A Very Festive NYC Christmas Itinerary for 3 Days

Looking for a 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary? Here’s how to plan the perfect Christmas in New York itinerary, covering all the most festive holiday spots, along with the city’s most iconic attractions!

New York City at Christmas is absolutely magical, and there’s no other place quite like it.

I grew up watching scenes of Christmas in NYC on TV and movies, and it had always been a dream of mine to visit. While I’d been fortunate enough to visit NYC over 5 times, it took me a while to plan a trip in December.

When I finally got there, it was a dream come true. The Christmas spirit is alive in every corner of the city, with festive decorations and sparkling lights almost everywhere you look. Christmas in NYC is just on a whole ‘nother level, y’all.

There are so many amazing spots to visit in New York City, from the city’s iconic landmarks to the festive Christmas spots. You can easily spend a week here and not see it all – so how do you do it with only 3 days?

I put together this detailed 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary that includes some of the city’s top attractions, along with the best holiday spots. I wanted to help you experience the best of what the city has to offer during the Christmas season, even if you only have limited time.

So, keep on reading for the perfect New York Christmas itinerary, which covers the best Christmas decorations, ice skating rinks, and holiday markets, along with all the top sights and must-visit attractions. It’s also got tons of super helpful tips and everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip!

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A Few Things to Know When Planning Your New York City Christmas Itinerary…

• When do the Christmas decorations go up in NYC? You’ll start to see the Christmas decorations go up throughout the month of November, but it’s not until around Thanksgiving until the city starts looking like a festive wonderland. Also, the Rockefeller tree doesn’t get lit until the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. If you want to see it lit up in all its glory (which I highly recommend!)I recommend waiting to visit until then.
  
• It’s CROWDED: It’s NYC so I expected it to be crowded, but I don’t think I was prepared for exactly how crowded it would be during the holiday season. I visited on the first weekend of December, and it was absolute madness. I hear it gets even more crowded the closer you get to Christmas. There were times when I could barely move on the sidewalks because they were so packed with people. Next time, I’d visit during the week as I found it to be far less busy on a Monday. I also suggest in this NYC Christmas itinerary to  start your day early, as early mornings tend to draw fewer crowds.

• It gets chilly: The highs in December range anywhere from 20-60° F, but the average is 44°. Either way, it does get pretty cold at night – the average low is 31°, so be sure to wear warm layers and bundle up! Wearing a base layer underneath your clothes (these are my favorites) and then having a warm jacket on top really helps! 

• It’s expensive: I mean, it’s New York City and it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world. But I found hotel rates to be astronomical during the Christmas season, especially on the weekends. We saw places like the Holiday Inn going for over $500 a night! If you want to save money, consider visiting during the week or staying outside of Manhattan.
  
• Consider getting a New York Pass or a New York CityPass: Like I said, NYC gets pretty expensive, and the cost for attraction tickets adds up quick! To save money, I’d get one of these attraction passes, which include admission into some of the city’s top sights for one low price.
  
• Start planning early: Not only do accommodation prices tend to be lower the earlier you book, it’s also crucial to make reservations ahead of time for those super popular Christmas restaurants and popups.
  
• Prepare to walk a lot: NYC is very much a walking city. I always enjoy seeing a city on foot, as I feel like it’s the best way to get a feel for the city, and this is even more true in NYC.  I’ve designed this itinerary so that many of the attractions are walkable from each other. You’ll likely get a ton of steps in (I certainly did!), so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

The Perfect NYC Christmas Itinerary for 3 Days

DAY 1 (Midtown Manhattan)

Ice skating + Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is basically the hub of Christmas in New York City. You can’t spend 3 days in NYC at Christmas and not visit Rockefeller Center. It basically *is* Christmas in NYC!

I highly recommend coming first thing in the morning, as it gets super packed as the day goes on, especially on the weekends. I first came to Rockefeller Center on a Saturday afternoon, and there were so many people I felt slightly claustrophobic. I came back later on a Monday morning and had a much better experience.  

It’s home to one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world. The tree arrives every year sometime in November, and gets illuminated in a lighting ceremony that takes place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. After that, Christmas in NYC officially begins! 

Even after seeing it on TV year after year, nothing compares to seeing the lights of the tree sparkle in real life. It really is spectacular!

Definitely get up close to admire the tree, but be sure to also check out the view of it from the far end of the Channel Gardens. You’ll see it lined with bronze statues and the Christmas Angels, which line up perfectly in front of the tree.

Rockefeller Center is also home to one of the most famous ice rinks in the world. Skating here had been on my bucket list since I was a little girl, and it was surreal to finally be able to glide across the ice here, while gazing up at the sparkling lights of the majestic tree. Some people will argue that it’s overrated, but I disagree.

When skating here, I recommend booking the first time slot at 7am. Yes, the early wakeup call is kinda painful, but it will be worth it! First of all, the session only costs $21 (with another $12 for skate rental, but I ended up flying in with my own skates lol), whereas other times can cost up to $54. You can see the session times + prices and book tickets here.

