Things to do in New York for Christmas.

I can truly imagine appreciate why you used the term ‘magical’ in describing the atmosphere of New York City during the Christmas season. From everything I ever seen and heard, the entire city does such a wonderful job of all working together to celebrate the season and provide the best of Christmas cheer. I really do hope to get there one day to experience that magical time myself.

I’m not a big shopper, which is the only thing that puts me off about visiting NY at Christmas, that a lot of the attraction for many seems to be the Christmas displays and decorations in and around many of the famous stores. But I’d love to do the ice skating and walk around the city when all festive like this!

Inshallah. I shall visit magical New York some day during Christmas. Till then I have your descriptive post to fantasize and experience it with you.

I’ve lived right outside NYC my whole life. It is indeed a magical place at Christmas time!

I’ve never actually spent Christmas or NYE in New York, but can imagine it’s full on. The shopping is too tempting for me, because it’s never ending! I enjoy the window displays however, and would like to try the ice skating rinks too. The miniature buildings at the Botanical Gardens sound sweet!

I have fantasised about Christmas in NYC for quite a while now. Some day I will get there. Great post.

Thanks for sharing! NYC is also amazing in the autumn! It’s hard to have a favorite time to visit because there is something so awesome about each season! But yeah, Xmas in NYC is an amazing experience

New York is beautiful in all seasons. Festive times are always great to visit a city which is full of vibrant life. I loved how streets of New York are dazzled with Christmas lights and brimming with full festive mood. It must be great to see all hotel lobbies are having bejeweled Christmas trees. Thanks for sharing all details about celebrating Christmas in New York.

I absolutely adore the pictures in this post! Christmas in NYC has been something that I’ve been wanting to do ever since I say Home Alone 2. I want to skate in Rockefeller Center, watch the ball drop, and eat all the cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery. Everything you described just sounds perfect!

New York City at Christmas is truly magical. I love to see all the trees lit up and window decorations at the stores. I like watching people ice skate (I have weak ankles!) while drinking hot chocolate. This is a perfect time of year to see all those iconic NYC sites – Serendipity is my favorite (though it isn’t really about Christmas). Fabulous suggestions!

Wow! thanks for a sneak peek into New York’s Christmas. The city truly looks magical and that skyline is magnificent. Have seen it in so many movies but I want to see it with my eyes some day. This is a perfect guide. The walk along 5th avenue must be great fun i believe

Your entire post reminded me of every Christmas movie I’ve ever watched haha. So many take place in NYC over the holidays. I dream of going ice skating at Rockefeller center and see all the window displays at the iconic stores. This looks like a magical holiday, indeed.

I went to New York over the Christmas holidays a few years ago and it was such a fantastic experience! All those lights and decorations are truly beautiful and the city is surrounded by a super special atmosphere!

I’ve been to NY before but I’m desperate to visit again at Christmas time, it looks so magical! I love how everything is lit up and all of the decorations in the stores, they really go to town! Love your list of must-dos. For me, The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is high on my bucket list!

New York is a special city but Christmas in New York is so very magical. The window displays in all the shops, the lights, the ice skating. Everything is just so festive. Love all the great suggestions I had not thought about exploring all the decorated Hotel lobbies but that is a fabulous idea and also one that is free. Will need to do that next time I am in the city during the holidays.

I have seen the Christmas atmosphere in New York in some of the movies and would agree that it does look magical. Looking at the pictures here, it seems majestic. Good to know that New York is never closed during this time. Saks Fifth Avenue is unique and not seen decoration like this anywhere. I would go with you that Times Square would be a perfect choice to end Christmas holidays or may be .. go on till New Year 🙂 Have been to New York a few times and now definitely would love to see the Christmas in New York when we plan next!

NYC is indeed festive during the holidays! The touristy stuff is fun for sure for a first timer, but I’ve found the smaller Christmas markets to be my favorite thing to check out during the holidays in NYC. I love the overall vibe of the city during the holidays too – everyone tends to be a little happier and more friendly around the holidays. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Amazing!!! I only want to spend my Christmas in NYC and Berlin! You’re so blessed to be there and witness the icy cold NYC and stress-free people on the greatest time of the year! <3 have a great one!

Its always been a goal of mine to see simon doonan’s window displays for Barney’s but i honestly dont think i could take the crowds!

So beautiful!

Its always been a goal of mine to see simon doonan’s window displays for Barney’s but i honestly dont think i could take the crowds! Detroit has similar interests for me that are just as captivating, on a smaller scale. Do there still serve hot dogs on the street in December?

