A Magical Christmas in New York City: Iconic Highlights & Local Holiday Gems

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & ice skating: A must-see holiday icon that is a gorgeous beacon in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city—make sure to visit early or late to avoid the biggest crowds.

Brookfield Place ice skating: Want less crowds than Rockefeller Tree? Go to this spot that draws more locals than tourists and catch the amazing view of the skyline.

Brooklyn Williamsburg Winter Market: New market happening on weekends in December! Join fellow locals, young professionals, and holiday lovers at the lively holiday market filled with local entertainment, cozy vibes, and lots of joy!

Bryant Park Winter Village: A local favorite thanks to its free-to-enter ice skating rink, holiday shops, and cozy food stalls. Enjoy the winter village with local artists, warm bites to fill your spirit, and holiday magic while being surrounded by the city skyscrapers.

Holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue: Walk from 59th to 42nd to see NYC’s most elaborate and festive department store windows. Your jaw will drop at the intricacies and sheer size of some of the displays!

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City: A timeless NYC holiday tradition that dazzles with iconic choreography, gorgeous costumes, and the right thing to spark that Christmas cheer! Great option to do in the evening after a delicious dinner.

Dyker Heights Christmas lights (Brooklyn): Over-the-top neighborhood light displays—great for an evening activity after dark, with or without a guided tour. Make sure to grab a hot chocolate and pastry from Cozy Next Cafe while you’re there.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck: Stunning skyline views with the Empire State Building in perfect view. Pro tip: If you’re able to go around sunset, that is the perfect time to experience the views at their best.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Holiday Tree: See the famous Neapolitan Baroque crèche. Make sure to carve out a good chunk of time to explore all of the festive museum wings.

Staten Island Ferry: A free ferry you can ride out and back with beautiful winter views of the city skyline and the water. Pro tip: Go at sunset and see the Statue of Liberty with the sun setting as its backdrop as you ride back into the city.

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair: See not only the famed train terminal, but also experience an indoor, artisan-filled holiday market under the iconic constellation ceiling. Pro tip: Need a quick bite to eat after all that shopping? Head down the street to Los Tacos No.1 for some delicious tacos that hit the spot!

Grimaldi’s Pizza: The best you will ever have. This place will ruin all other pizza for you, so eat at your own risk. Pro Tip: Try the hot honey pizza—just enough kick, but sweet enough to not be overpowering

Russ & Daughters Café: Classic NYC bagels, smoked fish, and latkes in a historic setting. Again, bagels will be ruined forever but so worth it!

L’Artusi (West Village): Escape the cold and warm your soul with a bowl of handmade pasta and warm ambiance. The perfect place for you to start a cozy evening!

Katz’s Delicatessen: Iconic New York City deli, perfect for cold winter days. Pro tip: make sure you get the pastrami!

Kin Ramen: Small, cozy space, with amazing ramen to warm the soul. Due to its small size, there may be a bit of a wait, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time, because it is worth it!

Rolf’s German Restaurant: Famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations Make sure you get a reservation well in advance due to such high popularity.

Pete’s Tavern (Gramercy): If you’re not wanting to brave the wait for Rolf’s, Pete’s is one of NYC’s oldest bars, full of holiday warmth and history that will give you the same nostalgic feeling.

The Cabin in East Village: Wrap up your evening with a cozy drink at the Cabin. With cozy Nordic vibes, it’s a perfect place to welcome winter without the cold.