Plan the Perfect New York City Christmas Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Iconic Christmas Sights

Morning: Christmas in New York City’s Rockefeller Center

Start your New York adventure at Rockefeller Center, one of the most iconic holiday spots in the city and home to the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony. Marvel at the towering Christmas tree, decked out with thousands of sparkling lights and ornaments.

The Christmas tree is lit on November 29 and remains lit from 5 AM to 12 AM daily until January 13, except on Christmas Day, when it stays lit for twenty-four hours. 

I recommend visiting the tree during the day and evening for two different experiences.

The Channel Gardens

While in the Rockefeller Center, you won’t want to miss other New York Christmas decorations, like The Channel Gardens.

These gardens feature beautiful flowers and water fountains that lead to the Rockefeller tree. Most notably, you will find the twelve lighted angels here that are a must-see.

Look for a professional photo station in the Channel Gardens to take your picture of the tree from this area.

This year, a digital print package costs around $40, which is a worthwhile investment.

We didn’t purchase professional pictures on our first trip, and we were disappointed when we got home and found our personal pictures did not turn out great.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Located just below the tree is the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink. This is one of the smallest outdoor ice rinks, but how can you beat skating under the iconic Rockefeller Center tree? 

Trip Tip: Book your ice skating rink reservation in advance for the best times.

Rockefeller Center Chalets

One stop you must add to your Christmas itinerary is the Après Skate Chalets by Balsam Hill, located alongside the Rockefeller Center ice rink.

These individual heated and cozy houses, made to resemble ski chalets, are the perfect place to rest, recharge, and warm up on cold winter days.

Plus, they give you a fantastic front-row view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

The Chalet price ranges from $45 to $185 for up to six people.

The price includes 40 minutes in a private chalet and two non-alcoholic drinks per person.

It’s a great way to escape the madness and crowds of Midtown, offering a front-row view that can’t be beaten. Reserve your Chalet here.

New York Christmas Decorations at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Stop by St. Patrick’s Cathedral near Rockefeller Center for a peaceful holiday visit.

This stunning cathedral is free to enter and is a perfect spot to take a break from the busy city streets.

Inside, you’ll find a beautiful nativity scene that’s a must-see during the holidays.

The cathedral is open to visitors most of the day, but to avoid the crowds, try to go early or later in the afternoon.

Be respectful inside—it’s an active church, so services might be happening.

It’s a quick and easy way to add some quiet holiday spirit to your New York City Christmas itinerary!

Afternoon: Top of the Rock Observation Deck

New York has several observation decks that take you high above the skyscrapers to witness the city’s beauty in winter. The Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building are the most popular observation decks. 

The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is an excellent choice because, from the top, you can see the New York skyline and Central Park. There are also indoor and outdoor observation decks to view New York Christmas decorations. 

The Top of the Rock is one of the many places on a CityPASS ticket. CityPASS tickets include a list of attractions throughout the city to which you can gain admission for a discounted price. 

The New York CityPASS is a great way to save money if you plan to see other NYC attractions. 

Radio City Music Hall‘s Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall is best known as home to the Rockettes and The Christmas Spectacular.

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.

For your evening plans, purchase tickets to see this one-of-a-kind Christmas show. You’ll be so happy you ended day one of your New York City Christmas itinerary here.

Before heading back to your hotel after the show, snap photos in front of the large fountain and colorful ornaments in front of Radio City Music Hall.

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.

Morning: Bryant Park Winter Village

Begin your day at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, a festive hub of holiday cheer. Browse through over 100 stalls filled with handcrafted goods, unique gifts, and seasonal treats.

The ice skating rink here is also free if you bring your own skates.

The Bryant Park Winter Village features a holiday market with shopping kiosks and a food hall offering many unique eats and treats. 

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 many places to buy breakfast, so it’s a good idea to start your day here when it’s less crowded.

The morning is also a great time to take a picture with Santa in front of the tree without having to wait.

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.

Stroll Down Fifth Avenue

End your Central Park exploration by heading south to 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.

Finally, make your way towards the New York Public Library, maybe stopping at some Fifth Avenue stores to see their festive displays before meeting your evening tour.

It’s a perfect mix of outdoor fun, iconic sights, and holiday spirit to prepare you for a magical evening!

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. 

Evening: Spend a Festive Evening in New York City

There are so many festive options for a fabulous evening in NYC. Based on your preferences, 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.
• For that classic NYC holiday vibe, go ice skating at Bryant Park’s Winter Village or Rockefeller Center.
• 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 Four in New York City at Christmas

For your final day in NYC, make it all about what you love and want to see most!

I suggest exploring the city’s neighborhoods. There are many fun options, whether you want to take in the sights, savor delicious food, or revel in NYC’s holiday magic.

Pick from my list of favorites and make your last day unforgettable.

Morning: Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

You may want to start by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers fantastic city views and a touch of holiday magic.

You’ll see the Manhattan skyline and a magical view of the Statue of Liberty from the bridge, all decked out for the season. Afterward, head into Brooklyn Heights or DUMBO for some cute cafes and holiday shops.

Afternoon: Explore Neighborhoods or Museums

For your last day in NYC, dive into the city’s neighborhoods with a food tour or explore one of the many museums.

Take a Food Tour

Try 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, as we have. We don’t go to NYC without stopping at Ferrara’s and Dipalo’s in Little Italy now. 

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!