Curator’s statement
There's nowhere quite like New York City at Christmas. This city is near and dear to me, and the holiday season is one of my favorite times of year here—it's truly magical. So it's no surprise this is one of the most popular times to visit. Luckily, you don't need to be here on Christmas Day itself to soak it all in: the festive experiences and dazzling decorations are on display from late November through early January.
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Things to do in New York City
Bryant Park Winter Village
As evening falls, this midtown oasis glows with twinkling lights, cozy market stalls, and the buzz of skaters circling the free rink. Grab a hot cocoa and wander the rows of artisan vendors for the perfect introduction to the season.
The New York Public Library Christmas tree
Just behind Bryant Park, step into the library's Astor Hall to find a beautifully decorated tree framed beneath marble arches and chandeliers. It's a quieter, old-world moment of grandeur that feels straight out of a Christmas classic.
Dinner & jazz in the West Village
The winding, lamplit streets of the West Village feel like stepping into a snow globe, especially with brownstones decked out for the holidays. Settle into one of the neighborhood's intimate jazz clubs for a soulful dinner and live music.
MarieBelle in SoHo
Tucked inside this elegant chocolate boutique on Broome Street is a hidden cacao bar serving rich, velvety hot chocolate that's pure decadence. The shop is dressed to the nines for the holidays and stocked with beautiful chocolates and gifts—a cozy, festive stop for a sweet treat.
The tree at the New York Stock Exchange
Down in the Financial District, a towering, brilliantly lit tree stands against the grand columns of the NYSE. It's a more low-key but striking spot to admire holiday lights away from the midtown crowds.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
No NYC holiday trip is complete without seeing the iconic tree towering over the skating rink and golden Prometheus statue. Arrive early in the morning or late at night to beat the throngs and catch it at its most dazzling.
Fifth Avenue window displays & the Saks light show
The flagship department stores transform their windows into elaborate, theatrical holiday scenes worth strolling past one by one. Cap it off across from Rockefeller Center with the Saks Fifth Avenue facade light show, a dazzling display set to music.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The legendary Rockettes and their precision kick-line star in this dazzling holiday institution at Radio City Music Hall. If you'd rather, any Broadway show makes for a festive night out in the Theater District.
A stroll & skating in Central Park
Wander the park's quiet, snow-dusted paths for a peaceful break from the city bustle. Lace up at Wollman Rink for an unforgettable skate with the skyline rising beyond the trees.
The New York Botanical Garden Train Show
Up in the Bronx, model trains wind through a wonderland of NYC landmarks, all recreated from bark, twigs, and other natural materials. It's a magical, family-friendly outing that's well worth the trip beyond Manhattan.
Places to eat & drink in New York City
The Dead Rabbit
Rubirosa (Nolita)
A tight, loud, incredible Italian-American spot serving old-school family recipes, daily handmade pasta, and a thin-crust pizza that's the stuff of legend. Coming from an Italian family that always celebrated Christmas around the table, this is exactly the kind of place I gravitate toward. Book ahead, because everyone else loves it, too.
The Dead Rabbit (Financial District)
This award-winning Irish tavern dresses to the nines for the holidays and somehow outdoes itself year after year. Come for the festive decor, the genuinely great food, and the seasonal specialty cocktails.
Dante (West Village)
A buzzy, beloved spot for expertly made cocktails and Italian fare in the heart of the Village. It's a lively, convivial place to settle in during the season.
The Commerce Inn (West Village)
A cozy, charming restaurant tucked into the Village, perfect for a warm, intimate holiday meal. The Shaker-inspired American cooking feels especially comforting in the colder months.
Lavaux (West Village)
A sweet little Swiss chalet-style spot where you can cozy up with wine and cheese fondue—exactly the kind of food you crave during the season. It's warm, charming, and unmistakably festive.
Emilio's Ballato (Nolita/Lower East Side)
A more than half-century-old red-sauce institution serving classic Italian-American comfort food in a narrow, candlelit room lined with celebrity photos and vintage charm. It's old-school NYC at its best—no reservations and only a handful of tables, so arrive early and settle in for hearty meatballs, chicken parm, and all the nostalgia.
The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza is simply beautiful at Christmas, and the Palm Court is the place to take in its magical holiday scene over afternoon tea or cocktails. They've gotten stricter about non-guests, so a reservation is your best way to get inside and soak it all in.
The holiday markets
The open-air markets are an essential part of the season: the Union Square Holiday Market, the Bryant Park Winter Village, and the newer Herald Square market at Macy's. Wander the stalls for hot cocoa, festive bites, and one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors.
Need to know
At the end of the day, the real magic of Christmas in New York is just getting out there and immersing yourself in it. Yes, it's crowded, but lean into it. Hop on a ferry around Manhattan, glide under the bridges, and take in the skyline from the water. Get out and walk, because the decorations and Christmas trees aren't confined to the famous tourist spots—the entire city is dressed up for the season. Half the joy is simply wandering and stumbling onto something beautiful.
There are so many gems tucked away. Stop into the John Derian shop for its incredible collection of blown-glass ornaments and beautiful holiday finds. Stroll through Little Italy—it may not be where I'd go to eat, but Italians love Christmas, and the whole neighborhood turns festive this time of year. Duck into Ferrara for a cannoli while you're there. Catch a show, settle into a jazz club for the evening, wander Central Park.
That's the heart of it: Don't overthink it. Plan for the big icons, sure, but leave room to roam, follow the lights, and let the city's holiday magic find you.
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Tanya Sharkey
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