20 Great Ways to Spend Christmas in New York City
Christmas in New York City is one of the best times to be here. Regardless of whether or not you celebrate or how you do so, there's a cheer in the cooling air that's accessible to everyone on the premises. Locals are happier, and more welcoming of tourists, despite the cold. The lights are brighter but also more tasteful than ever, what with the myriad window displays luring shoppers like moths to the flame. Whether you've come to the city expressly to experience the season, or you've found yourself here by coincidence and good fortune, there's much to do and see.
Below, our New York City editors past and present have weighed in on a few of their favorite things to do during Christmas in New York. There are the obvious classics—Rockefeller Center, the Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park—that will require you to face throngs of fellow revelers. But other spots won't be as busy thanks to the general clearing out of New Yorkers that happens during the holidays. You have better odds at the best restaurants with the most elusive tables, for example, this time of year, and the streets of usually-overrun neighborhoods like the West Village will quiet and thereby become all the more charming. Read on for the full mix.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alex Erdekian.
Courtesy Mazzola BakeryGrab prosciutto bread from Mazzola
Every year, right before Christmas, I make my way to Mazzola Bakery in Carroll Gardens—a tradition that started with my grandfather, who grew up in Brooklyn and had connections to the bakery (read more about that here.) Walking in always feels a bit like stepping into his stories. I pick up two loaves of prosciutto bread: one to eat while it’s still warm, and one to bring to my mom’s side of the family for Christmas dinner. When we’re all in the kitchen getting things ready, I cut the bread and fill the basket while talking with my grandmother. It’s a small moment, but it’s my favorite—just the two of us chatting amid the noise of everyone prepping around us.
After Mazzola’s, I swing by Caputo’s Fine Foods for boccacini and whatever cold cuts or treats we need. The place is always buzzing this time of year, but staff remember me and my partner, and there’s something comforting about returning to the same counters, the same faces. Outside, the neighborhood is full of people hunting for last-minute gifts, but for me, this little loop—Mazzola’s to Caputo’s—is what makes it feel like Christmas. It’s familiar, personal, and rooted in the kind of family tradition that just easily sticks. (Not to mention, there’s no beating the smells and warmth of fresh bread this time of the year.) —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer
Bloomberg/GettyWindow shop along Fifth Avenue
I usually head home to Florida for Christmas, which is about as polar opposite of an environment as you can get from Christmas in New York. Before I leave, though, I always squeeze in a Fifth Avenue walk. I’ll start at the bottom of Central Park and head down Fifth Avenue toward Rockefeller Center to see the massive Christmas tree. In between, you pass by tons of over-the-top, sparkly displays outside Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and more. Then I’ll cut over to Sixth Ave to walk past Radio City Music Hall and the giant Christmas ornaments display. Yes, the streets are packed with tourists (going on a weekday morning helps alleviate this a bit), but the energy really is lovely, so practice your patience and lean into the slow pace of those around you—or just put a playlist of Christmas tunes in your ears and fully zone out. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
Artur Dancs/Getty ImagesGet in on the Gramercy Park glee
The holiday season is the best time of the year for a night-time stroll down historic Irving Place. While Washington Irving, the street’s namesake, is typically associated with Halloween thanks to “Sleepy Hollow,” the 19th century author is also credited with first introducing Christmas to the American public (move over Charles Dickens). Fittingly, the historic street full of shops, restaurants, and bars is the perfect place to bask in that old-time Christmas charm.
