4-Day New York City Christmas Itinerary: How to See It All Without Losing Your Sanity
New York City at Christmas is a dream come true for so many people, me included. For years, I pictured myself strolling past the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, sipping cocoa under twinkling lights, and window shopping along Fifth Avenue. When I finally made it happen, it was everything I imagined, though a bit more chaotic than I had planned.
I’ve now been to New York City at Christmas three times. My first trip was a family extravaganza: my parents, my spouse, my kids, my sister, her family, and me. I spent months planning the perfect holiday vacation, from our hotel and meals to tickets for everything. We even took a trip across the river to see the Giants play the Cowboys in New Jersey and got seats to one of our favorite talk shows. It was magical… and exhausting. By the time we got home, we needed a vacation from our vacation.
What I’ve learned since then is that you can absolutely see the best of New York City at Christmas without running yourself ragged or spending a fortune. The trick is to plan smartly, keep your days balanced, and leave room for those spontaneous New York moments that end up being your favorite memories.
Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway or a family trip, this 4 day New York City Christmas itinerary includes everything that makes the city sparkle during the holidays: iconic landmarks, local favorites, festive markets, and a few quiet escapes from the crowds.
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Best Time to Visit New York City at Christmas
The holiday season in New York usually kicks off right after Thanksgiving and runs through the first week of January.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is lit in late November, and holiday markets open soon after. For the most festive experience without the highest prices, aim for mid to late December. That’s when I’ve been able to find the best deals.
4 Day NYC Christmas Itinerary at a Glance
There are so many festive places to visit in NYC during Christmas. I have perfected this 4 day New York City Christmas itinerary, which includes all the top NYC activities, perfect for couples or families visiting during the holiday season.
Day 1: Midtown Christmas
- Skate and shop at Bryant Park’s Winter Village
- See the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and sip cocoa at the Rockefeller Center Chalets
- Holiday Lights and Store Window Tour
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Day 2: Central Park and Upper Manhattan
- Central Park and Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Holiday Sculpture Trail on Fifth Ave.
- New York City Public Library Christmas tree
- Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
- Time Square
Day 3: Lower Manhattan Highlights
- Have breakfast at the Tin Building by Jean-Georges
- Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Explore the Financial District and 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Stroll through the Brookfield Place Winter Garden
- Dine at Fraunces Tavern or Delmonico’s
Day 4: Food, Shopping, and Local Flavor
- Grab a holiday bagel at Liberty Bagels
- Go shopping in SoHo for last-minute gifts
- Join a food tour in Greenwich Village or Chinatown
- Visit Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards
- Walk the High Line
🎄Resources to Book Your NYC Christmas Trip
- 🚕 Best Way to Get from LaGuardia to Manhattan
- 🏨 Find my recommendations for the best NYC hotels at Christmas.
- ❤️ My favorite NYC Christmas tours
- 🎄 Top 13 Things to Do Near Rockefeller Center During Christmas
- ✈️ For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
- 💵 Visit my post, New York City at Christmas on a Budget, for more money-saving tips.
- 🛍️ Add these NYC Souvenirs to your shopping list.
- 🎟️ Find cheap Broadway tickets using these tips.
Day 1: Welcome to Midtown – Heart of NYC Christmas
There’s no better way to start your New York City Christmas itinerary than diving right into the holiday heart of Manhattan.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Begin your morning with a stroll through Bryant Park Winter Village. The rink opens early, and skating here feels straight out of a Christmas movie.
The ice skating rink here is also free if you bring your own skates.
Warm up afterward with hot chocolate from one of the nearby vendors and browse the festive market stalls filled with handmade ornaments and gifts.
The Village features outdoor tables and chairs where people can sit, relax, listen to music, and enjoy being in NYC.
The food market and kiosks offer numerous options for breakfast, making it a good idea to start your day here when the area is less crowded.
The morning is also a great time to take a picture with Santa in front of the tree without having to wait.
