The most magical time of the year is just around the corner, and honestly, what could be more festive than spending Christmas in New York? I’m a huge fan of a white Christmas, and I truly believe that NYC transforms into one of the most stunning places to celebrate the holiday season. I spent a Christmas there a while back, and let me tell you, the city turns into an amazing winter wonderland! With decorations twinkling everywhere, ice skating, and that massive Christmas tree, it really brings out the holiday spirit in everyone—guaranteed!
So, if you’re planning a Christmas adventure in New York this year, I’ve got your back! I’m super excited to share my ultimate 3-day New York City Christmas itinerary, so you can make the most of your time in the Big Apple.
- Experience a Magical Christmas in New York
- Day 1: Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Radio City Music Hall
- Day 2: Christmas Markets & Holiday Lights
- Day 3: Fifth Avenue & Plaza Hotel
- Christmas in New York – Frequently Asked Questions
My Favorite Hotels for Christmas in New York
The Plaza
The most iconic hotel, without a doubt, is The Plaza Hotel in New York. I mean, this is where Kevin McCallister stayed in the famous “Home Alone” movie. The Plaza is known for its luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and stunning holiday decorations. Make sure to book early, as this hotel fills up quickly during the holiday season.
Warwick New York
Another historic hotel in New York City is The Warwick. This elegant and charming hotel has hosted notable guests such as Cary Grant and the Beatles. During Christmas, it transforms into a cozy and festive escape with holiday decorations adorning every corner.
Riverside Tower Hotel
For a more budget-friendly option, the Riverside Tower Hotel is a great choice. Located near Central Park and offering stunning views of the city, this hotel is perfect for those looking for both affordability and convenience.
Experience a Magical Christmas in New York
I know it’s still sizzling outside and summer hasn’t even packed its bags yet, but trust me—now’s the perfect time to start your Christmas in New York planning! I get it; it might seem a bit eager, but hey, this is New York City we’re talking about. Things book up fast—hotels, experiences, you name it. So, if you want to secure some good deals on flights and hotels, now is the best time.
Especially if you’re thinking of catching a show at Radio City Music Hall or watching a play on Broadway, don’t wait too long to get those tickets now! After all, you want the ultimate New York City Christmas experience, right?
Day 1: Rockefeller Christmas Tree & Radio City Music Hall
Breakfast at the Blue Dog
Okay, I know it might sound a little odd, but whenever I go on a trip—no matter where—I zero in on my breakfast plans! For me, finding the best cafes, coffee shops, and brunch spots in a city is one of the most exciting parts of the adventure. That’s why we’re kicking off our itinerary with breakfast at Blue Dog.
Nestled on the corner of 50th and 8th Ave, this place is a New York staple! It has such a cozy vibe—perfect for sipping on a hot coffee or a steaming cup of hot chocolate, especially in the winter months.
Their breakfast is seriously delicious and the ideal way to start your day! I went for the French toast topped with berries, and it was absolutely divine. I also tried their eggs benedict, which were spot on. So, if you’re looking to kick off your day on the right foot, I highly recommend this spot.
Rockefeller Center
Now that you’re all set and fed for the day, you can head over to Rockefeller Center. It’s only an 8-minute walk from Blue Dog, which is perfect. In general, Manhattan is very easy to explore on foot and by subway.
Rockefeller Center, especially at Christmas, is one of those must-visit places. They have that massive Christmas tree outside and a famous ice skating rink, so if you feel like channeling your inner Blair Waldorf, that’s the place to do it.
Even if ice skating isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to see and do around Rockefeller Center. You can check out the Top of the Rock observation deck for incredible views of the city or take a tour of NBC Studios, where iconic shows like Saturday Night Live are filmed.
Union Square Holiday Market
When the late afternoon rolls around, I love popping over to the Union Square Holiday Market. It’s about as close as you can get to a traditional German Christmas market, and I have to say, it’s super cute! You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, festive decorations, and the best part: delicious food and warm drinks to keep you cozy.
