No city does winter better than New York – especially at Christmas time. Whether you’re going to see the festive lights and famous Rockefeller tree, or you simply want to do your Christmas shopping in style, New York in December is a destination like no other. And, thanks to the city’s endless coffee shops, bars and restaurants, there are plenty of places where you can stop to warm your toes.
But, where do you start? To get the most out of your winter break, we’ve put together a guide on the best things to do in New York in December, ranging from ice skating in Central Park to stuffing your face in festive food halls. Take a look.
Go Ice Skating
Central Park
The Lasker Ice rink and the Wollman Ice rink (a swimming pool and an amusement park in the summer) are fun for the whole family (FYI, it’s cheaper on week days). Otherwise go sledging down Pilgrim Hill (just off 72nd Street and 5th Avenue) or, if you’d rather, take a horse drawn carriage around one of the park’s lakes.
Bryant Park Winter Village
This is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. The rink itself is free – you just pay for skate rentals. It’s surrounded by holiday markets too, so it makes for a fun and festive day out.
Rockefeller Center
The ice skating rink at the Rockefeller Center opens in November, before the tree is installed. It tends to get busier after the tree is put up and the lights are switched on, but if you can handle the crowds (and the wait), it makes for a magical experience.
Visit New York’s Rockefeller Center
Top of the Rock
This massive 19-building complex in Midtown Manhattan covers 22 acres. Visit the observation deck at ‘The Top of the Rock’ to get great views of Midtown and Central Park (it’s better than the touristy Empire State Building which you can see from The Rock’s deck). You can even meet Santa Claus at the top!
Radio City Music Hall
The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes transforms the Radio City Music Hall into a winter wonderland. It’s a 90 minute theatrical masterpiece with two daily showings on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from November.
Holiday Chalets
Take a breather in your own private Après Skate Chalet overlooking the iconic ice rink and tree.
See a Broadway show
There is always a huge selection of famous Broadway shows in New York in December. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try an off-Broadway production. During the Christmas period, some of Hollywood’s most famous actors leave the comfort of the LA back lots and perform at some of New York’s most intimate theatres.
Shopping at Times Square
Times Square is surrounded by some of New York’s – and the world’s – most famous stores, and the surrounding shopping districts are just as iconic. In the run up to Christmas, they’re a sight to behold. Within just a few minutes’ walk of Times Square, you’ll find some of New York’s best Christmas markets.
Browse the Christmas Markets
Nowhere does a Christmas market like New York and in the festive season, the city’s chock full of ’em. Some of the best are just a short walk from Times Square, including:
Bryant Park Winter Market, 42nd Street
Here you’ll find over 150 artisan stalls offering festive treats, handmade goods, unique gifts, decorations and much more.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market, 7th Avenue
Right outside Central Park, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market has over 100 venors offering handcrafted gifts, jewellery, artwork and food. And if you fancy a break from the artisan, there’s an upscale shopping centre right next to the market.
Union Square Holiday Market, Broadway
Take a stroll southwest on Broadway to reach Union Square and its expansive festive market, full of artisanal goods and locally made products.
See the Iconic Storefronts
It’s one thing to see the Saks Fifth Avenue at Christmas on screen, but quite another in person. The dazzling display is one of many in the city during the festive season. If jaw-dropping displays are on your list (and why wouldn’t they be?!), then make sure you also visit Hudson Yards and its breath-taking display of 2 million lights. Beyond these icons, many stores in the city also go all-out for the festive season, so wherever you shop, it’s bound to be a spectacle.
Visit Winter Exhibitions
In the deep of winter, New York’s museums like the Guggenheim, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) and the Whitney extend their open hours on Friday or Saturday or both. Either show up early or late to avoid the queues i.e. not mid morning or right when offices close and locals join the tourist hordes during the festive period. Our top pick is the Golden Kingdoms: Luxury and legacy in the Ancient Americas at the MoMA.
Eat at the food markets and City Bakery
The Big Apple has some of the cosiest and coolest places to eat on the planet. There’s the Pennsy Food Hall outside Penn Station which has a range of stalls. If you like cosy, Christmas cheer, try City Bakery on West 18th Street for its famous gourmet pretzels and hot chocolate. For something that’ll last further into the night, there’s NoMad Bar or The Raines Law Room. Think Midtown cocktail sophistication.