Christmas season in New York is a really special time, the atmosphere is indescribable; you’ll be amazed by the countless lights and magical decorations. For Americans, Christmas is an important holiday and this is reflected in the enthusiasm with which they decorate their homes. Every year a huge Christmas tree is illuminated at the Rockefeller Center and the windows of the shops on Fifth Avenue are beautifully decorated! If you are in New York during the Christmas season, there are several activities that you can do to soak up this atmosphere.
Contents
- 1 The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
- 2 Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)
- 3 Festive Christmas Cruise
- 4 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- 5 New York Holiday Lights Tour
- 6 Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
- 7 Rockefeller Center ice skating package
- 8 George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
- 9 Christmas Markets
- 10 Decorated Shop Windows
- 10.1 When will the Christmas decorations go up?
- 10.2 Macy’s during Christmas
The Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights
The Christmas lights decorating American houses are breathtaking. To see exuberantly decorated houses (you certainly know them from series and movies) you should not stay in Manhattan but go to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This affluent area has even been chosen as the “best-decorated neighbourhood of America”. Take part in the 3.5-hour Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights and explore the beautifully lit and decorated homes.
The tour begins in Midtown where the bus with your guide heads to Brooklyn. Once in Dyker Heights, you won’t believe what you’re seeing! Some of the extravagant creations cost more than $10,000. To keep your Christmas spirit high, Christmas videos and Christmas carols will be played on the bus.
Book yourChristmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights here
If the above tour is sold out, see this Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights walking tour here
Eric’s Tip: If you are in New York during the Christmas season, this tour is a must. You get to see the houses as you know them from the American series. During the tour, there is plenty of time to take pictures and you’ll be amazed by the decorations. This tour will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit. Note that it is very popular, so it’s best to book in advance.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular (The Rockettes)
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Rockettes is one of the most iconic Christmas shows in New York. It includes Santa, the Nutcracker and of course the Nativity. Starting in early November, you can visit one of the many shows a day. If you’ve already seen the show once you can definitely go again, as the show’s a bit different every year. It’s held at Radio City Music Hall and is truly the best way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Book your tickets for Radio City Christmas Spectacular here
Festive Christmas Cruise
Get well and truly into the Christmas spirit during this festive Christmas cruise in New York. Aboard this 1920s, vintage-style yacht enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas songs performed by a live band as you pass the Manhattan skyline.
Book the Christmas cruise in New York here
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is an attraction in its own right. The tree needs to be a minimum of 20 metres tall and around 7.5 metres wide but it’s usually much taller (between 23 and 27 metres). The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is put in place in mid-November. It is decorated with 8 kilometres of fairy lights which are lit in a public ceremony that takes place the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. This year, the tree lighting ceremony falls on November 30. Read all about the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony here. The lights will be turned off in January. The tree is illuminated daily from 06:00 until 00:00 and over Christmas is illuminated for 24 hours. On New Year’s Eve, the lights are turned off at 21:00.
New York Holiday Lights Tour
Do you want to see the highlights of Christmas lights in New York but don’t want to do it on your own? Then take this walking tour. With your guide, you walk through the city, past the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree and the great displays of the shops on Fifth Avenue and more. There will be ten stops during the small-group-sized walking tour. The Rockefeller Christmas tree is only lit in late November or early December. To avoid disappointment, I advise you to take the tour only after the tree has been lit.
Book your tickets for the Holiday Lights Tour here
Christmas Horse Carriage Ride
Christmas in New York is magical, but it can get even more magical in the back of a horse carriage. During this tour, you can sit back and enjoy Central Park, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, and many more. See how all the lights are twinkling and get the true New York Christmas spirit.
Book the Horse Carriage Ride here
Rockefeller Center ice skating package
In addition to a beautiful Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center is also famous for its skating rink. Skating in New York at Rockefeller Center is a great experience. The queues at the Rockefeller rink can be quite long. Do you want to skate here during the Christmas season? Then you can opt for an ice skating package.
