Have you ever dreamed about going to New York City for Christmas?
I have a confession to make: My husband and I booked a five-day trip to the city that never sleeps without my three children for Christmas. (I know.)
This exact trip – Christmas in New York – had been a dream of this London-based girl brought up on Hallmark American movies for as long as she can remember.
Obviously, a trip of this scale demands an itinerary to match.
I wanted the twinkling lights, the cheesy music, the winter wonderland – I wanted it all!
If you’re preparing for a Christmas vacation in New York, in this article I want to share my tips for places to visit and things to do, to help you plan the perfect experience!
Quick Travel Tips For Christmas in New York:
1. Book things early because New York is popular around Christmas time!
2. If you’re flying to New York, use Skyscanner.com to find the best flights.
3. The most iconic hotel to stay around Christmas is The Plaza, located at the crossroads of Central Park and 5th Avenue. The Peninsula, with its beautiful Christmas decorations, and the legendary Lotte New York Palace are the other two top choices for a real Chrismas vibe.
If those hotels aren’t within your budget I recommend The Hoxton as a really good hotel at a good price.
Planning a Trip to New York City for Christmas
1. Rockefeller Center
Lovingly coined ‘the capital of Christmas’, if you’re planning Christmas in New York, this should probably be your first stop – a quintessential snap for the ‘gram screaming “Yes – I’m in NYC for Christmas!”
Not only is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree said to be one of the most iconic – its 8km of fairy lights lit from 6 am to midnight through December (and 24 hours on Christmas Day) – it’s also famous for its skating rink.
Now, I’m not a big fan of ice skating (still scarred after an accident in my younger years), but even I couldn’t refuse such an iconic experience (anything for the photo, hey?).
Consider their VIP package – enabling you to skip the queue and enjoy access to a heated indoor chalet, complimentary hot chocolate, and freshly-baked cookies – as well as getting a ride to the Top of the Rock for 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
2. Window Displays
One of the main requisites of my New York Christmas vacation was that I wanted to feel as if I was walking around a Christmas movie. And you don’t get much closer to this than heading for 5th Avenue.
Macy’s, Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany’s … the list is endless – and this is coming from a London-based girl who has something similar (but not similar enough!).
Places for grabbing a cup of coffee to help keep you warm abound as you make your way through the oh-so-pretty tour of ornate holiday décor. And if you get too cold? Stepping inside the heated stores for a bit of retail therapy is of course also a great option!
A special shout-out here to Santaland at Macy’s – an inside emporium of Christmas trees, elves, toy trains, and even snow! Synonymous with Christmas in New York, it even features in Miracle on 34th Street!
3. Bryant Park Winter Village
Another top spot for ice skating, with the New York Public Library in the back, Bryant Park Winter Village opens each year at the end of October.
Stroll through some holiday markets, go to The Lodge for some food and drinks, or try one of the private igloos to sit in (yes, really!) for a festive cocktail (or three).
4. Dyker Heights
This is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A state-of-the-art light show in a Brooklyn neighborhood, Dyker Heights (voted the “best-decorated neighborhood of America”), is spoken of with legendary acclaim, getting bigger and better each year.
An explosion of Christmas! Think of things like 30-foot toy soldiers, candy canes, illuminated nativity scenes, and a sleigh-based, motorized Santa.
As well as walking through on foot, you can also opt for a guided 3.5-hour bus tour.
The residents of Dyker Heights are said to take the holidays very seriously, and that’s something I can definitely get on board with.
Also Read: Unique & Crazy Christmas Traditions Around the World
5. Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights
Yes, it feels a bit like the whole of New York around Christmas is one giant winter wonderland (yay for anyone who loves Christmas!).
The Bronx Zoo looks particularly festive, with groups of carolers harmonizing, stands selling s’mores and hot chocolate, and ice-carving demonstrations for the ultimate Frozen vibe (yes, I’m a massive Disney nerd.).
The main attraction here, however, is the lantern trails, consisting of almost 400 lanterns representing nearly 100 animal and plant species from all over the world.
6. Central Park
Let’s be honest, a trip to New York – no matter what the time of year – would be incomplete without a stroll around Central Park.
Yes, it’s yet another place for a spot of winter-time ice skating, courtesy of the Wollman rink, but it’s the romantic horse-drawn carriage ride – coffee in hand – that’s really a special experience here that I truly enjoyed.
7. Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
Where concrete jungle becomes forest landscape, this naturally-made model display of New York landmarks – complete with little trains zooming through – usually runs between November and January.
Start on the lawn at the outdoor mountainscapes and then watch trains zip past almost 200 iconic New York landmarks under the warmth of the Conservatory. If you visit after dark you’ll find the landscape and historic buildings beautifully illuminated to add to that Christmas vibe.
And like that, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
I hope my trip planning tips for Christmas in New York have given you some inspiration. And if you’ve already been to NYC for Christmas and have more tips to share, please leave a comment below!
Also Read:
- Things to Do in New York City on a Budget
- Interview About What It’s Like to Live in New York
- 5 Important Things to Look for When Booking a Hotel Room
- The Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in the USA Besides New York
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I had visited New York during Christmas when I was 10 years old, and the whole experience was nothing less than magical. This year, I am going to visit again along with my little one, and I can’t wait to experience everything again along with him.