🎄 11 Things To Do In New York In December
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December in NYC can feel like a beautiful, chaotic snow globe.
You probably want to soak it all in without feeling totally overwhelmed or falling into tourist traps.
Good news, your unofficial guide is here with the lowdown on making the most of the festive season.
1. Glide Across the Ice at Bryant Park Winter Village
- Best For: Date night, family fun, budget-conscious skaters
- Vibe: Festive, cozy, slightly less intense than Rockefeller Center
- Why it works: Free admission means more cash for hot cocoa.
Lace up your skates at the Bryant Park Winter Village rink. While skate rentals will set you back around $20-30, the actual ice time is free, which is pretty sweet.
It’s usually less crowded than its famous cousin, letting you actually enjoy your turns without feeling like you’re in a human bumper car derby.
Pro Tip: Head there first thing in the morning or later in the evening to beat the biggest crowds. You might even catch a sunrise over the skyscrapers.
2. Wander Through the Union Square Holiday Market
- Best For: Unique gift shopping, foodies, artisan hunters
- Vibe: Bustling, crafty, aromatic
- Why it works: Find gifts nobody else will have, and eat your way through it.
Forget generic mall gifts. The Union Square Holiday Market is a treasure trove of genuinely unique finds.
Think handcrafted jewelry, quirky art prints, and delicious local snacks. Grab a cup of spiced cider and just let yourself get lost in the holiday spirit.
Pro Tip: Focus on the smaller, independent vendors for truly one-of-a-kind items. You’ll be supporting local artists, too. Win-win.
3. Marvel at the 5th Avenue Window Displays
- Best For: Photo ops, pure holiday magic, retail therapy (window shopping edition)
- Vibe: Glamorous, whimsical, utterly dazzling
- Why it works: It’s a free, iconic, and absolutely stunning spectacle.
Take a leisurely stroll down 5th Avenue and prepare to be mesmerized. Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show is practically a concert for your eyes, while Bergdorf Goodman’s displays are pure art.
Tiffany & Co. always brings the sparkle, naturally. It’s like walking through a real-life, high-fashion fairy tale.
Pro Tip: Go right at dusk. The sky will still have some color, and the lights will pop even more. Bundle up, because you’ll be outside for a bit.
4. Explore the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Best For: Jaw-dropping holiday spectacle, family outings, Instagram content
- Vibe: Over-the-top, joyful, a little bit competitive
- Why it works: These Brooklyn residents do not mess around with their decorations.
Seriously, the residents of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn take Christmas decorating to an entirely new level. We’re talking professional light installations, giant inflatable Santas, and more twinkling lights than you can count.
It’s a commitment, and they deliver. Just prepare for serious holiday spirit overload.
Pro Tip: Consider a bus tour if you want ease, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take the D train to 79th Street and walk. Just bring a map and your sense of wonder.
5. Catch a Festive Broadway Show
- Best For: Theater lovers, classic holiday tradition seekers, a cozy evening out
- Vibe: Grand, entertaining, a touch of old-school glamour
- Why it works: Broadway in December is pure magic, especially with a holiday theme.
Is it even December in NYC without seeing the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes? Probably not.
Or, if you prefer, snag tickets to a classic like Wicked or Hamilton. The energy of a live show during the holidays is just unmatched.
Pro Tip: Look for weekday matinee tickets for potentially better prices and fewer crowds. You might even score some last-minute deals.
6. Sip Cocktails at a Cozy Speakeasy
- Best For: Intimate conversations, unique drink experiences, escaping the cold
- Vibe: Secretive, sophisticated, delightfully boozy
- Why it works: Warm up with expertly crafted drinks in a cool, hidden spot.
Escape the winter chill in one of NYC’s many fantastic speakeasies. Places like The Dead Rabbit offer incredible Irish-inspired cocktails and a snug atmosphere.
Or try Attaboy, where there’s no menu, just skilled bartenders ready to craft your perfect drink. It’s a whole vibe.
Pro Tip: Many speakeasies have subtle entrances. Do a little research beforehand so you don’t walk right past the secret door. Trust us, it’s part of the fun.
7. Indulge in a High Tea Experience
- Best For: Feeling fancy, a sophisticated treat, a break from the bustle
- Vibe: Elegant, refined, utterly decadent
- Why it works: Tiny sandwiches and endless tea? Yes, please.
Treat yourself to an afternoon of pure indulgence with high tea. The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel is iconic for a reason, offering delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones, and a vast selection of teas.
The Baccarat Hotel also hosts an opulent tea service that feels incredibly luxurious. It’s a delightful way to warm up and feel like royalty.
Pro Tip: Book your reservations well in advance, especially for weekend slots in December. These spots fill up faster than you can say “crumpet.”
8. See The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
- Best For: Ballet enthusiasts, families, a dose of classic holiday enchantment
- Vibe: Magical, traditional, breathtaking
- Why it works: George Balanchine’s Nutcracker is a quintessential NYC holiday experience.
The New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center is a December must-do. The costumes are dazzling, the Tchaikovsky score is iconic, and the whole experience is just pure magic.
It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in a timeless holiday tradition.
Pro Tip: Dress up a little; it adds to the special occasion feel. And maybe grab a pre-show cocktail at a nearby bar to set the mood.
9. Ride the Staten Island Ferry for Free Views
- Best For: Budget travelers, iconic skyline views, Statue of Liberty selfies
- Vibe: Breezy, scenic, surprisingly peaceful
- Why it works: It’s completely free and offers unbeatable photo opportunities.
Who said amazing New York experiences had to cost a fortune? Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a totally free, incredibly scenic ride.
You’ll get stunning, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Just make sure to bundle up for the outdoor deck.
Pro Tip: Go around sunset. The golden hour light makes for truly epic photos, and seeing the city lights come alive as you head back is unforgettable.
10. Warm Up in a World-Class Museum
- Best For: Art and history buffs, escaping the cold, a dose of culture
- Vibe: Inspiring, educational, wonderfully warm
- Why it works: NYC’s museums are unparalleled and offer a perfect winter escape.
When the December chill gets too real, duck into one of NYC’s incredible museums. The Met offers everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces, while MoMA houses Picasso and Van Gogh.
It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours, soak up some culture, and thaw out your toes.
Pro Tip: Check the museum websites for any special holiday exhibits or extended hours. Some even have free admission days or pay-what-you-wish options.
11. Embark on a Winter Food Tour
- Best For: Foodies, explorers, anyone who loves to eat their way through a city
- Vibe: Delicious, adventurous, deeply satisfying
- Why it works: Taste the best of NYC’s comfort food scene.
Forget the cold and let your taste buds lead the way. Sign up for a food tour that focuses on winter comfort foods.
Explore Greenwich Village for amazing pizza and cannoli, or head to the East Village for pierogies and ramen. It’s a fantastic way to discover new neighborhoods and stay deliciously warm.
Pro Tip: Wear your stretchiest pants and come hungry. Seriously. Don’t underestimate the power of a good food tour to fill you up.
Our Top Recommended Finds
- A reliable thermos: Keep your coffee or hot chocolate warm as you wander the city. Essential for cold hands.
- A portable phone charger: All those photos and navigation will drain your battery fast. Don’t miss a shot.
- Comfy, waterproof walking boots: Your feet will thank you after miles of exploring, especially if there’s any slush.
Which of these will you try first?
NYC in December is truly something else, right?
Whether you’re skating, shopping, or sipping, there’s a whole world of festive fun waiting. So, tell us, which magical New York adventure are you diving into first?
