Experience the magic of New York in December: Top things to do

1. Families with kids

Must-experience: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating
The Rockefeller Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of lights, is iconic, and skating in its shadow makes for a magical family memory. The rink is especially festive with holiday music, but expect crowds.

Better in December: Holiday Windows & Toy Stores
Department stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue display intricate, holiday-themed windows that are entertaining for kids. Plus, NYC’s major toy stores, like FAO Schwarz, go all-out with holiday decorations and special events, creating a winter wonderland vibe you won’t find in other months.

2. Couples

Must-experience: Holiday Markets & Bryant Park Winter Village
With European-style stalls offering gifts, treats, and holiday cheer, holiday markets like the one at Bryant Park feel especially romantic. Cozy up with hot chocolate, browse unique stalls, and skate at the adjacent rink under the twinkling lights.

Better in December: Carriage Rides in Central Park
While available year-round, a winter carriage ride in Central Park takes on a magical quality when the park is dusted with snow and the city lights glow in the background. A scarf, some blankets, and the holiday air make it uniquely memorable.

3. Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: The Nutcracker Ballet
The New York City Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a December exclusive and a classic must-see. The beautiful sets, costumes, and music make it an unforgettable cultural experience.

Better in December: Museum Holiday exhibits
Many museums, like the Met with its Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche, have special holiday displays and events. This festive touch gives a new perspective to NYC’s renowned museums and offers something unique that’s missing during other months.

4. Solo travelers or friend groups

Must-experience: Times Square on New Year’s Eve
Although famously crowded, being in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is a bucket-list event for many. The electric atmosphere and citywide celebrations make it a one-of-a-kind experience that defines NYC in December.

Better in December: Night Views from observation decks
The city lights up for the holidays, and visiting an observation deck like Top of the Rock at night lets you see NYC’s twinkling holiday decor from above. Other months offer views, but the holiday lights make the December view especially magical.

5. Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Holiday Windows and Luxury Shopping on Fifth Avenue
In December, major stores decorate their windows with spectacular holiday scenes, making Fifth Avenue feel like an outdoor museum of art displays. This experience is unique to December and adds a festive vibe to shopping.

Better in December: Winter Village at Bryant Park & Union Square Holiday Market
These markets offer exclusive holiday goods, handmade gifts, and festive snacks like hot cider. They are bustling and warm, giving a unique shopping experience compared to the regular markets the rest of the year.

Day 1: Classic NYC landmarks & holiday festivities

Morning:

• Central Park: Start the day with a peaceful walk through Central Park. In December, the park looks magical with snow-covered paths and holiday lights. Take a carriage ride if you’d like a more relaxed experience.
• Breakfast: Stop at Sarabeth’s near Central Park for a warm, comforting breakfast.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at The Modern (inside the Museum of Modern Art), offering excellent contemporary dishes.
• Broadway Show: Catch a matinee performance of a Broadway show (book tickets in advance). Classic December options like The Nutcracker or Radio City Christmas Spectacular are highly recommended.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a festive dinner at Ralph’s Italian Restaurant in Midtown, known for its cozy atmosphere and classic Italian cuisine.
• Winter Village at Bryant Park: After dinner, head over to Bryant Park for a stroll through the holiday market and a fun ice-skating experience (if you're up for it).

Day 2: Museums, holiday markets & iconic views

Morning:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Spend the morning at the Met, where you can enjoy the museum's world-renowned art collections and the seasonal tree and crèche display. Make sure to check for special holiday exhibits.
• Breakfast: Grab a light breakfast at The Met’s Cafeteria, which has a good selection of pastries and coffee.
• Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue: After the museum, head to Fifth Avenue for the famous holiday window displays at stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a holiday-themed lunch at The Plaza Food Hall, where you can choose from various gourmet options.
• Top of the Rock: For spectacular views of the city and holiday lights, visit the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center. You’ll get incredible views of Central Park and the Empire State Building lit up for the season.
• Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: If you didn’t skate on Day 1, now’s the perfect time to experience this iconic NYC winter tradition.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to Katz's Delicatessen on the Lower East Side for an authentic New York experience, featuring their famous pastrami sandwiches.
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Finish the evening with a tour of the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn to witness the dazzling Christmas lights (book a guided tour if possible to make logistics easier).

Day 3: Explore NYC’s neighborhoods & New Year’s Eve prep

Morning:

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: Start your day early with a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty. Head to DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for iconic photos.
• Breakfast: Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Buttermilk Channel in Brooklyn, a neighborhood favorite.
• Brooklyn Heights & Promenade: After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming Brooklyn Heights neighborhood and the Brooklyn Promenade, offering fantastic views of Manhattan.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Head to Smorgasburg Winter Market (if available) for delicious local food and a warm atmosphere. Alternatively, grab a hearty meal at Juliana’s Pizza in Brooklyn.
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Take a ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This is a slightly longer excursion but offers a historical aspect of NYC that's hard to miss.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a special dinner at The River Café in Brooklyn, offering upscale dining with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.