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Christmas in New York - Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Cheers

December 9, 2021

It’s that time of year for Christmas in New York cheers! I lived half my life in NYC and every year I loved going to see ALL of the Christmasy things going on. Yes ALL of the Christmasy things (well, except Santacon because that was always such a mess.)

I guess I was basically a tourist living in one of the best places to tour for so long that I always wanted to go to everything, because one day I knew I would eventually have to move to be back closer to family… which I did. But, I still plan to go back whenever I can during the Holiday season because NYC is BEAUTIFUL during the Holidays!

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If you don’t want to get stuck in the hoards of people that are there for the same reason you are, go see everything during the off hours. The store decorations and most Christmas tree lights don’t shut off at night. I always loved to go out after 11pm when I’d get out of working at the restaurant or walk around around 3am after bar hopping.

I know this is a bit extreme for those of you who aren’t night owls like me, but the same idea is true if you go see things early in the morning before NYC traffic is taking over the subways. Also, keep in mind people will take a break for lunch and dinner. So, you may be able to get in around those times while people are winding down to get some grub.

That being said, don’t try to go to these Christmas restaurants and bars during peak hours without a reservation for the same reason. Otherwise, just be prepared knowing there are going to be hundreds or thousands of other people around you.

I’ve divided this guide up into my favorite spots during the holidays that are always breathtaking and never disappoint. I’ll leave a bonus tip of something fun in the area to add to your walk as well. There’s new things and pop-ups all the time so be sure to check out Time Out magazine for all the latest in Christmas In New York fun and event schedules!

Christmas Trees are everywhere in NYC. Apartment buildings have them in front of them for the residents, all the parks have one, stores will have them, almost everywhere will have a tree if it’s a bigger business! Walk down that seemingly empty street and check out the off-the-beaten-path decor! These are a collection of some of the biggest trees you will see in the city.

Wallstreet

This tree always brings back all the memories. I lived down here my first year in NYC. Imagine moving to NYC, walking down the street as it’s starting to snow, you round the corner, and BOOM there’s a HUGE Christmas tree in front of the Stock Exchange and Mr. George Washington himself is holding a wreath! That was my first Christmas memory from this great city and I’ll never forget it! (BONUS: Grab a bite on Stone Street – my favorite hidden street in the area.)

Southstreet Seaport

You never know what you’re going to get down here! They always have something new in the works. From pop-ups, to elaborate decorations, to ice skating rinks, to decked out flagships, it’s always a treat! One thing’s for sure though, they always have a tree up! (BONUS: Check out Jeremy’s Ale House – famous for their past patron’s underwear on the ceiling – yes they decorate them for Christmas.)

Battery Park & Battery Park City

This area is filled with lights. Brookfield Place Mall area always has a big tree and Christmas lights while Battery Park fills it’s trees with festive lights. (BONUS: Take a ride over to The Oculus while you’re down here and check out this awesome structure filled with holiday cheer. You can also catch the PATH Train here if you want to take a trip over to see Hobokken’s Tree in New Jersey. It’s about a ten minute trip there.)

Washington Sq Park

This park is always filled with action. You may even come across some NYU student carolers! Enjoy this tree right in the middle of the Washington Square Arch. Sometimes they decorate the Fountain as well. (BONUS: Grab a drink at McSorley’s Old Ale House, Manhattan’s oldest bar.)

Rockefeller Center

Everyone knows about this classic spot. Trust me, it’s every bit as big as it looks on TV! There’s usually a large line over here to see the view of the tree from the front, but there’s also a separate line for ice skating so don’t wait in the wrong line. (BONUS: If you go down to the bottom floor of Rockefeller Center, you can see the ice skaters up close! Lately, they started doing private events down here, so it may be roped off closer to the restaurants, but you’ll still get a good view. You can even stop in for a bite at one of the restaurants and watch the action from your seat.)