Rockefeller Center
Next, walk over to Rockefeller Center, where you could spend the entire day and not get bored.
From the sparkling lights to the famous skating rink and festive chalets, it’s pure Christmas nostalgia.
Check out my full post about the top 13 things to do near Rockefeller Center during Christmas to get the most out of your visit.
Stick around until evening for the Saks light show, which is worth the wait.
Evening: Holiday Windows and Lights Tour
Tonight, sign up for the Holiday Lights tour with Free Tours by Foot, where you’ll see all the best holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, including Saks and Bergdorf Goodman, all lit up and sparkling.
Make sure to book your tour before you arrive. For a $4 per person donation to Toys for Tots, these popular tours guide you to the best window displays in NYC.
You won’t find a better deal.
The Holiday Lights tour typically meets in front of the New York City Public Library in Midtown.
Look for Patience and Fortitude, the two lion statues in front of the library building. They are festively decorated during the holidays.
If the library is open, look around while you wait for your evening tour of holiday window displays to begin.
Santaland at Macy’s
The Holiday Lights Tour wraps up at Macy’s Santaland, a magical Christmas wonderland filled with festive decor, twinkling lights, and a chance to meet Santa himself!
Santaland is super popular, so try to get a timed ticket online in advance to skip the long lines.
After the tour, head to the nearby Herald Square and grab dinner at Shake Shack. Kids love it, and they have great burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Day 2: Central Park, the Rockettes, and Broadway
Start with breakfast at Sarabeth’s Central Park South, then spend your morning exploring Central Park. Even in winter, it’s beautiful, especially around Wollman Rink, where you can skate beneath the skyline.
The Wollman Rink offers a quintessential ice-skating experience surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
You will love Central Park in the winter.
Book a horse and carriage ride, book the pedicab tour, or take a Central Park TV & Movie Sites walking tour of famous holiday movie sites.
There are many places to explore in the park.
Visit my complete post, Exploring Central Park, for all your options.
Another popular New York City Christmas Market is the Columbus Circle Outdoor Holiday Market at the entrance of Central Park.
Like European Christmas markets, this holiday market has many food options, warm drinks, music, and fabulous kiosks filled with NYC gifts.
Once at the holiday market, visit the Shops at Columbus Circle across the street to see the holiday lights display inside the entrance.
Then, enter Central Park to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the serene beauty of the park in winter.
Or, better yet, take one of my favorite ways to see the sights with a Central Park Pedicab tour.
Next, head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Even if you’re not a big museum-goer, the Met’s Christmas tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche are worth a visit.
Spend a little time admiring the decorations before heading back toward Midtown for lunch.
Stroll Down Fifth Avenue
As you head to lunch, spend time exploring The Plaza Hotel, where you can check out the lobby’s stunning Christmas tree and decorations.
You’ll also want to visit the Pulitzer Fountain in front of The Plaza, whimsically decorated for the holidays.
It’s a perfect mix of outdoor fun, iconic sights, and holiday spirit.
An Affordable Lunch at The Burger Joint
After visiting Central Park, have lunch at a unique New York City burger spot.
Make your way to the Thompson Central Park Hotel to find the Burger Joint—yes, that’s its name.
This dive is hidden behind a giant black curtain in the lobby of this swanky hotel.
Trust me, you will think you are in the wrong place to grab a burger, but it is a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
A burger and fries at the Burger Joint is one of the best budget meals in New York City at Christmas.
Radio City Music Hall‘s Christmas Spectacular
In the afternoon, it’s time for one of the city’s most beloved traditions: the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes.
If you can see only one show while you are in New York during the holidays, then this is the show you need to see. Everyone in our family, young and old, enjoyed it.
The show has been dazzling audiences since the 1930s, and it’s a must for anyone visiting New York during the holidays.
The precision dancing, live orchestra, and classic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” will make you feel like a kid again.
Before leaving this area, snap photos in front of the large fountain and colorful ornaments in front of Radio City Music Hall.
