New York City is hands down one of the best places to experience the holiday season. Not only does it have a real winter, but the entire city works together to create the most amazing light displays, Christmas decorations, and holiday markets. Even just walking down any street in Manhattan will get you in that festive spirit. But where are the best places to experience Christmas in NYC? Read on to find out.
Here’s a map of all the locations!
Bryant Park's Winter Village
This NYC Christmas market is my personal favorite. You can feast on a wide variety of cuisines at the food stalls, go for a skate (for free with your own skates) at the ice skating rink, shop for Christmas gifts from the many vendors, or cozy up with some food and hot chocolate in the lodge! This year, you can also reserve cozy igloos or try curling. If you’re in town on December 6th, you can even catch the tree lighting ceremony. Winter Village is open until January 2nd.
Rockefeller Center Tree
If there’s one thing you have to do during Christmas in NYC, it’s visit the Rockefeller Tree. No, for real, nothing else matters if you haven’t seen this. It is probably the biggest public lit tree in NYC, and thousands gather around to see it lit at the end of November every year. Additionally, Rockefeller Center also offers tons of shops and places to eat, as well as an ice skating rink!
Union Square Holiday Market
You can’t say you’ve experienced Christmas in NYC without going to a classic NYC Christmas market, and Union Square Holiday Market is one of the best. It’s got over 100 vendors selling everything from handcrafted goods to adorable mini doughnuts (shoutout to Doughnuttery) to mulled wine. Union Square Holiday Market is open until December 24th.
Rolf's German Restaurant
If you ever wanted to see Christmas throw up on a restaurant, try Rolf’s German Restaurant. Located on 3rd Avenue, there has never been and will never be a more Christmassy restaurant in existence. An exorbitant amount of baubles, lights, and other decorations are suspended from the ceiling, making you feel like a Christmas tree has swallowed you whole. This restaurant is packed during holiday season because it’s one of the things to do during Christmas in NYC, so if you want a short wait come early on a weekday night!
230 5th Ave Rooftop Bar
Enjoy this amazing rooftop bar even in the winter in these adorable rooftop igloos! Not only are they super cute and festive but they will keep you warm! 12 people can sit in each of these, so unless your party is exceptionally large, you’ll probably be meeting some strangers. These igloos fill up very quickly so be prepared to wait in line! Once inside, you get a complimentary red robe and a selection of seasonally-appropriate drinks such as boozy hot chocolate. If you come earlier in the day they even have a brunch menu! Best of all, these igloos will remain up until March, so if you miss your chance now you can still see them!
Miracle on 9th St
Head over to Alphabet City to have a drink in this festive Chirstmas-themed pop-up bar! Offering all kinds of delicious seasonal cocktails, you can book a reservation to guarantee your spot.
Industry City
If you want something a little further off the beaten path, try Industry City in Brooklyn! They’ve opened an ice skating rink there and it’s $12 for tickets. While you’re in the area, you can also warm up in the fire-pits, watch Chocolates being made in Li-Lac Chocolates, and then play away the afternoon in the Gameroom (only on weekends)!
5th Ave
If you love Christmas decorations, a stroll down 5th Ave in December is all you need. There has never been a place so quintessentially Christmas in New York City as 5th Ave. Known for its shopping, all the stores go all out with Christmas decorations. For more specific stores along 5th Ave, keep scrolling!
Mr. Purple
If you’re looking for an apres-ski experience, look no further than Mr. Purple’s rooftop! Clicquot Chalet is an adorable igloo complete with fur-lined seating, ambient lighting, and a custom Veuve Clicquot champagne bar. You can experience fondue tastings and hot cocktails all inside this cozy chalet.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market
As if Columbus Circle weren’t photogenic enough, there is a Christmas market there very year with over 150 vendors! Just like the other Christmas markets in NYC, it has a ton of options for food and drink and handmade goods, and even has a lounge with photo-booths and phone charging stations! Columbus Circle Holiday Market is open until December 24th.
Grand Central Holiday Fair
I hope you’re not sick of Christmas markets, because I’ve got one more for you. The iconic Grand Central Terminal also becomes a holiday fair during December! And the benefit of this one is that its indoors, so you get to experience Christmas in NYC without freezing your a** off. Grand Central Holiday Fair is open until December 24th.
Brookfield Place Winter Garden
It’s not quite a Christmas market, but Brookfield place is a great place to celebrate Christmas in New York! If you have children, they’ll love to see Santa here, and the entire place is crazy photogenic. From trees thoroughly wrapped in lights to a gorgeous lantern display they currently have called Luminaries, there’s no better place to get into the Christmas spirit!
Looking to fill your feed with festive fun, or perhaps just really into Christmas decorations? Well look no further, for I have gathered a rather comprehensive list of the most instagrammable holiday decorations around the city (and don’t forget all the spots I just listed)!
Want to see more Instagram spots in NYC? Click here!
Hudson Yards
The Hudson Yards mall this time of year has the most stunning light display that I’ve ever seen. String lights line the banisters and balconies, and twinkling hot air balloons hover in the atrium.
Find this at: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Sézanne L'Appartement
Find this at: 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
Cartier
Find this at: 767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153
Madison Square Park
Find this at: 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
The Upper Rust
Find this at: 143 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Saks Fifth Avenue
Find this at: 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022
Lotte New York Palace
Find this at:455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
Macy's
Find this at: 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Dyker Heights
Find this at: 12th Ave & 84th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Serra By Birreria at Eataly
Find this at: 200 Fifth Avenue, Roof, New York, NY 10010
Radio City Music Hall
Find this at: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
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