Radio City Bulbs

These are my favorite Christmas decorations in NYC. What is better than huge, life sized light bulbs, to really bring in that holiday spirit! They scatter them around this area so keep an eye out for them around between 6th and 7th ave. (BONUS: Take a look in the Rockette’s Gift Shop. It’s kind of hidden and not many people realize it’s there even during the Holidays unless it’s right after a show lets out.)

Central Park Zoo

The coolest part of this zoo is you can watch them give the animals presents! The whole walkway is covered in lights which makes it feel magical. They also usually have all sorts of animal themed Christmas fun. (BONUS: Keep an eye out for horse drawn carriages all around here.)

History Museum

They have Holiday dinosaurs out front as well as decorated trees. (BONUS: Inside, they do a yearly origami Christmas tree.)

The Plaza

They go all out at The Plaza. They do it BIG indoors and out! I’ve even seen ice sculptures and animatronic characters here in the past. (BONUS: Make a reservation for Afternoon Tea and feel like Kevin from Home Alone.)

Store Decorations & Holiday Pop-Ups

You will be pleasantly surprised while walking around NYC because most stores and venues like to get into the Christmas mood with decorations. Most areas you go will have some sort of Holiday theme going in them. These are the famous ones that will have the most crowds and will probably be the most eye catching as well.

NYC loves their pop-up shops. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a market that isn’t on this list! Maybe you’ll come upon a pop-up Christmas store, keep your eyes peeled! However, these big markets never disappoint and are worth the trip!

Union Square & Columbus Circle Holiday Markets (usually have similar vendors)

These are the classic outdoor pop-up shops in NYC. The vendors have everything from hot cocoa, to chocolate, to funnel cakes, to fun holiday clothes, to gifts, to ornaments, to arts and crafts, and the list goes on and on! These days, most places accept cards but you may be able to get a better deal with cash. (BONUS: Union Square is surrounded by other shopping and Columbus Circle has the Turnstyle Underground Market for some things you can find only in NYC!)

Chelsea Markets

These indoor shops always house local artists and their crafts. But during the holidays, they will offer even more fun Holiday themed goodies and gift ideas. (BONUS: Take a walk down the High Line and check out their lights. They always have events too so check out their website.)

Bryant Park

This Holiday Pop-Up is outside of the ice rink enclosure, so don’t worry about ice rink traffic if you’re nervous about the chaos. The shopping here are little glass cottages that are heated! So if it’s a chilly day, you get right off the subway here and can warm up in each cottage as you go. (BONUS: Grab a bite at one of the Bryant Park restaurant’s Holiday decorated seating or grab a drink at one of the many speakeasies in the area.)

Grand Central

This Holiday Fair is right off the main traffic area. It’s all indoors so once you exit the subway just head right into the Vanderbilt Hall and get cozy. These vendors are a collection of arts and crafts, Holiday souvenirs, fashion, and other handmade items. (BONUS: Stop by the Whispering Gallery, one of NYC’s hidden experiences.)

Grand Bazaar NYC (Sundays)

These shops will be open only Sundays (see their schedule here). It’s one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse curated markets in NYC. They are a collection of over 100 local artisans and dealers who set up shop outside with their Holiday inspired goods, hand picked items, treats, and food. (BONUS: Take a walk past the museum for dinosaur lit up figures.)

Bergdorf Goodman

This store is always dripping in “ice.” It’s worth a walk around inside to see all the crystals and diamonds reflecting the lights of the decorations. Outside is just as “iced out” with snow and ice being their usual go to theme. (BONUS: Look along Fifth ave for the Swarovski Star in the sky and Tiffany’s blue boxes are right across the street if you want to see more “ice.”)

Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales usually does a winter wonderland theme with a Hanukkah vibe. This window display is a bit off the beaten path, so you shouldn’t have to wait in a line walking past this landmark. (BONUS: Grab a hot cocoa at the world famous Serendipity and then wander over to Dylan’s Candy Bar.)

