Places to visit in nyc for christmas

Bruce Yuanyue BiGetty Images

There is no denying that New York City sparkles during the holiday season. The parks where people stroll and jog are reimagined as quaint Christmas villages, landmark attractions and hotels transform into winter getaways, and the bustling streets shine a bit brighter with twinkling lights. Christmas in the Big Apple is simply magical.

The city hosts a number of world-renowned holiday events and shows—the tree-lighting at Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes dazzling in Radio City Music Hall, FAO Schwarz’s extravagant toy displays, and more—but what truly makes New York burst with seasonal flair are the lesser-known sights and the people behind the attractions. From brilliantly decorated homes in Brooklyn to an indoor winter market brimming with joy, there are endless ways to celebrate Christmas in New York. Whether you’re a proud New Yorker looking for a night of yuletide fun or traveling to the city for the holidays, this list of activities and attractions will make you feel jolly. Now bundle up and get exploring! Here are our favorite things to do in NYC this Christmas.

Where to Stay: Lotte New York Palace

No hotel quite embraces the holiday cheer of New York City like the Lotte New York Palace. Located in Midtown, the famed landmark opened in 1981 as the first luxury hotel in the city. Each holiday season, the Palace’s courtyard transforms into a winter wonderland with an awe-striking 30-foot Christmas tree, a feast of lights, and a “Santa Mailbox” in which children may drop their wishlists. The hotel is even the official partner of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which means guests can get a discount on tickets for the classic holiday show.

Plan Your Stay

Where to See Greenery: New York Botanical Garden

Escape the madness of the city for a peaceful evening exploring the lush plants and festive decorations of the New York Botanical Garden. Every year, the garden holds a train show that features a miniature display of more than 175 New York landmarks made from natural materials. After you watch the trains zip across each New York neighborhood and past fragrant flowers, be sure to take a stroll throughout the park to see jaw-dropping light displays and taste delectable food.

Get Tickets

Where to Sightsee: Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows

From Rockefeller Center to the magical Christmas villages, NYC is famous for its extravagant decorations and high-spirited traditions during the season. However, no tradition may be as iconic as the fanciful window displays on Fifth Avenue. Stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Macy's, and Tiffany & Co. reveal their themed windows in November in elaborate lighting shows. These windows tend to garner a large crowd, so be prepared to do less shopping and more gazing.

Where to Take a Festive Scroll: NYC Winter Lantern Festival

Founded in 2018, the NYC Winter Lantern Festival aims to educate people on the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals. Local artisans build each lantern out of steel frames and wiring with painted Chinese silk cloth to create whimsical displays of animals, architecture, and nature.

Plan Your Visit

Where to See Spectacularly Decorated Homes: Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

What’s the holidays without a little bit of friendly competition? Every year, the residents of Dyker Heights deck out their homes in elaborate Christmas lights and decorations in hopes to be the brightest home on their block. Thousands of people flock to the Brooklyn neighborhood to see what life-size toy soldiers and Santas, snowmen, and exquisite light displays illuminate the streets each season. While guided bus tours are available, our favorite way to enjoy the lights is by walking the neighborhood with a cannoli and cup of hot chocolate from Panino Rustico or Villabate Alba in hand.

Plan Your Visit

Where to Get Your Art Fix: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

New York boasts an impressive amount of world-class museums and smaller galleries, which makes it easy to be swept into the city's dazzling arts and culture scene. Luckily, countless institutions gussy up their exhibitions and halls with hints of Christmas cheer, making them the perfect holiday and art destinations. Throughout the month of December, the Guggenheim Museum hosts a number of holiday events including musical performances, a holiday concert dinner, and specially curated exhibits.

