The Ultimate New York City Christmas Bucket List Itinerary
With this Christmas bucket list, you can turn your movie-inspired holiday dreams into a reality as New York City at Christmas time is a magical whirlwind of iconic sights and hidden gems
Creating a perfect Christmas bucket list itinerary for New York City
How can anyone not want to visit New York City at Christmas time when every movie romanticizes it to look like a winter wonderland? Growing up, I took my fair share of day trips to NYC. Let me tell you, those trips could either be the best experience or a chaotic and exhausting disaster—there was no in-between.
Now that I split my time between India and the U.S., I like to say New York City is kind of the “India of America.” That might sound odd to say, but what I mean is New York City is chaotic, crowded, diverse, and full of life. Add Christmas into the mix, and you’ve got an amplified version of all of that—times ten. It’s the busiest time of the year, and trust me, you’ll want to plan your trip down to the last detail to avoid the stress and to actually enjoy Christmas with the same excitement as Kevin lost in Home Alone 2.
To help you live out your Christmas-in-New-York movie fantasies (without losing your mind in the process), I’ve put together two lists: one for the classic, iconic, bucket-list-worthy spots and one for those hidden gems that are way less crowded but just as magical. So, grab your coziest scarf, a good pair of walking shoes, and maybe a strong patience because here’s your ultimate New York City Christmas bucket list.
If You Don’t Mind the Crowds
These spots are super popular for a reason. Yes, you’ll be dodging the crowds left and right, but they’re still 100% worth it if you don’t mind them.
1. Rockefeller Center
This has to be the first on my list, as it has the most iconic Christmas tree in NYC, the famous ice skating rink you see in movies, and that holiday feeling you won’t find anywhere else. It’s all here. Sure, it’s crowded, that’s why it’s important to find the perfect time and day to go, but it’s like a rite of passage for Christmas in NYC.
Get a picture by the tree, watch the skaters below, and then retreat before the crowds get overwhelming.
2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Right across from Rockefeller Center, this stunning cathedral is a peaceful escape from the chaos, but also not quite. It still gets pretty crowded as it is Christmas, but it’s a cathedral. Don’t miss the beautiful nativity scene and all the Christmas decor throughout. Whether you’re religious or not, you can still enjoy the peace and warmth this cathedral offers on a cold crowded day in NYC. Bonus points if you catch one of their holiday services!
3. Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue
Even if you’re not planning to shop, the window displays are a can’t miss. Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s all go all-out with their holiday decorations. I recommend stopping inside some stores like Macy’s or anything that catches your eye, because the decorations on the outside are just half of what they might have on display inside their stores.
4. Dinner at Rolf’s
If you’re looking for the perfect dinner out full of Christmas festivity, this is your place. Their over-the-top holiday décor makes it feel absolutely magical. Be warned, though—it gets busy, so plan ahead!
5. Ice Skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park
Instead of ice skating at Rockefeller, I highly recommend ice skating in Central Park first. It really is like stepping into a Hallmark movie. The views of the city skyline while skating in the park are magical. But please, go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
6. Grand Central Terminal
Not just a train station, Grand Central transforms during the holidays with its own holiday market and stunning architecture. Get your Christmas spirit on here with the big open indoor spaces perfect for people watching and taking in the atmosphere.
It’s your classic old train station, and I think that fits perfectly with the old fashioned Christmas feels of NYC. Can’t forget to mention that there’s also a small Christmas train exhibit inside for all the Christmas train fanatics out there. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to warm up if you’re freezing.
7. Hot Chocolate at Serendipity
The movie might be a bit cheesy, but Serendipity is one of my favorite Christmas movies, so I can’t forget to mention the cute hot chocolate shop this movie is named after. Famous for their frozen hot chocolate, this cozy little spot is perfect for a sweet treat after a long day of sightseeing.
Christmas Markets
You’re in NYC during the holiday season, you really can’t miss the Christmas markets all around. And who doesn’t love a good Christmas market? NYC has some gems that offer everything you would want from a cute winter market. However, if you go to more than one, you’ll start to notice they almost all look the same, so I recommend just sticking to one Christmas market for your trip to NYC. So here’s a list of the best:
1. Bryant Park Winter Village
This market feels like a mini European Christmas village. There’s ice skating, cute stalls, and tons of food options. It’s also in a prime location, near the New York Public Library, which is absolutely worth a peek and walk-around.
2. Union Square Holiday Market
This market has more of a local feeling, with handmade crafts and gifts. It’s also in a prime location for exploring downtown Manhattan.
3. Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Smaller and less overwhelming, this market is perfect if you’re already near Central Park. Plus, you can take a wintery stroll through the park after shopping.
How to decide which Christmas market?
I suggest just working one Christmas market into your itinerary in whichever area you are traveling in NYC. Don’t jump all the way over to Union Square if you’re all the way over in the upper west side for just a Christmas market. Find a Christmas market near you.
Best Christmas Trees in New York City
Yes, Rockefeller gets all the hype, but NYC has plenty of trees that are similarly or just as beautiful.
- Rockefeller Center Tree: Obviously. I can’t not mention it on this list.
- Bryant Park Tree: A smaller but equally charming option.
- New York Stock Exchange Tree: A hidden gem in the Financial District that’s less crowded but still just as gorgeous.
If You Want to Avoid the Holiday Crowds
Now let’s get into the locations that don’t invite such a large crowd during the holidays but are still perfect locations to visit during the holidays. Here’s a list of lesser-known but equally festive spots!
1. Museum of the City of New York with a Gingerbread Exhibit
Not many people know about this one, but it’s adorable and a great way to escape the cold while still feeling festive. It’s a great museum to begin with, but it’s also got such an amazing gingerbread house exhibit, and you can even vote for your favorite!
2. The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center
A timeless classic. As I used to be a ballet dancer, I’ll always feel drawn to a good performance of The Nutcracker. Watching The Nutcracker at the stunning Lincoln Center is an unforgettable holiday experience—and you’ll be cozy inside, away from the chaos. Even if you’ve never been to a ballet, this is the perfect one that has plenty of colors and Christmas aesthetics while also full of amazingly talented dancers from American Ballet Theater and NYC Ballet.
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you’ve got time, hop on a train or drive out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This neighborhood takes Christmas lights to a whole new level. Like picture all the famous Christmas movies where they outdo themselves with Christmas lights. It is exactly that, but some might even rival Clark Griswold’s house. It’s a little out of the way, but so worth it.
Tips for Surviving NYC at Christmas
- Go early: The earlier you visit a spot, the fewer people you’ll have to deal with.
- Bundle up: NYC winters are no joke. It’s a lot of walking here and there out in the cold. Dress in layers and wear comfy shoes.
- Plan ahead: Book tickets for popular spots like ice skating or The Nutcracker in advance.
– Maeve
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
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