Macys

Macy’s is amazing inside and out! This one is definitely worth a walk through on the first floor. Their window displays are usually on the campier side catering to kids. They tend to have an interactive experience in one of the windows, which only adds to the magic of it all, making Macy’s one of the most famous of the Christmas window decorators on the list. (BONUS: They have Santa and a Christmas Shopping Village on one of the top floors.)

Saks 5th Ave

This beautiful store has an amazing light show that plays ALL across the building. It’s one of the coolest experiences you can have with the Rockefeller tree behind you and the light show in front of you, it will transport you to a magical moment of Christmas vibes only! In the windows they have an avant garde style of store window displays. (BONUS: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is right next door. There’s also a bar Papillion Bistro & Bar that goes all out with Christmas decorations right up the street on 54th and Madison Ave.)

FAO Shwarz

The classic movie glorious store is no longer a thing, but it does not mean that FAO Shwarz did not keep the spirit alive at the new store. During the Holidays, you will be greeted with dancing toys that come to life and toy soldier doormen. This store always makes you feel like a kid at any age. (BONUS: Stop by Magnolia Bakery for one of their famous cupcakes.)

Columbus Circle Light Show

You can see the huge ornaments that light up Columbus Circle’s Shops from outside the large glass enclosed entrance! As you walk in, you will be met with Christmas music and sparkling lights. Every year, the stores tend to decorate (my favorite is William Sonoma’s store) and they usually have some pop up events happening scattered throughout it’s floors. Check out the schedule that’s usually posted when you first walk in and see what Columbus Circle has to offer this year! Otherwise, hang tight and wait for the light show that’s best viewed from the 2nd or 3rd floor. (BONUS: There’s a pop-up Holiday Market right across the street.)

Hudson Yards

This newbie is eager to compete with the other Christmas adventures of NYC. They light up The Vessel and make the outside grounds just as exciting as the indoor lights and pop-ups. Look for a schedule of pop-up events when you first walk in. Otherwise, wander around and check out all of the restaurants and shops that are swagged out for the Holidays. (BONUS: Grab food in Hudson Yards at one of the restaurants that offers Free admittance to The Edge. When you go to The Edger you will be able to see all of the private rooftops that have decided to decorate with Christmas Lights. Just make sure it’s a clear day or else you won’t be able to see much.)

Old Lord & Taylor Building

The old school iconic decorator is no longer in business, but they often have pop-up shops in this location. Don’t make it a separate trip, but if you find yourself in the area take a peek and see if anyone has decorated this year.

Depending on the year, ice skating pop-ups are everywhere. It just depends what the latest fad is. Sometimes it’s pictures with Santa or “Instagram worthy” pop-ups, sometimes it’s igloos, sometimes it’s hot cocoa parks, every year it seems to be different so check out Time Out for the latest in ice skating. A lot of them often have Olympic Skaters gracing ice so keep an eye out for even schedules. The following spots have a rink every year.

Brookfield Place

This Battery Park favorite is one of my favorite places to ice skate because not many people know about it. It’s more of a locals spot down by the water and is on the larger side. (BONUS: Take a ride to the top of One World Trade and take a look at a snow covered Manhattan with 360 views.)

Southstreet Seaport

This spot usually has a different sponsor every year so it’s rarely the same experience twice. Which makes it that more fun! You never know what you’ll walk into! (BONUS: Grab a bite at any one of the many restaurants that are all decorated for the Holidays. Or, grab a quick bite and sit on the lookout facing the Brooklyn Bridge.)

Bryant Park

This is the favorite spot for NYC ice skaters. It’s just a whole vibe with the Holiday shops and music playing. Bryant Park consistently transports you into a Winter Wonderland every year with a manageable line! (BONUS: Take a walk over to Times Square to see all the Christmas ads all larger than life! While you’re there, grab some Junior’s cheesecake!)

