The Charm of the “Big Apple” is beyond dispute, New York is one of those cities that we all dream of visiting at least once in our life.
So why not do it just for Christmas
Think about it: the snow, the colored lights, the large decorated trees, the skating rinks, the toy shops, the shopping in the fashion streets … that magical Christmas atmosphere that warms you up. the hearts of adults and makes children dream. New York at Christmas is enchanting.
Here is everything you need to know to organize your Christmas holidays in New York : flight + hotel offers, tours, useful info on markets, places of interest and much more …
Covid-19 emergency: events, concerts and demonstrations could undergo last-minute changes due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We recommend that you inform yourself well about the situation of the destination you intend to visit before departure. If you are planning a trip, follow government guidelines and make sure you are in line with safety measures.
1 – Attend themed events
Photo by Charley Lhasa. New York is probably the best city in the world to enjoy the natilic atmosphere. Shopping centers and shopping streets are decorated for the celebration and special events take place throughout the city.
The best thing is that here the celebrations begin in November with Thanksgiving Day, during which theMacy’s Thanksgiving Parade , which sees artists, marching bands and beautiful floats parade.
Another iconic event is the Tree-Lighting Ceremony, or the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Rockafeller Center , during which concerts and live national television shows are organized. Generally the ignition takes place in the first days of December.
Also worth mentioning is the traditional Radio City Christmas Spectacular , the historic dance show of the Rockette (the most famous synchronized dance company in the world), which has been organized every year at Christmas since 1933.
2 – Visit the Christmas markets in New York
Even in New York there is no shortage of traditional Christmas markets and villages, which are generally set up from mid-November to the end of December , but some remain open until the first week of January.
Among the most beautiful and characteristic markets we point out the Union Square Holiday Market (Union Square at 14th Street, Southern Side – Get directions), the Grand Central Holiday Fair (Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St – Get directions) and the Winter Village at Bryant Park (located in
Bryant Park, between 5th and 6th Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets – Get Directions).
3 – Ice skating
Photo by TomA¡s Fano. Anyone who has visited NYC for Christmas will agree that one of the most magical experiences to do is ice skating like real New Yorkers . You can sit on the edge of the track and watch the kids have fun like crazy while sipping a hot chocolate or a glass of wine, or you can enjoy natilizia music (often played by live bands). The tracks are many, scattered among the main squares, shopping centers and parks. We want to recommend two in particular: Bryant Park (Get Directions) and Central Park (Get Directions).
4 – Meet Santa at Macy’s
Photo by Jazz Guy. A tradition that has been handed down since 1902 and that of Santaland, theSanta Claus Village inside Macy’s in Herald Square. Toddlers will be able to walk through twinkling lights, toy workshops and pine forests until they reach Santa’s throne, and finally sit on his lap to present their own gift list.
If you visit NYC with children, you absolutely cannot deny them this unforgettable experience. The line to see Santa is quite long, however it is possible to book online on the chain’s website.
5 – Admiring the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center
Photo by Michael Vadon. The Rockefeller Christmas tree (New York pride and joy) is a radiant and shining symbol of the holiday season.
Seeing it is one of the most popular things to do in New York at Christmas. It is truly one of the most iconic places in the city, even if it is quite crowded, therefore we do not recommend visiting it on weekends.
6 – Enjoying a Broadway musical
Photo of California Musical Theater. Another timeless classic, that of Christmas-themed musicals . From the “Nutcracker” to “A Christmas Carol” passing through “the Grinch”, all that remains is to consult the programming and choose the show that best suits your tastes. For more info, visit www.broadway.com.
7 – Admiring the lights in Dyker Heights
Photo by Rhododendrites. For several years, there has been non-explicit competition between homeowners in theneighborhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn . Today the houses are so decorated with flashing lights and motorized screens, that they have made the neighborhood one of the main Christmas attractions of the city. Dyker Heights has really become a “must” not to be missed, it is no coincidence that it is possible to visit it by taking part in an interesting guided tour.
8 – Taste the Christmas specialties
In the United States there is no tradition relating to the Christmas dinner as we understand it in Italy. Certainly most of the places tend to dine with the family on Christmas Eve, but not with the traditional roast or with great dishes and specialties. This type of tradition is more about the Thanksgiving Day festival, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, during which the traditional baked stuffed turkey is eaten , accompanied by Mashed potatoes (mashed potatoes).
Christmas food traditions in New York are more about sweets. In fact, during the winter holidays it is customary to eat specialties such as Gingerbread men cookies, Apple Pie (apple pie), Pumpkin pie (pumpkin pie), cupcakes with Christmas-themed decorations, ‘eggnog, (liquid eggnog flavored with vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon), the Christmas pudding (pudding with dried fruit and brandy) and finally the Mince pies (shortcrust pastry cakes), which are traditionally left on the fireplace for Santa Claus to eat during his nocturnal visits.
Which museums and attractions stay open
Photo by Amar.raavi. During the holidays, most NYC museums observe special opening and closing times. For example, the Guggenheim Museum is open on Christmas Evefrom 10:00 to 16:00, closed on Christmas day and open regularly on New Year’s Eve. The Jewish Museum is open on Christmas Day from 11:00 to 16:00, but is closed on New Year’s Day instead. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is open on Christmas Eve from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, is closed on Christmas Day, and is open regularly on New Year’s Eve. It is advisable to check for any changes on the official websites.
Other major attractions open on the eve include the Empire State Building, the 9-11 Memorial and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum .
SEE ALSO : What to see in New York
What means of transportation are available
Metro, bus and other means of transport operate with special hours during the week of Christmas. Services are generally guaranteed on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, but there are no trips on December 25th . On the website of MTA, the company that manages New York transportation, you will find all the information you need regarding changes to the service during the holiday period.
- Getting around : The best way to get around is the metro. A single ride costs $ 3, but the purchase of the Metrocard (valid for the subway and bus) is recommended for approximately $ 31 for 7 days.
- Useful passes and cards : we suggest the purchase of the New York City Pass, a cumulative ticket that includes skip-the-line admissions to the 6 main attractions of the city including the Statue of Liberty and the MoMA
Climate in New York at Christmas
Generally, winter in NYC is not excessively harsh and temperatures fluctuate between a minimum of around 0 ° C and a maximum of 6 °.
However , it is not uncommon for particularly cold periods with abundant snowfall , especially in December.
Don’t forget a scarf, gloves, hat and clothes suitable for cold temperatures in your suitcase. During your stay, treat yourself to a walk along the snow-covered streets, and if you feel particularly cold, stop off at some museum or shop.
Temperature range: in all likelihood you will find a “tropical” climate inside clubs and shops due to the “fired up” heaters. Therefore, prepare yourself for the thermal excursion by dressing in layers.
Christmas offers in New York: Flight + 10 nights in Hotel
- Low cost flights: Return flights Rome – New York from € 500.00 – check the offers
- Where to sleep: 10 nights in the hotel from € 610.00 per room – see the offers
- Flight + hotel: Round trip flight + 10 nights / 11 days from 23 December to 2 January from € 1110.00 per person – see the offer
Bookable tickets, tours and activities
We offer you some activities and tours to do in New York. Click on the tour you are interested in for more information or to book.
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