Start by Gramercy Park and admire the Christmas tree (for the keyless, from afar) and pop in the merrily-decorated Pete’s Tavern for a pint under tinsel. If, like me, your favorite part of wintertime celebrations are the abundance of cheese boards, Bedford Cheese Shop is a must-visit for all your holiday charcuterie needs. End the night with dinner or drinks at Friend of a Farmer, the coziest restaurant whose fireplaces and woodsy cottage-core vibes will transport you to the Vermont countryside. —Hannah Towey, associate news editor
Veni/GettySee Central Park by day or night
If you've packed the winter wardrobe to wrap yourself in, put it to good use with a nice, long stroll through New York's most famous parks on a chilly morning, afternoon, or evening ahead of Christmas—it's a good way to get a look at the faces and fashions of Manhattanites without getting swept up in the floods of shoppers along Fifth Avenue. Ice skating at Wollman is, of course, an excellent option, but it's just as nice to stand by the barriers and take in the scene as families, lovers, and the occasional figure skater flits by. And while I wouldn't recommend riding in a carriage, the horses and their occupants (often gleaming caricatures of tourists working bundled to the nines through their NYC bucket lists) make for excellent watching. Now that Loeb Boathouse is open again for dining, that's another good stop to make for a pristine view of The Lake—especially if it's snowed by Christmas. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
Courtesy of STARR RestaurantsHave Christmas dinner at Pastis
For Thanksgiving last year, a friend and I decided to have brunch at Pastis, a beloved New York starlet of a restaurant that burned bright in the aughts, closed in 2014 when the building was demolished, and came back better-than-ever in the same neighborhood in 2019. All that to say, the very good Parisian fare (e.g. cauliflower gratin, veal escalope, a killer onion soup) rank at a close second to the vibe: convivial and celeb-scented chic, Manhattany in the warmest way, especially under the interior’s tinsel and twinkle lights hung for the season. My friend and I had a fantastic time before we joined others at someone’s West Village apartment to cook the usual Thanksgiving dinner, but I almost wish we stayed at Pastis all day, slamming St. Germain spritzes and sharing what we were thankful for. The place was open from ten to ten and offered a holiday prix fixe, and they’ll do the same again for Christmas Day this year. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation, and please say hello if and when you spot me there, tucking into my mussels and frites.— Matt Ortile, associate editor
Jinnifer DouglassChristmas shop in Little Italy
The first time I stumbled into Little Italy’s iconic Christmas in New York shop it was the middle of July. Despite the city heat, and glaring lack of snow outside, I was quickly transported to a candy cane-filled winter wonderland. Ever since then, I’ve made sure to stop by around Christmas time—when Mulberry Street’s very own workshop becomes even more magical. You’ll find glass ornaments from around the world, life-size Santa decorations, and sparkling Christmas trees at every turn. I simply can’t resist picking up a new holiday knick knack every time I visit. And while you’re there, be sure to grab a fresh cannoli from Ferrara’s (Tony Soprano’s favorite bakery.) —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
GettyTake in The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
Nothing quite magnifies the magic of the holiday season like seeing it through the eyes of a child. Growing up, I attended annual amateur ballet productions of The Nutcracker in my hometown; now as an adult living in New York City, I have the infinitely better luck of seeing some of the top dancers in the world bring to life this holiday wonderland as part of New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. The story of The Nutcracker follows Clara, a little girl who receives a toy nutcracker for Christmas Eve. As she dreams that night she visits the Land of Snow, the Kingdom of Sweets, even battling a Mouse King—a Christmas hero’s journey if there ever was one. Choreographed by George Balanchine and set to Tchaikovsky's score, NYC Ballet brings to life the fantasy and the fairytale with solos by their masterful principal dancers. Get your tickets, maybe even a cup of hot chocolate, and savor the twinkling magic of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center; your inner child will thank you. —Katie Mathews, senior creative producer
Enrique Shore/AlamyBuy a ticket to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
Seeing the Radio City Rockettes during the holiday season feels so nostalgic and so New York to me. The first time I went to see the Christmas Spectacular as a kid felt so special—the dancing, the lights, the energy in the room all felt straight out of a holiday movie. Now as an adult, it’s a holiday event that I still enjoy. The Rockettes perform with such synchronism and spirit that you can’t help but be in awe watching the performance. It’s especially exciting to go with someone who has never seen it before, or even has never been to the iconic venue. —M.K.