Rockefeller Center

This small rink makes you feel like a movie star. There’s a Swarovski Star, light shows, and all kinds of action going on. There’s all these people staring at you while you skate. It really makes you feel like you are on TV just like the tree! (BONUS: Explore all the free chocolate samples in the lower level of Rockefeller’s shops.)

Wollman Rink Central Park

What could be better than spending time ice skating in Central Park with the views of skyscrapers, horse drawn carriages, and Holiday cheer surrounding you? This rink is pretty large and worth the hike to it. (BONUS: While you’re there, you may as well get some sled riding in too! Or, at least go see some sledders.)

Riverbank State Park

This Harlem spot overlooks the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge as it’s backdrop. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but it’s worth it for the views. (BONUS: Sofrito is right over here for a bite.)

Midtown West Rink

This new rink is sure to be a hit! They’re looking to compete with the others in town so keep an eye out as this rink is sure to get better and better every year! (BONUS: Take a walk on The Vessel!)

The Standard

This used to be my favorite spot because not many people knew about it and they had a spiked cocoa cottage. It is now closed but keep an ear open in case they do a pop-up this year. (BONUS: Their Biergarten never disappoints!)

There’s a number of other ice skating rinks all over the place. Staten Island has one, Queens and Brooklyn have several, then there’s also indoor rinks around like Chelsea Piers. If ice skating is your thing, you can make a whole vacation of just visiting all the spots!

I tend to find that the best Holiday glow ups, or you can even call them Christmas grenades, explode in Irish Bars! Almost every Irish Pub I would go to was always decked out with Christmas everything. So, you have a very good chance of stumbling upon a hidden gem, but in the meantime, here are the ones that attract the most attention every year.

(Please keep in mind, the smaller bars have been doing this for years by word of mouth for their local patrons but now that they are viral, they are probably annoyed, and it is probably going to be crazy so don’t go in expecting amazing service. BUT it’s so worth it for the experience once you are inside and seated. If crowds aren’t your thing, just walk around NYC. It’s rare you will stumble upon a spot that isn’t decorated.)

These NYU student favorites have become Instagramable over the years. Now, they’re viral and even more popular, but definitely worth the bar hop for their aesthetics.

OLD SCHOOL CLASSICS

Rolf’s (22nd St and 3rd Ave) – This Irish Classic barely leaves the seat open for you. Be prepared to be hit in the face with an ornament or two.

Pete’s Tavern (18th St and Irving) – This bar is LIT! Literally, lights cover the whole ceiling casting a red glow upon patrons faces.

Molly’s (22nd St and 3rd Ave) – This bar’s halls are decked with multi-colored lights and ornaments.

Paddy MaGuire’s (21st St and 3rd Ave) – This bar is frosted with lights and usually has a giant wreath out front.

Lillie’s (17th St and Union Sq West) – This Victorian themed bar brings you back in time to the olden days of Christmas past.

HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS

Sippin Santa & Miracle on 9th Street – These Alphabet City pop-ups are worth the walk just for the Santa cups and drinks alone!

ROOFTOP GETAWAYS

Moxy’s Rooftop – This rooftop always transports you away to a Holiday Winter wonderland with its festive cocktails and breathtaking decor.

230 Fifth Ave Rooftop – This bar is always topped with igloos and blankets or robes to keep you warm!

Eataly’s rooftop – This restaurant always feels like walking through a Winter forest, but with festive beers on tap.

Gallow Green Rooftop – Get warm and cozy inside this log cabin (ON THE ROOF) that serves hot beverages like mulled wine!

The city is fun and all, but maybe you don’t want to deal with thousands of people in one place. Maybe you prefer a couple hundred instead. Plus, you have already been to Rockafeller and Macy’s and all that and are looking for a new adventure. Well my friend, these are the spots you should get out to.

NYBG Train Show

Dyker Heights Decorations

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens Lightscape

LuminoCity Festival Long Island

Bronx Zoo Lights

Hoboken Events and Trees

Brooklyn, Bronx, & Queens Events and Trees

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