Ally Abroad: Christmas in New York City

Ally Abroad
Dec 20, 2025
4 min read

The Ultimate Holiday Guide to NYC in December

Spending Christmas in New York City is a bucket list experience, and luckily I have gotten to experience it multiple times at Christmas. This December trip truly lived up to the hype this year. We went on a girls trip to the city. NYC in December feels like stepping into a real-life Christmas movie every year I go.

If you’re planning a winter getaway, here’s what it’s like to experience New York City during the holidays, including the Rockettes, Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Central Park Christmas Market, Grand Central Station Holiday Market, and the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday light show.

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall

One of the most popular things to do in New York City at Christmas is seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes. I saw this show last year, but this year was iconic and special because it was the 100 years of the Rockettes. This legendary Christmas show combines impressive choreography, festive music, and classic Christmas scenes that capture the magic of the season. It is jaw dropping watching these women perform in sync.

Radio City Music Hall itself is stunning, and watching the Rockettes perform their famous high kicks in such an iconic venue makes the experience unforgettable. You must get the souvenir champagne flute. This year they had it specifically for the 100 year celebration.

Exploring New York City Christmas Markets

No girls trip is complete without visiting New York City Christmas markets. The markets are filled with charming wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and the smell of seasonal treats.

We went to the Central Park Christmas Market first. I got a cozy hot chocolate here from the Hudson Cabin. You could build your own hot chocolate. This market is amazing because it is intimate but you have the view of New York City buildings and Central Park.

The next one we attended was the Grand Central Holiday Fair at Grand Central Station. Going in Grand Central Station alone is a must do. It is iconic and gives all the Gossip Girl vibes. The market was within Grand Central and was an intimate market too. The reason I loved this one was because it was inside and away from the bitter chill. Also, it has the popular tiny vending machine art prints. You pay $1 per print and it’s a surprise what you get. This is a must to get as a souvenir.

Walking through the Christmas markets felt cozy and festive despite the winter chill. From handmade gifts to holiday decorations and unique souvenirs, these markets are perfect for both shopping and soaking in the Christmas atmosphere.

Visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the most famous Christmas attractions in the world, and seeing it in person is absolutely magical. Every time I’m in NYC at Christmas I make it a point to see it and pass it by and admire all its glory. Standing beneath the massive, brightly lit tree is a moment that truly defines Christmas in NYC.

Surrounded by ice skaters, holiday music, and glowing city lights, Rockefeller Center feels especially alive during the holiday season. It’s crowded, but the experience is completely worth it.

Watching the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas Light Show

Another highlight of Christmas in New York City is the Saks Fifth Avenue holiday light show. Each evening, the Saks building transforms into a dazzling display of lights and music, creating a synchronized holiday performance across its entire building. They just brought it back this year so you must see it. It is a short show that comes on every 10 minutes. It goes from 5-11 PM.

Watching the show with the city bustling and buzzing around you makes it one of the most memorable nighttime experiences in NYC during December. It also is next to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

Festive Restaurants

I loved that every restaurant we went into had Christmas music playing. They had the restaurants decorated and festive for Christmas. It was so warm and cozy.

Made in New York Pizza

This restaurant is a must because it has hand made pizza straight from New York by the slice.

Vanguard

This was a wine bar and it was dim lit and so cozy.

Il Cortile in Little Italy

This is an Italian restaurant in Little Italy. It was very festive and decorated. It was a nicer restaurant that we got to dress up to go into. The food was delicious.

Haven Rooftop

This was a rooftop bar where we got drinks. It was decorated for Christmas. Be sure to make reservations in advance.

Jacob’s Pickles

This was an adorable brunch spot. It was very unique because it had a pickle flight. We got to taste different flavors of pickles. This was southern comfort food, which was nice because I am from Alabama. They played Christmas music the whole brunch.

Levain Bakery

These cookies are to die for in this bakery. They are like double decker cookies. The bakery is quaint and the cookies are a must try.

Nice Matin

This was a Michelin Star restaurant. We got drinks here because it was by our hotel and then we ate breakfast here one morning.

Rosemary’s West

This restaurant is so upscale and dim lit. It is an intimate dining with delicious food choices.

Transportation

I use the NYC subway when I travel in the city. Be sure to use Google Maps and it will tell you which color and number train to get on. It is simple, but hectic to navigate. It is much better than taking an Uber because they are more expensive and it takes way longer to get around because of the traffic.

Why New York City Is the Best Place to Visit at Christmas

There’s a reason so many people dream of spending Christmas in New York City. The combination of iconic landmarks, festive traditions, and nonstop holiday energy makes the city feel truly special during the season. The city is decorated, restaurants are playing Christmas music, and the city comes alive with even more lights.