Tickets for 2022 are not available yet
Would you like to receive an email as soon as the packages are available to book? Send me a message at [emailprotected] and I’ll email you when the tickets are available.
This package offers a skate session with skate rental and an audio tour at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Book your tickets for the ice skating package here
Eric’s Tip: This package is great for the whole family. You can enjoy skating on one of the most popular rinks in New York without the hassle and lines.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is performed by the New York City Ballet each year during the holiday season, starting from the end of November until the beginning of January. With music by Tchaikovsky and choreography by Balanchine, it’s a classic piece loved and watched by many. If you’re in New York, you can enjoy the magical Christmas world, including the toy soldiers, and incredible visual effects in the David H. Koch Theatre.
Book your Nutcracker tickets here
Christmas Markets
In New York, there are a number of Christmas markets that you can visit. Two of the best are Bryant Park and Union Square. The Bryant Park Christmas Market starts at the end of October and runs until the beginning of January. This is a large market and because you can also go ice skating and sit in the cafe, it’s the absolute best Christmas experience. You can buy Christmas decorations and ornaments. These Christmas markets aren’t cheap but it’s all about the experience, after all. I once bought a New York taxi tree ornament, as well as a hotdog stand one! The Union Square Christmas Market is a little smaller. It’s on from the end of November to December 24th (closed on Thanksgiving). At this market, you can get food and presents. Read about all the Christmas markets in New York here.
Decorated Shop Windows
If there is one thing during Christmas in New York that will surely put you in a festive mood, then it’s the beautifully decorated streets and shop windows. Big department stores really dedicate the whole year to preparing their Christmas window displays, each telling its own story. The shop windows are somewhat of a gift to the public and are not prominently sales-driven. It’s popular for both locals and tourists to wander past the stores during this period, especially on Fifth Avenue. The department stores with the best shop windows are Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany’s. Macy’s should, of course not be missed.
When will the Christmas decorations go up?
The Christmas decorations in shops are usually revealed at the end of November, or beginning of December: typically after Thanksgiving. This is also the case for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. After New Year, most of the shops will remove their decorations.
Macy’s during Christmas
The department store Macy’s has dedicated a whole floor to a magical Christmas village called Macy’s Santaland. Everything is beautifully decorated. Even Santa Claus is present and you (or your children) can snap a photograph (for a fee). Bear in mind that the queue for taking a photo with Santa can be very long.
When will the Christmas spirit in New York start?
The Christmas spirit in New York starts after Thanksgiving and the Black Friday weekend. The decorations last until the beginning of January, usually around 5th or 6th January.
Is Christmas a good time to visit New York?
Certainly! The atmosphere in New York in December is great. The whole city is elaborately decorated and it is usually not very cold yet. The holidays are therefore a very nice time for a New York trip.
What is there to do in New York at Christmas?
There are several Christmas activities in New York during the holiday season. The city is full of beautiful shop windows and Christmas trees. Visit one of the cozy Christmas markets, admire the decorated houses on a Dyker Heights tour and enjoy the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Can I attend the Rockefeller Tree Lighting?
Yes, you can go here, but the event is attended by millions of spectators every year. If you want to be assured of a good spot, make sure you buy tickets for a Tree Lighting viewing party or arrive hours in advance.
FAQs
What date do the Christmas lights go on in New York 2022? ›
WHEN IS THE LIGHTING CEREMONY? In 2022, the tree will be lit on Wednesday, November 30th. Note that the exact time has yet to be officially confirmed by Rockefeller Center, but in past years the lights are switched on at 9 pm. There are no tickets to attend the lighting.
How long do Christmas decorations stay up in New York City? ›The Christmas spirit in New York starts after Thanksgiving and the Black Friday weekend. The decorations last until the beginning of January, usually around 5th or 6th January.
How long does the Rockefeller tree stay up? ›The 2020 Christmas Tree Lighting, which lacked the traditional audience due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, took place on December 2, 2020, and the tree remained on display until January 2, 2021.
