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NYC for the Holidays: Guide for a New York Minute 🎄
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items Experience the magic of New York City at its most festive — all in a New York minute! From ice skating under the Rockefeller tree and wandering past Fifth Avenue window displays to sipping cocoa at Bryant Park and catching a holiday show, this guide ...
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Shows
Museums
Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities to do in New York during the holidays
The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is a must-see during the holidays. Go ice skating in front of the most incredible view. And take your time exploring shops bringing out your inner child.
Rockefeller Center
Central Park during the holidays is a must. Whether you're there to walk around, go shopping, ice skating, or visit the zoo, there are plenty of fun holiday activities.
Your Complete Guide to New York City's Central Park
This Holiday Market is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It has a European flair, and the aisles are full of over 100 artisans and designers selling their own unique wares, like special foods, handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and much more. ...
Columbus Circle Holiday Market 2025
The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park features a European-inspired holiday market with local crafts, artisan provisions, and gifts from around the world. The market is open from late October through early January, with hours of Monday–Fri...
Holiday Market in New York City at Bryant Park
Visit the Holiday Train Show, which features over 25 model trains and trolleys under the glass of the warm Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Outside on the Conservatory Lawn, a mountain-scape with even more trains and picture-perfect moments to explore.
Holiday Train Show® | New York Botanical Garden
Popular spot near Chelsea to look out and enjoy the sights. Also known as the park in the sky. The High Line is open daily from 7am to 10pm
The High Line
Shopping
Places to shop in New York during the holidays
The light show at the Saks Fifth Ave flgship store is a must-see. I love coming by this area in the holidays. They go all out.
Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show 2025: Official Return, Dates, Tips
My favorite toy store! This place is absolutely gorgeous and a must when visiting Rockefeller Center. Let your inner child play.
FAO Schwarz
I'm a big Miracle on 34th Street fan, and this store has all the holiday charm followed by history inside a 10-story mall that is such a great shopping experience.
Macy's Herald Square in New York, NY | Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry Department ...
Great shopping area for high-end luxury brands.
Fifth Avenue NYC
Enjoy a warm, indoor market inside Grand Central Terminal with a wide selection of crafts and gifts.
Holiday Fair - Grand Central Terminal
Browse unique gifts and artisanal goods from local vendors.
Union Square Christmas Market in New York: 2025 Guide
Shows
Shows to see in New York
My favorite musical!! The music and writing are superb. My attention is grabbed from the instance. The traveling show is great but there’s nothing like seeing it at their home theater. It’s so intimate and high quality. Go see it. I can't say enough ...
Hamilton (NY) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule
Amazing show! I love the music. If you enjoyed the movie, the original stage version is a must. Their theater is also beautiful.
Wicked (NY) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule
Very funny show! From the creators of South Park, it draws a wide audience and has received critical acclaim for worthy reasons. It's very smart as well as silly. Worth the watch. It is a musical, but again, funny.
The Book Of Mormon (New York, NY) Tickets - Theatre
As a Harry Potter fan, I enjoyed this show. It was nice to see the story progress now that the main characters are older. It’s less of a musical and more of a talking play that incorporates magical effects and interpretive dancing. It was great. Go s...
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (NY) Tickets
I wouldn’t be a Disney fan if I didn’t recommend The Lion King on Broadway. Stunning show! The music always moves me.
The Lion King (New York, NY) Tickets
This show is a classic. If it’s been on your bucket list, go see it on Broadway. The music is catchy and so well performed.
Chicago The Musical (NY) Tickets | Event Dates & Schedule
If my picks didn't call you, or you want to see something I haven't seen yet, such as Mama Mia; explore all the offerings available for your trip.
Broadway Tickets in NYC and Touring in the US
I've never seen this show, but like everyone else, have heard of them. What is more holiday in New York than this production at Radio City.
Christmas Spectacular | The Rockettes
Museums
Museums to visit in New York
My favorite modern art museum with many floors that are organized by eras with incredible exhibits and historical pieces you can’t imagine seeing in person. The gift shops are my favorites.
The Museum of Modern Art
Enjoy your own night at the museum at the museum of natural history. This place is huge and covers so much information. It’s very impressive.
American Museum of Natural History
The Met is a classic. Truly stunning museum with art from all around the world dating back 5000 years. Home of the famous Met Gala.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Another gorgeous museum known for its architecture and collection of modern and contemporary art.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Landmarks
Landmarks to visit in New York
The observatory is quite impressive. But also an emotional experience worth paying tribute.
One World Observatory
Be warned coming here during the winter. I visited the Empire State Building around NYE and the outside view is quite cold. But still was a nice experience if you're visiting for the first time.
Empire State Building