After the show, walk over to Times Square for a quick look around. This area is so crowded, so you’ll most likely only need a short time here.
For dinner, end the day at Carmine’s for family-style Italian or Parker & Quinn for something a bit trendier.
Dinner at Carmine’s
Carmine’s is a Midtown favorite known for its big portions and family-style meals. It’s got that old-school NYC Italian vibe, with bustling waiters, checkered tablecloths, and delicious classics like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken parm.
It’s perfect for sharing, so you can try a bit of everything without overspending!
Order a few dishes for the table and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal before or after your holiday show.
For dessert, visit Juniors in Times Square for a slice of New York’s famous cheesecake.
End the night with a short stroll to see Rockefeller Center all lit up. It’s quieter later in the evening and even more beautiful under the glow of the tree.
Day 3: Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
Day three takes you downtown to explore the historic side of New York. There is so much to see and do in Lower Manhattan.
Explore Lower Manhattan
Start your morning with breakfast at the Tin Building along the waterfront.
This restored marketplace by celebrity chef Jean-Georges has fresh pastries, gourmet coffee, and breakfast sandwiches worth waking up early for. It’s a lively spot with waterfront views.
After breakfast, you can catch the NYC Ferry’s East River route from Pier 11 at Wall Street to DUMBO. You will be treated to a beautiful skyline view as you cross the East River to Brooklyn.
Walk off breakfast by taking a stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan, or hop back on the ferry to bring you back where you began.
Back on the Manhattan side, take the free Downtown Connection shuttle bus and head to Battery Park.
Statue of Liberty
If it’s your first time in NYC, a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a must, and it’s easy to do from Lower Manhattan!
Head to Battery Park, where you’ll find the ferry terminal for Statue City Cruises, the only official ferry to Liberty Island.
Tickets start at about $24 for adults and $12 for kids, and they include round-trip ferry rides, access to Liberty Island, and entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum.
You can also visit Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum on the same trip. Ferries run daily, but it’s smart to book tickets online in advance, especially during the holidays.
Bundle up because it gets windy on the water. You will also want to arrive early to allow time for airport-style security before boarding.
It’s a great way to see one of the most iconic sights in the city and enjoy beautiful views of the skyline decked out for the season!
Financial District
Once you’re back on land, stroll through the Financial District to see the New York Stock Exchange Christmas tree.
From there, visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The 9/11 reflection pool memorial and tribute offers a tranquil space in the middle of the city’s holiday rush.
Grab lunch nearby at Eataly Downtown or inside the Oculus.
Wrap up your afternoon with a walk through the Brookfield Place Winter Garden, where twinkling lights and waterfront views make the perfect backdrop for photos.
For dinner, head to Fraunces Tavern, one of New York’s oldest and most charming restaurants in Lower Manhattan. You will dine in the exact spot where George Washington once dined. The colonial setting, hearty food, and cozy candlelight make it a perfect winter spot.
For something more upscale, Delmonico’s is nearby and offers classic New York steakhouse elegance just a few blocks away.
Don’t miss iconic landmarks downtown such as the 9/11 Memorial, the One World Trade Center Observatory, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve, all of which are decorated for the holidays.
Evening: Spend a Festive Evening in New York City
There are so many festive options to add to your Christmas in New York itinerary. Based on your preferences, you can choose one of these suggestions.
- Catch a holiday show like The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center to dive into the Christmas spirit.
- Head over to Brooklyn to see the incredible Dyker Heights Christmas lights and decorations that cover every house—it’s like a whole town of holiday cheer!
- For a different perspective, take a holiday cruise on the Hudson, which includes hot cocoa, caroling, and views of the skyline.
- Wrap up your night at the Empire State Building, where you can enjoy holiday decorations and a light show synced to music. Of course, you will take in the stunning city views from the observation deck.
Day 4: Shopping, Food, and a Little Holiday Cheer
Start your final day with a classic New York breakfast, a bagel from Liberty Bagels.