Is Christmas a good time to visit New York? ›New York in Winter
Mid November through early January is the best time to visit New York if you want to experience the Christmas season. I highly recommend visiting during this time of year, because Christmas in New York is something everyone should experience at least once.
Fall and spring are considered by tourists and locals as the best times to visit, and you can expect pleasant temperatures to reign in the months from April to June and September until November.
Is Central Park decorated for Christmas? ›5. Central Park Holiday Lighting. For more than 20 years, the Central Park Conservancy has been draping the Charles A. Dana Center in holiday lights and ringing in the season alongside a hot-cocoa-bearing Santa.
What date is the Rockefeller tree lighting 2022? ›The lighting ceremony was featured on NBC on December 1, 2021, at 8pm. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes down on January 16, 2022. After the tree comes down, the city donates it to Habitat For Humanity.
How many days do you need in New York? ›5 days in NYC is actually the perfect amount if it's your first visit. You can spend 3 days in New York City, but it's cutting it close–and you'll need to come back again. If you have only one day in New York City, you can still see Manhattan!
How much is ice skating at Rockefeller Center? ›$20-$54 per person depending on the date and time of day. Skate rentals are available for $10. Local skaters can also purchase a membership to have access to the rink and unlimited skating throughout the season.
What time does the tree get lit at Rockefeller Center? ›
Visiting Hours
The tree will be lit daily from from 6am-12am.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is illuminated from 6 a.m. until midnight daily, except on Christmas and New Year's Eve. On December 25, the tree is illuminated for 24 hours, and on New Year's Eve, the lights are turned off at 9 p.m. On the last day, the tree will be lit until 9 p.m.
Is Christmas in New York expensive? ›Is New York expensive at Christmas? Just like any major city, New York is expensive in general, but especially so at Christmas. Hotel prices and airfares are high, as this is peak travel time and visitors flood to the most popular attractions. Book your flights and accommodation in advance for the best prices.
What is the cheapest time of year to fly to New York? ›As you might well have guessed, the cheapest months of the year to travel to NYC are from January through March. It's in these 3 months that the costs of both a flight and hotel are on average the lowest for the whole year.
Is it worth visiting New York in December? ›If you're planning a trip to New York City, you'll find that December is one of the most fun and exciting times to visit. With the coming of the holidays, you'll find a variety of special events, from ice skating, to holiday markets offering seasonal treats, or simply the incredible lighting displays.
What is the coldest month in New York? ›The daily mean temperature in January, the area's coldest month, is 32.6 °F (0.3 °C); however, temperatures to 10 °F (−12 °C) or less can occur several times each winter while on the other hand mild spells to 50°F (10 °C) or more occur several days each winter month as well.
How do I plan my first trip to New York? ›When planning a trip to New York make a list of all of the attractions, landmarks, and sights you want to see as well as any activities you want to do in the city. Prioritize your list by “must-sees” and “nice-to-sees” Look up attraction hours of operation and make a note of them.
How do you spend Christmas in New York? ›The Union Square Holiday Market is the largest and best of the holiday markets in NYC. It is open late November (November 28, 2021) to December 24 and has well over 100 stalls selling a range of crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more.
How cold does it get in New York in December? ›Weather in New York City in December
During the day the average highs are 43F (6C), at night the average temperature reaches 32F (0C). While not as cold as January and February, you should prepare for the cold! On average three days a month in December, the temperature will reach below 20F (-8 C).
No, You Don't Need Tickets to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
How much does Rockefeller Christmas tree cost? ›
It is made from 25,000 real Swarovski crystals and is either light nor cheap. It weighs an astonishing 900 pounds and costs about $1.5 million. The first Tree Lighting Ceremony took place back in 1933.
Where is the most famous Christmas tree in NYC located? ›The 79-foot tall Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrives in New York City from Elkton, Md. NEW YORK — New York City ushered in the holiday season Saturday with the arrival of a 79-foot Norway spruce that will serve as one of the world's most famous Christmas trees, in Rockefeller Center.
