From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
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Jennifer Wolfe
US

Jennifer

United States
Jan 2026

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The ferry ride and self guided tours of the SOL and Ellis Island were fun. Disappointed that the ticket did not include the pedestal. I thought when I read before booking included the pedestal. The Edge was great yet windy and cold.
Richard Martinez
US

Richard

United States
Jan 2026

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Edge NYC was unforgettable: stunning views, thrilling glass floor, smooth entry, and a skyline moment I'll never forget.
Valerie Kuzmar
CO

Valerie

Colombia
Jan 2026

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It was wonderful from the moment I walked in, the logistics were fantastic. Everything was very well organized; you get on the elevator and it has sounds that make you feel like you're floating up to the 92nd floor in an instant. The view of NYC is spectacular! And playing with the balloons is simply amazing. I would definitely do it a thousand times over! Guaranteed fun!
Helen McMulkin
GB

Helen

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

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Booking was easy did from England Communication , emails from head out very good Summit one was amazing Very organised , Amazing views , great photo opportunities . We had a very Bright clear day . Empire state at night was magical it was quiet , clear views , the art deco building and history fab , staff dressed in 1920's Uniforms Would definitely recommend head out to book with and do both experiences Thanks
Thomas T Domitrovich
US

Thomas

United States
Jan 2026

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+1 more

Elevators operated perfectly. Employees were friendly and informative, especially on the top. Listening to the Empire State Building employee on the 102 floor talk about the area around us was so interesting. He knew his stuff, very good! I could have stayed and listened for hours. The building was super clean, love that. Worth every dollar, we had a wonderful time
Matej SUBA
AU

Matej

Australia
Jan 2026

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The weather was perfect! Views and chill in the air, absolutely breathtaking views of NY from above! Loved it! Wasn't too crowded!
Erick Espinoza
US

Erick

United States
Jan 2026

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While waiting in line in the cold seemed like it was going to be painful, Wollman Ice Rink had outdoor heaters for people waiting in line to stay cozy! Everyone was super friendly from the staff assisting in line to the people handing out skates! Will definitely be coming back to Wollman Ice Rink!
Chris Hubble

Chris

Jan 2026

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So much fun! The rink is well serviced and well organized, allowing you to focus on the experience and time with family.


Christmas in the Big Apple is truly one of those experiences you have to have in your lifetime. The unsleeping city of New York is pretty magical all throughout the year, but during Christmas, the city shines brighter than ever with festive cheer and joy. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in New York at Christmas, here are some things you have to partake in.

Why spend Christmas in New York

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World-class holiday shows

From holiday-themed Broadway performances, to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the legendary Rockettes, holiday shows in NYC are an unforgettable experience.

Magical decorations and lights

Stroll down Fifth Avenue to admire intricate window displays and festive lights. Don’t miss out on the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree draped in thousands of lights.

Snow covered NYC

Snow is common during Christmas in New York, which has the whole city feeling like a picture-perfect yuletide setting.

Festive dining experiences

A food walk across the city during Christmas is the perfect way to indulge in holiday-themed menus at renowned restaurants, cozy cafés, and rooftop bars.

Bird’s eye view of NYC’s Christmas charm

While the streets are crowded with holiday shoppers, observation decks like the Empire State Building and One World Observatory let you admire the city's festive beauty from above.

Top things to do during Christmas in New York

1. Watch the Rockettes in action

Watching the Rockettes perform at Radio City Hall during the Christmas Spectacular has become something of a tradition for New Yorkers. More than 140 performers take the stage annually and come together for a breathtaking performance, so it's a must to add it to your Christmas in NYC itinerary!

Watch the best holiday shows:

Radio City Rockettes

Recommended tickets:

  • Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Browse more Broadway shows

2. Enjoy the glittering Christmas lights

What’s a Christmas without walking in the midst of exquisitely lit-up streets and inflatable Santas and reindeer? The extravagant Christmas lights have gained worldwide popularity, so if you find yourself celebrating Christmas in New York, you simply can’t miss out on these glitzy displays.

Catch the city's finest light displays at:

Recommended tickets:

  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
  • Big Bus: New York Holiday Lights Bus Tour

3. Stop by the Winter Wonderlands

Not quite feeling the holiday spirit yet? Head to one of these winter wonderlands in New York to experience the joy of the holidays in NYC to the fullest with performances, cocktails, festive grub, and so much more!

The finest winter wonderlands in New York are at:

Recommended tickets:

  • New York Botanical Garden Tickets
  • Bronx Zoo Tickets

4. Be amazed at the city's Christmas trees

New York takes immense pride in the magnitude of their world-famous Christmas trees, and it is easy to see why. These giant evergreens are lit up beautifully for Christmas every year, making them a popular spot for tourists and New Yorkers to gather at.

The most majestic Christmas trees in NYC are at:

Recommended tickets:

  • Rockefeller Center Guided Tour
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

5. Take a dinner cruise

Celebrate Christmas in style with a dinner cruise, where you’ll enjoy gourmet dining against the backdrop of New York's stunning skyline. These winter-themed cruises are decked out with festive holiday decor and offer up-close views of iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building, all illuminated for the season. Enjoy a memorable evening with two to three hours of dining, live entertainment, and incredible city views.

