New York City isn’t just the “Big Apple” anymore. Around this time of year, the abundance of things to do in NYC for Christmas make it one of the biggest hubs for holiday happenings in the country.
Festive displays and activities fill its many streets and boroughs, making for magical destinations among young and old, locals and visitors alike. With so much holiday cheer to choose from, how does one decide which NYC Christmas events to entertain?
Enjoy all of the reasons that make this season so merry and bright, without forfeiting any of your favorite things. These 15 Christmas things to do in NYC scratch every type of holiday itch you could possibly have—and just might add a few new holiday traditions to the mix as well.
1. Sail With Santa
Sail down the East River with the big man himself! Your kiddos won't believe their eyes as you step aboard a triple-decker boat adorned with festive ornaments and holiday trimmings. With the help of friendly elves, you'll create festive crafts, listen to holiday stories, and enjoy a delicious treat. For the grand finale, you'll snap an unforgettable photo with Santa Claus.
2. Deck the Halls: Holly-Jolly Christmas Tree Shopping
Renowned tree dealers offer countless locations to visit throughout the 2023 holiday season in downtown Manhattan and surrounding areas. This makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon full of fun NYC Christmas events in various neighborhoods, then top the day off by scooping up a tree as you head home.
No time to shop for a tree, with so many other festivities to juggle? Plenty of companies will deliver a tree straight to your door—they even do all the decorating for you! Check out SoHo Trees, Greg’s Trees, Queens Country Farm Museum and more.
3. Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Brunch with Santa!
Feast to your heart’s content at one of the best New York holiday events that Brooklyn has to offer! Featuring a full buffet spread and plenty of activities to keep kids busy, there’s no better way to put some ho-ho-ho into your holiday season. Unless, of course, you’re an adult enjoying the brunch’s bloody marys and mimosas. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance at whichever hot spot you attend—this event is ever so popular among the merry masses!
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4. Experience a Holiday Tradition: A Christmas Carol
Of all the things to do in NYC for Christmas, watching Dickens’ timeless holiday classic comes to life on stage should be at the top of the list. Often shown at multiple venues or even delivered as a one-man show, audiences never cease to embrace this treasured Christmas tale. In addition to the theatrical entertainment, audiences can typically also enjoy mulled wine and light fare (though this option may vary across venues). Scope out listings to see where it's being performed near you!
5. Find Festive Photo Opps: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Beyond
On the hunt for the ideal Christmas photo? A 78-foot, 10-ton Norway Spruce, adorned with over 48,000 LED lights that twinkle with holiday delight, makes the perfect backdrop! Venture over to Rockefeller Center, where the magic of the holidays meets the modern day world.
Snap photos or strap on some ice skates beside this iconic holiday landmark. Warm up over a cocktail nearby, keeping your eyes peeled for an ongoing element of New York holiday events: giant, ornament displays placed throughout the city that are very deserving of sharing on social media.
6. Give a Show a Standing-O: Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
Just as its name implies, marvel at one of the most spectacular things to do in NYC for Christmas at Radio City Music Hall! Since 1933, the Rockettes have been wowing audiences with breathtaking tap dancing choreography, glittering costumes, high kicks, and (believe it or not) live camels onstage. Intrigued yet? This is your chance to see it all for yourself, so don’t miss out! Shows run November to January at Rockefeller Center.
7. Ice Skate on Not-Just-Any-Rink: The Rink at Winter Village
Nothing beats a bit of free fun—especially when it comes to New York holiday activities. Strap on your ice skates for 17,000 square feet of gloriously smooth gliding at Bryant Park. The Rink is open late, which also makes for a great date night idea. (No skates? No problem—rentals are available for an added cost.)
8. Indulge in Christmas Cookies: Milk & Cookies Bakery
A list of must-do NYC Christmas events simply wouldn’t be complete without taking a page from jolly ol’ St. Nicholas’ book. Head to this mouth-watering West Village shop for the snack of the century, and treat your taste buds to some magic. The tempting smell of freshly baked deliciousness will entice you into the bakery’s doors, faster than you can say, “Jingle bells!”
9. Marvel at Dazzling Light Displays: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Picture this: All of your favorite holiday characters get together to rock around the Christmas tree together. It’s a safe bet this incredible exhibit is exactly what such a festive occasion would look like. Expect to be merrily inundated with dazzling lights, blasting carols, inflatable displays, and décor galore!
If all of the things to do in NYC for Christmas haven’t already filled you from head to toe with the holiday spirit, this will certainly do the trick. Dates vary in November thru January, so check before you go!
10. Pay It Forward: Volunteer in NYC
In a huge city like NYC, there is a lot of holiday cheer surrounding the Christmas season. But also a lot of folks in need—in need of a meal, a cozy coat and hat, or even a warm smile or kind conversation. Make some time for others this year. Resources like NewYorkCares.org provide great referrals to fit the way you’d like to lend a hand to New York holiday events, fundraisers, and causes this December.
11. Run, Run as Fast as You Can: Santa Suit 5K
This annual Christmas event in NYC at Rockaway Beach is just as it sounds. Get outside of the hustle and bustle of mainstream Manhattan, wearing your merriest running gear! Take to the terrain of Brooklyn or Queens on your weekend of choice for a 5K that’s over-run by red. After all, raising that heart rate a little will relieve any guilty about all those tasty treats from Milk & Cookies you’ve devoured. Then you can go eat more. The run is usually held in early December, so scope out registration and event details ASAP!
12. Shop ‘Til You Drop: Christmas Shopping in New York City
If online holiday shopping isn’t quite your cup of eggnog, one of the grandest things to do in NYC for Christmas is head to the Big Apple’s most impressive department stores. Don't miss Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, and more. As an added bonus, you can check out the festive holiday window displays that adorn Fifth Avenue.
13. Sing Christmas Carols: Holiday Brass Concert
The sweeping sounds of Christmas carols in stores and throughout NY subway stations are inevitable during the holidays. But for those who prefer to sit back, relax with a formal performance, you best join the NY Philharmonic Brass and Percussion for an afternoon of joyful tunes! Sing along to traditional Christmas and Chanukah tunes, and tap your feet to the beat of pieces by Mozart, Gabrieli, and more. This event is generally held annually, featured at the charming David Geffen Hall.
14. Visit the Big Man in Red: Santa at Macy’s
Once the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has wrapped up and Santa’s made his big return to New York, take the kiddos to meet him in person! It’s bound to be one of the most magical things to do in in NYC for Christmas that they’ll never forget. Be greeted by elves as you make your way into Macy’s “Santaland”—where the young’ns won’t be the only ones who can’t believe their eyes!
Wander through an enchanting atmosphere of twinkling trees, brightly-wrapped gifts, sparkling lights, holiday characters, and whimsical winter décor. Snag a snapshot and buy a keepsake photo package. Be sure to plan accordingly, as this NYC Christmas event is extra-popular among crowds. And catch him before he heads back to the North Pole on December 24th, to prep for his big delivery night!
15. Walk in a Winter Wonderland: Union Square Holiday Market
Join over 100 local vendors as they begin their annual spread of shopping cheer! Browse jewelry, food, artwork, and countless handcrafted goods. Daily activities include shopping, live music, warming station, kids’ craft studio area. A special kickoff celebration is usually scheduled for the end of November, offering guests portraits, treats and more!
Looking for more NYC holiday events, that double as great gifts any time of year? Look no further. Experience some of the best things to do in NYC for Christmas and beyond with Virgin Experience Gifts!
