New York City’s Central Park at Christmas: What to See and Do
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no place like being in New York City, and one of my favorite places to visit is Central Park at Christmas. This gigantic park in the heart of Manhattan captures the enchanting holiday spirit perfectly.
Central Park turns into one big winter postcard. It sits in the heart of Manhattan and stretches from 59th Street all the way to 110th. You will find rolling paths, ponds, bridges, and skyline views that feel right out of a movie.
I’ve visited New York City at Christmas three times now. Every single visit has included Central Park. It always pulls me in.
The park is huge, an iconic 843-acre landmark, the energy feels classic, and the mix of calm and chaos works in the best possible way. Over the years, I’ve found a few favorites you shouldn’t miss.
Bundle up, and let’s head out to explore Central Park at Christmas.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For full details, please read my full affiliate disclosure here.
What Makes Central Park at Christmas So Special
Central Park at Christmas feels warm even in the cold.
Trees sparkle. The skyline glows. Musicians set up on bridges and play holiday songs.
You hear the clip-clop of carriage horses. People skate, stroll, sip hot drinks, and take millions of photos.
The park welcomes the public with open arms, offering unrestricted access from 6 AM to 1 AM daily.
While most park areas are free to explore, a few special activities, such as ice skating and the Carousel, may require paid admission.
Resources to Book Your NYC Christmas Trip
- Best Way to Get from LaGuardia to Manhattan
- Check out my recommendations for the best New York City Christmas hotels.
- Book your holiday adventures in New York City on Viator.com.
- 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 and use my NYC 4-Day Christmas Itinerary post to plan your perfect trip.
My Favorite Central Park Christmas Experiences
I’ve covered a lot of ground here over the years, and a few things always stand out. They’re simple, fun, and make the park feel alive during Christmas.
A Pedicab Tour Through Central Park
A pedicab tour is one of my must-do experiences. Hiring a pedicab is my favorite way to enjoy the park!
You sit back and let your guide pedal you to the best spots.
Music plays while you stop at some of the best photo spots in Central Park.
You cover much more of the park than you could on foot. It’s a relaxed way to see everything.
My best advice: booking a pedicab tour from the street is very costly. We saw some that were charging $9 a minute. Yikes!
Make sure you ask for the total price before jumping in. I highly recommend pre-booking before you enter the park.
Ice Skate at Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink is the classic Central Park Christmas moment.
Skaters glide around with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
It’s the winter scene your brain expects from New York.
Even if you don’t skate, watching from the side is pure joy.
You see couples, families, and kids who look like they’re starring in their own snow-globe movie.
Additionally, you’ll find the Central Park Carousel, the Central Park Zoo, and the iconic Tavern on the Green restaurant all within a short distance from here.
Central Park NYC Movie Site Tour
I also loved the Central Park movie walking tour we took. Central Park ranks among the world’s most frequently filmed locations, and many of those films were holiday films.
Seeing the exact places where Elf, Home Alone 2, Enchanted, and dozens of other films were shot adds a fun layer to the visit.
Holiday trips already feel nostalgic, and this group tour doubles down on that feeling.
Make sure to check out all of my favorite NYC Christmas tours.
Visit the MET at Christmas
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is on the East side of Central Park at 82nd St.
So many visitors miss how close it is.
The MET’s Christmas tree makes the visit even better. The decorated 20-foot Blue Spruce tree is surrounded by an intricate 18th-century Neopolitan nativity scene.
I walked in, then just stood there for a moment. It felt like I stepped into a warm church on a snowy night.
Do not leave without visiting The Met’s holiday store for unique Central Park art-inspired Christmas merchandise.
Stroll Around Central Park
One of the best ways to enjoy Central Park is to take a walk through it.
The weather in Central Park in December is cold, but if you bundle up, walking through Central Park is enjoyable this time of year.
Top Things to Do Inside Central Park at Christmas
There’s much more to see in Central Park at Christmas. Here are a few places that stay busy all season.
Bow Bridge
This romantic bridge draws photographers all day.
The skyline peeks through the trees. The water below reflects the lights and branches. Bow Bridge looks good in any season, but Christmas gives it extra charm.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
The terrace feels grand and historic.
Holiday performers often play here, and the acoustics make everything sound rich. Take a few minutes and enjoy the scene. It always feels safe, busy, and full of life.
The Mall and Literary Walk
The long tree-lined walkway turns into a soft, dreamy corridor in winter. Bare branches create a tunnel overhead. Artists set up along the sides with drawings of the skyline or the park. It’s a peaceful walk, even when the city feels loud.