Their hand-rolled, rainbow-colored holiday bagels are almost too pretty to eat.
Grab one with cream cheese and a hot coffee to go, and you’ll be fueled up for a full day of exploring.
Spend your morning shopping in SoHo, where you’ll find everything from designer boutiques to quirky pop-up shops. It’s a fun mix of luxury and local, perfect for picking up last-minute gifts or a little something for yourself.
Explore NYC Neighborhoods
For your last day in NYC, dive into the city’s neighborhoods with a food tour to taste your way through the best holiday treats. Think hot chocolate, pizza, cannoli, and fresh-baked cookies.
It’s a delicious way to explore and learn about NYC’s history while filling up on festive bites.
I’ve taken the New York City West Village Food Tour, the New York City Chinatown and Little Italy, and the Greenwich Village Walking and Food tours, and they are all excellent.
You never know; you might find your favorite food spot in NYC, just like we did. Now, almost every New York itinerary includes a stop at restaurants we discovered on a food tour, like Ferrara’s and Dipalo’s in Little Italy.
For a family-friendly food tour, consider this NYC Holiday Market and Food Tour, which is excellent for the whole family. You’ll enjoy exploring the Union Square Holiday Market with a local tour guide while you enjoy sampling kid-friendly treats.
Along with delicious food, you’ll also discover interesting facts about the neighborhoods and see their holiday decorations.
Whenever we visit NYC, we try a new food tour to learn about the neighborhoods, see the beautiful holiday decorations, and taste some incredible food. These tours offer such value for the price, including a guide and food tastings that will leave you feeling full!
Chelsea Market and the High Line
In the afternoon, wander through Chelsea Market, explore Hudson Yards, or walk the High Line for one last view of the NYC skyline. Even in winter, it’s beautiful, and you might catch a few twinkling lights or holiday art installations along the way.
You may want to stop at Grand Central Terminal’s Holiday Fair, which features local vendors, unique gifts, and food. I was surprised to find that it is more than just a train terminal.
Grand Central Station has over 50 shops and 30 dining options.
This iconic building is enormous. I recommend standing at the top of the stairs and taking it all in. The architecture is impressive.
Look for the information booth clock and the whispering gallery.
No matter what you choose, make day four all about the things that make you happy and get you into the holiday spirit. NYC has so much to offer, so explore, enjoy, and soak up every last bit of the city’s festive charm before you go.
Evening: Holiday Dinner
For your last evening, treat yourself to a holiday-themed dinner at one of NYC’s festive spots.
Rolf’s is famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations with walls covered in lights, ornaments, and garlands. It’s super cozy, but make a reservation because it gets packed!
For a more classic vibe, try Tavern on the Green in Central Park, which is decked out with twinkling lights and has a warm, holiday feel.
If you’re looking for something unique, check out Serendipity 3 for their famous frozen hot chocolate and a menu full of comfort food favorites. It’s like stepping into a Christmas movie, perfect for first-timers who want to soak up the holiday spirit.
How to Get Around New York City
You’ll first need to figure out how you will get from the airport to Manhattan. Make sure to check out my post on how to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan for all your options.
Once you’re in Manhattan, walking is your best friend in New York.
The city is incredibly walkable, especially Midtown and Downtown. For longer distances, grab a MetroCard or use OMNY tap-to-pay for subways and buses. I have found using Google Maps helps immensely, since it provides step by step which subway to take.
Cabs and Ubers are easy to find, but traffic can be slow during the holidays, so I try to avoid those if possible.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Even when you think you’re only walking a few blocks, somehow it turns into two miles.
Plan Your NYC Christmas Itinerary Today
This New York City Christmas itinerary gives you plenty of chances to enjoy the holidays and make lasting memories.
Take your time, enjoy the sights, and don’t be afraid to explore new neighborhoods or try something different. NYC is full of holiday cheer around every corner, and there’s no better place to soak up the season.
Have fun, stay warm, and enjoy Christmas time in the Big Apple.
