New York in December 2026: activities and weather

December is one of the best months to experience New York. The city transforms into a massive Christmas wonderland. Lights sparkle everywhere, and store windows burst with holiday decorations. Head to Rockefeller Center to see New York’s largest Christmas tree. Don’t miss the spectacular neighborhood of Dyker Heights in southern Brooklyn either. Here’s what awaits you this season.

What’s the weather like in New York in December?

• December is cold. Average high temperatures stay around 7°C (45°F). But the chill is more than made up for by the warmth of Christmas lights. You won’t need to spend all day outdoors anyway—museums, shops, and indoor attractions keep you comfortable.
• December can be rainy, with precipitation about one day in three. Weather patterns vary from year to year, so conditions are unpredictable.
• Snow sometimes arrives in December. It’s not guaranteed, though. You might see a few flakes that don’t stick to the ground.

What are the 5 main events in New York in December 2026?

1/ The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting

• Rockefeller Center is the heart of New York’s Christmas celebrations. Visitors from around the world and New Yorkers flock to see the magnificent tree that stands each year at the base of the Comcast Building. The tree glows with thousands of LED lights and is topped with a crystal star.
• The tree will be lit for the first time on December 2, 2026, and will shine every evening through early January 2027. For more details, visit the page dedicated to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

2/ Christmas markets in New York

• New York has several Christmas markets scattered throughout the city, not just one. I especially recommend the Bryant Park Christmas market, which centers around a large ice skating rink and Christmas tree.
• Don’t miss the beautiful Christmas market at Union Square, which feels like strolling through a Nordic village. You’ll also find the Columbus Circle Christmas market at the southwestern edge of Central Park. Visit the page on Christmas markets in New York for all the practical information.
• New: we’ve launched a guided tour of New York’s holiday lights and Christmas markets. Book your Christmas market tour in New York.

3/ The Rockettes’ 100 years

• Each year, Radio City Music Hall hosts the Rockettes’ Christmas spectacular. This legendary dance troupe has been performing this magical show for 101 years. It’s one of New York’s must-see holiday events.
• To book tickets, visit the page for the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall. Tip: reserve well in advance, as the show runs only during the holiday season.

4/ Holiday lights in Dyker Heights

• Dyker Heights probably means nothing to you. It’s a neighborhood in southern Brooklyn. Normally, there’s no reason to venture to this far corner of New York. But Christmas changes everything.
• Residents of Dyker Heights have made it a tradition to install increasingly spectacular Christmas lights. The displays are a dazzling mix of creativity and brightness that amazes visitors of all ages.
• Our guides have already scouted the best houses to see this year, so we invite you to join our Dyker Heights guided tour. A bonus: the trip is by van, saving you a long subway ride from Manhattan.

5/ New Year’s Eve in New York

• If you’re in New York on December 31, you’ll have plenty to do. New Yorkers celebrate the new year in grand style. The most impressive option is to watch the New Year’s Eve celebration on Times Square. Be warned: you’ll need to arrive late afternoon and wait for hours in the cold with no access to warmth or restrooms. If you leave your spot, you can’t return.
• Another way to ring in the new year: take a cruise to watch fireworks light up the sky above the Statue of Liberty. Many options exist at different price points, depending on the boat and onboard dining. Check our section on cruises in New York.

What sports can you watch in New York in December 2026?

Three popular sports take place in December: basketball, ice hockey, and American football. Basketball is truly the king sport in New York, with two major NBA teams—the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. Whatever the matchup, expect an extraordinary atmosphere.

NBA in New York

• New York is one of the rare American cities with 2 NBA teams: the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets. The New York Knicks play at the iconic Madison Square Garden. The Brooklyn Nets play at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The level of play is exceptional, and you’ll see star athletes in action.
• Book as early as possible to secure NBA tickets. Many have already sold out since ticket sales opened in September. For more information, see our section on sports in New York.

Ice hockey in New York

• Like basketball, New York has 2 NHL teams. The New York Rangers play at Madison Square Garden, and the New York Islanders play at UBS Arena in Queens. There’s also the New Jersey Devils in New Jersey.
• The NHL features the best American teams competing against Canada’s elite. Expect intense matchups. While the game can be physical on the ice, the atmosphere in the stands is always family-friendly. Ice hockey is a great spectacle for all ages.

American football in New York

• American football is hugely popular in the US. However, there are few games per month—only 2 per team in December. Check if your New York trip aligns with the NFL schedule. Book tickets early if a game interests you.
• New York has 2 NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Both teams play at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alternating home games.