Getty ImagesGo on a hot chocolate tour
If you want to get those steps in but feel like you need a destination in mind, map out three to four spots for a hot cup of hot chocolate (with some sort of giant marshmallow, preferably) to motivate your day. Some spots to get your planning going: Glace, Caffé Panna, Rigor Hill Market, Angelina Paris, Hani's Bakery, the hot dog cart outside The Mark; and if you have the patience for it, head to the Bryant Park Christmas Market and you'll find some great hot chocolates, as well as plenty of other sweet delights there too. —Emily Adler, associate social media manager
GettyStroll by the lights in Dyker Heights
For the past four years, I've taken the long subway ride out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to be awestruck by the dedicated neighborhood of houses that go all out with holiday cheer. It's like Christmas exploded in everyone's yard, but in the best way. Giant inflatable lawn animals, motorized Santas, a mob of nutcrackers, and so many Christmas lights that you can barely tell what time of day it is. Insider tip: The specific blocks you’ll find the most light displays are 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Streets. For a pick-me-up in the neighborhood, grab a hot chocolate and a pastry at Panino Rustico. —Lara Kramer, global associate director of audience development
GettyDrop into IFC Center for a screening of It's A Wonderful Life
Christmas is nothing without the movies, and paramount among them is It’s A Wonderful Life, which returns to arthouse favorite movie theater IFC Center from Tuesday, December 4 through December 25 (this year, four exclusive showings during the run include intros from actress Donna Reed’s daughter Mary Owen.) In the quiet days before travel panic sets in, my sister and I have made it tradition to slip under IFC’s vintage marquee for a late-afternoon screening. In the glow of the previews before George figures himself out, we share popcorn, swap gift photos, and trade stories about past Christmas relatives we hope will treat us to another main-character moment this year. Once George has discovered the meaning of life and the angels are satisfied, it’s essential to wander up 6th Avenue to Waverly Diner, slide into the perfectly worn crimson booths, split a plate of chocolate-chip pancakes (add banana if you’re like my sister), and say yes to every drip-coffee refill until you’re politely asked to leave. Bonus points for snow—or a call to Grandma and Grandpa. —Bridget Knowles, associate social media manager
Adrian GautSpa out
Last Christmas, I asked my parents for a gift card to the Russian & Turkish Baths, and they delivered (admission is $60 for one entry). I have two left and will be using them this Christmas, braving what will likely be the bitter cold in order to go some place extremely hot. The deal here is: ascend a steep East Village staircase, check in at the desk, change into your swimsuit, and then descend to take your pick from the saunas and steam rooms. There's the Russian Room, where the temperature nears 200 degrees, as well as more amenable Turkish and Finnish saunas—these are best visited with dunks in the 40-degree cold plunge interspersed between. Amidst all of the holiday excess, embrace these extremes and do something for your health. I always emerge feeling like a newborn baby, blinking at the world. There are also fancier options, like Bathhouse in Williamsburg and, now, Flatiron, and Aire Ancient Baths, depending on your budget. —CH
Breads Bakery/FacebookFeast on Breads Bakery's Linzer tarts
Breads Bakery makes incredible baked goods all year round—their chocolate babka is my go-to housewarming or party gift. But their holiday offerings are especially spectacular, from festive challah (made with things like sesame, nigella, sunflower) and cranberry gouda rolls over Thanksgiving to Linzer tarts and potato latkes for Christmas and Hanukkah. I was especially impressed by the Harvest Babka this year—a savory version of their popular pastry. It has roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, and gruyere cheese: ideal for those lazy mornings when you want something easy, but with all the flavors of the holidays. —Stephanie Wu, former digital director
Julie Larsen Maher © WCSEnjoy the Bronx Zoo's Holiday Lights
The Bronx Zoo is a premiere destination at any time of year for its zoological and conservation efforts—of my many visits there, I have particularly fond memories of going there in college on a field trip for a biological anthropology class I randomly took called “Primate Behavior” which ultimately horrified me for what I learned about chimpanzees and what they're capable of—but wandering the premises around Christmastime is especially, well, special. From November 22 all the way through January 5 of next year, the whole place will be lit up in the annual Holiday Lights celebration with luminary lantern sculptures of zoo animals alongside the real deal. It's art meets life in the best way, and it's actually really wonderful rather than kitsch. —CH
