NYC at Christmas: Experiencing the City During the Holidays
Experiencing NYC at Christmas was festive, busy, and unforgettable. From holiday shows and festive restaurants to snowy Central Park walks, here’s how we spent four nights in the city and what we’d recommend.
Why We Chose NYC at Christmas
We chose New York City in December to experience the holidays in a completely different way. It was our first time visiting NYC at Christmas, and we wanted a mix of classic sights, festive energy, and time to simply walk and take it all in.
This trip is ideal for couples, friends, or first-time visitors who want to experience the holiday magic without trying to do everything. Below is how we spent four nights in NYC at Christmas, what surprised us most, and what we’d do again.
Trip Snapshot: NYC at Christmas
When: December 10–14
Length: 4 nights
Vibe: Festive, busy, magical
Good for: Couples, friends, first-time NYC visitors
Weather: Cold with one light drizzle day and snow on our final morning
Highlights: Holiday walks, Christmas shows, Central Park, festive dining, snowy goodbye
Where We Stayed in Times Square
The Westin New York at Times Square
We chose the Westin for location and walkability, and it ended up being a great fit. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which gave us extra space to spread out and recharge between busy days.
What we liked:
Easy walk to almost everything we did
Quiet room despite the Times Square location
Comfortable layout for a multi-night stay
Good to know:
We only took a cab once; otherwise we walked or used the subway
Rates were what you’d expect for December and increased significantly closer to travel dates
Booking early is key for holiday travel
What We Did in NYC at Christmas
Holiday Walks, Window Displays & Rockefeller Center
We walked almost everywhere from our Times Square hotel, which ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. Window displays, decorated streets, and the constant energy made even simple walks feel festive.
One thing that made this trip more enjoyable was timing. We intentionally planned our outdoor sightseeing and walking days earlier in the trip, knowing the city would get more crowded as the weekend approached. It made places like Midtown strolls, window displays, and popular areas feel more manageable.
Walking through Rockefeller Center was one of those classic NYC-at-Christmas moments. Seeing the tree in person, watching skaters on the rink, and feeling the energy of the area made it feel just as festive as you’d imagine. Visiting earlier in the trip helped avoid the heaviest crowds.
Central Park
Central Park quickly became one of our favorite places to slow down. Even before the snow, it offered a calm break from the crowds and a completely different feel from the surrounding neighborhoods.
We also had lunch at Tavern on the Green, which was a great experience. We sat in the glassed-in area overlooking the park and trees, and it felt bright, calm, and surprisingly not loud. It was an easy way to enjoy the park without feeling rushed.
Christmas Shows in New York City
We saw two very different holiday shows, and both stood out for different reasons.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
This show wasn’t originally on our list, but it ended up being one of the biggest highlights of the trip. It was upbeat, festive, and full of energy. Celebrating its 100th year made it feel especially special, and it truly lived up to the word “spectacular.” If you can only see one holiday show, this is a great choice.
A Christmas Carol
This show surprised me more emotionally. It was quieter and more story-driven, leaning into the classic storyline in a way that felt meaningful. The contrast between this and Radio City made seeing both even more memorable.
We intentionally scheduled A Christmas Carol for Saturday night, knowing the city would be busiest by then. It was an easy way to enjoy the evening without fighting the heaviest crowds.
Festive Restaurants, Holiday Pop-Ups & Bryant Park
One of the most fun parts of visiting NYC at Christmas was how many restaurants fully embrace the season.
We visited Lillie’s Victorian and Oscar Wilde, both restaurants that transform into over-the-top holiday spaces. Oscar Wilde was louder, packed, and full of energy, while Lillie’s felt a bit calmer and more relaxed while still being beautifully decorated. Reservations are a must for both.
We also stopped at Miracle on 9th Street, a true Christmas pop-up. It was energetic and festive, but farther from our hotel, so we took the subway. Using Google Maps made this incredibly easy, with clear directions to the correct entrance, which trains to take, and when to transfer. We found the subway much more convenient than taxis, especially with traffic being so heavy.
Bryant Park was another highlight. We grabbed hot chocolate and spent time people-watching, taking in the lights, and watching skaters on the rink. Even if you’re not interested in shopping the holiday markets, it’s worth stopping by just to soak in the atmosphere. The hot chocolate line looked long but moved surprisingly fast.
The Plaza Hotel & the Champagne Room
One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was stopping into The Plaza Hotel for a drink and charcuterie in the Champagne Room. Stepping inside felt like entering a piece of New York history, especially during the holidays.
Between the chandeliers, the towering Christmas trees, and the quieter, elegant atmosphere, it was a complete contrast to the energy outside. It’s easy to understand why The Plaza has become part of so many classic holiday movies and New York stories. Sitting there felt nostalgic in the best way and was a nice reminder to slow down and savor the moment.
It was one of those experiences that felt special without being rushed, and something we’d absolutely do again.
A Quiet Moment of Reflection
After one of our shows, we walked past the World Trade Center memorial. Standing there was a quiet, sobering moment. I vividly remember where I was that day, and being there in person brought everything back in a way that’s hard to describe.
Tips for Visiting NYC at Christmas
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. We walked miles every day.
Hand warmers are worth packing and easy to find at CVS around the city.
Bring a small umbrella. Weather can change quickly.
The subway is very easy to use with Google Maps and often faster than taxis.
Traffic can be gridlocked, even for short distances.
Plan outdoor activities earlier in the trip before weekend crowds increase.
Hot chocolate at Bryant Park is worth the line. It moves quickly.
Highlights from Our NYC Christmas Trip
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Walking through Central Park
Holiday window displays
A Christmas Carol
Snow falling on our final morning
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
Next time, we’d plan more unstructured time. One of our favorite moments came from an unplanned evening of wandering.
Practical Details for a NYC Christmas Trip
When we went: December 10–14
How long: 4 nights
Ease of trip: Very walkable with easy subway access
Clothing notes: Warm layers, good boots, gloves, hand warmers
Seasonal note: Crowds increase significantly closer to the weekend
How We Left the City
On our final morning, it snowed. Walking through Central Park as the city softened under fresh snow felt calm, quiet, and like the perfect ending to the trip.
New York City at Christmas is festive, busy, and full of contrast. It’s a trip we’d absolutely recommend and one we’ll always remember.