New York City is possibly the best and brightest place to spend Christmas. The city offers a dazzling display of seasonal joy, starting from towering Christmas trees to plentiful window displays at department stores to numerous charming holiday markets. Here’s how to spend the most perfect Christmas in New York City and make the most of the holiday cheer.
The New York Botanical Garden
This place transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season, with glittering tree displays and the famed ‘train show.’ This year, it’ll showcase 190 replicas of city landmarks throughout its miniature version of New York.
Radio City Rockettes
Highly energetic and delightfully fun, the high-kicking Rockettes show is almost a century-old New York City Christmas tradition. The performers along with the catchy holiday tunes put up spectacular shows each year, which sell out very fast!
The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Head to Lincoln Center for even more song and dance and watch The Nutcracker. This annual performance of the classic show, by the New York City Ballet, will surely make you dream about dancing sugar plum fairies in your sleep!
Winter Village at Bryant Park
This is the best spot to experience all of the New York City Christmas in one place. Satiate your holiday shopping spree or indulge in flowing hot cocoa. And of course, lace up your skates and show off your skills at the 17,000-square-foot ice skating rink.
Holiday Markets
Browse for seasonal souvenirs and festive trinkets at the delightful Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Winter Village, Grand Central Holiday Fair, Union Square Holiday Market, and many more. If you don’t want to spend big bucks, just head for a window shopping sojourn at Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s for some lovely and festive window displays.
Dyker Heights
This Brooklyn neighborhood takes its holiday displays very seriously. You’ll find plenty of DIY-style lights to enjoy, hung up on homes and shops from after Thanksgiving, all December long.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
It’s the inevitable part of Christmas in New York City. Carrying the tradition of more than 80 years, the best and biggest tree in the city gets to lighten up Midtown each year. Throughout December, it gets lit daily between midnight and six a.m. and for 24 hours straight on Xmas day.
Perfect Festive Stays
Among the plethora of excellent hotels, there are a few that offer best-in-class indulging festive-special treats and services for both adults and little ones. These hotels are — The Plaza, Lotte New York Palace, St. Regis New York, Ritz-Carlton Central Park, and The Langham.