Another reason is that it is far less busy when you skate early. It was nice to actually be able to skate without worrying about random people crashing into me. Since it wasn’t fully light out yet either, I feel like I still got to see the tree in all its glory.

The third reason is that you’ll find it much easier to take photos at this time. When I came in the afternoon, I found it almost impossible to take decent photos because there were sooo many people everywhere. When I was walking around after my skating session, there weren’t very many people around (and wished I had my tripod).

Getting an early start will also allow you to do more in the morning before the crowds arrive! 

Grab a bagel at Ess-a-Bagel

With the early wakeup call, you probably didn’t have time to eat breakfast. I recommend grabbing a bagel after your skating session. If you’re the type of person who needs to eat breakfast before doing anything else, then you can do this before you go skating.

New York has a number of iconic foods, but one of the ones you absolutely need to have is a bagel. Honestly, before the first time I visited NYC, I didn’t understand what the big deal about bagels was. I just thought they were these stale, dense, and rubbery, because that’s basically what supermarket bagels taste like.

Well, after trying an authentic NYC bagel, my life has been changed! The bagels here are like nothing you’ll find elsewhere, with a perfectly crispy outside and a pillowy inside.

Everyone has their own opinions about where to find the best bagels in New York City, but my personal favorite is Ess-a-Bagel. It usually ends up being my first stop after I hop off a red-eye flight into the city. The texture of the bagels here is absolutely perfect, and they have a variety of schmears and toppings to suit anyone’s taste.

They have a number of locations throughout the city, but the closest one to Rockefeller Center is about a 10 minute walk away on 3rd Avenue.

Top of the Rock

After grabbing a bagel, head back to Rockefeller Center. By this time, the Top of the Rock should be opening.

Of the 5 observation decks in New York City, my favorite is Top of the Rock. You’ll catch a panoramic view of the city from atop Rockefeller Center, which is situated right in the middle of the city and is one of the best Instagram spots in NYC. 

But the best part about Top of the Rock is that you get a picture-perfect view of the Empire State Building. I know that the Empire State is the most famous observation deck, but you can’t actually see it when you’re on top of it. You can get the best view of it from the Top of the Rock, which is fairly close to it.

I highly recommend buying your tickets ahead of the time to avoid waiting in any long ticket lines, especially as it tends to be crowded during the Christmas season.

There are 3 viewing platforms here. Most people will head to the main observation deck, but my personal favorite is the one that is perched right above it. You’ll get a top down perspective of the view, and many people totally miss it. If you get here early enough, you will likely end up having it to yourself for a few minutes.

Festive spots + storefronts of Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, known for its high-end boutiques and luxury department stores. While you might not be able to afford a shopping spree here, it’s definitely worth doing some window shopping here.

It’s also the most festive street in the city, as many of the luxury stores get decked out in extravagant decorations and window displays. It’s such a treat to walk down the street and check out all the storefronts, as it’s such a feast for the eyes! 

The best time to photograph them is in the morning. It gets so crowded here at night that it is almost impossible to get photos. It can also get so crowded that it’s hard to even walk down the street. 

From Rockefeller Center, I recommend going across the street and staring from Saks Fifth Avenue. From there, go north and stop at Cartier, the Peninsula Hotel, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman. You can also stop to check out the tree at Lotte New York Palace, which is a block off Fifth Avenue.

Pulitzer Fountain + the Plaza Hotel

After checking out the storefronts of Fifth Avenue, you’ll end up at the Plaza Hotel, one of the city’s most prestigious and iconic hotels. The Plaza has been featured prominently in a number of movies and TV shows, including Gossip Girl, Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle, and Eloise.

It’s also one of those quintessential holiday locations in the city, so you definitely should make a stop here on your Christmas in New York itinerary. 

If you feel like splurging, you can spend a night at the hotel and enjoy unparalleled luxury. They even have special Christmas themed rooms in the month of December. Do note that it will run you upwards of $2000 a night, though.

For the rest of us, we can just visit the hotel to see some of its Christmas decorations. Every year, there is a Christmas installation at the Pulitzer Fountain, located right behind the hotel. The theme changes every year – the year I went, it was polar animals skating around the fountain, another year it was giant light-up Christmas ornaments. 

If you wish, you can also sit down for afternoon tea, as the Plaza is known to have one of the tea services in the city They also have a special holiday themed menu as well, where you can enjoy seasonal teas, sandwiches, and desserts. 

Radio City Music Hall

The Radio City Music Hall is one of the most iconic performance venues in the city, as well as one of the most festive spots in the city. You’ll find some of the city’s best Christmas decorations, making it a must-visit on your New York Christmas itinerary.

First, there is a Christmas tree that sits right atop the sign, which sparkles with lights in hues of red and gold. When both the sign and tree are lit up, they just scream Christmas!

