NYC’s Christmas Guide – Things to do in New York for the Holidays 2022

December is one of the most magical times to be in New York City – although it is also one of the busiest times and when the city is really crowded. Walking the streets, seeing the decorations, listening to a Christmas carol – all these things are extraordinary when you are here. It’s a unique experience! In addition to all the traditional things to do in the city, you can have an intense Christmas schedule. In this post, I’m gonna share a massive guide with things to do in the city at this time of the year!

To keep in mind: this post contains affiliate links – it costs you nothing more to buy for them and you support my work!

How is the weather in New York in December?

• Although winter only officially starts on December 21st, the weather definitely doesn’t feel like Fall. Expect temperatures between   0°C | 32F  to  6°C | 42F
• At the beginning of the month, the sun rises around 7 am and sets at 4:29 pm. This changes gradually until the end of the month, when the sun rises at 7:19 am and sets at 4:38 pm. So keep this in mind when organizing your activities!
• Over the first few weeks, expect averages between 0°C | 32F and 9°C° | 48F. Then, at the end of the month, you can expect standards between -2ºC | 28 F and 4ºC | 40F. And, of course, it feels like temps are always lower than that.
• How to choose the right winter coat – a complete guide! 
• Winter outfit: first and second layers guide!

Christmas Decorations

Stores & Malls

A free and magical thing to do at Christmas time in New York is to check out the windows of department stores in the city. It’s a show of beauty and extravaganza. Each year, the stores surprise the public with their creations. In addition, many of them offer special things to do for the season. Check it out below:

Macy’s Santaland

Located at Herald Square, Macy’s is one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists visiting NYC. For the Christmas season, in addition to the shop windows, visitors can also check out Santaland, the village of Santa Claus. A magical installation that is gonna please everyone, especially the kids. Remember that you need to schedule a time to visit Santaland and meet Santa Claus. It’s free and you can click here to make your reservation.

• Macy’s – 151 W 34th St.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous stores in the city and on Fifth Avenue – and it is one of the highlights in the city when it comes to the decor at this time of year. In addition to the shop windows, the entire storefront becomes a nightly attraction with the Theater of Dreams light show. It is too beautiful! The light show will run every 10 minutes between 4:35 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. through Jan. 3.  Shop windows can be seen at any time of day – but expect to find some crowds, as they are probably the most famous shop windows in the city.

This year, for the first time ever, the Saks light show has dynamic lighting displays that illuminate from within the windows and coordinate with the light show on the building’s facade. The show features a holiday medley of Elton John songs plus new LEDs and over 600,000 individual points of light.

• 611 5th Ave

Cartier

Another classic location when it comes to Christmas decor is Cartier. The store building becomes a huge gift – and this year the decor is different from the previous years, with more golden lights. A luxury!

• Cartier – 653 5th Ave.

Also, take note of two more department stores to check the Christmas windows:

• Bergdorf Goodman – 754 5th Ave
• Bloomingdale’s – 1000 Third Avenue

Plaza Hotel

You will find installations of larger-than-life, illuminated toys along Fifth Avenue from 51st Street to 59th Street. 

• 611 5th Ave – until January 7th.
• Remember that eleven blocks of Fifth Avenue — from West 48th Street to West 57th Street — will be closed off to traffic and opened only for pedestrians on Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 from noon to 6 p.m. 

Hudson Yards

It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive holiday displays in the city. More than two million lights, including 725 evergreen trees and hot air balloons displayed both indoors and outdoors. There are also seasonal events and experiences happening at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards – check here.

Columbus Circle

Holiday Under the Stars is the Shops at Columbus Circle’s Holiday installation, with 12 giant stars hanging from the ceiling. This is presented as the largest handcrafted exhibition of illuminated color displays in the world. Go to the second Floor to enjoy a daily 5-minute musical light show every half hour starting around 5pm.

Also, this year they brought back the annual Broadway Under the Stars, a free concert series held on select Wednesday nights throughout November and December. Guests get an exclusive chance to see performances with cast members from Broadway’s hottest musicals. Check the calendar!

