How to spend Christmas & NYE in New York
How to spend Christmas & NYE in New York
A practical, highly curated holiday survival + enjoyment guide for anyone visiting NYC in late December.
Written by
Kattie
Updated:
Dec 8, 2025
Updated:
Dec 8, 2025
New York City during the holidays is magical but overwhelming. Use this simple route as a ready-made day (or two) that mixes iconic sights with more local-feeling spots.
Breakfast
Kick off your day at Leon Bagel or Bubby's for a proper New York breakfast. Both spots are local favorites, so expect lines – especially on weekends, but the wait is worth it for authentic bagels or classic American comfort food.
Midtown Icons (Library, Bryant Park, Windows)
New York Public Library (5th Ave & 42nd): see the Christmas tree and decorations inside, and the lion statues out front.
Bryant Park Winter Village: walk 5 minutes from the library; browse holiday kiosks and, if you want, skate at the rink (cheaper and often less chaotic than Rockefeller).
Fifth Avenue windows (49th–59th St): walk up 5th Ave to see the holiday displays at Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and others – come after dark for the light shows.
Best Christmas Spots in New York
Wollman Rink & Central Park Stroll
Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for classic ice skating with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
Grab a Holiday Drink at Ralph's Coffee
Stop at Ralph's Coffee (Ralph Lauren's café) on the Upper East Side for a seasonal latte or hot chocolate. The cozy café embodies upscale New York holiday vibes with plaid décor and festive touches – a perfect Instagram moment and warmup break between outdoor activities.
West Village Walk, Shopping & Dinner
The neighborhood is filled with unique boutiques and independent shops perfect for holiday shopping – from vintage clothing stores to artisan home goods.
Book dinner at Theodora for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a romantic setting, or try Via Carota for rustic Italian fare in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Best Shops & Markets in New York
Live Jazz
This intimate venue features world-class jazz musicians performing nightly in an authentic setting with exposed brick walls and dim lighting. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club – classic small jazz club on Broadway uptown, reserve a table for an evening show and plan about 2 hours for music and drinks.
Nightcap at Rockefeller Center
Head back to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree lit up and the rink buzzing at night – this is the most crowded point of the route, so be ready for people and security lines.
Want more hidden gems and local favorites beyond the usual tourist trail? Check out hundreds of obsessively curated spots from locals. Use the interactive map to build your own custom route based on your interests and neighborhood.
New York City during the holidays is magical but overwhelming. Use this simple route as a ready-made day (or two) that mixes iconic sights with more local-feeling spots.
Breakfast
Kick off your day at Leon Bagel or Bubby's for a proper New York breakfast. Both spots are local favorites, so expect lines – especially on weekends, but the wait is worth it for authentic bagels or classic American comfort food.
Midtown Icons (Library, Bryant Park, Windows)
New York Public Library (5th Ave & 42nd): see the Christmas tree and decorations inside, and the lion statues out front.
Bryant Park Winter Village: walk 5 minutes from the library; browse holiday kiosks and, if you want, skate at the rink (cheaper and often less chaotic than Rockefeller).
Fifth Avenue windows (49th–59th St): walk up 5th Ave to see the holiday displays at Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and others – come after dark for the light shows.
Best Christmas Spots in New York
Wollman Rink & Central Park Stroll
Head to Wollman Rink in Central Park for classic ice skating with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
Grab a Holiday Drink at Ralph's Coffee
Stop at Ralph's Coffee (Ralph Lauren's café) on the Upper East Side for a seasonal latte or hot chocolate. The cozy café embodies upscale New York holiday vibes with plaid décor and festive touches – a perfect Instagram moment and warmup break between outdoor activities.
West Village Walk, Shopping & Dinner
The neighborhood is filled with unique boutiques and independent shops perfect for holiday shopping – from vintage clothing stores to artisan home goods.
Book dinner at Theodora for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a romantic setting, or try Via Carota for rustic Italian fare in an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
Best Shops & Markets in New York
Live Jazz
This intimate venue features world-class jazz musicians performing nightly in an authentic setting with exposed brick walls and dim lighting. Smoke Jazz & Supper Club – classic small jazz club on Broadway uptown, reserve a table for an evening show and plan about 2 hours for music and drinks.
Nightcap at Rockefeller Center
Head back to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree lit up and the rink buzzing at night – this is the most crowded point of the route, so be ready for people and security lines.
Want more hidden gems and local favorites beyond the usual tourist trail? Check out hundreds of obsessively curated spots from locals. Use the interactive map to build your own custom route based on your interests and neighborhood.
Access all saved spots
Google Maps with 400+ amazing spots.
✅ Skip tourists traps
✅ Save your time
✅ Access all 400+ spots
✅ Open in Google Maps
✅ New spots added regularly
✅ Lifetime updates
$39
$19
This week only
Access all saved spots
Google Maps with 400+ amazing spots.
✅ Skip tourists traps
✅ Save your time
✅ Access all 400+ spots
✅ Open in Google Maps
✅ New spots added regularly
✅ Lifetime updates
$39
$19
This week only
Access all saved spots
Google Maps with 400+ amazing spots.
✅ Skip tourists traps
✅ Save your time
✅ Access all 400+ spots
✅ Open in Google Maps
✅ New spots added regularly
✅ Lifetime updates
$39
$19
This week only