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Top Activities For The Holidays in NYC
16
items Christmas (and the holidays) in NYC is the most magical time and place. I’ve lived here for so many years and this is a list of the must-sees!
Sections
5
Where To See The Best Christmas Lights
Christmas Markets
Holiday Themed Cocktail Bars
Holiday Shows
Holiday Outdoor Activities
Where To See The Best Christmas Lights
No notes. Absolutely iconic. Go ice skating in front of it if you can while taking in the most beautiful Christmas tree you will ever see!
Rockefeller Center
A little bit of a trek from Manhattan (can take up to an hour on public transport), but definitely worth seeing. The houses in this area are lined with the most beautiful Christmas lights. Magical!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Truly so beautiful! Walk through multiple stories of stunning Christmas lights while doing some last minute shopping. Also, the Vessel is right outside! A must see this holiday season.
The Shops at Hudson Yards
Pop by this iconic hotel to see their ginormous Christmas trees in the lobby, or get a drink in their bar to truly enjoy the holiday vibes. This hotel is home to so many famous movies, shows, and references- definitely worth seeing!
Holidays at The Plaza Hotel
This is one the most incredible light shows I’ve ever seen- truly mesmerizing. After they took a year break, they are back! The light shows plays every hour and is right next to Rockefeller.
Saks Holiday Light Show- back for 2025!
Right in the center of Herald square, the 34th street Macys has an incredible holiday window display! Each window has an ornate display of festive decor.
Macy's Holiday Window Display
Christmas Markets
So many cute artisanal shops, delicious food stalls, and ice skating. I go multiple times every year and there’s always something new!
Bryant Park Winter Village
Beautiful Christmas lights, shopping, and an extravagant gingerbread exhibit every year! Mostly indoor as well for those very chilly days.
Chelsea Market
Another market you need to go to! So many holiday shops and such a great variety of food and snacks.
Union Square Holiday Market
Holiday Themed Cocktail Bars
This place looks like Christmas threw up inside (in the best way possible). The line is super long and the drinks are mediocre, but you have to go at least once to experience the magic of this Christmas bar! There is a reason this place is so famous.
Rolf's
An extremely cute Christmas themed popup bar. Decorations are beautiful and holiday themed cocktails are delicious. Make a reservation!
Miracle on Ninth
Three floors of Christmas beauty with a bar, restaurant, and a speakeasy. This in my opinion is the #1 decorated bar in NYC! The cocktails are also tasty which is a plus.
Frosty's Christmas Bar New York
Sip on a holiday cocktail while taking in the incredible views of Manhattan in heated igloos! Cozy up with snuggies and blankets and take in all of the magical lights and skyline views.
230 Fifth Rooftop Igloo Bar
Holiday Shows
An iconic show to see the Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall! Buy tickets early, they get expensive. This Christmas show is unreal!
Christmas Spectacular | The Rockettes
Holiday Outdoor Activities
Going ice skating in the middle of Central Park? How iconic is this! You can rent skates and take in Manhattan’s skylines while skating or sipping hot cocoa on the side.
Wollman Rink
On the rooftop of Pier 17, there is ice skating, food stalls, beautiful decor, and incredible views of the Brooklyn bridge and the Hudson River. A highlight!
Pier 17 Winter Wonderland