There are even more decorations across the street. First, there are some giant candy canes, which are just so fun. Right next to it are some jumbo sized ornaments that stand on the fountain. You can frame your shot so you have the sparkling lights from the Radio City Music Hall in the background, making some extra festive photos! 

Radio City is also home to the Rockettes, who put on their world-famous Christmas Spectacular, a beloved tradition for both locals and tourists alike. The show features the Rockettes and their high-kicking dance routines set to holiday music, with dazzling costumes and sensational stage effects.

Attending the show is one of the most popular things to do in NYC at Christmas, so if you’re planning to go, be sure to book your tickets early!

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is not only one of the city’s main transportation hubs, it’s also one of its most famous historic landmarks. It’s known as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, renowned for its Beaux-Arts architecture.

It’s definitely worth visiting Grand Central and admiring all the ornate architectural details. The station is also a prime spot to do some people watching, as it is always a flurry of activity, with over 750,000 people passing through it every day.

During the Christmas season, they also host the Grand Central Holiday Fair in the station’s Vanderbilt Hall. Here, you’ll find over 40 vendors selling everything from handmade ornaments, jewelry, bath products, knitwear, artwork, and more.

Times Square

Times Square is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. There’s no place quite like it, with the giant digital billboards and dizzying neon lights.

To be honest, I’ve never been a big fan of Times Square, as it’s such a tourist trap. It’s loud, crowded, and you’ll be hounded by googly-eyed mascots wanting to take a photo of you (for which you’ll have to pay for the privilege). They don’t even do anything special for Christmas.

I think it’s worth seeing at least once, because there’s nothing quite like the spectacle of Times Square. Even after visiting NYC so many times, I like to at least pass through the area for a quick look. But every time I’m there, I’m over it within a few minutes.

So, make a quick stop here to look at all the lights and billboards, but don’t spend too much time here. Trust me, there are much better places to visit in New York (especially during Christmas)!

Watch the light show at Saks Fifth Avenue

By this time, it should be around sunset, so head over to the flagship location of Saks Fifth Avenue, which puts on a holiday light show choreographed to music. It features a dazzling array of sparkling lights that illuminate the facade of the building, one of the most spectacular holiday displays in the city. 

The show takes place every 15 minutes or so from sundown until 11:30pm or so, from late November through the end of December. The show itself changes every year. 

The best place to watch the show is from across the street from the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center. You might want to stick around for 2 shows. Depending on when you arrive, there may already be a crowd, with people blocking your view. When people leave after the first show, you can move up to the railing for a better view.

Update: Saks has announced that the light show will not be taking place in 2024. TBD if it will come back in the future (leaving this here in hopes that it will *fingers crossed*!)

Warm up with a bowl of ramen for dinner

To me, there are few things better than slurping down a bowl of noodles on a cold day. So, the perfect dinner after a full first day of exploring NYC at Christmas is a bowl of hot, steaming ramen.

One of my favorite ramen joints is Ippudo, and there’s a location right on Fifth Avenue. Even though there are multiple locations around the US now (including back home in California), the first Ippudo locations in the country were in NYC, so I always end up getting it when I’m in the city.

They are known for their super creamy tonkotsu (pork) broth, which almost has a milky texture. I recommend getting it Akamaru style, which comes with their signature miso-based umami paste. You can also select the firmness of your noodles, and I prefer getting mine extra firm because it soaks up the broth really nicely. 

Along with ramen, they have a selection of appetizers and izakaya items as well.

Check out decorations again at night

After dinner, I recommend strolling down Fifth and Sixth Avenues again to check out all the festive decorations at night. 

I know you already went to see and take photos of them earlier in the day, but seeing them at night is a whole different vibe. There’s just something extra magical about them when they are illuminated.

Just know that it will likely be very crowded, so it will be very difficult to get good photos – which is why I told you to go in the morning!. If you’re absolutely set on trying to get amazing pictures at night, you can try shooting late at night (but I didn’t have that kind of energy haha).

DAY 2 (Central Park + Chelsea)

Central Park

No visit to New York City is complete without a visit to Central Park. While you won’t really find any Christmas decorations in the park, it’s still well worth a visit as it’s known as one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world (as well as one of its largest) – yes, even in winter.

The park spans 843 acres between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods, and you won’t see it all in one day. I still recommend visiting for a few hours to check out some of its main highlights.

One thing that I was pleasantly surprised about was that there was still a bit of foliage when I visited in early December! It was so lovely to be able to experience the Christmas festivities in NYC, while also being able to catch a glimpse of the red and orange hues of fall – it was like having the best of both worlds.

Central Park has its very own ice rink in the winter. The Wollman Rink is one of the city’s most unique skating rinks, as you’ll be able to glide across the ice while taking in the park’s natural beauty, while also gazing at the tall skyscrapers surrounding it.

At the southwestern end of the park, you’ll find the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, where you can do some holiday shopping. Here, you’ll find a variety of vendors selling everything from art, Christmas ornaments and decorations, jewelry, treats, and other unique merchandise.