I was in New York recently for a week on holiday. It is such a big, busy and wonderfull part of the world. So much to see and do! I would love to see New York at Christmas time.

Ahhhh YES YES YES! As a NYC local, I have to agree- you nailed it! So many great places! And the SAKS show they now do on the building is another must-do! NYC really is so magical at Christmas!

I remember a friend who wanted to go to NYC during Christmas for skating in Rockefeller Center. Now I know why. It’s not for me, but I would like to stroll in Central Park and yes, like you said, hopefully it snows. Although I’m not into shopping, I will enjoy walking along Fifth Avenue just looking into the decorations and watching light display on Saks Ave will be a wonderful thing to do as well.

simply awesome

All the buildings and streets looks so brabeauti during christmas time! Shopping there would be so tempting, I bet. I loved the look of the fifth avenue with the lights, like from a movie scene. Thank you so much for bringing up the Christmas spirit, can’t wait for making up the Christmas tree!

I love NY on Christmas it’s so magical 💕

I’ve only been to New York once many years ago and i’m planning on visiting in the next few years again. i love Christmas and i love New York to be there during the festive season would be amazing.

I would love to visit New York before Christmas to see the lights, decorations and festivities! Skating would be top of my list! I think your top tips at the end were really useful.

I’ve only been to NYC once, and believe it or not, it was right before the Christmas holiday. I wasn’t there for Christmas Day, but that would have been awesome. I agree – going ice skating in Rockefeller Center is a must-do. I’m also not a huge shopper, but seriously who can resist Macy’s at Christmas??

These photos are incredible! Tiffanys! I’ve been to several, but the one in NYC is on my list. How beautiful is this place at Christmas?! You are right…you cannot go to New York and not get into the holiday spirit. I’ve always wanted to go there, and especially at Christmas time!

New York is such a beautiful city and Christmas is an amazing festival. Needless to say, the combination had to be great. And that reflects in all your photographs. I have been to NYC a few times but never during Christmas. But now I know what I have missed. I would love to see that tree at the Rockefeller center and those decorations at the Saks Fifth Avenue.

You are so right about it being a fairyland. I have heard so much about the Central park and the 5th avenue turning into a winter wonderland and with your pics, I see how true it is. You have been really lucky to have been able to see it. It is my dream to get there too during the festive season. Fingers crossed for it. Beautifully captured in words and pics

Wow! It is indeed magical! I haven’t been to the USA yet, so thank you for this fabulous virtual tour.
How is public transport on Christmas day in NY? In London, I was shocked to discover that its shut down!

As of late, so many people I know have been bashing NYC, especially at Christmas time! Thank you for restoring my faith that NYC is fabulous all year round! I have yet to get their during the winter months, but I would definitely like to ice skate at the Rockefeller Center and see the fabulous displays at Macy’s.

I am reminded of Home Alone as I scroll and read through the post and pictures. Fifth avenue looks beautiful and Newyork indeed looks majestic during Christmas.It indeed is a beautiful feeling to revel in the festive vibes of such a lovely city,

I was lucky to spend Christmas in New York a couple of years ago and I can say it was such a wonderful experience. I agree with you that it’s magical and it one of the best places to choose. The decors are really pretty and spending an afternoon in Central Park is love. I can’t wait to back soon.

Great post! I just did a similar one over on my blog, which you should totally check out when/if you get a chance! 🙂

I have been to New York but I definitely want to go back for Christmas to feel the magical vibe! Your photos look great! My dream would be skating at the Rockfeller. You said there are more around the city. Do you know where they are?

New York is truly magical during Christmas !!

NYC is the quintessential city for Christmas fun. It is pretty magical. I can’t wait to take my kids to the Radio City Music Hall show. And Rockefeller Center is a “must do” for sure. Love your fun photos. Thank you so much for sharing!

As a native New Yorker, I loved reading this to get the impression of my city from a foreigner. I couldn’t agree more. There is something special about the energy of the city during Christmas. Instead of shutting down, more people are out and about and there are more activities than at any other time in the winter season!

I couldn’t agree more with you. It is a helluva town… (as the famous song says).
I’ve spent a few winters there as well as 2 Christmases. My only complaint is having to carry your coat and scarf and hat around when you go indoors as all the shops have the heating up too high.

I love being in New York for Christmas, it’s a city that really comes alive over the festive season. I’d love hanging around Rockerfella centre with the iconic Christmas tree and the ice skating. Thanks for bringing back such great memories, I’d love to go again one year.