• 10 Columbus Cir – until January 3rd.

Brookfield Place

This Christmas tradition at Brookfield Place in Downtown features dozens of colored lights emanating from hundreds of suspended lanterns. This interactive exhibit features three “wish stations” located on the Floor, which allow visitors to send a touch-activated wish to the lanterns, activating a magical display of lights and colors. Check out a unique light show every hour with Christmas carols from 8 am to 10 pm.

• 230 Vesey St – until January 2nd.

Westfield World Trade Center

The mall, also known as “Oculus,” in Downtown, brings back Oculus Holiday Market by Brik + Clik, located in the mall’s main hall. The decor is super cute, and you will undoubtedly get cute pics! Plus, they curated gifting ideas into six easy-to-shop categories.

• Through January 2nd.

Dyker Heights

This neighborhood is famous for the Christmas extravaganza – families here take Christmas lights seriously! There are thousands of colored lights in many houses, illuminating the streets, attracting many tourists to the area. The tradition began in 1984, and now the place attracts about 100,000 tourists every year who visit the neighborhood to check this decorating show.

To get there, you need to take the subway – D line to 79St station or R to 86th St. As the area is far away from the station, you need to take a bus – check out Google Maps – and get off at 13th Avenue. If you wish, there’s a special tour to visit Dyker Heights and other locations.

Parade on Rockaway

For 7 years Parade On Rockaway has brought Hope to Jamaica, Queens! After Hurricane Sandy, Jamaica, Queens needed a sign of hope and the Parade on Rockaway was born. Since then, every year (even when a pandemic hit) this parade has brought joy, hope, and Christmas to our borough. The event is going to take place on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and you can check more info here.

Christmas Trees

Rockefeller Center

Plus, you should also check these Christmas trees in NYC as well:

Things to do

Bronx Zoo Holiday Nights

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Bronx Zoo (@bronxzoo)

The park comes to life during the evenings with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The outdoor celebration is complete with festive entertainment, seasonal treats and classic holiday music. The walk-through experience is a beloved tradition, enchanting and fun for all ages. Check this video to have an idea of the event.

• Until January 9th. Buy tickets.

Lightscape

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Brooklyn Botanic Garden (@brooklynbotanic)

This holiday season, explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden like never before at the after-dark, illuminated spectacular Lightscape. Join with family and friends to celebrate the beauty of nature in winter on this enchanting trail animated by a curated soundtrack and over one million dazzling lights. Discover international showstoppers like the Winter Cathedral tunnel, Fire Garden, and Sea of Light, as well as new works by local artists, including a series of poems by celebrated author Jacqueline Woodson written in light. Check this video to have an idea of the event!

• Until January 8th. Buy tickets.

Amaze Light Festival

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Amaze Light Festival (@amazelightfestival)

A light show with millions of state-of-the-art lights across more than 50,000 square feet, Arctic Express train rides, tubing and performances every 30 minutes are some of the attractions of this festival that also features food and gift vendors.

• Until January 8th. Tickets here.

Where to meet Santa in NYC

If you have kids and you want them to meet with Santa, here are some suggestions

• Hudson Yards – Level 4, near Zara – check dates and times 
• Plaza Hotel – lobby – check dates and times – see Santa Claus is Coming to Town
• Macy’s Santaland – check dates and times.

More Holiday Experiences

Papillon Bistro & Bar

This French restaurant has amazing Christmas decorations. The food is ok, so I would recommend going for a drink and maybe ordering an appetizer – and, of course, enjoying the beautiful decor. Check the website for more details.

• 22nd and 54th St.

Oscar Wilde

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Oscar Wilde (@oscarwildenyc)

I absolutely LOVE this bar! It is probably the most beautiful bar I’ve ever been to in New York City! The arts and objects collection used in the decor are from different parts of the world like Paris and London. The highlight here is the craft cocktails selection. I recommend Hotel D’Alsace, with gym and lavender extract. The food bites are also really good – loved the truffled arancini. And they change the decor every season and now it’s all about Christmas.