If you’re hungry, you can enjoy some brunch at Tavern on the Green, one of the most iconic restaurants in the city. Many famous people have dined here over the years, and it boasts some amazing views overlooking the park. There’s also a beautiful Christmas tree in its courtyard.

Aside from that, you can check out some of the attractions and photo spots in the park. Some of the highlights include the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Gapstow Bridge, and Umpire Rock.

Indulge in a chocolate chip cookie at Levain

This is another one of those famous NYC foods that you have to try. The chocolate chip cookies at Levain Bakery are absolutely legendary. It’s one of those things I constantly dream about because they’re *that* good.

While there are a few other locations outside of NYC these days, I always have to stop by Levain every time I’m in the city (sometimes multiple times lol). 

What makes these cookies so special? First of all, they’re HUGE (I usually eat half and save the other half for later). They also have the perfect texture, with a crisp outside, and a gooey, chocolate-y inside – absolutely decadent!

The chocolate chip walnut is their original cookie and a classic, but their double chocolate is delicious as well (but *very* rich).

There’s a number of locations in the city, but the original location is located in the Upper West Side on W 74th Street, just outside Central Park. There’s also a second location in the Upper West Side on Amsterdam Avenue, and another on the Upper East Side on Third Avenue.

Empire State Building

After exploring Central Park, head back over to Midtown for the next few stops on this 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary, where we will be visiting one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. 

The Empire State Building is not only one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, it’s one of the lasting icons of New York City. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, drawing 2.5 million visitors a year.

It’s not only one of NYC’s tallest skyscrapers (currently the 4th tallest), and it’s viewable from many places in the city. It’s also one of the oldest – construction began in 1930, and took just 13 months.

The famous skyscraper has been featured in over 250 movies and TV shows, including Elf, King Kong, Superman, and that famous last scene of Sleepless in Seattle (one of my favorites).

While I prefer the view from Top of the Rock (mostly because, well, you can actually *see* the Empire State Building from there), there’s no arguing that this is an iconic symbol of New York City, and a must-visit attraction, especially for first time visitors.

During the Christmas season, the viewing platforms are decked out in trees, garlands, and other festive decorations, making it a worthwhile stop on a Christmas in New York itinerary.

There are two observation decks at the Empire State Building – an outdoor deck on the 86th floor, and a newly renovated 102nd floor, which has floor to ceiling windows. I recommend booking a combination ticket, which will allow you to visit both floors. 

I *highly* recommend booking your ticket ahead of time on GetYourGuide. This will allow you to not only skip long ticket lines at the entrance, it also has free cancellation in case your plans change, or if there is inclement weather.

Macy’s Herald Square

New York is home to a number of iconic department stores with amazing window displays, but Macy’s is one of the most well-known. It’s actually the first department store in the city to have a holiday display! 

The flagship Macy’s location on 34th Street in Herald Square is one of the most famous department stores in the world. It’s become kinda synonymous with Christmas – I’ve been seeing it on TV and hearing about it all my life, so I was excited to see it in real life.

Their holiday motto is “Believe,” and you’ll see it spelled out in a giant scripted font on the side of the building. It sparkles when it’s lit up at night. They also have elaborate displays, which often tell a festive story or have animated characters in the window.

In addition, Macy’s is home to SantaLand, where you can meet Santa, send him a letter, or shop for holiday merchandise. Santa has visited Macy’s since 1861, and the Macy’s Santa has even made an appearance in The Miracle on 34th Street.

Eataly

Afterwards, head over to Eataly, located near Madison Square. Eataly is a vibrant Italian marketplace, which brings together multiple concepts. You’ll find a market, restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, bakeries, and even a cooking school.

I love browsing the different stalls here, and looking at all the artisanal pastas, olive oils, specialty cheeses, pastries, and more. I can’t help but pick up  a few delicious things to take home with me.

While this isn’t the only Eataly around anymore, this one is the original. I’ve visited a few different Eataly locations, but the one in NYC is my favorite and I try to stop in every time I visit. There’s so much to look at (and eat), and there’s just something always going on here.

It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch, and there are a variety of eateries to choose from. Each of them focuses on a different aspect of Italian food at various price points, from grab-and-go counters to sit-down restaurants.

For an extra festive dining experience, consider going up to SERRA by Birreria. Located on the rooftop, the restaurant has a seasonal menu and decor. During the holiday season, the theme is meant to reflect the rustic charm of the Italian countryside and the Italian Alps.

Madison Square Park + The Flatiron Building

Just outside of Eataly is the Flatiron Building, another one of the most recognizable buildings in NYC. Completed in 1902 and characterized by its unique triangular shape, it was one of the city’s first skyscrapers. 

Also nearby is Madison Square Park, one of the best green spaces in the city. It’s home to a pretty Christmas tree, which hosted the nation’s first tree lighting ceremony over 110 years ago. It’s also home to the first Shake Shack location in the city.