Plan Your Visit

Where to Hear the Sweet Sounds of the Season: Holidays with the Philharmonic

Founded in 1842 by conductor Ureli Corelli Hill, the New York Philharmonic is one of the oldest musical institutions in the United States and considered one of the most revered in the world. The orchestra closes their season with festive collection of concerts as a part of Holidays with the Philharmonic. This year, the holiday lineup includes a stirring performance of Handel's Messiah and a holiday-themed brass concert.

Plan Your Visit

Where to Shop for One-of-a-Kind Antiques and Gifts: Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg Winter Market

Two summertime favorites of Brooklynites, the Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg, come together during the colder months to host a massive indoor winter market. Guests can explore the packed market at 25 Kent for unique works of art and furniture while picking up a few savory treats. 60 vendors, comprised of antiques dealers, local artisans, designers, jewelers, and furniture dealers, make the Brooklyn Flea section of the market, whereas Smorgasburg highlights around 20 specialty food vendors like Blue Chicken, Mao's Bao, Leitao, and Vayalo! Cocina.

Where to Pick Up Sweet Stocking Stuffers: Union Square Christmas Market

Squares and streets all throughout New York start to look like mini North Poles at the beginning of December as local craftsmen and artists set up stalls at magical Christmas markets. Located at the heart of the city, the Union Square Christmas Market has over 100 booths with homemade ornaments and decadent sweets that make for the perfect stocking stuffers.

Where to Stop with Kids: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

With over 170 shopping kiosks and a 17,000-square-foot rink, the Bank of America Bryant Park Winter Village has something the entire family will love. Stroll along Bryant Park's allées to find radiant cocktail rings, hand-painted cards, and artisanal soaps before heading over to the rinkside bar and food hall, The Lodge, for festive mixers and a range of staple New York eateries. If you are looking to hit the free rink, make sure to reserve time and a pair of skates beforehand.

Plan Your Visit

Where to Warm Up: The Gallery at the The Carlyle

Legendary decorator Renzo Mongiardino pulled inspiration from the dining room at the Topkapi Palace in Turkey for the interiors at The Gallery. Handpainted wallpaper by Milanese artist Enrico Brus and banquettes made from antique kilims teleport guests to far-off locales. Warm up after a morning exploring the sights of the city with a full afternoon tea experience before heading off to the museum or ice rink.

Make a Reservation

Where to Enjoy a Classic Christmas Meal: Ginny's Supper Club

Not up for cooking on Christmas this year? Ginny's Supper Club has got you covered. Right underneath Marcus Samuelsson's acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem lies the smooth speakeasy that brings in jazz artists to perform live music for guests. On Christmas day, Ginny's hosts brunch that includes a fun mix of soul food favorites and holiday classics.

Make Your Reservation

Where to Eat a Fun Christmas Meal: Gupshup

Celebrating the cuisine and lifestyle of Bombay, Gupshup celebrates the holidays with innovative dishes and colorful artwork adorning the walls. Each year, the Gramercy shop serves a range of Indian classics and fun fusion dishes like like chicken tikka, black makhani, and grilled lobster tail in moilee sauce.

Make Your Reservations

Where to Toast the Season: Serra Alpina by Birreria

Located on the rooftop of Eataly NYC Flatiron, Serra Alpina by Birreria evokes the Italian Alps with its snow-covered decor and rustic menu. The "winter greenhouse" boasts an extensive cocktail menu and seasonal dishes that showcase the flavors of the Italian countryside. Pair that with the dreamy trees and fairy lights, and you'll never want to leave the pop-up bar.

Make Your Reservation

Where to Pick Up Some Festive Treats: Balthazar Bakery

Balthazar makes incredible French pastries all year round, but their festive bûche de Noël stands out as one of the best in the city. Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log, is one of the most famous French desserts for the holiday that dates back all the way back to the 19th century. Pick up this delectable treat along with a set of holiday petit fours for your Christmas dessert.

Check Out the Treats

Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand. 

What can you do in NYC for free on Christmas?

Is New York worth visiting at Christmas?

What should you not miss in New York in December?

Is there a Christmas town in New York?