45 W 27th St.

Santa’s Secret

A vintage speakeasy with a live band and a jaw-dropping variety show plus Santa’s holiday cocktails and fresh sushi from the North Pole. More information on the website.

Peninsula Hotel

The fancy Peninsula hotel has this stunning Holiday rooftop. Chalet de Ning is comprised of two chalet-inspired domes furnished with stylish interiors and a freestanding chimenea to keep everyone warm and cozy. You can enjoy a carefully crafted menu featuring specialty cocktails and seasonal dishes inspired by the Engadin region of Switzerland. Check the website.

• 700 5th Ave Floor 23

Ready Rooftop

 

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This year, the theme of Ready Rooftop’s seasonal pop-up is Holiday Disco. See the video above. Information and reservations.

Watermark Winter Wonderland

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Laura Peruchi | NYC Blogger (@laura_peruchi)

Watermark Winter Wonderland is an outdoor holiday experience perched at the end of the beautiful Pier 15. Enjoy amazing waterfront views, warm seasonal drinks, holiday decorations and more with friends and family! It features heated glasshouses, holiday lights, and treats like hot chocolate, hot cider, fondue, and s’mores! Check their Instagram page for reservations and more info @watermarkny – remember you have to pay to reserve one of the glass houses.

Holiday Performances

Rockettes

A classic performance! Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes or just Rockettes premiered in 1933 and has been running every year since then. It is a celebration of Christmas, bringing together beliefs, fantasies, and imaginary stories related to the holiday. There are several performances with exciting music. The orchestra is amazing and their work makes all the difference in the experience. Performances until January 2nd. Tickets.

Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in New York City. The special Holiday concerts will take place at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.

• Buy your tickets

Big Apple Circus

A New York City beloved classic. Produced by Michael Cohl, Arny Granat, and Nik Wallenda, and directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, Big Apple Circus, this all-new production features Guinness world record holder, daredevil, Nik Wallenda and his fearless family of highwire walkers.Plus an international company of gold-medal-award- winning, world-class circus artists from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Germany, Russia, and the United States join the Wallendas in this reenergized, reimagined, and reinvigorated production of circus artistry. Until January 1st. Buy tickets.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por 𝓒𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝑿𝑰𝑽 (@companyxiv)

Austin McCormick and his neo-baroque theater and dance group Company XIV present an erotic reimagining of the classic tale, featuring circus performers, opera singers and partial nudity. Buy your tickets.

Big Band Holidays

Every December, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis brings this holiday extravaganza to Rose Theater for a series of sold-out performances. With soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, Big Band Holidays is an uplifting tradition enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to some swinging JLCO instrumentals and music direction by JLCO trumpeter Marcus Printup, special guest vocalist Alita Moses joins the band each season for imaginative new versions of classics like “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” “What Child is This,” and “Jingle Bells.” From December 14th to December 18th. Buy your tickets.

Handel’s Messiah at Riverside Church

The Messiah of Messiahs! Dazzling vocal solos, instrumental fireworks, and splendid choral writing combine to make this oratorio the musical crown of the season. Grammy-winning Baroque specialist Jeannette Sorrell conducts the Philharmonic in the Neo-Gothic glory of Riverside Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Performances between December 13th and December 17th. Buy your tickets. 

Holiday cruises

Classic Harbor Line promotes several Holiday cruises during this time of year. Cruises are made aboard a luxury motorized yacht, with plenty of stability. As a relatively small yacht, the tours are more intimate and less crowded than other tourist cruises.  For this Christmas season, the yacht’s main cabin will be warm, cozy, and decorated.