When can you ice skate at Rockefeller Center? ›Is the Rockefeller ice rink open all year? No, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is generally open from mid-November through mid-March. How much does it cost to ice skate at Rockefeller Center? Depending on the date and time of day you're going, general admission tickets cost anywhere from $20 to $54.
How tall is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center? ›What happens to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree after the holidays? Rockefeller Center usually selects a Norway Spruce as its holiday showstopper. Once the trees come down, the trunks are milled into two-by-four and two-by six beams that Tishman Speyer donates to Habitat.
How many dollars should I take to New York? ›| Tight Budget | Average budget | |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | from $900 to $ 1200 | from $1300 to $1600 |
| Housing | from $630 to $700 | from $910 to $1400 |
| Transportation | aprox. $94 | from $170 to $185 |
| Meals | from $275 to $460 | from $460 to $650 |
You should plan to spend around $238 per day on your vacation in New York City, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $37 on meals for one day and $39 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in New York City for a couple is $274.
Is it safe to walk around Manhattan? ›During the daytime, almost all areas of Manhattan are safe for walking—even Harlem and Alphabet City, though you may consider avoiding these neighborhoods after dark. Times Square is a great place to visit at night and it stays populated until after midnight when theater-goers head home.
Do you have to be vaccinated to go to Rockefeller Center? ›In accordance with the NYC Mandate and due to The Rink at Rockefeller Center being classified as an outdoor activity, proof of vaccination is not required to skate this season. All guests ages 2+, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask at all times while indoors.
What do you wear to ice skating lessons? ›Proper Attire
The ice rink is COLD, so skaters should wear long pants, a jacket, gloves, and layers that they can add or remove. Sometimes skaters get warm when get moving, where removable layers will be useful. Flexible and sweat-wicking fabrics are recommended so the skaters can move with ease.
Is Rockefeller Center free? ›
Yes it is free to enter and walk around. There are a number of shops and cafes and a restaurant. And restrooms which ate open to the public.
How do you see the Rockefeller Tree lighting? ›For the best view, get there at least before 2:00 PM and try to get in the first several rows along the perimeter of the ice rink. However, if you miss the lighting ceremony, you can always see it on other nights. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will remain lit until the first week of January 2021, at 9:00 PM.
Who is singing at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting? ›Mickey Guyton's 'O Holy Night' Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Performance Will Go Down as One of the Best in History.
Where is the Rockefeller tree coming from this year? ›The 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree won't come from New York, or New Jersey, or Pennsylvania like it usually does -- this year's tree is coming from Maryland instead. The 79-foot tall Norway Spruce was donated by a family in Elkton, Maryland, and will be cut down Nov. 11.
When should we put the Christmas tree up? ›Tradition dictates that Christmas trees should be put up at the beginning of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday 28 November 2021.
How many trees are in New York? ›The land comprising New York City holds approximately 5.2 million trees and 168 different tree species, as of 2020. The New York City government, alongside an assortment of environmental organizations, actively work to plant and maintain the trees.
Is NYC crowded during Christmas? ›Christmas in NYC is one of the busiest times you can visit the city. I'd strongly recommend setting up an alarm clock to get up early to see the best sights without the crazy crowds.
What date do the Christmas lights go on in New York? ›When will the Christmas spirit in New York start? The Christmas spirit in New York starts after Thanksgiving and the Black Friday weekend. The decorations last until the beginning of January, usually around 5th or 6th January.
Is everything closed on Christmas Day in New York? ›Are the shops open with Christmas in New York? Many shops, even large department stores, are closed on Christmas Day. This also applies to many attractions. Fun activities for Christmas include ice skating or taking a (dinner) cruise.
Is Christmas a good time to visit New York? ›New York in Winter
Mid November through early January is the best time to visit New York if you want to experience the Christmas season. I highly recommend visiting during this time of year, because Christmas in New York is something everyone should experience at least once.
