How to Have the Perfect Christmas in New York City — Holiday Markets, Epic Light Displays, and Festive Hotels Included

If Santa had a favorite stop, it would be NYC.

'Tis the season to be jolly, and outside of the North Pole, the place that embodies the spirit of the holidays the most might just be New York City. From the plentiful window displays at its famous department stores to the towering Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, New York at Christmastime offers festive fun at every turn. Though the city is always magical, it shines just a little brighter (literally and figuratively) during the holiday season — from the moment Santa makes his debut at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to the night when the holidays end with a bang at the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.

Whether you want to explore the city's bustling Christmas markets or have a high-kicking holiday with the Rockettes, here's your ultimate guide to spending Christmas in New York City.

Related: The Best Holiday Traditions in NYC, According to 4 Local Writers

What to Do in New York City for the Christmas Season

The biggest challenge of a New York Christmas trip is deciding which of the city's seasonal offerings you most want to experience. All five boroughs are bursting with festive attractions and events over the holidays, from the over-the-top Christmas light displays of Dyker Heights to the old-fashioned delights of "George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center. Whatever kind of holiday you're after, here's a list of the very best Christmassy things to do while you're in New York City.

Visit the New York Botanical Garden.

The New York Botanical Garden becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays, thanks to its glittering tree displays and famed Holiday Train Show. For more than three decades, the latter has delighted visitors with its miniature version of the metropolis, which this year features nearly 200 replicas of famous Big Apple landmarks.

See the Radio City Rockettes.

Since 1932, NYC's iconic art deco Radio City Music Hall has marked the season with the high-kicking Rockettes. The "Christmas Spectacular" is high energy and delightfully fun, thanks to both the performers and the thumping holiday tunes. But be warned, the shows do sell out — so get your tickets ASAP. 

Catch "George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.

If your tastes run more classical, head to Lincoln Center for the New York City Ballet's annual production of "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker." Russian-born Balanchine, the company's founding choreographer, premiered his opulent interpretation of the 19th-century Tchaikovsky ballet in 1954. The traditional, family-friendly show is suitable for children five and older and is sure to leave you with visions of sugarplums dancing in your head. 

Lace up your skates at Winter Village in Bryant Park.

Want to experience all the best parts of a New York City Christmas in one place? Head to Winter Village at Bryant Park. Here, you'll find holiday shopping, flowing hot cocoa, and ice skating courtesy of a 17,000-square-foot rink. Bring your own skates or rent some at the park, and reserve your time on the ice here.

Dine among the decorations at Rolf's.

In recent years, it's become increasingly popular for NYC restaurants to go above and beyond with their holiday decor — and the most decorated of them all is Rolf's. This German eatery in Gramercy Park puts up thousands of ornaments and hundreds of thousands of lights each December, making it the perfect place to snap some holiday selfies while chowing down on schnitzel and strudel. Needless to say, it gets mobbed, but you can't go wrong with a celebratory meal at one of the city's iconic restaurants if you can't snag a table.

Shop at a holiday market.

Searching for gifts now that you've made your list and checked it twice? Shop through one (or several) of New York City's holiday markets. Union Square Holiday Market is arguably the most famous, but you can find equally great trinkets and treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Grand Central Holiday Fair, and many more.

Or, window shop outside the city's best department stores.

Even if you're not looking to buy something, it's worth checking out the spectacular window displays in midtown. The city's flagship department stores — Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Saks Fifth Avenue — are renowned for their windows and seasonal embellishments, but other stores on Fifth Avenue, from FAO Schwarz to Cartier, get in on the action, too. Yes, it's a little friendly competition to see who has the best displays, but we're the winners in this age-old retail battle.

Walk through Dyker Heights.

If you're hunting for more DIY-style lights, head to Dyker Heights, a Brooklyn neighborhood that takes its holiday displays very seriously. Most homeowners hang their lights right after Thanksgiving and keep them up all December long for passersby to enjoy. And just in case you want a little guidance on where to look, tours are available.

See the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

Christmas in New York just isn't complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The plaza at 30 Rock has had a Christmas tree every year since the early 1930s, and today it's one of the biggest and best not just in NYC but anywhere in the world. In 2023, after the lighting ceremony on November 29, the tree is illuminated each day from 5 a.m. to midnight through mid-January. The only exceptions are on Christmas Day, when it's lit for 24 hours straight, and New Year's Eve, when the lights turn off at 9 p.m.

Related: T+L's Guide to the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Where to Stay for a Perfect Christmas in New York City

There are plenty of excellent hotels in New York City, but these five get more festive than most. 

The Plaza

With a privileged location on Fifth Avenue, The Plaza is at the center of much of the Christmas action. During the season, the hotel decks the halls (and then some), reminding guests of the Plaza's prominent appearance in the Christmas classic "Home Alone 2: Escape to New York." For extra festive fun, indulge in a holiday afternoon tea at the iconic Palm Court or a celebratory toast in the sophisticated Champagne Bar.

Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace is another hotel with a very special address, especially for the holidays. The property sits just a block from Rockefeller Center, making viewing the famed Christmas tree an easy feat. Throughout the season, it also offers festive treats for guests and even has a "North Pole mailbox" in its lobby so children can mail their letters to Santa. 

St. Regis New York

Founded by John Jacob Astor in 1904, The St. Regis is a New York institution. During the holidays, the hotel puts up luxe festive decor throughout its common spaces and offers an array of holiday dining experiences. And if you prefer to celebrate the season in private, several of the largest suites come with a fully decorated tree and the option to enjoy an in-room Christmas dinner or brunch.

Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Another luxurious holiday option is The Ritz-Carlton, which provides plenty of twinkling lights and festive meals. Its location steps from Central Park places you a five-minute stroll from the Wollman Rink, where you can ice skate beneath glittering skyscrapers. The hotel also offers holiday packages each year, which typically include welcome gifts and curated in-room decor. 

The Langham

The Fifth Avenue outpost of The Langham is close to many of the city's best Christmas happenings and boasts an array of holiday specials. The full range of offers can be found on the hotel's website, but one notable entry this year is "Holidays with Saks Fifth Avenue," an extravagant package that pairs your stay with a $2,000 Saks gift card and a guided tour of the store's holiday windows.

What to Expect From the Weather in New York City

During the Christmas season, the weather in NYC is typically chilly. Temperatures top out at an average of 42 degrees Fahrenheit in late December, though, fortunately, it's fairly rare for them to drop below 30. Really, though, the chill only adds to the fun. Bundle up in your favorite hat, scarf, and holiday sweater, and get ready for a cozy New York Christmas to remember.

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