Chill with a drink at 230 Fifth

New York City has no shortage of amazing rooftop bars, which are worth visiting even in the winter. During the Christmas season, many of these get a holiday makeover, with festive decor and seasonal cocktails.

While you’ll find plenty of holiday bars, many are so popular that it requires a reservation and/or a long wait. Since we were kinda last minute in planning our trip, we weren’t sure we’d be able to visit one, until our friend told us to go to 230 Fifth.

They are known for their heated clear igloos, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis (or by reservation with a minimum spend). We didn’t get to sit in one, because they were all taken by the time we arrived.

Still, it was nice to be able to chill with a warm drink (like a boozy hot chocolate), and enjoy the views – it has some impressive views of the Empire State Building! 

Chelsea Market + the High Line 

Afterwards, head over to Chelsea for the last few stops of the day. Your first stop here is the Chelsea Market, a food and retail marketplace located close to the southern end of the High Line.

The market features a variety of vendors with a global perspective, and is a fantastic place to shop for some unique holiday gifts. While not necessarily a Christmassy location, I did enjoy the decorations here, with trees, garlands, and string lights in a pink and red color scheme.

If you’re hungry, there’s plenty of food options here as well. One of my recommendations is Los Tacos No. 1. Coming from Southern California, I’m very picky about my Mexican food. So, I was skeptical when my friend recommended this place and said their tacos were some of the best she’s ever had. But after eating here, I have to say that they were pretty good – as good as the ones in Southern California, for sure!

One of New York City’s most unique attractions, the High Line is an elevated park and walkway built on former railroad tracks. You’ll find it dotted with garden areas, art installations, and some amazing views over the city.

The High Line stretches for nearly 1.5 miles from near Chelsea Market to Hudson Yards, which is the next stop on this New York Christmas itinerary. It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk the High Line, depending on how many stops you make.

Hudson Yards

Your last stop of the day will be Hudson Yards, one of the newest and trendiest developments in Manhattan. Hudson Yards is home to a number of office buildings, retail shops, and dining, along with a few interesting attractions.

First is the Shops at Hudson Yards, which had my absolute favorite Christmas decorations in the city. The mall gets decked out with over 2 million string lights, and it seems like every inch is covered in glittering lights. You’ll find them all along the railings, hanging from the ceiling, on the escalators, and even on the outside.

There’s also a giant balloon hanging from the ceiling, which changes colors every few seconds. The best place to photograph this is from the railing on the second or third floor. It’s such a pretty photo spot with all the lights, and if you set your camera to a wide aperture (or use portrait mode on your phone), it looks like the background is sparkling. It is especially beautiful at night.

Outside of the shops is the Vessel, one of NYC’s most unique landmarks. The honeycomb shaped building stands 150 feet high, and has 16 floors of connected staircases. Unfortunately, you cannot climb the Vessel anymore after a series of tragic accidents, but you can admire it from the base. There are lots of lights and trees, along with a smaller balloon, making it another great photo spot.

Another attraction here is the Edge. This is one of the newest observation decks in NYC, and is the tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. boasts a glass floor from over 100 stories over Manhattan, for a unique experience that gives you the feeling of floating in the sky.

If you plan to visit the Edge, make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time. This is especially true if you want to visit at sunset, which is known as the best time to visit.

DAY 3 (Bryant Park + Lower Manhattan + Brooklyn)

Bryant Park Winter Village

Start off your day at the Bryant Park Winter Village, another one of my favorite spots on this Christmas in NYC itinerary. The village takes over most of Bryant Park, and is home to an ice skating rink, and a European-style holiday market.

You’ll find over 100 vendors here selling unique Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, beautiful jewelry, food items, and much more. They also had some local New York themed items, which make fantastic souvenirs. 

The market here was my favorite in the city, because there were so many vendors selling cool stuff, and the glass “jewel box” huts were so cute! It’s not quite the same as the Christmas markets of Munich, but it’s the next best thing.

I also enjoyed skating at the ice rink here, which is slightly larger than the one at Rockefeller Center. I loved being able to skate right in the middle of the city, surrounded by tall skyscrapers – and you even catch a glimpse of the Empire State Building!

It’s free to skate here, but skate rentals ($19-55) and locker rentals are an additional cost. You’ll also need to make a reservation to go ice skating.

There’s also tons of food vendors at the Winter Village, with everything from dumplings, cheese curds, crepes, s’mores, cheese wheel pasta, raclette, and much more. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat and sample all the yummy things. 

You can even rent a private igloo to enjoy your food in. Each igloo costs $215-530 depending on the day and number of guests and you must make a reservation. It includes a carafe of hot chocolate or apple cider, one food item, and a side of fries.

At the least, I recommend grabbing a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Lodge, where you can hang out and watch people skate on the rink.

Union Square Holiday Market

After visiting the Winter Village at Bryant Park, head to Lower Manhattan to check out the Union Square Holiday Market. This is actually the largest holiday market in New York City, boasting over 160 vendors in an open-air, European-style marketplace.

