Christmas in New York: 14 things to see and do

One word to sum up Christmas in New York? Magical! During the holiday season, New York transforms into something completely different from the rest of the year. Here are 14 things you absolutely must see and do if you’re in New York for Christmas.

1/ The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

• The Rockefeller Center hosts New York’s largest Christmas tree every year. The very first tree was installed in 1931 by workers building the Rockefeller Center. The tradition has continued ever since.
• The Rockefeller Center takes pride in making the tree stand out: this giant tree is illuminated every evening through early January. Since 2004, the tree has been topped with an impressive star made of thousands of Swarovski crystals. It sparkles even more!
• The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be lit from December 2, 2026 to January 9, 2027. For the best view, arrive via Fifth Avenue: the tree will suddenly appear in the distance with the Comcast Building behind it. I also recommend arriving after dark to see the full effect of the lights. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is truly the most magical place to celebrate Christmas in New York!

2/ Christmas Decorations Around New York

• The department stores of New York compete with creativity in their Christmas window displays. I especially recommend Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, true workshops of Santa himself.
• Saks Fifth Avenue creates a major event each year with a spectacular light show covering its entire facade. It’s right across from Rockefeller Center. Last year, Dior was featured with a mysterious clock and a poetic show. Macy’s offers interactive window displays: some invite you to play, and another lets you sing Christmas carols with a microphone and camera. Great fun!
• To see all the holiday lights in Midtown, explore the neighborhood with a guide. Our guides will show you the main sights in this iconic Manhattan area, from Times Square to the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center. During the holidays, the focus is naturally on the spectacular illuminations.

Christmas Lights on the Saks Fifth Avenue Facade

3/ The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

• During the holiday season, the Radio City Music Hall in New York hosts the “Christmas Spectacular,” the famous Christmas show of the Rockettes. Since 1933, this troupe of dancers has delivered an absolutely magical performance. The main scenes stay the same year after year, including an incredible parade of toy soldiers and a scene with Santa’s reindeer. I won’t spoil the rest! Plus, new surprises are added each year.
• The Radio City Music Hall Christmas show appeals to both children and adults, with scenes full of poetry and creativity. A truly magical moment to celebrate Christmas in New York.
• Be aware that tickets sell out fast, as the show attracts tourists from around the world. Tickets for 2026 will go on sale in October 2026! You can book your tickets on our site CNEWYORK via the page for Rockettes Christmas Spectacular tickets at Radio City Music Hall.

4/ Twas The Night Before: Cirque du Soleil’s Show

• Known worldwide, Cirque du Soleil is presenting an exceptional show in New York this year. The acrobatic troupe has adapted the Christmas tale Twas The Night Before. A version full of magic!
• The show runs at the Madison Square Garden theater through December 27, 2026. These are exceptional performances, so book your tickets as soon as possible.
• Visit the Twas The Night Before show page to book your tickets in US dollars, euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars or Swiss francs.

5/ The Nutcracker: New York’s Christmas Ballet

• New York City Ballet celebrates Christmas too! Every year, from late November through early January, the ballet stages The Nutcracker. A ballet for the whole family.
• This spectacle created by Russian composer Tchaikovsky enchants New York every year. Follow the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker as a gift… A Christmas she’ll never forget!
• The show takes place at Lincoln Center, in the Upper West Side neighborhood. Book your tickets early, as this is one of the most sought-after shows in New York. See the dedicated page for the ballet The Nutcracker in New York.

6/ Santa’s Neighborhood in Brooklyn

• In the southern part of Brooklyn, the Dyker Heights neighborhood stands out every year for its incredible decorated homes. Residents transform Dyker Heights into a true Santa’s village! Some go all out with electric garlands and special effects, like a Santa climbing a ladder or cake-shaped characters. Expect surprises in 2026!
• To see all the neighborhood’s lights, join our guides for a tour. Visit the page for the Dyker Heights guided tour. A guided tour saves you time, as we take you to Dyker Heights by van. You’ll also avoid getting lost or missing the must-see homes, since our guides have already spotted the best sights for this year. Most importantly, you’ll get all the background on this tradition and surprises await to set the mood. A magical visit!

