Explore New York City’s Central Park at Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no place like New York City’s Central Park in the heart of Manhattan at Christmas to capture the enchanting spirit.
The city that never sleeps undergoes a magical transformation during this time of year, and at the heart of it all lies Central Park, a serene park set amongst the bustling city.
Adorned with festive decorations and an overwhelming sense of joy, Central Park becomes a winter wonderland welcoming locals and visitors to revel in its holiday charm.
Join me as I point out the best things to see at the iconic 843-acre landmark, and discover why Central Park and the surrounding area is an unforgettable destination for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
Bundle up, and let’s head out to explore Central Park at Christmas.
Resources to Book Your NYC Christmas Trip
- I recommend these NYC hotels: The Westin New York at Times Square, Best Western Plus Hospitality House, and The Time New York.
- 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.
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Central 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.
The Shops at Columbus Circle
Before heading into 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 November 28, beginning at 11:00 AM daily.
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is a world-famous outdoor market with kiosks selling unique gifts and tasty treats.
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.
Enjoy the Christmas Season in Central Park NYC
There are many entrances to Central Park. You will enter 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.
Take an Official Central Park Tour in a Horse Drawn Carriage
Central Park South is where you can rent a carriage ride through the park.
Carriage rides typically trot through the park, offering glimpses of 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.
If this is your first visit to New York City, sit back and enjoy learning about the park’s history and marvel at the exciting and beautiful spots in the Park.
Stroll Around Central Park
The weather in Central Park in December is cold, but if you bundle up, walking through Central Park is enjoyable this time of year.
Walking along the paved pathways from the southwest entrance, you will first notice the ornately decorated Pinebank Arch.
This is one of thirty bridges and arches throughout the park.
It is common to hear a musician playing under one of the bridges during Christmastime in Central Park. The acoustics sound amazing.
Looking to add some movie magic to your holiday season? Central Park ranks among the world’s most frequently filmed locations.
If you’re a fan of the film Elf, you’ll likely spot Umpire Rock, a vast cluster of sleek stones, as you stroll further. These very rocks served as the backdrop for the iconic Central Park snowball fight scene in the movie.
You could try to spot more popular filming locations on your own, but I highly recommend that you join a Central Park movie walking tour, one of the many great NYC Christmas tours.
It’s like stepping into your favorite films like Elf and Home Alone right in the heart of New York City.
With a friendly guide leading the way, you’ll explore the park, hear fun facts, and have a great time discovering where these famous scenes were filmed.
Skate at Wollman Rink
Head east and make your way to the famous Central Park outdoor ice skating rink. The view from this rink is simply unparalleled.
A Central Park Christmas wouldn’t be complete without whirling around the renowned Wollman Rink, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday spirit.
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.
Consider a Pedicab
Hiring a pedicab is a great way to enjoy the park if it’s too cold to walk or if there’s snow.
Our driver gave us a blanket, played his Christmas songs, shared some park history, and took us to the best Central Park photo spots while sharing Central Park fun facts.
Some advice: booking a pedicab tour from the street will be 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.
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.
Delight in the Holiday Season at the Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is on the East side of Central Park at 82nd St.
During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy the much anticipated decorated 20-foot Blue Spruce tree and the 18th Century Neopolitan nativity scene.
Visitors will also enjoy the fresh ivy and polished apples that decorate the doorways in the Main Hall.
Do not leave without visiting The Met’s holiday store for unique Central Park art-inspired Christmas merchandise.
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, and if it is, then 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.
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 decorations for the holidays are impressive. Our favorites are The Plaza, The St. Regis, and The Peninsula.
Plan to Visit Central Park at Christmas
There are so many affordable things to see and do in New York City during the holidays, but visiting Central Park at Christmas should be on the top of your list. I know you will love it as much as we do.
