Christmas in New York City

The Huge Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center


Christmas in the City

Locals, tourists, and passer-bys stop to admire New York store's enchanting Christmas window decorations

Locals, tourists, and passer-bys stop to admire New York store's enchanting Christmas window decorations

Christmas in NYC is the stuff dreams are made of. You don't have to head to the mountains in order to get that feeling of Christmas. New York City becomes a winter wonderland during the holidays: snow blankets the streets of Manhattan; crowds ”ooh” and “aah” at the exquisite Christmas window displays adorning the stores along Fifth Avenue; ice skaters glide across the Rockefeller Center Skating Rink as the Rockefeller Christmas tree glows beneath the New York skyline. Don't miss out on any chance to see Santa in NYC either!

Even though New York City is one of the biggest and best holiday destinations in the world, you don’t have to choose between buying Christmas presents for the family or taking them on a holiday vacation to NYC. We’ve put together an NYC Christmas Guide with some of the most fun and memorable New York holiday activities that won’t break the bank, so you can do your Xmas shopping and experience the magic of Christmastime in New York City.

Stay Where You Play

Manhattan New York Hotels

Hotels in Manhattan are just a short distance from Rockefeller Center, and many other Christmas attractions in New York
New York

With so many NYC hotels offering fabulous New York Christmas travel deals, the holidays are the perfect time to stay at the best 5-star hotels and boutique hotels NYC has to offer. Many New York hotels lower their prices on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, so you can experience luxury NY hotel accommodations at budget NYC hotel prices. Book a top Manhattan hotel room right near the holiday action and explore NY by foot - but don’t forget to dress warm! 

Midtown Manhattan Hotels: Stay at one of the top Midtown Manhattan hotels in NYC and you’ll be steps away from the Rockefeller Christmas tree and Rockefeller Ice Rink, the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, Grand Central Terminal, and the fabulous 5th Avenue shopping New York is famous for.

  • Manhattan Club Hotel: Located just minutes away from Central Park, The Manhattan Club NYC offers spacious and comfortable suites well beyond the quality of what you'd expect at the price you're paying. Take advantage of the NYC hotel packages that the Manhattan Club is offering during your visit!
  • The Algonquin Hotel NYC: The oldest operating hotel in New York City is also one of the top NYC hotels to book for your New York holiday vacation. The Algonquin New York is just steps away from the festivities at Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Bryant Park and their lobby boasts one of our favorite NYC  hotel Christmas trees in town!
  • The Roosevelt Hotel New York: The New York Roosevelt is one of our top Manhattan hotel picks for the perfect NYC holiday vacation. The Roosevelt Grill New York, located inside the historic midtown NY hotel, serves up a gourmet Christmas buffet with classic holiday favorites that rival even the best home-cooked Christmas dinner.
NYCTourist Travel Info

Tours in New York City

  Tour Info
1. Empire State Building Skip the Line


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$65.00 Details
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2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!


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$26.09 Details
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3. Rockefeller Center Tour Package


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$15.00 Details
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4. Radio City Stage Door Tours


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$26.95 Details
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5. The Ride NYC


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$59.00 Details
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NYCTourist Travel Info

Deals on NYC Attractions

  Tour Info
1. Big Apple in a Day


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$79.99 Details
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2. NYC Museum Pass


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$59.50 Details
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3. Spectacular City Views


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Price
$44.00 Details
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4. New York City Explorer Pass


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$74.99 Details
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*Terms & Conditions: Offers, promotions and rates subject to change and may vary based upon date, length of stay and other factors. Some offers do not include taxes and fees. All offers based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

NYC Event Tickets

Bright Lights, Big City

The Rockefeller Center Chistrams Tree is an annual Christmas Tree lighting that takes place in New York City's Rockefeller Center NYC, NY

The Rockefeller Center Chistrams Tree is an annual Christmas Tree lighting that takes place in New York City's Rockefeller Center NYC, NY

  • Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: Nothing says Xmas in NYC like the Rockefeller Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan. Every winter, millions of visitors bundle up and flock to Rockefeller Plaza NY to bask in the glow of the Rockefeller Christmas tree’s 30,000 lights. A popular activity among tourists and locals alike, ice skating around Rockefeller Ice Rink provides for a picturesque view of the famous NYC Christmas tree. 
  • NYC Christmas Window Displays: New York City department stores get in the holiday spirit every year by transforming their window displays into extravagant works of art. The sidewalks of Madison Avenue and Times Square overflow with visitors vying for a peek at the multi-million dollar holiday window masterpieces of stores like Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Touring the Christmas window displays in NYC is one of the most fun (and free!) holiday traditions in New York.
  • Grand Central Terminal Laser Light Show: The world-renowned Grand Central Terminal (also known as Grand Central Station) projects a laser light show onto its famed Sky Ceiling every Christmas season that is truly a sight to behold. The festive free shows are the perfect time to visit this quintessential landmark in NYC, conveniently located on E 42nd Street and Park Avenue near some of the best restaurants and NYC shopping.

That’s Entertainment

The Nutcracker is a well known Christmas musical which has been running on Broadway for more than 60 years.

The Nutcracker is a well known Christmas musical which has been running on Broadway for more than 60 years.

  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Add some glitz and glamour to your New York holiday vacation with the Big Apple’s very own Radio City Christmas Spectacular. For over 75 years, the Radio City Rockettes have been adding some kick to Christmas in this family-friendly holiday variety show held at the largest indoor theater in the world, Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. Discount tickets to the Christmas Spectacular are available, but don’t wait until the last minute - the Radio City Christmas Spectacular sells out every year!   
  • The Nutcracker: Nobody does The Nutcracker like the New York City Ballet! The famous NYC dancers have been dazzling audiences for almost 60 years at the Lincoln Center NYC with this Christmas classic. Christmas in NY isn’t complete without the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King, and the rest of the enchanting Nutcracker favorites.