The market mostly focuses on local makers and small businesses, who sell everything from knitwear, handmade toys, bath products, leather goods, jewelry, home decor items, specialty food items, and much more. It’s a fantastic place to shop for some local gifts and souvenirs.

In addition, there are a number of food vendors selling lots of delicious items, such as empanadas, truffle fries, pasta, ube mochi, waffles, baos, and much more. 

Lunch or drinks at a Christmas restaurant

New York City is home to a number of Christmas themed restaurants, at which you can dine surrounded by super festive holiday decor. 

While you will probably not have enough time to dine at all of them on a 3 day New York City Christmas itinerary, I recommend stopping at at least one of them to see the over-the-top decor and experience the holiday cheer!

Here are some of the holiday themed restaurants/bars to check out in NYC:

• Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: This is the closest to Union Square. Lillie’s is a Victorian-style pub that has extravagant decoration year round, but especially so around Christmas. They have a super cute window display, with a beautiful tree and lots of cool antiques. Note that there are two locations, but the one in Union Square is the one with the better decorations.
  
• Rolf’s: It’s Christmas year-round at Rolf’s, making it a super festive place to visit at any time. It’s especially popular at Christmas so it gets super crowded. It looks like Christmas exploded inside of Rolf’s, with tons of decorations everywhere you look! Reservations are necessary, but you might have to make them in person. Walk-ins can only stay in the bar area. The food is pretty expensive and mediocre here, but you’re coming for the vibes.
  
• Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde is another Victorian-themed bar with extravagant antiques and trinkets on display. It’s also known as one of the best whiskey bars in the country, with over 300 varieties, and has the longest bar in the city.  

Oculus + World Trade Center

After having lunch or stopping for a drink, make your way downtown to the Oculus. The Oculus is a transportation hub and shopping center built near where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. 

It’s also the most expensive train station ever built, with the project costing over $4 billion. The building has a striking design, resembling a giant steel bird about to take flight. It’s meant to symbolize the resilient spirit of New Yorkers.

I feel like most people don’t expect the Oculus to have anything Christmassy, as I certainly didn’t. However, there are garlands and wreaths hanging inside on the rails, and there is a small Christmas market with a handful of vendors and decorations to check out. At night, it’s illuminated by beautiful lights as well.

Afterwards, head outside to the 9/11 Memorial to pay your respects to the 3000 victims that perished on the tragic day of September 11, 2001. It’s a somber monument, but I think it’s an important one. It’s a powerful sight, and I couldn’t help but get emotional here.

For further reflection, you can also visit the 9/11 Museum. Here, you can hear powerful first-hand accounts of what happened on that tragic day. The museum also displays artifacts that were recovered from the site. 

Another attraction at this site is the One World Observatory. While you can enjoy some amazing 360 degree views of the city from the 102nd floor, I think the views from the Top of the Rock, the Edge, or the Empire State Building are better. But if you want was to check out the view, I recommend purchasing a skip-the-line ticket. 

Financial District

Afterwards, head over to the Financial District, located on the southwestern corner of Manhattan. This is the city’s oldest neighborhood, and offers some rich and interesting history as its financial and economic center.

A good way to make the most of your visit is to take a Wall Street Insider tour. This will allow you to learn more about the significance and history of all the buildings in the area, which you might not be aware of at first glance.

If you’re on a quest to find all the most festive spots in the city, do not miss the New York Stock Exchange. Just outside of the building, you’ll find one of the city’s most beautiful Christmas trees, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The building itself also get a festive makeover, being illuminated with red and green lights.

If you have time, you can also visit the Seaport District, another one of the best Christmas spots in the city. There is another beautiful Christmas tree here, as well as a few pop-up restaurants. The most notable one is at the Greens at Pier 17, which has glass cabins meant to resemble cozy chalets.

Brooklyn Bridge + DUMBO

When you are done exploring the Financial District, the rest of the stops on this Christmas in New York itinerary will be in Brooklyn. To get there, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the world.

It’s a short walk to get to the Brooklyn Bridge from the Financial District. You can easily Google the directions to get on the bridge, but the pedestrian entrance is near Printing House Square.

It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk the bridge, including photo stops. It will likely be crowded on the bridge, which is to be expected as it’s one of the most popular attractions in NYC. Also watch out for the cyclists on the bridge (stay in the pedestrian lane), as they can come out of seemingly nowhere out of blind corners.

Once you cross the bridge, it’s about 5-10 minutes to get to the waterfront. I recommend heading over to Brooklyn Bridge Park, from where you’ll enjoy amazing views of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. It’s especially gorgeous after the sun sets and the lights come up on the buildings.

Also nearby is the famous DUMBO viewpoint, where the Manhattan Bridge is framed perfectly by two brick buildings on either side. It’s one of the most iconic sights in NYC, and chances are you’ve seen it on Instagram before. You can find the viewpoint at the intersection of Washington Street and Front Street.

