Ultimate Guide for Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas
New York City at Christmas is pure magic. Twinkling lights. Window displays that belong in a movie. Trees dressed better than most of us. And no matter how many times I go, I’m still that wide-eyed girl staring up at Rockefeller Center like it’s the first time.
I’ve visited NYC four times, and three of those trips were at Christmastime. So yes, I’ve learned a thing or two about where to stay in NYC at Christmas. I don’t mind splurging when it counts, but I also love a good deal. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
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Here are the Highlights for a Trip to NYC
- Best Festive NYC Hotels: The Plaza, The Lotte, or The Peninsula
- Best NYC Hotel for Families: The Westin New York at Times Square, Best Western Plus Hospitality House, Mint House at 70 Pine
- Best NYC Hotel for Couples: The Time New York, Arlo Midtown, or The Evelyn
- Best Budget Hotels: Millennium Premier Times Square, M Social Downtown, Pod 51 Hotel, or Moxy NYC Times Square
- Book your holiday adventures in New York City on Viator.com.
- For air travel, visit Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
- Visit my post, New York City at Christmas on a Budget, for more money-saving tips
- Visit my post, The Perfect 4-Day NYC Itinerary for Christmas for a complete plan
- Add these NYC Souvenirs to your shopping list.
- Find cheap Broadway tickets using these tips.
Best Festive Hotels in NYC at Christmas
Let’s start with the dream list of New York Christmas hotels.
If I had an unlimited budget and a suitcase full of ballgowns, I’d be checking in at The Plaza, The Lotte, or The Peninsula.
These hotels are practically Christmas in New York.
The Plaza New York
This Fifth Avenue icon shines during the holidays and is often touted as one of the best hotels in New York at Christmas. You’ve seen it in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Eloise at Christmastime, and about a dozen Hallmark movies.
During the holidays, the lobby at The Plaza glows with a massive Christmas tree and over-the-top decorations.
You can even request an in-room Christmas tree—yes, your very own tree!
Afternoon tea at The Palm Court becomes a holiday event, complete with themed treats.
And the location? It doesn’t get more classic. You’re steps from Central Park, Fifth Avenue’s window displays, and FAO Schwarz.
The Peninsula New York
This elegant hotel takes a quieter, more refined approach to the season.
Located right on Fifth Avenue, it’s in the thick of NYC’s best holiday shopping, just a short walk from Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
During December, The Peninsula offers special holiday events and packages that include various indulgent holiday surprises, including an in-room candy cane scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, daily breakfast, and even a visit from Santa.
Some suites even come with an optional in-room Christmas tree.
And the rooftop bar, Salon de Ning, is turned into a winter wonderland, allowing you to sip champagne while gazing at the city lights.
Lotte New York Palace
If you follow any influencers, you’ve likely seen the Lotte New York Palace’s holiday courtyard.
That Christmas tree is Instagram royalty.
But don’t let the photo ops fool you; the hotel goes all out in the best way.
The hotel has the perfect Christmastime location, right behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, just a few blocks from Rockefeller Center.
During the holidays, they offer packages that include access to private skating sessions at Rockefeller Center, tickets to the Rockettes, and festive in-room amenities.
And if you want to feel like Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl—she lived at the Palace, after all—this is your spot.
The Bryant Park Hotel
While not as flashy as the other hotels on this list, the Bryant Park Hotel, a boutique hotel, wins big as one of the best places to stay for Christmas, thanks to its location and cozy charm.
Directly across from the Bryant Park Winter Village, the Bryant Park Hotel offers unbeatable access to the skating rink, holiday market, and tree.
You can literally walk across the street in your boots and be sipping cider under the twinkle lights.
As a bonus, the hotel often adds festive touches to rooms during December, such as holiday chocolates and mini decorations.
If you can swing a night at one of these classic Christmas hotels, it’s worth it. But if you’re like me, you’re probably looking for a hotel that offers style and convenience without blowing your whole holiday budget on one night.
Best Hotels for Families in NYC at Christmas
If you’re traveling with kids to New York City at Christmas, you want space, comfort, and easy access to all the best attractions. Of course, if breakfast is included in the rate, that’s a huge bonus.
Here are my top hotel picks for families.
