Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Steph
Since we’ve moved out of New York City, I find myself missing it at very specific times. Christmas in New York City is amazing. The cold air makes it more enticing to step inside warm storefronts and cozy bars. The city’s lights make it easier to cope with early sunsets. It’s pure magic. I keep quite a few photos in my favorites folder to look at when I need a little boost in my Christmas spirit. I wanted to share our favorites for Christmas in New York City in case you’re planning a trip there this holiday season.
Our Favorites for Christmas in New York City
1. Bryant Park
There’s a beautiful tree all decked out, an ice skating rink and tons of great shopping. We always walk around enough to work up an appetite for Waffles & Dinges (our favorite snack in the park). This market feels a little less cramped than some of the others. When you need a break from the crowds, head to the front of the library and get your pictures of the famous lions.
2. Empire State Building Light Show
If you are celebrating Christmas in New York City, one of the best places you can stay is this hotel. We spent one Christmas Eve there as a gift to ourselves, and we had the best view of the Empire State Building and its light show.
Book your stay here and ask for a room that faces the ESB. Plus, you will have amazing city views in the morning, and they have breakfast you can order right to your room.
If you have a different spot in mind for a place to stay, you can still find great views of the Empire State Building all over the city. There are a few great rooftop bars open in the Flatiron in the winter with heaters and amazing views.
3. Coffee + Morning Stroll among the Brownstones
I love strolling the blocks in Greenwich Village to take in the beautiful decorations of the brownstones. This would also work in many neighborhoods in Brooklyn, like Clinton Hill or Park Slope, and the Upper West Side (if you head to the UWS, go to Levain Bakery and get a chocolate chip cookie). The earlier you hit the streets, the quieter they will be.
This is secretly my favorite part of Christmas in New York City. It’s a different version of driving around looking at Christmas lights, but it involves hot coffee, fresh air, and the most incredibly decorated stoops. If there’s a fresh layer of snow, it’s impossible to not fall in love.
4. Decked Out Cocktail Bars
It’s not just the family homes, department stores, and skyscrapers that get into the mood of Christmas in New York City. There are so many fun and festive bars to choose from when you’re ready to warm up and take a break from being on your feet. Rooftop bars offer cozy igloos and fuzzy blankets. Other spots pull out boxes of holiday flair and cover their establishments from top to bottom. Check out Oscar Wilde, Rolf’s, Pete’s Tavern, or anything that grabs your attention and pulls you inside.
5. Fifth Avenue Windows & THE Tree
This is the main drag that is always busy, but the windows are spectacular. It’s worth the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds to explore for an hour or so. Saks 5th Ave does a magical light show no matter how old you are. Plus, you can’t truly experience Christmas in New York City without seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center. The Top of the Rock is my favorite view of the city, too, if you’ve never been.
6. Get a good view of the Chrysler Building
It’s a built-in, year-round Christmas tree. It’s my favorite building in NYC because of the history and the fact that the top of the building looks just like a lit up tree all year round. You can get a good view near Grand Central Station plus then you can stop there for some Juniors Cheesecake or banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery.
7. Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Get out of Manhattan and see some of the most outstanding light displays in the five boroughs, especially if this isn’t your first time visiting New York City. If you are flying in or out of LGA or JFK, you will be in Queens, and you might want to consider a detour to 166th Street & 23rd Ave for the most magical Christmas house. It has won multiple TV competitions. It’s worth the trek.
You could also take the R train to Dyker Heights (use the Bay Ridge stop and head east) to walk around a neighborhood filled with old mansions that go all out for Christmas. Tony’s Pizza and Mona Lisa Bakery are the perfect places to stop while you wander from block to block – great pizza and even better desserts.
8. Central Park & Columbus Circle
When it’s colder outside, I stick to the south end of Central Park. You can visit the skating rink here or the Columbus Circle holiday market. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a little bit of snow. The park’s south end is closest to the rest of the main attractions in midtown. For something quieter, the Harlem Meer is much quieter on the opposite end of the park, but don’t underestimate the size of Central Park.
When you want to warm up, head inside the mall in Columbus Circle or downstairs at the subway station to the food market. If you are into the ballet, you can easily walk to the NYC ballet to catch the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center. Just get your tickets ahead of time. We got nose bleed seats a few years ago and loved it.
9. Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens
Another adventure out of Manhattan is the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. They do an amazing holiday train show every year. They create all the New York landmarks with plants and lights. The Botanical Garden is beautiful year-round, but I wouldn’t usually include it on a “must-do” list. Christmastime is different. It’s also a perfect place to escape the cold air for a little while.
The best times to go are right when the gardens open or during one of their bar cart adults only events. Here is all the information.
10. Take Time Just to Appreciate the Magic
There is something magical about Christmas in New York City, and if you forget to stop and take it in, you will definitely miss out. That may sound cheesy, but after spending four of my Christmases in the city, I can’t stress how real it is. There’s nothing like it. The city twinkles the most at Christmas.
Even though we can’t celebrate there this year, we are always making lists of new places to check out. We also always revisit our old neighborhood and enjoy some of our favorite restaurants.
Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know if you are heading to NYC, so I can live through your photos this year.
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