Dinner at Juliana’s

New York is famous for its pizza, and you can’t leave the city without at least trying one pizza joint. New Yorkers are passionate about their pizza, and almost everyone you’ll meet will have their own opinion about where to find the best pie.

One spot that is a favorite of many is Juliana’s. Owned by the former owner of Grimaldi’s (which is right next door), it’s known for its delicious coal-fired pies.

I’ve been to a number of pizza joints in NYC, and Juliana’s makes one of my favorites. The crust manages to be crispy yet doughy at the same time, and the toppings are fresh and complement it perfectly.

They have a number of signature pizzas, or you can customize your own. You can never go wrong with a classic margherita, which also happens to be their most popular.

It’s first-come, first-serve, and there’s always a long line, but I’ve found that it moves pretty quickly. 

Christmas decorations of Dyker Heights

The last stop of this Christmas in NYC itinerary is Dyker Heights, known as one of the best neighborhoods to see Christmas lights in the country. The residents of this neighborhood, located in Southwestern Brooklyn, all deck out their houses with over-the-top Christmas displays. 

While you’ll see Christmas decorations all throughout the neighborhood, you’ll see the best decorations on 11th to 13th Avenue, from 83rd to 86th street.

I ended up not making it out to Dyker Heights, mostly because it’s a bit of a trek to get there. It takes about an hour by subway to get to Dyker Heights from Manhattan, and it takes about the same amount of time from DUMBO. However, you can take an Uber if you prefer.

If you prefer, you can also book a guided tour from Manhattan, which takes care of the transportation for you. 

Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas

For this New York Christmas itinerary, I highly recommend staying in Midtown Manhattan. This will put you close to many of the best Christmas sights, along with some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This itinerary includes many sights in Midtown – you’ll spend at least some time there for all 3 days.

If you’re looking to save money, I found that staying in Lower Manhattan/Financial District had the best deals in Manhattan. Otherwise, you can also stay in Brooklyn or Queens. Note that you’ll need to factor in additional transit time, since most of the spots in this 3 day NYC Christmas itinerary are located in Manhattan.

Here are some suggestions for where to stay for your NYC Christmas trip:

Renaissance New York Midtown: This is where I ended up staying. I ended up scoring a relatively good deal on a deluxe room here and really enjoyed my stay! My room was super spacious (a rarity in NYC), had *super* comfortable beds, impeccable service, and an amazing view of the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. It was also a super convenient location, within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.

Springhill Suites Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue: I stayed here a few years back, and found it reasonably priced with a super convenient location, close to many top sights. The rooms are spacious and comfortable as well. My friends, who booked their hotel room earlier than I did, ended up being able to book for a very reasonable rate, even in the first weekend of December.

The Plaza: If you’re looking to splurge, then you can’t do much better than the Plaza! This is *the* quintessential NYC Christmas hotel, and it has made an appearance in many Christmas movies and TV shows. It has amazing Christmas decorations, and even has some Christmas-themed rooms for an extra festive stay!

More Travel Tips for Your NYC Christmas Trip

Weather in NYC at Christmas

Average December highs in NYC: 44° F / 6°C
Average December lows in NYC: 31°F / -1°C

Yes, December in New York City is chilly – but it’s not yet freezing. In fact, it’s not the coldest months of the year (those are coming in January and February), and it’s not as freezing cold as, say, Quebec City or Montreal.

And honestly, the temperatures can range from 20° F to the 60s, so definitely check the weather forecast before you go!

I didn’t find the cold to be too bad (this is coming from a lifelong California girl who *hates* the cold), but I would definitely pack a lot of warm layers! It does get pretty chilly at night, so be sure to bundle up.

Does it snow in NYC in December?

I know it’s romantic to imagine a white Christmas in New York City, but in actuality it’s pretty rare.

It only snows 1-3 days in the month of December (and some years not at all). If it does, it’s usually less than an inch of snow. The chance of snow increases towards the end of the month, but even then, December isn’t a very snowy month as a whole. 

Instead, you might end up encountering rain – the city experiences an average of 8 rainy days in December.

Getting to New York City

By Air

As New York City is a giant global international hub, flying here is super easy and there are tons of direct flights to almost every major city in the world.

There are 3 major airports in NYC:

John F. Kennedy International Airport(JFK): JFK is New York’s main international hub, located in Queens. If you are flying internationally, chances are that your flights will arrive at JFK. From here, there are a number of options for getting into Manhattan. First, you must take the Airtrain out of the terminals. From there, you can connect to the subway or a LIRR train. I’ve taken both ways, and have found that the LIRR is a bit faster, but slightly more expensive.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA): LaGuardia airport is also located in Queens, and is mostly a domestic airport, although it does also operate flights to/from Canada and a number of Caribbean destinations. It used to be a joke about how awful flying out of LaGuardia was, but they recently renovated it, and it’s actually really nice now! There is no subway line to get to LaGuardia, but there is a bus (the Q70 to Midtown, and M60 to Uptown), and I found it really easy to use. 