Which airport is cheapest to fly into NYC? ›
Prices vary based on where travelers are departing from, but on average, the cheapest airport to fly to in New York is New York LaGuardia Airport where the average price is $629. Users typically find the best prices when using momondo's Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
What airline is the cheapest? ›| Rank | Airline | Cost per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Spirit Airlines | $0.209 |
| 2. | Frontier Airlines | $0.225 |
| 3. | Hawaiian Airlines | $0.257 |
| 4. (T) | Allegiant Air | $0.322 |
Choose classic leather boots with a slight heel, flats with a great shape, or fashionable sneakers. Skip brand new shoes or shoes that are too tight, uncomfortable, or have been known to give blisters. In general, many New Yorkers skip wearing sandals.
Can you wear leggings in New York? ›Here in NYC, it's against the letter of the law for a woman to be on the street wearing “body hugging clothing.” So no yoga pants, no spandex, no Lycra, no booty shorts, no cocktail dresses…
What time is the Christmas tree lighting in NYC? ›The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The ceremony will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022, with live performances from chart-topping stars scheduled for 7–9 pm.
Is New York Christmas in October? ›The only stat holiday in NYC in October is Columbus Day - a one day holiday, held 2nd Monday of the month - no school holidays like the U.K.............the weather is warmer in October, I know I prefer to visit then...as mentioned before, that Halloween Parade is really something to see............
Is New York decorated for Christmas in November? ›The anticipation begins early and some Christmas decorations go up in New York at the end of October. But Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) is regarded as the start of the holiday season and the holiday lights drape NYC by late November.
How often is the Saks light show? ›Seeing the holiday light show at Saks has become a tradition for many locals and visitors. The light show is accompanied by music and repeats itself every 10 minutes from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Do you need tickets for the Rockefeller tree lighting? ›The event is free and open to the public. You do not need to purchase tickets, but it is recommended you arrive no later than 4:00 PM ET for a good view of the tree..
How long is the Rockefeller tree up 2022? ›Visiting hours will be daily 6am – 12am, through Jan. 10, 2022. On Christmas Day, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit for a full 24 hours and and on New Year's Eve it is lit from 6am to 9pm. After January 10th, the tree will be donated to Habitat For Humanity.
What day does the Rockefeller tree come down? ›
The lighting ceremony was featured on NBC on December 1, 2021, at 8pm. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree comes down on January 16, 2022. After the tree comes down, the city donates it to Habitat For Humanity.
How do you spend Christmas in New York? ›The Union Square Holiday Market is the largest and best of the holiday markets in NYC. It is open late November (November 28, 2021) to December 24 and has well over 100 stalls selling a range of crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and more.
Is it cold in New York at Christmas? ›Weather in New York City in December
During the day the average highs are 43F (6C), at night the average temperature reaches 32F (0C). While not as cold as January and February, you should prepare for the cold!
5 days in NYC is actually the perfect amount if it's your first visit. You can spend 3 days in New York City, but it's cutting it close–and you'll need to come back again. If you have only one day in New York City, you can still see Manhattan!
What is the coldest month in New York? ›The daily mean temperature in January, the area's coldest month, is 32.6 °F (0.3 °C); however, temperatures to 10 °F (−12 °C) or less can occur several times each winter while on the other hand mild spells to 50°F (10 °C) or more occur several days each winter month as well.
How busy is New York during Christmas? ›Christmas in NYC is one of the busiest times you can visit the city. I'd strongly recommend setting up an alarm clock to get up early to see the best sights without the crazy crowds.
What time the Rockefeller tree is lit? ›Every year, it lights up the center of Midtown with its beauty and decorations. By the end of the season, over 125 million people will have visited the tree, making it the center of the holiday season. The Rockefeller Tree will be lit every day from 6:00 am to Midnight from Dec. 1 through Jan.
How long is Saks light show up for? ›The Saks light show lasts about 5 minutes.
Is Saks doing the light show? ›In 2021 you can see the Saks Holiday Windows from November 22 on. The 3 minutes and 23 seconds long light show can be seen daily every 10 minutes from 4:30 pm to 11:35 pm.