New York City is known for many things, but there’s nothing quite like the Big Apple during the holiday season. From the festive lights to the bustling crowds, the city transforms into a winter wonderland that can’t be missed. If you’re a first- time visitor to NYC during this time of year, you’ll want to make sure you hit all the iconic spots. In this guide, we’ll show you the best places to experience the magic of Christmas in New York City, complete with insider tips and must-see attractions. So, grab your coat and let’s go explore the city that never sleeps during the most wonderful time of the year!
Rockefeller Center – THE Tree
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday experience in New York City, look no further than Rockefeller Center. The centerpiece of this iconic destination is the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which towers above the surrounding streets and twinkles with thousands of lights.
Every year, this massive 70-100 foot tree is lit up with thousands of dazzling lights and adorned with stunning ornaments. The tree lighting ceremony typically takes place in late November and is a star-studded event that draws in massive crowds from all over the world.
But what about the tree itself? Well, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is always a Norway Spruce that comes from somewhere in the northeastern United States. The tree is carefully chosen by the Rockefeller Center’s head gardener, who scours the region for the perfect candidate. Once the tree is selected, it’s cut down, transported to NYC, and erected in Rockefeller Center for all to see. Now, if you’re planning on visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, here are a few tips to keep in mind. The tree is typically lit up every day from early morning until 11:30 pm, except for Christmas Day when it remains lit for a full 24 hours.
Visiting the Rockefeller Center during the holidays is a must for any first-time visitor to New York City. But with so many people flocking to this spot every year, it’s important to have a plan. Early or late are going to be your best bets to avoid the larger crowds. I love seeing the tree in the daylight and at night.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
If you’re in the city during the holidays, you simply can’t miss the stunning light show at Saks Fifth Avenue. Every year, the store puts on an incredible display of lights and music that is sure to leave you in awe. The best time to catch the show is after dark, when the lights are at their brightest.
The Famous Rockettes
Christmas season! In part three, we’re going to talk about the famous Rockettes. The Rockettes are a world-famous dance company that perform at Radio City Music Hall, which is just a short walk from Rockefeller Center. They have been entertaining audiences with their stunning synchronized dance routines since 1932, and their Christmas Spectacular show is a must-see during the holiday
season.
The show features a variety of dance numbers, including the iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “The Living Nativity.” It also includes special effects, costumes, and music that will leave you in awe.
New York Christmas Markets
New York City is known for its Christmas Markets that pop up all over the city during the holiday season. These markets are filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food that will make your holiday season even more magical.
One of the most famous markets is the Union Square Holiday Market, located in the heart of Manhattan. Here, you can browse through over 150 vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to artisanal chocolates.
Another popular market is the Bryant Park Winter Village, located behind the New York Public Library. The Winter Village features over 170 boutique-style shops and food vendors that are sure to delight any visitor. You can also take a spin on the ice rink or visit Santa’s Workshop for a memorable holiday experience.
If you’re looking for a more European-style Christmas market, check out the Grand Central Holiday Fair. This market features over 40 vendors selling unique gifts, home goods, and tasty treats. Located inside the iconic Grand Central Terminal, the Holiday Fair is the perfect spot to warm up and get into the holiday spirit.
Ice Skating in NYC
If you’re looking for an iconic winter activity in New York City, ice skating is a must-try during the Christmas season. There are several outdoor rinks to choose from, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere.
One of the most popular rinks is located at the Rockefeller Center, with the iconic Christmas tree as a backdrop. This rink is quite small, so it can get crowded quickly, but the atmosphere is unbeatable. Skating here is a quintessential New York experience that you won’t want to miss. Another great option is Bryant Park’s Winter Village, which features a larger rink and a festive holiday market. Skating here is free, but you’ll have to pay for skate rentals if you don’t have your own.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to Central Park’s Wollman Rink. This rink is open year-round and offers stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a bit further from the tourist hubbub, so it tends to be less crowded than other rinks.
If you’re not much of a skater, don’t worry – just watching others glide on the ice while sipping a hot chocolate can be a delightful experience in itself.
It Truly is Magical at Christmas
As you can see, New York City is the perfect place to be during the Christmas season. The iconic spots we’ve covered are just a few of the many amazing things you can experience in this magical city during this time of year. From the Rockefeller Center and its tree, to the lights at Saks and the Rockettes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas markets, go ice skating, and visit other iconic spots like the Empire State Building and Central Park. And if you’re looking for more tips on exploring the city, be sure to check out my other blog posts about navigating the New York subway like a pro and the 10 iconic hotspots you can’t miss on your trip to NYC.
Follow me on IG @lafftravel for more NYC pics and tons of travel content.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. Recommended products are only those that I personally love! I appreciate your support and welcome any questions you may have about any products featured on my site
