Christmas in New York Bucket List: 10 Festive Holiday Attractions
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Christmas in New York is a magical experience. It took me a long time, but I finally made it out here during the wonderful holiday season. I have always wanted to ice skate at Central Park and see the famous ornaments and Rockefeller tree, but never wanted to pay for a pricey flight this time of year. Fortunately, living in Philly has many perks including convenient access to New York.
Because of the easy 2 hour drive, Mike and I were able to plan multiple daytrips here. I finally attended the iconic Macy’s parade and visited several times over the holiday season to take in the festive ambiance. And yes, it did live up to my expectations!
Along with several festive ice rinks, one of the country’s most iconic trees, and a host of special seasonal productions, there is also that tiny chance of a White Christmas. Odds are just 10 percent – hey it’s better than nothing! The last time the city saw more than an inch (the official definition of a White Christmas) was back in 2002!
Most restaurants and businesses really go all out with beautiful decor. I love just strolling around taking it all in. The brisk cold weather also adds to the ambiance as you walk bundled up with a hot cocoa in hand. This is my favorite time of the year. All season long I watch Hallmark movies (the old school ones are much better in my opinion) and classics like Home Alone 2, Elf, and Miracle on 34th Street, which feature prominent NY landmarks.
Seeing all of these iconic holiday sights in person makes the entire experience all the more memorable. In my guide, I highlight some of the top holiday festivities to add to your bucket list. Have a great time and I hope your trip is as memorable as mine!
1. Ice skating in Central Park
Ice skating in New York comes in number 1 as the most quintessential holiday experience in my opinion. Central Park’s beautiful Wollman rink is the place to lace up your skates, whether you are a pro or first timer. First off, this rink is much larger than Rockefeller (in fact, about 4x so). The natural setting in the park is so gorgeous.
Plus, you do not have as many people gawking at you as you attempt to skate! As the capacity is much larger, there is typically not as long of a wait. Plus, it’s much more affordable compared to the crazily expensive Rockefeller where tickets can now cost more than 60 bucks per person!
For the ultimate pre-Christmas activity, enjoy a nice quiet skating session in the country’s most gorgeous urban park. It’s fun. It’s festive. And as an added bonus, you will burn hundreds of calories. Not a bad deal…
Movie buffs will likely remember seeing this rink featured in both Home Alone 2 and the amazing John Cusack classic Serendipity. You can check out my NYC Christmas movie filming guide for more hotspots you can view for free via a self guided tour. Do enjoy an ice skating session here, but skip the overpriced, tourist trap dessert restaurant.
- Location: 830 Fifth Avenue
- Pricing: $16-40 per adult, $11 senior and child 2-12. The cheapest rates are weekdays, non holiday periods. Expect to pay more over Thanksgiving week and from mid December through New Year’s. Skate rentals are $12, locker rentals are $8, $5 spectator fee.
- Note: Cash only!
- Tip: If you live in the area, I recommend investing in a pair of skates. They will pay for themselves in just a few sessions.
2. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
While images of Kevin standing up close and personal with the tree with no one in sight in Home Alone 2 may immediately spring to mind, don’t expect the same quaint experience. In reality, the entire block leading up to the tree is mobbed. In fact, it’s hard to even squeeze through the throng of crowds and get a quality picture. Nevertheless, seeing this grand tree (which ranges between 70-90 foot tall) sure is a bucket list experience for all the Christmas lovers out there.
Surprisingly, this is not the tallest living tree in the US. That honor goes to a 222 foot tree in Mendocino County. Rockefeller’s 2019 tree pictured above stands 77 foot tall and weighs 14 tons. This Norway spruce was planted in 1959. On a side note, the tallest tree on record at Rockefeller was a 100 footer in 1999, a fitting end to the 20th Century! What I love most is the gorgeous Swarovski star which really makes the tree sparkle.
- Location: 45 Rockefeller Plaza
- Pricing: Free to view
- Tip: Visit early on the morning to score a picture sans heavy crowds. Then go back at night to see the tree all lit up. It will be hard to get a quality pic, esp on the 2 weekends leading up to Christmas.
- Read more about the history of Rockefeller Center
3. The giant ornaments at 6th avenue
One of the most iconic (and photographed) Christmas attractions in the city is the giant glossy red ornaments. I’ve seen them featured in so many holiday movies and TV specials, but it’s so incredible seeing them in person. You really cannot leave without getting your picture here! They are across the street from the Radio City Music Hall, so a great stop before or after seeing a show. On the other hand, I also think they are worthy of a special detour.
And better yet, the ornaments are not the only oversized decoration in town. Right down the street is a giant string of lights. This is a really cool often missed attraction that you will want to take the time out to see while in such close vicinity. I didn’t even know they existed until we walked right past them – what a cool bonus I wasn’t expecting.
- Location: 1251 Avenue of the Stars
- Tip: Head over here early on the in the day to avoid massive crowds. Also, the new FAO Schwarz is in the area if you want to squeeze in a quick look while in the area.
4. Department store holiday window scenes
Sure the windows are not as spectacular as they once were, still, seeing the creative displays at Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorfs should be high on every first timer’s holiday bucket list. While most big cities (i.e. Chicago, San Fran, Philly, etc) are now known for their unique holiday window scenes, nothing really compares to the buzz and excitement surrounding the department stores in New York.
The windows draw so many people that several streets are closed and traffic needs to be directed. As much as I hate crowds, I have to say I was impressed and glad I saw the iconic windows at least once! Would I say that it is worth fighting through the mobs? Sure as it is a one time thing for most of us and a great memory!
Somehow, it seems a bit more fun & memorable seeing window displays in the city which started it all. Macy’s New York began this time honored holiday tradition in 1874. Since then, most other cities have followed suit, joining in on the fun. Growing up in Chicago, we made a trip downtown every year to see the tree at Daley Plaza, followed by the amazing windows at Marshall Fields.
On a side note, did you know that the Manhattan Macy’s is the largest store in the world with 11 floors of retail heaven? Couldn’t heart to take a browse around while you are in the city…This was a really fun experience. We got to the store right before opening and the employees all line up and clap before customers start entering. I loved browsing all the decorations – it’s a gorgeous store. I also enjoyed the holiday props including this cute Barbie photo opp.
- Location: Macys (151 W. 34th St), Bergdorf 745 Fifth Avenue, Saks (12 E. 49th St).
- Tip: Escape the cold for a bit and visit the festive Santaland (Santa visits by reservation only).
5. Saks Fifth Avenue light show
Saks decks out their windows in festive scenes (I enjoyed the wintry Frozen 2 theme) and they also have a pretty cool light show. I loved the color theme and the excitement of the packed crowds. This is what you think New York will be like during the holidays. There was a nice positive vibe in the air.
This spirited show takes place on the 10 story building, located between 49th and 50th street on Fifth Avenue. This dazzling choreographed music and light spectacular is one of the lesser advertised events. In fact, it is one of the few attractions which I’ve never heard of. I have to say I was quite impressed as I fought my way through bumper to bumper crowds.
While the show is just 5 min long, it is mesmerizing enough to warrant pushing your way through the insane traffic! Yes, it will be over-the-top crowded! And yes, I still think it is worthy of a spot on your bucket list especially since it is walkable to most other attractions. Visit on a weekday if you prefer to skip the added frustration. Luckily, the show runs every 10 minutes from 4:30pm to 10, so you can always come back later if it’s too crowded!
Location: 12 E. 49th Street
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