If you’re looking to step away from the main tourist traps and find some truly unique NYC experiences during the festive season, there’s no shortage of quirky, offbeat, or under-the-radar activities to fill your time. Here are some hidden gems to make New York in December extra special.

Every Sunday in New York in December, vintage subway trains from the 1930s and 1940s take to the tracks. Hop on one of these beautifully preserved trains with rattan seats, ceiling fans, and classic ads to experience travel the way New Yorkers did decades ago. It’s Instagram gold and a proper time machine.

Routes and schedules change, but it often runs along parts of the F line. Check with the MTA closer to your trip.

Forget Christmas carols and sleigh bells. How about a hauntingly beautiful candlelit stroll through one of NYC’s most historic places – Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery? It’s a proper atmospheric way to explore the borough’s rich history.

Over 560,000 individuals are interred here, including Leonard Bernstein, the celebrated composer and conductor, Jean-Michel Basquiat, the influential 20th century artist, and countless Civil War veterans, as well as Revolutionary War soldiers (the cemetery occupies part of the Battle of Brooklyn site).

Peaceful, a little bit eerie, and oddly romantic – it’s a break from the city’s relentless energy.

While Union Square gets all the hype, Brooklyn Flea’s indoor winter market is a treasure trove for unique gifts. From vintage finds to handmade crafts, it’s a hipster haven without the Fifth Avenue price tags.

It operates under the Manhattan Bridge in the neighbourhood of DUMBO, offering a stunning backdrop with views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline whilst you find one-of-a-kind souvenirs while sipping on artisan hot cocoa.

The Smorgasburg, a food-focused offshoot of the Brooklyn Flea, is also extremely popular and operates in various locations around Brooklyn and Manhattan.

If you visit New York in December and fancy escaping Manhattan for a beat, then head to City Island in the Bronx. This quaint fishing village-style neighbourhood feels a world away from the city. Enjoy fresh lobster, crab legs, and chowder at one of its legendary seafood restaurants.

Connected to the Bronx mainland by the City Island Bridge, it’s about 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, making it mega walkable. It’s got stunning water views, marinas, and a peaceful atmosphere, reminiscent of a quaint New England town, and its streets are lined with charming single-family homes, often with nautical-themed décor. Quaint with a capital Q.

The Governors Island Winter Village is a seasonal attraction that transforms the historic island into a festive winter wonderland. Located just a short ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn, the Winter Village is typically located in the Historic District, near Colonels Row. Think twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cozy seating areas galore.

The centrepiece of the Winter Village is a real ice skating rink, open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Skates can be rented on-site, and there are special events like themed skate nights or skating lessons. Things like curling lanes, cornhole, and other lawn games are adapted for winter, and fire pits are scattered throughout. Oh, and keep an  ear out for live performances like seasonal concerts, carollers, and pop-up events.

Ferries depart from Manhattan’s Battery Maritime Building and Brooklyn’s Pier 6. During winter, ferry service may have reduced schedules, so it’s best to check ahead. Round-trip ferry tickets are pretty cheap, and kids under a certain age often ride free.

If you’re into a bit of culture, the Morgan Library offers one of the most beautifully curated spaces in the city, especially during Christmas when they deck the halls (including a mega tree in the grand entrance area.)

A December tradition, the Morgan displays Dickens’ original handwritten manuscript of his beloved holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Visitors can see edits and notes, offering a glimpse into his creative process. Plus they frequently host live performances, including classical music, carol singing, and other seasonal events in its stunning performance spaces.

Quiet, stunning, and a bit posh—a perfect antidote to Manhattan’s usual hustle.

Ride a restored 1922 carousel with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, then bundle up and take some stunning photos of the sparkling city lights from the Dumbo waterfront. If you recognise this one, it’s because you’ve probs seen it on screen before – it pops up in a lot of films.

Nostalgic and romantic, it’s the perfect blend of old-school charm and urban cool.

Smaller and less chaotic than Rockefeller Center, this tree lighting ceremony beneath the iconic arch is full of charm and marks the official start of the holiday season in Greenwich Village.

Taking place annually in early December, it often features live performances by local choirs, musicians, and other artists – even the odd celeb if you’re lucky.

Carollers, cocoa, and good vibes abound. Plus, you’ll get all the festive feels without being elbowed by a crowd of 500 tourists.

The East Village is great for themed pop-up bars with crazy Christmas décor and inventive seasonal cocktails. Think boozy eggnog served in novelty mugs with a side of kitsch.

Miracle is a pop-up bar that takes over the Clandestino space in the East Village during the holiday season. The bar is decorated in full holiday flair with lights, ornaments, and cosy vibes, and they’re known for their Christmas-themed cocktails like the “Bad Santa” and “Christmopolitan.” The Holiday Cocktail Lounge is a  retro-style East Village bar that embraces its classic cocktail roots, and during the holidays it often serves festive specials. Try a warming spiced whiskey or a holiday mule for a wintery spin on a classic drink.

Nitecap, meanwhile, offers a slightly more upscale experience with a menu that changes seasonally. During the holidays, they often craft unique drinks with winter spices, bourbon, and other seasonal flavours. Just don’t have too many and try to skate at Rockefeller after—disaster waiting to happen.

At the New York Botanical Garden in December there’s a very special New York Christmas tradition that involves a dazzling exhibit where model trains zip through a miniature NYC made entirely of natural materials like bark and leaves and where landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge are stunningly recreated.

The Holiday Train Show can be enjoyed during the day, but we say go for the night time show for extra cosy vibes. During your visit, you can bop along to holiday classics and Christmas pop favourites sung by performers in their Locomotive Lounge. And there’s sweet and savoury bites like spiked cider cocktails. mocktails, and gingerbread.

You’ll find the garden in the Bronx, and the Holiday Train Show runs from late November through mid-January.

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