Gapstow Bridge
This short stone bridge near the Plaza Hotel might be one of the most photographed spots in New York. Snow makes it look straight out of a Christmas movie. You also catch a great view of horse-drawn carriages making their way around the southern end of the park.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Carriage rides are a classic New York holiday splurge. The clip-clop of the horses against the snow feels timeless. It’s slow, calm, and romantic.
You get a quick loop around the southern part of the park with great photo stops at iconic landmarks such as the Bethesda Terrace, Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge, Harlem Meer, Wollman Rink, and the Children’s District.
This enchanting district encompasses the recently revitalized Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop, the Carousel, and the Chess and Checker House.
Enjoy the Central Park Holiday Lighting
Before leaving Central Park, head to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center on the East side at 110th St.
Here, you will find a lit flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer provided by the Central Park Conservancy.
Extra Christmas Fun in Central Park
There’s always something happening in the park during December. Here are more seasonal favorite events.
Carolers and Street Musicians
You’ll hear guitars, violins, and even full choirs as you walk. People gather, listen, and drop a dollar or two. The music adds charm and makes the park feel welcoming.
Snowy Walks
A fresh snowfall turns Central Park into a silent wonderland. Bridges, trees, and lampposts look softer. You feel far from city traffic, even though taxis zip by just a block away.
Belvedere Castle
The castle looks dramatic against the winter sky. The views from the top show rolling paths, the Great Lawn, and the skyline. It’s a true “wow” moment.
Festive Stops Right Outside Central Park
The areas around the park stay just as lively as the park itself. These are easy add-ons before or after a stroll.
The Shops at Columbus Circle
After visiting the park, spend some time in the Shops at Columbus Circle near the southwest entrance to Central Park.
During the afternoons in the holiday season, the lobby at The Shops at Columbus Circle comes alive with the Holiday Under the Stars light display and music.
It’s a perfect place to come in from the winter weather, enjoy a free show, and finish your shopping.
RELATED POSTS: Check out my posts, New York City at Christmas on a Budget and The Best NYC Christmas Tours, for more ideas of other places to see while in NYC for the holidays.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
After watching the Holiday Under the Stars holiday lighting display, head across the street towards Central Park to the Columbus Circle Holiday Market by UrbanSpace.
The market opens from December 2-28, beginning at 11:00 AM each weekday and 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
This Columbus Circle Holiday Market sits at the southwest corner of the park.
Vendors sell gifts, ornaments, and all the warm, sugary snacks you expect. Try the hot chocolate or kettle corn. The market has a cozy neighborhood vibe.
The Holiday Market is a great place to spend an hour or two in a festive holiday setting, enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.
The Plaza Hotel
If you visit Central Park at Christmas, you must visit the Plaza Hotel nearby. There is not much to do here unless that is where you are staying. If it is, let’s be friends!
The Plaza is located at the southeast exit of Central Park, so pop into the lobby to see this historic hotel and its beautiful Christmas tree.
As one of the best NYC hotels for Christmas, the Plaza is an iconic spot to visit during the holidays.
The Pulitzer Fountain
The Pulitzer Fountain is located at E. 59th and 5th Ave, steps from the Plaza Hotel.
You will love this holiday treat as the fountain transforms into a magical scene with dancing penguins, jaguars, and seals all set to holiday music.
Look for all the interactive components that add even more whimsy to the experience.
Holiday Sculpture Trail
The holiday decorations at the Pulitzer Fountain are just the beginning of the fun along Fifth Avenue. When you leave the Pulitzer Fountain, head south towards Rockefeller Center.
The path toward the Holiday Sculpture Trail begins here. It is a string of giant lit toys scattered along 5th Avenue. You can’t miss them!
TRIP TIP: While walking to Rockefeller Center, stop at some fancy hotels along the way. Their holiday decorations are impressive. My favorites, The Plaza, The St. Regis, and The Peninsula, are just a few of the best NYC Christmas hotels.
Don’t Get Lost in Central Park
There are many entrances to Central Park. I think the best place to enter the park is at Central Park West, using the southwest entrance behind the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
Check out the lamp posts if you feel lost while in the park.
Each post has a number and either an E or W. The number indicates which street you are at, and the E or W indicates if you are on the east or west side of the park.
The paths throughout the park are paved and easy to walk. Many people stroll through the park, exercise, picnic, and bike.
Is Central Park at Christmas Worth It?
I think it’s one of the best parts of a December trip to New York.
Central Park at Christmas feels calm, classic, and inviting. It offers views you can’t get anywhere else. My own visits always start or end here because it grounds the whole trip.
You can skate, stroll, shop, explore film locations, or sit with a warm drink and watch the world go by. The park feels magical in a simple, honest way. And that’s why I keep coming back.