The Westin New York at Times Square
The Westin New York at Times Square is an excellent hotel, thanks to its central location, friendly staff, and spacious, well-appointed rooms.
It is close to Times Square, but not too close to be bothered by the noise or lights. The hotel has over 800 rooms, so you likely can get an upgrade if you ask.
During a recent visit in the third week of December, we were upgraded to a corner suite with spectacular views and a spacious bathroom featuring a separate shower and bathtub.
The ground floor lobby is beautifully decorated for the holidays and well-staffed.
For added safety, everyone entering the ground floor must show their room key before proceeding up the escalators to the main lobby. In the main lobby, a large lounge area, TVs, and a bar provide guests with magnificent common areas to relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
The hotel does have a restaurant, but you’re a short ten-minute walk from several great diners in Hell’s Kitchen that serve fabulous breakfasts at great prices. Two favorites are The Galaxy Diner and Mom’s Kitchen and Bar.
The Westin New York at Times Square – 270 West 43rd Street
The Westin New York at Times Square
Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the Westin New York Times Square truly shines as a perfect holiday getaway for small families, especially during the Christmas season.
Its prime location offers easy access to iconic New York City attractions, while its comfortable rooms provide a restful stay.
Best Western Plus Hospitality House Suites
You’ll find large rooms with plenty of space at the Best Western Plus Hospitality House Suites, which offer apartment-like suites, a rare find for a Midtown Manhattan hotel.
Still close to all the holiday activities in Rockefeller Center, this location is further away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square.
Consider this hotel if you are planning a family trip to NYC on a budget.
The complimentary hot breakfast buffet is a plus to save money on a NYC Christmas trip.
Best Western Plus Hospitality House Suites – 145 East 49th Street
Best Western Plus Hospitality House Suites
This hotel excels in location, comfort, and family-focused services.
Its large rooms and outstanding hospitality make it a favored choice for families seeking a memorable Christmas getaway in bustling New York City.
Mint House at 70 Pine
Another family-friendly gem is Mint House at 70 Pine.
For families seeking more space and comfort while sticking to a smart budget, Mint House at 70 Pine in the Financial District is a real find.
This hotel offers spacious studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom suites, all of which feature fully equipped kitchens.
The hotel also offers professional cleaning, keyless entry, free Wi-Fi, and even pre-stay grocery stocking, allowing you to stock up on snacks or prepare kid-friendly meals. We used this service on our first visit with nine people, and it was a lifesaver.
The building’s children’s playroom, gourmet market, fitness center, and even a bowling alley or golf simulator make it feel like a mini-holiday retreat under one roof.
Located steps from subway lines that whisk you uptown to Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and the holiday window displays, it’s a fantastic option for families asking, “Where to stay in NYC at Christmas” without sacrificing location or comfort.
Best Hotels for Couples at Christmas
Visiting New York with family, especially during the Christmas season, is fun and festive, but NYC also makes the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Christmas in NYC is the perfect setting for Ice skating at Bryant Park, dinner under twinkling lights, a late-night stroll by the tree, and a walk in Central Park.
You want a cozy hotel that sets the mood. The hotels below are perfect for your couple’s trip.
The Time New York
Another fantastic hotel for a December stay is The Time New York Hotel in the Theater District.
The hotel’s location is unbeatable. It is in a fantastic location!
A very short walk will take you to Radio City Music Hall, home to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockefeller Christmas tree is just a bit further. Being so close to this area means you can easily enjoy the tree earlier in the morning or later in the evening when there are fewer crowds.
If you plan to see a Broadway show, you’ll be thrilled with this hotel’s proximity to the major Broadway theaters.
The Time New York is a trendy boutique hotel with an obscure entrance. Serafina’s restaurant is in its lobby, and the room includes a continental breakfast and coffee/tea each morning.
The rooms are typical New York-sized rooms, meaning they are small, and the bathrooms are even smaller.
Due to the size of the rooms, I would recommend this hotel for couples only.
The Time New York – 224 W 49th St.
The Time New York
Time New York Hotel is perfect for couples seeking an enchanting Christmas in the city.
Its outstanding location near Times Square allows easy access to festive attractions.
The rooms radiate sophistication, offering elegant comfort. The hotel’s Christmas ambiance enhances romance while attentive staff ensure a memorable holiday.
