December in New York City can be one of the most magical times of the year. Despite the chilly weather, there is so much to do to get into the holiday spirit. From ice skating to elegant Christmas trees, the city has so much holiday cheer to offer!
1. Visit Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, photo credit Rockefeller Center.
Head over to Rockefeller Center and check out NYC’s most iconic Christmas tree, paired with the most popular ice skating rink in the city. You could even head over on December 3rd to catch the tree lighting ceremony! Rockefeller Center offers a variety of special events for the holidays, including standard skating and VIP skating sessions, private Aprés Skate Chalets, professional photo opportunities, and even a chance to visit the tree up close and personal. Rockefeller Center is the perfect family-friendly December day-trip with plenty to do and see.
2. Shop at the Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, photo credit Bryant Park.
After visiting Rockefeller Center, head a few blocks south to Bryant Park and visit the Bank of America Winter Village. With more than 100 vendors in Urbanspace’s European-styled open-air market, this is the perfect spot to get some holiday shopping done. Grab a steaming hot chocolate, support local vendors and artists, and check out the many food options. They also offer ice skating at their rink, and beautiful sights of the Bryant Park Christmas tree. Shops are open every day now until January 4th, with varying holiday hours.
3. Enjoy the Saks Fifth Ave Light Show
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show, photo courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue.
The Saks Fifth Avenue light show is one of NYC’s most special holiday treasures, featuring Dior’s Carousel of Dreams. The show runs every ten minutes from 5 PM – 11 PM every night from now until January 5th. After an abrupt cancellation in 2024, many locals and visitors were glad to hear that the show would be returning this year to brighten the city streets this holiday season.
4. See the Rockettes Perform Their Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Rockettes, photo courtesy Radio City Rockettes.
Join the world-famous Radio City Rockettes in celebrating their 100th year by joining them for one of their Christmas Spectacular shows! They will be performing every day from now until January 5th at Radio City Music Hall, and they offer a variety of ticket packages and showtimes. They also offer some fun holiday experiences, including dance workshops, tours of Radio City Music Hall, and opportunities to meet some of the Rockettes.
5. Enjoy the Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, photo credit Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Stroll through a winter wonderland in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and bask in their illuminating Lightscape. Returning for its fifth year, Lightscape brings the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to life with new dazzling art displays, music, and special attractions. They offer concessions along the route with hot drinks and snacks, as well as the Lightscape bar, an indoor bar offering speciality cocktails, hot chocolate, savory bites, and sweet treats. Guests even have an option to enjoy a sit-down dinner at Lightscape Lodge, with specialty winter dishes. Reservations are highly suggested.
6. All Aboard for New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show
Just a 20 minute ride on the Metro North from Grand Central Station, The dazzling Holiday Train Show returns to New York Botanical Garden now-Jan. 11, that will include special Holiday Train Nights with cocktails and bites, sensory family days, and more. The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas—including new surprises for 2025/2026—to life under the glass of the warm and welcoming Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.