Keep your eyes open as you walk from destination to destination around the city. You’ll find all sorts of cool holiday decorations and displays almost everywhere you look! This city doesn’t mess around when it comes to Christmas. š
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
This is something I haven’t done yet, but it’s on my list! The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn goes ALL out for Christmas with TONS of lights, decorations, and holiday cheer! I think part of the reason I haven’t done this yet is because it’s a little ways away from Manhattan. (Like over an hour on public transportation!) Not impossible to use public transportation of course, but if you’d like something a little more simple and direct, check out the Dyker Heights Christmas light tour options on Viator. I’ve seen everything from transportation only options, to guided walking tours, to guided bus tours. However you choose to experience Christmas in this neighborhood, I can only imagine it will be magical. š
And that’s all I’ve got! If you can think of something I should add to this New York Christmas itinerary, let me know! Otherwise, enjoy the most magical season in the most magical city. š
Safe travels, friends.
CE
