5 Ways to Celebrate
Christmas in New York City

Christmas in New York City is a special time of year. There is something magical and even dreamlike about New York City at Christmastime. The crowds are large and jovial. Christmas spirit is everywhere. There is so much to see and do that is unique to this delightful time of year.

Grab your coat and come enjoy
Christmas in New York City!

1. See the City Sparkle

What makes New York City even more dazzling than usual?

Christmas lights of course!

Christmas in New York City is brighter and more embellished than anywhere else. During the holiday season, the city is adorned with beautiful lights and decorations that are sure to put anyone in a festive mood.

Watch the city glisten and glow with the contagious spirit of the holidays.

Christmas lights outside Macy's with the Empire State Building in the background.

Don't Miss Christmas at Rockefeller Center!

When it comes to getting fancy for Christmas, Rockefeller Center does it best. The whole plaza turns into a holiday wonderland this time of year.

The skating rink is the focal point, surrounded by holiday flags and other decorations. The soaring Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stands at one end with the GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza towering above it all.

The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is illuminated in a Tree Lighting Ceremony every year.

This year’s lighting ceremony will take place on November 30th, 2011. The program is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Rockefeller Center and features celebrity appearances and performances.

Even if you miss the formal tree lighting, you can still see the tree when you visit Rockefeller Center during the holidays. The Christmas tree is lit daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (24 hours on Christmas) until early January.

Rockefeller Center is located on the block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 49th and 50th Streets.

"My favorite thing about Christmas in New York is the holiday decorations and spirit of the city. With the energy and lights and so much to do in NYC for the holidays, it just feels special to be there at Christmas time."

- Ellen, Cartersville, GA

Christmas Window Displays

Department stores love to decorate for Christmas in New York City. Although the intention is to lure people into the stores for shopping, you don’t have to spend a single penny to enjoy the holiday windows.

Every year there are different themes and often there is music to go along.

The most popular holiday window displays are at Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s.

Find out more about the 2010 Christmas window displays.

2. Ice Skate in New York City

Ice skating is a fun family activity and a festive thing to do if you're spending Christmas in New York City. It is a fine winter sport that's made even more special when you can skate against some of the best backdrops that New York City has to offer.

If you’re not interested in skating, watching the skaters is almost as fun as joining them. Nighttime is the most picturesque time to skate, with the city lit up all around you – if you can handle the cold! Earlier in the day the rinks are usually less crowded.

The city has excellent places to skate. Three of the city's most popular and picturesque skating options are:

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating

The Rockefeller Center skating rink is located in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Skate alongside the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Central Park Ice Skating

The Wollman Rink in Central Park is set among trees with the Midtown Manhattan skyline towering above. Skate in a lovely park and still have a view of the city.

Bryant Park Ice Skating

"The Pond" in Bryant Park is an ice skating rink nestled among midtown skyscrapers in a very urban setting. It is near some of the city's most popular attractions.

3. See a New York City Christmas Show

For a cherished and memorable experience, treat your family to a New York City Christmas Show!

Going to the theatre is a popular activity for any New York City visit. Watching a beautiful Christmas show your whole family can enjoy is even more special.

Christmas Show Highlights:

See the Rockettes dance in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Watch the captivating ballet dancers in The Nutcracker.

4. Finish (or Start) Your Holiday Shopping at New York City's Holiday Markets

NYC Street Fair + Christmas = Holiday Market

New York City's spirited holiday markets have a warm inviting glow on even the coldest of December nights.

You'll never want to shop at a mall again after you've walked around an inviting holiday market with a cup of hot apple cider. Visit the shops of local artisans and find neat gifts for your friends and family.

Great NYC Holiday Markets:

"I love the winter look. Scarves, hats, rosy cheeks, and Christmas cheer as people walk around the Christmas shops. Everyone looks beautiful and happy. Bright lights and pine smells compliment the air."

- Rosimer, Rego Park, NY

5. Attend a Christmas Eve Service

Make your Christmas in New York City special by attending a service at one of the city's gorgeous churches.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This Catholic Church is in a large gothic-style cathedral that is inspiring to visit any time of the year. And what time coule be better than Christmas in New York City?

Christmas Eve Services:
Vigil at 5:30 p.m., Blessing of Children
12 a.m., Midnight Mass (reserved seating by ticket only)

St. Patrick’s is located at Madison Avenue and 51st Street.

Marble Collegiate Church

If you’re looking for or a church service rather than a mass, Marble Collegiate Church is a terrific option. The building dates back to the 1850s and is made of – you guessed it – marble. It is a lovely church with a spacious sanctuary.

Christmas Eve Services:
4:00 p.m. (Family Service)
6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (Traditional)

Essential New York City Guide Tip
Christmas in New York City is neatest at night when the lights sparkle, the trees light up, and the holiday windows and store fronts glow. So bundle up tight and experience the magic of Christmas in New York City after dark.

Christmas Cards with NYC Scenes

New York City Christmas Cards

Remember your New York vacation and share it with others. Scenes of New York City make perfect
Christmas cards!

Cards feature original New York City photography.

What do you like best about Christmas in New York City?

New York City is a great place to be during the holidays. Do you have a great experience or recommendation to share? Tell us about it here!

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What Other Visitors Think

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Childhood Memories
One of my favorite childhood memories is going into the city (from Long Island or Brooklyn) and standing in line to see the Radio City Christmas Show.

It ...

Christmas Fun
I Looooove visiting Manhattan at Christmas!

New York is a place where anything feels possible. The energy and charisma that surround everything is inspirational....