New York City is one of the most beautifully and skillfully decorated cities around Christmas and New Year's Eve. Spending some time in December in New York is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Discover the Top Things To Do in NYC in December!
Things to do in NYC in December
New York City is one of the most fun cities in the world during the holiday season. The activities abound, the whole city gets decorated with holiday lights, Christmas decorations, and intricate window displays.
Spending holidays in NYC can get expensive, but there are SO MANY fun free things to do (and to see!) in New York City in December. And, that's what this post is all about. Here is my list of Top 10 Things To Do in NYC during the winter holiday season:
10 Things To Do in NYC in December
1. Gigantic Christmas decorations and lights in midtown Manhattan
Giant red ornaments at 1251 Sixth Avenue, near Rockefeller Plaza in NYC are a spectacular sight. If you let your imagination run wild, these Christmas ornaments will remind you of huge caramelized apples or gigantic pomegranates, quite appropriately for the season! Very shiny and deliciously looking, aren't they?
When visiting NYC in December, be sure not to miss the gigantic Christmas lights on 6th Avenue. They look like huge lipsticks of different colors or rockets ready to launch, don't they?
There are beautiful lights everywhere in midtown Manhattan:
2. Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller Center is one of the main attractions in NYC. Especially in the winter. It is home to the iconic Christmas Tree, that's over 70 feet tall this year.
The tree is placed right in front of the Rockefeller building.
Christmas Tree - Rockefeller Center
This iconic NYC Christmas tree is topped with the Swarovski star topper composed of multiple precision-cut crystals. A replica of the Swarovski star is also on display in the Rockefeller Center - and you can see all the intricate detail, crystals and facets up-close, which is pretty cool:
A little further, you can see a famous bronze statue of Atlas in front of Rockefeller Center. In Greek mythology, Atlas was forced by Zeus to hold up the heavens as a special punishment - as we can see on this photo:
3. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
One of the most world-famous ice rinks is located right at the Rockefeller Center. Constructed in the 1930's, the ice rink is very popular with tourists and visitors. If you are in NYC in December, be sure to walk by the Rockefeller Center and watch the people skate on this spectacular rink.
This skating rink is right underneath the Christmas tree and the bronze gilded statue of Prometheus.
A little further from the Christmas tree, there is a cute alley decorated with the wire-sculpted angel figures. Each herald angel holds six-foot-long brass trumpet:
Giant toy soldier at Rockefeller Center NYC:
4. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is home to the traditional NYC Christmas show - The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the women's dance team known as the Rockettes.
The front of the music hall is decorated with a huge Christmas tree that constantly changes colors.
5. The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Every Christmas season, Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store in NYC unveils the store's iconic holiday windows. Besides the holiday windows, the entire facade of the iconic luxury retailer is also decorated with intricate light display:
6. Strolling along 5th avenue from the Rockefeller Center towards Central Park
Take a stroll from the Rockefeller Center towards Central Park, along the 5th avenue and you'll see many beautifully decorated buildings and displays in December. This is how the world's premier jeweler Tiffany & Co. is decorated during the holiday season:
And here is Harry Winston jewelry store decorated with elegant Christmas lights:
7. Giant Snowflake in NYC
As you continue walking along Fifth Avenue from the Rockefeller Center towards Central Park, you will see a giant snowflake above the intersection of 5th Avenue and 57th street. This snowflake is known as UNICEF snowflake, and it's a beautifully illuminated crystal ornament that lights up the Fifth Avenue at night.
8. Hanukkah Menorah
And here is the World's largest Hanukkah Menorah. It's a 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel structure at Grand Army Plaza. It's located on Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel.
9. The Empire State Building Tower Lights
The Empire State Building tower lights are visible from many points in the city. The building has a computer-driven LED light system capable of displaying numerous colors. The Empire State Building looks especially spectacular in December during the holiday season.
The Empire State Building tower lights
10. Plaza Hotel
Right by where the Central Park starts at the 5th avenue, you can see The Plaza Hotel, an iconic century-old luxury hotel.
Right next to the Plaza hotel, is the Pulitzer Fountain in Grand Army Plaza. During the winter holiday season, the basin of the fountain is decorated with lighted trees.
Extra Things To Do in NYC in December
If you are not tired after walking along Fifth Avenue, visiting the Rockefeller Plaza, and watching stunning holiday windows displays, here are some more things to do in NYC in December!
1. Saint Patrick's Cathedral
Saint Patrick's Cathedral is another popular attraction in NYC that attracts millions of people each year.
2. The Frick Collection Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art
There are many amazing art museums in NYC. If you're cold or tired from walking, visit The Frick Collection Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3. Apple Fifth avenue
Across from the Plaza Hotel, is an iconic Apple Store glass cube on Fifth Avenue. This Apple retail location is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
4. Walking in Manhattan
New York City turns into a magical place in December. The buildings get decorated, the city is beautifully lit, and walking in Manhattan becomes an experience in itself. The city looks joyful and stunning both during the day and at night in December.
Manhattan at night in December
Manhattan during the day in December
5. Broadway Theaters & Times Square
Finally, no December visit to NYC is complete without watching a holiday Broadway show. Get yourselves tickets to shows, such as the Phantom of the Opera, Big Apple Circus, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, among many others!
This post was originally published in December 2014. It was updated and republished in October 2019.
This isn't a list of "things to DO". It's definitely a good list of 10 things to see/look at. Got any ideas of activities?
Well yes these are things to look at but u could turn them into things to do. I think some activities that aren’t in this list are Ice skate in Rockefeller plaza.Watch one of Broadways musicals. There also are various museums that u should visit that are in various movies I am not sure exactly the name but search up popular museums and u could pick ur top 3. There are many wonderful restaurants in NY as well that are a quality experience. All these stores that you could see you could as well shop because not every store in every state is the same u will most likely see many different things based on weather or just the area. This is just suggestions and ideas so u could be inspired to plan ur own things .
You described so many wonderful ideas to do in NYC! I could not agree more that watching one of Broadway musicals, NYC restaurants, and shopping in the city are great activities! I could literally spend a month in NYC just doing fun activities - there are so many things to do!
I am going to NYC from 12/12/16 to 12/16/2016. My son is going with me. He will turn 21 on 12/13. I am obsessed with this trip. It is something that I have wanted to do for a while. I hope it will be as magical as I am hoping. I have our tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show. Thank you Julia for all of the wonderful pictures.
The view of NYC sure is beautiful and one of my goals to with my wife. I've been to that city before and happened to stay in one of those luxurious hotels. Oh, it was a neat experience and one that I would like to be at with my wife.
How exciting are all of these! Another event I think is perfect for all the ladies' is an event at Whiskey Blue next Tuesday! They have free manicures! I RSVP'd here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naughty-or-nice-tickets-19732512476
The Church of the Intercession on Broadway and 155th Street (part of the Trinity Wall Street family) hosts a Twas the Night Before Christmas service on the Sunday before Christmas. The story's author, Clement Clarke Moore, rests in the beautiful churchyard across the street overlooking the Hudson River. The family friendly service includes treats for children, a musical showcase by the church choral groups, and the reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by a special guest. Afterward, the congregation is led in a candlelit processional to place a wreath on the author's grave. The parishioners are a warm and welcoming lot and the magical service is well worth attending.
Really good pictures! NYC is great any time, but you're right -- the holiday season is always special. You've brought back happy memories. Thanks -- and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Julia! Yes, NYC is amazing during this time of the year...thanks for the pictures...I sure enjoy them all.
Have a wonderful week 🙂