Overall, it’s a top choice for couples in New York City over the holiday season.
I would also recommend the Arlo Midtown and The Evelyn hotels to couples looking for a Christmas getaway in NYC.
Arlo Midtown
The Arlo Midtown is a newer hotel with modern decor and lots of little thoughtful touches. The rooftop bar offers views of the Empire State Building, which is especially impressive when it’s lit up in red and green.
The Evelyn Hotel
The Evelyn Hotel, located in NoMad, is both charming and conveniently situated. It’s not in the middle of the tourist chaos, which makes it ideal for a quieter Christmas escape. Great for couples seeking a romantic getaway without the crowds.
Where to Stay in NYC in December on a Budget
Yes, you can visit NYC at Christmas and still keep your bank account intact. I’ve done it, and I’m here to help you do it too. With that said, New York is expensive, so you need to keep your expectations in check.
If you’re trying to save money on your hotel stay, look beyond Midtown. Neighborhoods like Long Island City, the Financial District, or even Brooklyn offer significantly lower prices without sacrificing convenience.
These areas are well connected by the subway, and you’ll still be able to reach the Rockefeller tree or Bryant Park in 15 to 30 minutes. Just make sure your hotel is close to a subway stop. Spending $50 less per night but $25 daily on rideshares defeats any savings.
Millennium Premier Times Square
I recommend checking out the Millennium Premier Times Square for its central location and surprisingly affordable rates in December.
The Times Square location is tucked just off 6th Avenue, which puts you close to Broadway theaters, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center.
M Social Downtown
The M Social Downtown, located near the Oculus and World Trade Center, offers convenient access to the subway system.
The rooms are spacious by Manhattan standards at both properties.
You won’t get over-the-top holiday glam here, but you will get comfort, location, and great value—three things I always look for during the busy holiday season.
Two other budget hotels to consider are Pod 51 and the Moxy NYC Times Square.
Pod 51
Pod 51 Hotel is small in size but big on value. You’ll get modern, clean rooms in Midtown East. It’s perfect if you don’t mind a cozy space and want to save money for experiences instead of square footage.
Moxy NYC Times Square
Moxy NYC Times Square is trendy, fun, and surprisingly affordable if you book right. It has a youthful vibe with great food options on-site. Plus, it’s just a short walk to Macy’s, Herald Square, and the Bryant Park Winter Village.
The Best Time to Visit NYC During Christmastime
You don’t have to visit on December 25 to get that Christmas-in-New-York feeling. Holiday lights and displays start going up in mid-November. Most are fully in place by Thanksgiving weekend and remain up through New Year’s Day, with some even remaining into the first week of January.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is typically lit during the first week of December and remains illuminated through the first week of January, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s reveal their iconic holiday windows in late November. That means if you’re visiting anytime in December, you’ll still get the full Christmas experience.
I’ve found the first weekend of the month is often more expensive than the weekends leading up to Christmas Eve.
Midweek stays, particularly from Monday through Wednesday, tend to offer the best rates.
So, if you’re flexible, you can still enjoy all the magic while spending less on accommodations in NYC during Christmas.
How to Choose Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas
Here’s my two cents on choosing a New York City Christmas hotel. Don’t stress too much about finding the perfect hotel.
At Christmas, you’ll be out and about most of the time—ice skating, admiring window displays, warming up with a slice of pizza from Joe’s.
But do think about what matters most to you.
Do you want to walk everywhere? Stay in Midtown.
Do you want to save money? Look in the Garment District or Murray Hill.
Want a quieter vibe? Try the Upper West Side.
My favorite stays were all booked with budget in mind. And every one of them let me experience the magic of NYC without sacrificing comfort.
So you don’t need to book The Plaza to feel like a star. (Although if you do, please take a picture for me.)
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas
Whether you’re visiting New York for the first time or coming back for more Christmas cheer, choosing the right hotel can make a big difference.
Stay close to the things you want to see. Give yourself time to wander. And know that you don’t need five stars to have a five-star trip.
If you’re planning a trip this season, I hope this guide to where to stay in NYC at Christmas helps you book with confidence.
And if you’ve stayed somewhere you loved, please, send it my way! I’m always ready for my next holiday adventure.
