Many people dream of spending Christmas in New York. Like, 86 million posts on Tiktok many. Yep, that’s h0w many posts the tag ‘NYC Christmas’ has. Known for its larger-than-life decorations and plenty of famous events during the festive season – as well as being the filming location for countless Christmas films, ‘NYC Christmas’ has over 86 million posts on TikTok.
We’re not just talking out of our behinds either. In the UK, Google searches for ‘flights to NYC’ have soared a whopping 196% over the past month, with over 39,000 people looking to visit the Big Apple. So if you’re one of those 39,000, we’ve had our aviation nerds crunch the numbers to find you the best days to fly to New York, including one particular day that could save you a lot of money…
When to fly
Our aviation nerds have told us that the busiest days to fly around the festive season are the 21st and 22nd of December, so they reckon you might be best avoiding travelling on these days as the airports will be busy with a capital B.
You know when they think you should fly instead?
The big day itself. Yep, Christmas Day.
Amanda, our Head of Marketing, says “Christmas Day flights are the cheapest New York flights by a mile, you can grab a proper bargain! You might even find that the airport is quieter, so much more relaxing with that pint in your hand! If you go for a morning flight on Christmas Day, you’ll find that the queues are small and you’ll get through security a lot quicker, which means less chance of delays. Winner!
“Some airlines will give you festive treats, meals, or even special services on flights taking off on Christmas Day, which make for a very special flying experience!” She also recommends that “you book your long-haul flights at least four to six months before the trip to get the best flight deal and avoid the risk of flights becoming fully booked. But with Christmas around the corner, there are plenty of flights for flyers to take advantage of for 2024.”
Travel to New York this Christmas
Our aviation nerds found that flying to New York on Christmas Day, instead of the 22nd December, wasn’t just cheaper – it was 297% cheaper!
Getting you from A to B is our bread and butter, and we’ve got plenty of cheap flights to New York, with Christmas Day flights starting from just £534 from London airports. However, for those flying on Sunday, December 22nd, flights could cost you up to £1,584.
That means flying just three days before Christmas can cost you up to over £1,000 more, as well as being more stressful due to busy airports and delays. Opting for a Christmas Day flight to New York can be significantly cheaper.
Must-visit spots, according to TikTok
Macy’s Department Store
With over 1.3 million TikTok views, Macy’s department store is included in ‘the essential NYC Christmas guide’. Opened in 1902, Macy’s Herald Square is the largest department store in the United States, occupying an entire city block. Those original wooden escalators? Still functional. And they add a lovely touch of vintage charm too.
With ten and a half floors filled with everything from designer brands to budget-friendly finds, Macy’s is a paradise for shopaholics. It’s also famous for its breath-taking holiday-themed window displays along Broadway and 34th Street. These intricate scenes often incorporate animation, music, and storytelling.
Get your skates on
The Rockefeller Ice Rink is an iconic festive spot in New York, with over 3 million TikTok views. Opened in 1936, this rink blends vintage charm with modern facilities. Skating here feels like stepping into a holiday movie. Right by the even more famous Rockefeller tree, the area is brimming with attractions like dining at nearby restaurants, exploring the holiday markets, and window-shopping (or actual shopping-shopping) Fifth Avenue.
Glace by Noglu viral hot chocolate
Nothing says winter like a warm hot chocolate, and this S’mores hot chocolate has over 2.8 million views on TikTok! Glace by Noglu, located on Madison Avenue is a top spot for a seasonal sweet treat, and it’s viral creation features rich, decadent hot chocolate topped with a “crown” of toasted marshmallow meringue. Watching the marshmallow being flambéed is a performance in itself.
Radio City Music Hall has over 59 million TikTok views
One video sharing the lights at Radio City Music Hall has nearly 60 million views on TikTok, with users describing the displays as ‘fantastic’. One of New York City’s most iconic venues, at Christmas Radio City Hall becomes a festive wonderland. Known for its annual “Christmas Spectacular”, this event is a holiday tradition that has been dazzling audiences since 1933.
The Rockettes, the legendary precision-dance troupe, performs intricate routines, including the famous high-kick line and the stunning “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” The show often also weaves a festive narrative featuring Santa, the Nutcracker, and even a live nativity scene with real animals.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
A TikTok video with over 110k views advises users to save the date for Bryant Park opening its winter village at the end of October. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a magical holiday destination in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Located behind the New York Public Library, this festive setup offers something for everyone, from ice skating to a bustling Christmas market.
The centrepiece is a sprawling, 17,000-square-foot ice rink. And unlike other city rinks, access is free if you bring your own skates. Rentals, however, range from $18 to $55 depending on the time and day.
The Holiday Shops, featuring over 180 stalls, are a treasure trove of artisanal goods. From handmade decorations and jewelry to toys for kids and pets, the market offers a mix of unique finds and festive indulgences.
