Experience the Magic of Christmas in NYC

Are you thinking of spending Christmas in NYC and looking for ideas of things to do? We’re sharing ideas of things to add to your NYC Holiday Bucket List.

The holidays are quickly approaching and that means there is a ton of festive events to get you in the mood for the Christmas season.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy getting out of the house as often as possible to celebrate, enjoy the Christmas lights and if I must, marvel at the snow (at least once per year).

One of the places I would love to spend time this Christmas season is in the Big Apple. That’s right, I am referring to the city that never sleeps, New York City.

My daughter and I loved our last trip to the city and I’d love to return to see the cathedrals decorated for Christmas, drink another Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity and join Tony, of a Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, for another tour. Not his pizza tour this time, but the Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour.

I’ve been told that one has never experienced the holidays until they’ve celebrated Christmas in NYC. Today I am going to share some of the amazing holiday festivities and events that occur in New York City during December that you won’t want to miss!

Things to do in NYC during the Holidays

1. Holiday Lights and Movie Sites Tour

See New York’s iconic landmarks light up and sparkle for Christmas from the comfort of a warm bus. Visit locations where movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Home Alone 2 were filmed. Step off the bus to look through the store windows of iconic stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdales, enjoy a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. See New York like you’ve never seen it before on this 2 1/2 hour long holiday bus tour.  

2. Dyker Heights Light Tour

Experience Brooklyn as you’ve never seen it before with this combination bus/walking tour of Dyker Heights. You’ll see some of the most over-the-top light displays you’ve ever seen and learn about the history of the Dyker Heights Christmas Light Tradition from life-long residents of the borough. See New York City’s largest Santa and enjoy millions of lights lit up to spread holiday cheer. Buy your tickets here.  

3. Christmas Markets

Who doesn’t love walking around viewing beautiful Christmas lights while shopping? There are a ton of incredible Holiday-themed markets in New York City that are a definite must-visit. You may find just the special handcrafted item you’ve been looking for.

4. Rockefeller Center Tree

If you’re going to be in NYC during the holidays, you should not miss the huge Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lit up and shining brightly in the center of the city. This is a symbol of Christmas is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! The tradition of the lighting of the Christmas Tree will continue for 2020 but it has not yet been determined if the public will be able to be present. You may not be able to watch the actual lighting of the tree in person this year, but you’ll still be able to stroll past the tree and enjoy the festive lights during the holiday season.  

5. Enjoy a Small-Group NYC at Christmas Walking Tour

NYC is amazing for the whole holiday season, and one of the best ways to see it is to put yourself right in the middle of it. This small-group walking tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of NYC. This is perfect for those who aren’t ready for a bus tour and want to capture the best photos during their NYC Christmas experience.

Learn how you can save Up to 50% off New York City Christmas tours and activities.

If you are planning to visit NYC this holiday season, be sure to check out these amazing events and festivities. Don’t forget to visit some of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions while you’re there. You can save time and money with CityPASS. I’ve even written a sample 3-day New York City itinerary with a teens post if you’d like ideas of how to use it.

Have you visited NYC during the holidays? What did you enjoy most?