Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun. And there is no better place to have all that fun than in the city that never sleeps—New York City.
From ice skating in Central Park to watching the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree light up, the city has something for everyone during the holiday season.
So, if you are planning on taking your Christmas trip here with the dream of staying at one of the luxury hotels in New York City, then here are some of our favorite things to do at Christmas.
Ice skating in Central Park
For those who want to get active during their holiday vacation, head to Central Park for a festive afternoon of ice skating.
The Wollman Rink is one of the most popular spots in the park, and it is easy to see why—it offers breath-taking views of the surrounding cityscape.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more challenging skate, try out the Lasker Rink instead.
Then, when you want to take a break from skating, there is always hot chocolate waiting at one of the nearby cafes.
Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
One of the most iconic Christmas traditions in New York City is the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Every year, hundreds of people gather to watch as the massive tree is lit up with thousands of lights. The event is free and open to the public, so it is the perfect way to enjoy some holiday cheer without spending any money.
Window shopping on Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, and it is especially festive during the holidays.
Even if you are not looking to buy anything, it is fun to window shop and people-watch.
You will also get to see some of the city’s most iconic department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, all decked out for the holidays.
Seeing the Nutcracker
For many, seeing the Nutcracker is an annual Christmas tradition, and there is no better place to see it than in New York City.
The New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is one of the most popular in the country, and it takes place at the Lincoln Center every year.
Tickets can be tough to come by, but it is definitely worth trying to get your hands on some.
Visiting Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that goes all-out for Christmas. Every year, the residents of Dyker Heights decorate their homes with extravagant displays of lights and decorations.
It has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, and it is definitely worth checking out if you are in the city during the holidays.
Taking a holiday cruise
If you want to see New York City from a different perspective, take a holiday cruise. There are a number of different cruises to choose from, but our favorite is the Holiday Lights Cruise.
You will get to see all of the city’s famous landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, all lit up for the holidays. It is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Seeing a Broadway show
No trip to New York City is complete without seeing a Broadway show, and there are plenty of great options to choose from during the holidays.
A few of our favorites include The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton. But no matter what you see, you are sure to have a great time. These are just a few of the many things you can do during the Christmas holidays in New York City. So, whether you are looking to get active or just relax and take in the sights, the city has something for everyone.






