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 a completely different city. 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 its tree stand out: this giant tree is illuminated every evening until 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. Visit after dark to enjoy 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. Don’t miss Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue—true workshops of Santa himself.
• Saks Fifth Avenue creates a spectacular event each year with a magnificent light show covering its entire facade. It’s located just across from Rockefeller Center. Last year, Dior was featured with an unusual 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 on your own or join a guided tour. The main sights include Times Square, the Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center, all beautifully lit for the holidays. For more information and bookings, visit the page dedicated to exploring downtown Manhattan.

Christmas Lights on the Saks Fifth Avenue Facade

3/ The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

• During the holiday season, Radio City Music Hall in New York hosts the “Christmas Spectacular,” the famous Christmas show by the Rockettes. Since 1933, this troupe of dancers has delivered an absolutely magical performance. The main scenes remain the same year after year, featuring an incredible parade of toy soldiers and an opening scene with Santa’s reindeer. We won’t spoil the rest! New surprises are added each year.
• The Radio City 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.
• Tickets sell out quickly, as the show attracts tourists from around the world. Tickets for 2026 go on sale in October 2026! You can book your tickets on our site 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 Madison Square Garden’s 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 your preferred currency.

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 performs The Nutcracker. A ballet for the whole family.
• This masterpiece by Russian composer Tchaikovsky enchants New York every year. Follow the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker… A Christmas she’ll never forget!
• The show takes place at Lincoln Center in the Upper West Side. Book early, as this is one of the most popular shows in New York. See the page for The Nutcracker in New York.

6/ Santa’s Neighborhood in Brooklyn

• In southern 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, explore on your own or join a guided tour. Visit the page dedicated to exploring the Dyker Heights neighborhood. A guided tour saves time—we take you to Dyker Heights by van. You’ll also avoid getting lost or missing the best houses, since our guides have already scouted the most beautiful spots for this year. Plus, you’ll learn about this tradition and enjoy special surprises to get you in the holiday spirit. A magical visit!

7/ Christmas Markets

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

8/ The Wall Street Christmas Tree

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

9/ Ice Rinks in New York

• It’s a well-established tradition in New York: as the holidays approach, ice rinks pop up all over the city. The most famous is 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, more easily accessible: the one in Bryant Park. Here 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. Located in the southeastern part of Central Park, near Fifth Avenue, it offers stunning views of Midtown buildings.
• 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 roller skate on the rink at the Oculus, the World Trade Center transportation hub. The shopping center has installed a roller skating rink!

10/ A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride on Fifth Avenue

• During the holiday season, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along Fifth Avenue to admire the Christmas decorations. A unique experience best enjoyed after dark.
• Book early, as spots are very limited and demand is high from tourists worldwide. Visit the page for horse-drawn carriage rides at Christmas 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 holidays, the store is especially lively with staff giving demonstrations. Located in Rockefeller Center at the base of the Comcast Building, just across from the Christmas tree.
• Also visit the two LEGO stores, one at Rockefeller Center and another near Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building. At Christmas, LEGO stores multiply their decorations and winter themes, with increasingly impressive brick constructions.
• For older visitors, plan a stop at the Harry Potter New York store, behind the Flatiron Building. You’ll find the complete collection of character wands and plenty of gift ideas for 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 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 during 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 through the entire city down to the World Trade Center, via 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 the holiday 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 performs 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 with services full of fervor. If you want to attend a Gospel service in Harlem for Christmas, you’ll need to reserve ahead, as churches limit attendance.
• Visit the page for Christmas services in New York. It’s recommended to book as early as possible, as it’s first come, first served.