I always enjoy wandering around with hot cocoa or mulled wine in hand, grabbing some sausages or sweets, and picking up a few Christmas gifts and souvenirs. They’re open on weekdays from 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM throughout the holiday season. Personally, I love heading there after the sun sets; the Christmas lights are absolutely stunning and create such a magical atmosphere.
Radio City Musical Hall
To put an amazing end to your first day in Manhattan, I highly recommend catching a show at Radio City Music Hall. It’s located just a few blocks from Rockefeller Center and is known for its famous Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes. The show is a holiday tradition for many New Yorkers and visitors alike, with dazzling performances, festive music, and impressive choreography.
Even if you can’t make it to the Christmas Spectacular, there are plenty of other shows happening throughout the year. From concerts to Broadway productions, Radio City Music Hall offers a range of entertainment options that are definitely worth seeing.
Day 2: Christmas Markets & Holiday Lights
Breakfast at Westway Diner
Alright, so the next day, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite breakfast spots: Westway Diner! Now, for some of you Americans, this might just seem like another diner, but for everyone else, it’s like a slice of America and New York all wrapped up in one. Diners are super iconic in the USA, and let me tell you, Westway is one of the best out there!
Every time I step into this place, I get a rush of excitement. I’m all about piling on the most outrageous amounts of bacon, pancakes, fried eggs, French toast, and of course, the endless coffee refills. Seriously, when you’re done, you might feel like they’ll have to roll you out of there, but hey, it’s Christmas in New York—no regrets, right?
New York Botanical Garden (Holiday Train Show)
let’s get out of Manhattan for a while and head to the Bronx for a unique holiday experience at the New York Botanical Garden. Every year, they put on an incredible train show featuring over 175 iconic New York landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, all made out of natural materials like leaves, twigs, and bark.
Not only is it an impressive display to see, but it also supports a great cause as proceeds from ticket sales go towards children’s education programs. And while you’re there, make sure to take a stroll through their picturesque gardens and check out their other seasonal events like the Holiday Tree Walk and Winter Wonderland Express train ride!
Bryant Park’s Winter Village
For the ultimate Christmas experience, I strongly suggest visiting the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. This charming spot in the heart of Manhattan is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with an ice skating rink, holiday market, and delicious food vendors.
You can spend hours browsing through unique gifts and tasty treats while sipping on hot chocolate or mulled wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your skates and take a spin around the ice rink surrounded by the beautiful city skyline. Trust me, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit! Plus, admission is free, so you can save your money for more important things like buying souvenirs or trying out different food stalls. So bundle up and head over to Bryant Park for some Christmas music and the full Christmas pop!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you’re looking for the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit after checking out the America Winter Village at Bryant Park, you have to hop on a tour bus to Dyker Heights. This charming neighborhood in Brooklyn is famous for its over-the-top Christmas lights and decorations. Imagine strolling through streets lined with houses decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, life-sized Santas, and jaw-dropping displays. It seriously feels like you’ve walked right into a holiday movie!
I had an absolute blast on this tour. It was super affordable, and they even picked us up right at Bryant Park. From there, we cruised over to Dyker Heights, where we wandered the neighborhood with a warm drink in hand, soaking in all the festive vibes. Our tour guide was a total gem—so chatty and fun! They shared all sorts of stories about the families who live there and the history of the neighborhood.
I can’t recommend this tour enough! If you’re looking for some holiday cheer, this is definitely the way to go.
Day 3: Fifth Avenue & Plaza Hotel
Breakfast at The Smith
If you want to celebrate your last day in New York in style, you absolutely have to check out The Smith for breakfast. And if breakfast doesn’t work out, don’t worry—lunch or dinner there is just as fantastic!
Just a heads up: The Smith can be a bit on the pricier side, especially for brunch. But let’s be real, heading to New York for Christmas is a special occasion, so why not treat yourself? You deserve it!
They serve up brunch on weekends with some seriously delicious dishes like goat cheese omelets, baked eggs alla vodka, and of course, fresh oysters. It’s definitely the kind of spot where folks are enjoying champagne, cocktails, and oysters for breakfast. How fun is that?
Stroll Through Central Park
A visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through Central Park, especially during the holiday season. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with ice skating rinks, festive decorations, and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon before heading to your next destination. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can rent some ice skates and hit the rink for a true New York experience.
