My first Christmas in New York was unfortunately during COVID so the events were massively scaled down. This year I plan on visiting every single one again on the list to get the full experience. I wanted to put together a list of holiday activities I have personally seen and heard of. In addition, I will putting together the activities I have scheduled this month.
Hudson Yards
Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards launched on November 15th and features more than 2 million white lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, Edge and Vessel. The amount of decorations is mind blowing and great for pictures. You can easily make a half day at Hudson Yards by climbing up the vessel stairs, eating at one of the fine dining restaurants and luxury shopping. There are a series of events on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the month of December, listed here for the perfect holiday activity.
Santa’s Secret: Explore the North Pole through a series of six immersive holiday installations along a winding path in search of Santa’s best kept secret – a vintage speakeasy. Along the way, guests are immersed in unique displays from living gingerbread girls, to rugged lumberjacks, to life sized snow globes. Tickets are between $45-59.
Bryant Park
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. It’s super fun to just stop by after work for a snack or go with your friends on the weekend. The ice skating rink is free if you bring your own skates. The village also features the Holiday Shops, rinkside eats and drinks at The Lodge. You can also pay to rent an Igloo that are quite expensive with a price range of $200-500 depending on your party size for a 90 minute reservation. My favorite holidays shops include the following: Saratoga Olive Oil, The Truffleist, Cheesesteaks by the Truffleist (truffle fries), No Chewing Allowed!, and Ta-Da Chicken (kimchi fries). I am sure there are so many other delicious places but we have to eat gluten-free and vegetarian when out and about due to allergies!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and a Stroll Down 5th and 6th Avenue
If you are brave enough to face the crowds then go to the Rockefeller tree since it is iconic. Luckily during COVID there were no people in the city so we were able to see the tree easily. It is honestly a mad house this year and takes 30 minutes just to walk two blocks down 5th Avenue in this area. Just a random fact, the 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a 79ft tall Norway Spruce, 46 feet wide and weighs 12 tons! Rockefeller also has an iceskating rink that you can buy tickets for the time/day online. I scrolled through the dates and most Saturdays in December are already booked, but there seems to be a lot of slots on December 31st for New Year’s Eve!
On 5th Avenue they have huge Christmas toys dotted along the street to take fun pictures with! On 6th Avenue they also have enlarged Christmas sculptures like Christmas lights and bulbs.
Dyker Heights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2021 display has become one of the best New York attractions during the holiday season. This neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas light decorations with life-sized Santas, sleighs and snowmen. The light displays are from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. It has been said it is best to go between dusk and 9 PM.
Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
This is a MUST do for Christmas in New York to experience at least once! You can purchase tickets directly on the website, here. I personally thought this was a wonderful and festive experience as you can see how much work is put into each and every show. This unparalleled show stars the world-famous Rockettes and features their signature eye-high kicks and precision choreography.
Self-Guided Hot Chocolate Tour
I love drinking hot chocolate on cold winter days! To make a shopping day enjoyable you can go on your own self-guided hot chocolate tour. Some of my favorite spots include:
- Angelina: Although I don’t know their recipe, to me it tastes like the perfect blend of dark and milk chocolate. It is probably the thickest hot chocolate I’ve ever had, but it is the BEST! It isn’t too sweet to me and is served very hot so you can sip on this for a while!
- Dominque Ansel Blossoming Hot Chocolate: When the marshmallow flower is placed in the hot chocolate, it blossoms! The hot chocolate is a rich cocoa tasting hot chocolate that isn’t too thick so it won’t fill you up. It also isn’t too sweet.
- Max Brenner: They have 9 different flavors on their menu now, possibly more in store. This is a very popular place for tourists. I wouldn’t recommend the desserts as they didn’t seem super fresh to me but I love the hot chocolate! It’s much more sweet tasting that the above places, I think to cater to more of a child’s palette.
- Blue Stripes Cocoa Shop: If you aren’t a fan of hot chocolate, try the Chocolate Cloud drink. It is a mix between a chocolate milk, a shake, and a magic as it tastes like you are drinking air! It is a medium temperature, not too hot or cold but is absolutely something you have never tasted before!
There are obviously hundreds of hot chocolate shops but you can read this article for some other options! I also have a few fun recipes for hot chocolate that I created last year.
New York Botanical Garden: Holiday Train Show and Lights
Let it GLOW at The New York Botanical Garden is a 1.5 mile illuminated landscape that can be followed by the Holiday Train Show. The model trains wind through a display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks that are re-created from natural materials! We personally haven’t been but it does look fantastic! You have to purchase tickets ahead of time, here.
Visit a Festive Rooftop or Restaurant
Everyone talks about Rolf’s for the most insane holiday decor, but for DRINKS only. I have read through every review and saw the food isn’t the greatest, but stop by for a drink and snap some photos! Some other festive restaurants include:
- Ophelia Lounge
- 230 Fifth Igloo Bar
- PHD Terrace
- Mr. Purple
- The Cabin
- Serra at Eataly (went during their fall menu, food was very average but decor very cute!)
Other Fun Activities
- Visit the Ralph Lauren store on Upper East Side
- Window and indoor decorations at Macy’s Herald Square
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Bergdorf Goodman 7th Floor + Window Display
