Plan the Perfect New York City Christmas Itinerary
Welcome to the ultimate New York City Christmas itinerary!
Having visited New York City at Christmas three times, I’ve learned how to make the most of this magical season in the city that never sleeps.
This four-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience NYC’s festive charm without missing a beat. This guide will help you plan the perfect trip, from iconic holiday sights to hidden gems.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and plan the best New York Christmas trip.
He Works So I Travel content may contain affiliate links for products I use and love. If you 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.
4 Day NYC Itinerary at a Glance
There are so many delightful places to visit in NYC at Christmas. I have found that you can see plenty in four days, which is why I created this four-day New York City Christmas itinerary. These are fun activities in NYC, perfect for couples or families.
Day One: Arrival and Christmas Sights
- Visit Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Channel Gardens, Store Windows
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- Time Square
- Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
- Saks Fifth Avenue light show
Day Two: Holiday Decorations, Holiday Markets, and Midtown Magic
- Central Park and Columbus Circle Holiday Market
- Bryant Park Holiday Winter Village
- See Santa at Macy’s Santaland
- Holiday Lights and Store Window Tour
Day Three: Downtown Festivities and Unique Experiences
- World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial
- Empire State Building
- Festive Holiday Night
Day Four: Museums, Shopping, and Departure
- Museum of Natural History or MoMA
- Neighborhood Food Tour
- Go shopping in Chinatown
- Grand Central Station
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.
Day One in NYC
Christmas in New York City’s Rockefeller Center
On the first day of your Christmas in New York itinerary, head to Rockefeller Center, the hub for most holiday events.
Can we talk about a New York Christmas without leading with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? One of the world’s most iconic holiday symbols is free to visit.
The Christmas tree is lit on November 29, and it stays lit from 5 AM to 12 AM daily until January 13, except for 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 worth it.
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: Make your ice skating rink reservation for the best times in advance.
Rockefeller Center Chalets
One stop you must add to your Christmas itinerary is the cozy chalets 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 December days.
Plus, they give you a fantastic front-row view of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
The sponsor for the chalets has not been announced for 2024 yet, but I’ll update this information for you when the reservation page opens.
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!
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.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Don’t leave the Rockefeller Center area without seeing the New York Christmas decorations at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The Saks theatrical light show is magical. When the music begins, you surely won’t be able to miss it. It plays every ten minutes from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Most people try to get close to the street when the music starts. If you stand back by the Channel Gardens, you can see the whole building without rubbing shoulders with the crowds at the front.
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
When it comes to a sit-down dinner with family portions, consider dining at Carmine’s in Times Square.
This Italian restaurant is known for its generous servings meant to be shared.
Order a few dishes for the table and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal before or after your show.
For dessert, visit Juniors in Times Square for a slice of New York’s famous cheesecake.
Day Two in NYC
Christmas in New York City’s Central Park
Start day two of your New York City adventure at Columbus Circle and Central Park.
After having breakfast at your hotel or one of the many NYC diners, walk or take the subway to Columbus Circle.
Once there, visit the Shops at Columbus Circle to see the holiday lights display.
Afterward, walk around the Columbus Circle Outdoor Holiday Market across the street at the entrance of Central Park.
Like European holiday markets, the Market has many food options, warm drinks, music, and fabulous kiosks filled with NYC gifts.
Take a leisurely walk through Central Park’s snow-dusted paths and enjoy its serene beauty in winter.
Don’t miss the Wollman Rink for a quintessential ice-skating experience surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
In Central Park, take a horse and carriage ride, book a pedicab tour, or take a Central Park TV & Movie Sites walking tour.
There are many places to explore in the park.
Visit my complete post, Exploring Central Park, for all your choices.
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!
Holiday 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.
Bryant Park Winter Village
The tour guide will take you to New York City’s best holiday windows. You’ll begin at the festive Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park.
The Bryant Park Winter Village includes a holiday market with shopping kiosks and a food hall with many unique eats and treats.
The Village includes outdoor tables and chairs where people can sit and relax, listen to music, and enjoy being in NYC.
You won’t spend much time in this area during the Holiday Lights tour, so if you want to return, put it on your list of places to see on days three and four.
The food market and kiosks have many places that sell breakfast, so it is a good idea to begin your day here when it is less crowded.
The morning is also a great time to take a picture with Santa in front of the tree without waiting.
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.
It’s a fun and easy spot, perfect for families visiting NYC for the first time!
Day Three in NYC at Christmas
Full-Day Tour of New York City at Christmas
You may be exhausted after your first two days in New York City. Despite looking small on a map, walking many steps each day is easy.
If you are ready to keep going, I suggest a private, luxury city tour for day three. This sounds expensive, but it is surprisingly affordable for a full-day tour, including a harbor tour.
If you are a first-time visitor to New York City, you don’t want to miss iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or the 9/11 Memorial, and this tour lets you see them all.
High-Quality Tours is a fantastic company. On their full-day tour, you will feel like a VIP, and you will have to do little walking since you are transported in their private luxury vehicle.
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 taking in the sights, savoring delicious food, or reveling in NYC’s holiday magic.
Pick from my list of favorites and make your last day unforgettable.
Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
You may want to start by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, which offers fantastic city views and some 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.
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!
Visit Museums and Landmarks
If you like museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a beautiful holiday tree in the Medieval Sculpture Hall and festive exhibits throughout.
For more holiday activities, you could visit the American Museum of Natural History, which has an excellent origami holiday tree. The museums do get crowded during the holidays, so I suggest going early or later in the day.
Grand Central Terminal’s Holiday Fair features local vendors, unique gifts, and food. I was surprised to find that it is more than just a terminal.
Grand Central has over 50 shops and 30 places to eat.
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.
Another great choice is the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where model trains zip through detailed miniatures of NYC landmarks, all set in a beautiful, festive garden.
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.
Plan Your NYC Christmas Trip 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.