I honestly could spend hours walking through Central Park, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. It’s a great way to relax and recharge before continuing your tour of the city.
Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue
After you’ve enjoyed Central Park, it’s time to head to Fifth Avenue for some window shopping. The holiday displays at iconic stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Tiffany & Co. are absolutely breathtaking.
The best part is that Fifth Avenue is right next to Central Park, making it easy to combine these activities. Fifth Avenue is a shopaholic’s dream, and even though I’m not particularly into shopping, I couldn’t resist strolling up and down, marveling at the Christmas decorations during Christmas time. It truly feels like the holiday season. Nothing says Christmas quite like wandering down Fifth Avenue in the snow, surrounded by holiday lights and Christmas decorations.
Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel
If you’re still craving more Christmas spirit and Christmas cheer, prepare yourself for the ultimate NYC Christmas experience! Surely all of you have watched Home Alone 2, right? Remember that hotel he stayed at? That’s right, the iconic Plaza Hotel. Located at the southern end of Central Park, this luxurious hotel offers a traditional afternoon tea experience complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and decadent pastries.
Of course, to make it even more luxurious, you could stay there, but if that’s not in your budget (it’s definitely not within mine), heading to the afternoon tea is a fun and festive way to experience the Plaza Hotel. Plus, after a long day of exploring the city, it’s the perfect place to relax and indulge in some delicious treats. And who knows, you might even spot a celebrity or two while you’re there!
Empire Stare Building
No trip to New York City during Christmas would be complete without visiting the Empire State Building. It’s definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC, and I truly believe you can’t say you’ve experienced the city without seeing it. While it may be crowded, the views from the top are breathtaking, especially at night when everything is lit up for the holidays.
For an even more magical experience, consider purchasing a ticket to visit during sunset. You’ll witness the city transform from day to night as its sparkling lights come alive.
Be sure to buy your tickets in advance since sunset slots can book up quickly, especially during Christmas time!
Christmas in New York – Frequently Asked Questions
✨ Where Should I Stay in New York City at Christmas Time?
If you book early enough, you’ll have tons of options for where to stay in New York City. Personally, I think staying somewhere in Manhattan is a must, especially close to Rockefeller Center. Trust me, it makes exploring the city so much easier! You’ll want to stroll around and soak in the holiday vibes instead of hopping on public transport everywhere.
Now, let’s be real—hotels can be pretty pricey during Christmas time. But I’ve got a solid option for you: the Club Quarters Hotel! It’s one of the best spots when you consider price, location, and quality.
Click here for more information & bookings
🎄 Is New York City more expensive during Christmas time?
Absolutely! New York City can get a bit pricey during Christmas with all the tourists and fun holiday events happening everywhere. I mean, hotels, flights, and attractions—you might notice those prices creeping up! That’s why I always say: plan ahead and book your trip early! You’ll dodge those higher prices and guarantee your spot at all the festive fun.
⛄ When is the best time to visit NYC?
It really depends on what you’re looking to experience in NYC! If you want to see the city come alive with holiday decorations and events, then Christmas time is definitely the best time to visit. You don’t even have to spend Christmas here or stay on Christmas Day to get the full experience. The city turns into a Christmas wonderland from the end of November until mid-January, so there is plenty of time to visit New York outside of the holidays.
❄️ How many days do you need for Christmas in New York?
I would recommend spending at least 3-4 days in New York City during Christmas time to truly soak in all the holiday festivities. This will give you enough time to visit some of the popular attractions such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating at Bryant Park, and checking out the holiday markets. But if you have more time, I highly suggest extending your trip because there is so much to see and do during this magical time of year!
Christmas in New York – Final Words
All in all New York City is just the number one city when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The Big Apple really goes all out during the holiday season and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to ice skating in Central Park, or shopping at the numerous holiday markets, you’ll never run out of things to do.
I loved Christmas in New York, and I’m sure I’ll be back soon. I hope my tips and suggestions have helped you plan your own holiday trip to the city. Have fun, take lots of pictures, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in New York City! Happy holidays!