Andrew F Kazmierski/GettyIce skate at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
My favorite holiday activity is waking up at the crack of dawn on a weekday and hoofing it from my Brooklyn apartment to Bryant Park to be there when the rink opens at 8 a.m. Midtown is filled with in-office workers, and you'll find fully dressed corporate folks in their hockey and ice skates, headphones in, getting in a few morning turns before heading to work. In the shadow of the New York Public Library, it's an urban winter wonderland. On weekday mornings, the rink—which is free if you have your own skates, or $18.72 to $60.32 for rentals—is quiet, without the crowds (or kids) that usually show up on the weekends. —Meredith Carey, former travel bookings editor
Neue GalerieArt and some schnitzel
Nothing gets me quite in the holiday mood like a visit to the Neue Galerie, which sits about a block south of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue—a perfectly intimate addition to a day of large-scale museum strolling. The property, a beautiful old Beaux-Arts building known as the William Starr Miller House, displays a magnificent collection of early 20th-century German and Austrian art, plus the occasional rotating exhibit—on the art of the Weimar Republic, for example, or the artist’s self-portrait. But the real draw is its spectacular array of works by Gustav Klimt, including the gilded Adele Block-Bauer I, perhaps one of the finest examples of his so-called “golden style.” I love taking an hour or two to amble around the galleries before heading down to Café Sabarsky, its jewel box Viennese cafe, where New Yorkers in the know catch up over late-afternoon plates of schnitzel and sachertorte. —Betsy Blumenthal, former editor, features and franchises
AlamyWalk through a deserted West Village
There's a mad rush of visitors leading up to the holidays, but if you're actually in town on Christmas or New Year's Day, there's a dreamlike quiet that falls on the city. That's when I love walking around one of the usually buzzy neighborhoods, like the West Village, and taking my time looking into windows of stores (even if they're closed), admiring brownstones, and walking in the middle of streets that are never going to be that empty again. Plus, because it's New York City, undoubtedly some little bar will be open, so when your hands and feet start to numb you can duck in and defrost. Days like that remind me of why I love this city so much. —Megan Spurrell, associate director, articles
GettyWander the Union Square holiday market
I’m a sucker for a good holiday market, and I’ve been going to the one in Union Square for years. There’s just something so festive about winding your way through the booths—honestly, it would take a real Grinch not to get into the spirit. And while it’s perfect for those cute, last-minute holiday finds—there are well over a hundred vendors selling everything from jewelry to ornaments to art—I’m really there for the food. My husband makes a beeline for the German bratwurst stand, but I show up hungry and make my way through a whole lineup of stalls serving everything from giant, torched-marshmallow hot cocoa to lobster rolls and raclette sandwiches, all enjoyed under a canopy of twinkling lights. It’s truly one of my favorite ways to dive headfirst into the festive season. —Arati Menon, global digital director
Pay a visit to the Church of Sweden
When I think about Christmas in New York, I think about Midtown Manhattan, the charcoal smoke of kebab carts wafting in the cold air. I have such fond memories of childhood trips to see the tree at Rockefeller. My mom would dress my brother and I up like marshmallows—in our long johns and puffer jackets—and we’d take a bus from New Jersey to Port Authority. My brother’s stop was the NBA store, while mine was American Girl Place. These days, when I head to that part of town, I like to pay a visit to the Church of Sweden, housed in a 1920s, Gothic-style building. There’s a cozy cafe selling aromatic cardamom buns and Swedish candy (shout out to Dumle black licorice), and during the holiday season, a Christmas shop where you can browse festive tea towels, handmade ornaments, and of course, traditional Dala horses. —Jessica Sulima, commerce writer
GettyBar hop between festive watering holes
I love sipping on a specialty cocktail while people watching all year ‘round, but there’s something about doing it while surrounded by string lights and holly-jolly decor that just hits different. Of course, there’s the iconic Rolf’s, if you don’t mind your twinkly lights with a side of tourists, but my favorite spots to get spirited are Miracle on Ninth Street and Pete’s Tavern, both on the east side of Manhattan. —Hannah Chubb, senior commerce editor
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