7/ Christmas Markets

• Not sure what to give your loved ones and friends this year? New York has you covered! The city’s Christmas markets overflow with gift ideas at every price point and for every taste.
• I especially recommend the “Winter Village” in Bryant Park, with its ice rink overlooked by the spire of the Empire State Building. Also a favorite: the Christmas market at Union Square, with its warm atmosphere and layout modeled on a small village.
• New York’s Christmas markets let you grab food from numerous stands, from hot dogs to waffles. Try the Apple Cider, the local cider. For more information, visit the page on Christmas markets in New York.
• I also recommend visiting the unique Christmas Cottage at 871 Seventh Avenue, between 55th and 56th Streets: since its opening in 1985, this shop specializes exclusively in Christmas decorations. A store open year-round! Also worth seeing: Just Bulbs, a shop that sells only light bulbs and, for Christmas, offers all kinds of light-up garlands.

8/ The Wall Street Christmas Tree

• While the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is the most famous in New York, don’t miss the Wall Street Christmas tree either. For Christmas, the New York Stock Exchange gets dressed up with a beautifully decorated tree. The exchange’s columned facade lights up in Christmas colors, red and green.
• At the base of the tree, you’ll see a small plaque from the NYSE, the New York Stock Exchange. It’s amusing to see that the world’s most famous stock exchange takes time to pause for Christmas!

9/ Ice Rinks in New York

• It’s a well-established tradition in New York: as the holiday season approaches, ice rinks pop up all over the city. The most famous one sits at the base of Rockefeller Center, facing the giant Christmas tree. Of course, you won’t be alone on the ice. Another must-visit rink, and more easily accessible: the ice rink in Bryant Park. This time you can skate between the New York Public Library and the Empire State Building.
• Don’t miss the Central Park ice rink, the Wollman Rink. This rink is in the southeastern part of Central Park, near Fifth Avenue. It offers stunning views of the Midtown skyline.
• Even more impressive: you can ice skate at the top of the The Edge observation deck.
• If ice skating isn’t your thing, you can glide on the skating rink at the Oculus, the World Trade Center transit hub. The shopping center has installed a false skating rink where you can skate on roller skates!

10/ A Carriage Ride Down Fifth Avenue

• During the holiday season, you can take a carriage ride along Fifth Avenue to admire the Christmas decorations. A unique route best enjoyed after dark.
• Book early, as spots are very limited and demand is high from tourists worldwide. Visit the page for the Christmas carriage ride in New York.

11/ Toy Stores

• You can’t visit New York at Christmas without stepping into a toy store! Plan to spend time at FAO Schwartz, New York’s most iconic toy store. For the occasion, the store is especially lively with staff doing constant demonstrations. The store is located in Rockefeller Center, at the base of the Comcast Building, right across from the Christmas tree.
• Also head to the two LEGO stores, one at Rockefeller Center and the other across from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building. For Christmas, the LEGO stores multiply decorations and winter themes, with brick constructions that are always more impressive.
• Finally, for older fans, plan a stop at the Harry Potter New York store, behind the Flatiron Building. You’ll find the complete collection of wands for all the characters and plenty of gift ideas for Harry Potter fans. If you’re a fan, don’t miss the Harry Potter musical in New York either!

12/ A Bus Tour of New York’s Holiday Lights

• To see all the holiday lights in minimal time, hop aboard this double-decker bus for a complete tour of about 1.5 hours through Manhattan. The route connects the most decorated spots for the holidays, from Times Square to the Financial District.
• You’ll see Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue, New York’s main shopping street. Then the bus travels across the city down to the World Trade Center, passing through SoHo and Little Italy. To book your tickets, visit the page for the Christmas lights bus tour.

13/ A Christmas Cruise

• Board a replica of a 1920s yacht for a festive cruise in Christmas spirit! The cruise departs from Chelsea and passes the Financial District, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll enjoy stunning views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.
• Onboard, a live band will sing Christmas carols while you enjoy a drink and Christmas cookies. For more information and reservations, visit the page for the Christmas cruise in New York.

14/ Attend a Christmas Service in Harlem

• Harlem’s choirs sing even louder at Christmas! The neighborhood’s churches celebrate Christmas with services full of fervor. If you want to attend a Gospel service in Harlem for Christmas, you must reserve your seats in advance, as churches strictly limit attendance.
• Visit the page for Christmas services in New York. It’s recommended to book as early as possible on a first-come, first-served basis.