• Holiday Brunch cruise –  On this 2.75 hour cruise, you will completely circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan (passing under all 18 bridges) while taking in picturesque views from our glassed-in observatory. The ticket includes a three-course prix fixe menu served at your private table. On Sundays. $124 per person. Reserve your spot.
• Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise -a exceptional warm and cozy cruise tailored for friends, family, and all your loved ones during the Holiday Season. 1.5-hour cruise to see the New York City lights while you enjoy delicious Hot Cocoa, Cookies, and treats. Reserve your spot.
• Holiday Jazz Cruise – another special warm and cozy cruise tailored for friends, family, and all your loved ones during the Holiday Season.  1.5-hour cruise to see the New York City lights with live Holiday Jazz Trio while enjoying Champagne, Hot Cocoa, Cookies, and treats. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Reserve your spot.

Holiday Markets

Holiday markets are also a great choice during this time of year. You’ll find treats such as donuts and hot chocolate, gifts and decor items – and, of course, experience that unique Holiday atmosphere!

• Union Square Holiday Market – Until December 24th. Monday-Friday – 11am-8pm. Saturday 10am-8pm. Sunday 11am – 7pm.

• Winter Village Bryant Park – Until January 2nd. Monday-Friday 11am-8pm. Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm.

Christmas Mass – st. Patrick

St Patrick Cathedral will have some celebrations for Christmas and New Year. See below and check details here.

Christmas Eve – December 24th 

• 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM,12:00 Noon, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM (No ticket required)
• Christmas Eve Family Mass, 5:30PM – (No ticket required)

Christmas Day – December 25th                                   

• Midnight Christmas Mass, 12:00 AM – Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Celebrant (Ticket Required)*
• Christmas Day: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 12:00 Noon, 1:00 PM, & 4:00 PM (Spanish), 5:30 PM (No ticket Required)

New Year’s Eve – December 31st

• 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM,12:00 Noon, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM (No ticket required)

New Year’s Day – January 1st

• 8:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 5:30 PM (No ticket required)

Christmas Cruises – lunch | dinner

City Cruises offers some cruises for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Boats depart from Chelsea Piers (23th Street & 11th Ave).  You will have views to Midtown, including Empire State Building, besides One World Trade Center, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge – and, of course, the Statue of Liberty.

• Christmas Cruise – dinner – December 24th – 2h30 min cruise | Delicious dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts | Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water | Live Music | Holiday Decor. Price: starts at  $139,90 per person. Click here to reserve your spot!
• Christmas Cruise – dinner – December 24th – 2h30 min cruise | A three-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service | Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water | Live Music | Holiday Decor. Price: starts at  $161,90 per person. Click here to reserve your spot!
• Christmas Dy cruise – brunch – December 25th – 2h30 min cruise | Delicious dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts | Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water | Live Music | Holiday Decor. Price: starts at $105 per person.  Click here to reserve your spot!

Restaurants for Christmas dinner or lunch 

 

OpenTable always has an unique Christmas page with restaurants open for dinner and lunch – but they haven’t published that page yet. I’ll keep an eye, and I can update this post later with some options. But at the end of the day, all I do is open these websites, search, and then copy and paste. That said, I think the best person to pick a restaurant for Christmas Eve or Christmas lunch is yourself. You know your budget and your preferences, so my suggestion is to check OpenTable and Resy and browse the options there – I don’t even need to reiterate that reservations are essential, right? Filter by the type of food you like. Keep in mind that prices per person for this date start at a minimum of $100.

Also, check what it is open for Christmas:

Some ticketed attractions open on December 24th:

• American Museum of Natural History – Click here to buy your tickets.
• MET – Metropolitan Museum of Art – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Statue of Liberty – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Top of the Rock – Click here to buy your tickets.
• One Wolrd Observatory – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Empire State – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Edge – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Summit – Click here to buy your tickets.
• MoMa – Click here to buy your tickets.
• RiseNY – Click here to buy your tickets

Some ticketed attractions open on December 25th:

• Top of the Rock – Click here to buy your tickets.
• One Wolrd Observatory – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Empire State – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Edge – Click here to buy your tickets.
• Summit – Click here to buy your tickets.
• RiseNY – Click here to buy your tickets

I hope you enjoyed this post! I dedicated many hours of work to this content – please support my work! Whether using affiliate links or sharing this post! 🙂