Recommended tickets:

  • New York City Luxury Dinner Harbor Cruise
  • New York City Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise
  • Circle Line: Harbor Lights Cruise
See your cruise options here

6. Take in panoramic views of the busting city

Soak in the pretty Christmas lights from a height atop an observation deck in the city. New York has quite a few top-notch observation decks, with stunning views of the city and a host of immersive exhibits. During Christmas, many of these decks will provide Christmas-themed photo-ops to help capture your magical experience.

Observation decks to visit during Christmas:

Recommended tickets:

  • Empire State Building: General Admission Tickets
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets
  • Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

7. Make your way to popular attractions

It’s tempting to go off the beaten path and explore unique experiences during Christmas in NYC, but don’t miss out on the glory of the popular ones! The advent of Christmas has these landmarks shining in a whole new festive light all through December, and you can’t miss out on these sights!

Experience NYC's most popular attractions at:

Recommended tickets:

  • Empire State Building: General Admission Tickets
  • Rockefeller Center Guided Tour
  • Official St. Patrick's Cathedral Tour

8. Participate in NYC's holiday traditions

New Yorkers love their everyday customs, and Christmastime is no exception to this fact. By partaking in age-old traditions that New Yorkers cannot envision Christmas without, you can really soak up the abundant and unique festive cheer of the city. After all, when in Rome!

Some of New York's age-old Christmas traditions are:

  • Heading to Central Park
  • Watching the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony
  • Watching the Holiday Train show at the New York Botanical Garden
  • Sipping on festive cocktails at the Miracle pop-up bar

9. Curl, skate, and sled

New York tends to get incredibly chilly around Christmas, which is why almost all of the city’s residents head to their nearest snow-covered location to participate in some icy fun to keep themselves warm. There are multiple spots in the city where you can partake in activities like curling, sledding, ice skating - you name it!

Best spots for some icy fun are at:

10. Partake in retail therapy at Christmas Markets

The holiday markets in New York City are bound to get you in the Christmas spirit like nothing else. Expect to see hundreds of stalls, all selling unique Yuletide goodies. You can find everything at these festive markets - from artisanal delicacies, vintage bits and bobs, and crafts to Christmas ornaments.

Shop at the exciting holiday markets located at:

11. Gaze in awe at window displays

Most department stores in New York will put up a (usually themed) window display depicting the joys of Christmastime, and these displays are absolutely delightful. All throughout the month of December, most NYC dwellers make their way to these stores just to catch a glimpse of these gorgeous and thoughtful displays.

New York's most spectacular Christmas window displays:

12. Head to Macy's

Heading to Macy’s during Thanksgiving and Christmas is another one of those traditions that makes you feel like a real New Yorker. With impressive window displays, a wholesome and inclusive visit with Santa, and holiday gift shops galore, there’s no wonder Macy’s gets as busy as it does during Christmas.

Start your shopping spree here

13. Have a meet-and-greet with Santa

An indispensable (and perhaps the most-awaited) part of the Christmas season is the man himself - Santa Claus. Meeting the iconic Father Christmas is bound to be an unforgettable experience for the young ones. And if you want to witness another whacky NYC tradition unfold, don’t forget to attend Santacon - a convention where every attendee dresses as Santa Claus.

All about Santacon

14. Listen to some live tunes

If singing along to some good old holiday music or immersing yourself in elegant, jazzy tunes for the evening is more your thing, then head to a Christmas show anytime during December in NYC. There’s truly nothing that is bound to get you in the festive spirit better than those nostalgic melodies.

Catch these musical masterpieces at:

15. Feast to your heart's content

Because after all, what’s a festive celebration without gorging on large amounts of delicious grub? Luckily, spending your Christmas in NYC opens you up to a variety of culinary options, ranging from tried-and-tested pop-up bars to luxury fine dining experiences.

Head to these restaurants for the best festive grub:

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Day 1: Iconic landmarks and holiday highlights

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start your day with some warm waffles and coffee at Le Pain Quotidien or Central Park Boathouse, to fuel your festive NYC adventure.
  • Central Park: Take a stroll through the park and stop by the Delacorte Clock to listen to its cheerful holiday tunes. If you’re feeling adventurous, go on a horse-drawn carriage ride while you’re there.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: Savor a delightful meal at Café Sabarsky, known for its European-style menu and cozy holiday vibes.
  • Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: Watch this New York City Christmas staple that features more than 140 performers and a live orchestra.

Evening:

  • Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Make your way to the famous Rockefeller Center to admire the dazzling Christmas tree and holiday decorations.
  • Dinner: End your day on a dinner cruise along the Hudson River to see the beautiful city lights from the water while indulging in a delicious meal.

Day 2: Christmas magic and gorgeous views

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Pick up a bagel and coffee at Liberty Bagels 5th Ave and get ready for your Christmas morning stroll in one of the most famous NYC neighborhoods.
  • Fifth Avenue: Walk along Fifth Avenue and see the impressive Christmas window displays in stores like Bloomingdale’s and Cartier.

Afternoon:

  • Lunch: From bao buns to tacos, take a pick of your favorite delicacies at Vanderbilt Market - Bars & Eateries.
  • Observation Deck Visit: After lunch,head to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt for a panoramic view of New York City dressed in holiday lights and if you’re lucky, even snow!

Evening:

  • Dinner: Feast on classic American fare at Parker & Quinn with cheese burgers and margherita pizzas.
  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: End your Christmas adventure with a guided tour of Dyker Heights, famous for its extravagant holiday displays.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in New York

Absolutely! Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit New York. In addition to the Big Apple’s already magical aura, you’re bound to find holiday-special things to do during Christmas in NYC at every corner you turn.