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Newark is actually located in New Jersey, but is still only about 17 miles outside of Manhattan. To get there, you can hop on the AirTrain and connect to a NJ Transit train, which will drop you off at Penn Station. Trains run every 15-30 minutes between 4 am and 2 am, and the trip takes about 40 minutes.

By train

If you’re traveling from the East Coast, it is fairly easy to get to New York City via Amtrak rail service. Amtrak also operates cross-country routes and service into Canada as well. Amtrak trains arrive at Penn Station. From here, you can connect to almost anywhere in the city via subway.

The city’s other main rail terminal is Grand Central Station, but this mostly serves regional trains.

Getting Around in NYC

Walking: Many of the attractions on this Christmas in NYC itinerary are clustered fairly close to each other, making it easy to get around on foot. It’s the best way to see and experience the city, and get a feel for it!

You’ll definitely be getting your steps in, so be sure to wear comfortable (and warm) shoes!

Subway: For anywhere you can’t walk to, taking the subway is the best way to get around. New York City operates one of the oldest and most extensive subway systems in the world. You can get almost anywhere in the city via the subway, and it’s one of the few subway systems that operates 24/7.

Each ride costs $2.90, regardless of distance traveled. You used to need to purchase a MetroCard, but you no longer need to – you can use the contactless payment app on your smartphone instead. 

My first time in NYC was before GoogleMaps was a thing, and I remember how overwhelming it was to look at a subway map,  as there are a dizzying array of subway lines criss-crossing in all directions throughout the city. However, I’ve found that looking up directions on Google Maps makes it fairly easy to navigate.

Just be sure to pay attention to the direction that the trains are going in before you hop on them, so you’re not wasting your time backtracking.

Buses: Buses operate similarly to the subway, and can even get you to some places that the subway doesn’t reach. It’s also usually the more convenient option when traveling east-west, as most subway lines travel north-south.

Taxis/Uber/Lyft: Honestly, it’s pretty rare that I’ve taken a taxi or rideshare in NYC, as I usually walk or take the subway. Even after visiting the city over 5 times, I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve taken a taxi/Uber/Lyft.

New York City is known for its iconic yellow taxicabs, and you’ll find them almost anywhere in Manhattan. Taxis can sometimes be cheaper, as they operate on a fixed pricing model and don’t have surge pricing.

Uber and Lyft also operate in NYC, and can be more convenient for trips involving locations outside of Manhattan. 

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: These tourist buses can be a fun way to see the city. While public transportation is usually faster to get from point A to point B, these hop-on, hop-off buses allow you to actually see the city, while also hearing commentary about what you’re seeing. 

Driving: Unless you absolutely have to, I’d avoid driving in NYC. The traffic is crazy, there’s tons of one-way streets, and it’s usually an overwhelming experience. If you have a car, park it in a garage and take public transportation to get around.

What to Pack for NYC at Christmas

• Base layers/thermals: I’ve been wearing the Uniqlo Heattech shirts for years, and they’re perfect for cold weather trips! I love that they are lightweight but keep you warm without making you sweaty and moist. 
• Warm Winter Coat: I wear a coat similar to this one, that has served me well on my winter trips.
• Puffy Jacket: For winter days that are less cold, OR as an extra layer of warmth under your coat. I recently got a Patagonia Nano Puff jacket and LOVE it – it is lightweight and packable, but super warm!
• Thermal tights or underwear: I packed a couple pairs of Uniqlo Heattech tights to wear under my pants.
• Winter Boots: You’ll want comfortable shoes that will keep you warm. I have a pair of winter boots from Columbia that I LOVE – they are sturdy, comfortable, and warm! Unfortunately, they were discontinued, but here is another similar pair.
• Fleece Lined Leggings: These are super comfy and warm. I ended up wearing these over my tights.
• Sweaters: For a warm, stylish layer. 
• Wool socks: I packed these and never once did my feet get cold.
• Leg warmers: Not only do they add a cute element to your outfit, they add another warm layer.
• Beanie: Keep your head warm and protected from the elements! I also packed a knitted headband to switch it up a bit.
• Warm Gloves: I recommend a pair that also allows you to use your touchscreen smartphone without taking them off.
• Scarves: I packed a thick infinity scarf, as well as a blanket scarf (my FAVE!).
• Hand Warmers: I was gifted some and I was sooo glad I had them! You can get the standard single-use ones, or a rechargeable one! 
• Power Bank: To keep your devices charged as you explore NYC at Christmas! The cold makes your battery drain faster, so this is a must. I never travel without my go-to power bank – one charge will give five full charges to your devices.
• Lotion: Winter weather tends to dry out your skin, so be prepared with some good moisturizing lotion!
• Lip balm: Same with your lips. Here is my favorite lip balm, especially for those winter months

Have you ever been to NYC at Christmas? What would you include on your Christmas in New York itinerary?

More NYC content you may enjoy:
22 Magical Things to Do in New York in December
Best Christmas Lights + Decorations in NYC
Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

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