As the days grow shorter and the weather gets colder, thoughts of Christmas begin to fill our minds. For many, that means planning a trip to New York City to see all the wonderful holiday attractions the city offers. If you’re one of those people or just curious about what’s out there, here is a list of ten must-see Christmas attractions in NY City.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the biggest and most famous of all NYC holiday attractions. Each year, a new massive evergreen tree is adorned with thousands of festive lights for visitors to admire.
- Radio City Music Hall: Another classic New York City holiday tradition is the annual “Christmas Spectacular” show at Radio City Music Hall. The dazzling show features the legendary Rockettes dancing and singing all your favorite Christmas carols.
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Seeing the iconic balloons of Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is a must-do holiday activity in New York City. Every year, families line up along Central Park West to watch the parade, which features marching bands, Santa Clause, and more.
- Holiday Markets: If you’re looking for unique gifts for your loved ones or simply want to pick up a few souvenirs from your trip, New York City is home to several holiday markets throughout the season. Choose from handcrafted items like ornaments, jewelry, and artwork.
- Dyker Heights Lights: Every year, the residents in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood decorate their homes with outrageous holiday displays of lights, giant Santa Clauses, and more. The spectacle is a must-see for Christmas lovers in the city.
- Holiday Train Show: The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is another popular holiday attraction in the city. The show features dozens of iconic New York City buildings and landmarks made entirely out of natural materials like bark, leaves, and even mushrooms!
- Bryant Park Winter Village: Skate circles around your friends at Bryant Park’s winter village. The outdoor rink is open all season long and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Afterward, peruse the vendors selling handmade crafts and gifts from around the world.
- Winter Lantern Festival: If you’re looking for an enchanting experience this holiday season, check out Snug Harbor Cultural Center's spectacular Winter Lantern Festival. The festival features dozens of dazzling lanterns, sculptures, and installations that light up the harbor in a beautiful winter wonderland.
- Holiday Window Displays: Every year, department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue get into the holiday spirit by decorating their storefront windows in spectacular fashion. Take a stroll down Fifth Avenue and admire the creative scenes that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
- Holiday Lights Tour: New York City is known for its breathtaking skyline, and there’s no better way to take it all in than on a holiday lights tour. Hop aboard a boat or hop on a ferry and get ready to be dazzled by the city’s most iconic landmarks lit up in their holiday best.
So bundle up, grab your friends and family, and enjoy all NYC offers during the holiday season! But before anything, let's get through the main steps in how to organize your holiday trip to New York:
- Book flights and accommodations in advance. To get the best deals and make sure you have a place to stay during your trip, it’s important to book flights and accommodations in advance.
- Choose a central location for easy access to different attractions. Do yourself a favor and choose a central location in Manhattan that can get you to different attractions quickly and easily.
- Have an itinerary planned out? To make the most of your trip, it’s important to have an itinerary planned out ahead of time, so you don’t miss any of the must-see holiday spots in New York City. A professional NY car service can provide reliable and comfortable transportation to different attractions.
- Budget accordingly. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your holiday trip, and stick to it! There are plenty of free or discounted activities available in the city, so be sure to check those out as well.
- Pack warm clothes and comfortable shoes for all your activities during this magical season! It’s important to be prepared for the cold weather and the long walks that come with sightseeing in New York.
- Don’t forget to check out the local restaurants, food carts, and bars for delicious bites and drinks. All the walking will surely leave you hungry and in need of a good meal.
- Take lots of photos along the way and share your experiences with friends and family. Everybody loves to see the beautiful sights of NYC during the holidays, so make sure you capture those memories.
- Most importantly, enjoy yourself! This is a special time of year to be in New York City, and it’s important to appreciate all this city offers during the holiday season.
There’s no better way to celebrate the holiday season than in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. So come and explore all the amazing things that New York City has to offer this time of year — you won’t regret it! Happy Holidays!
Happy planning and safe travels! Enjoy your holiday trip to New York City!
