Christmas in New York

Have a happy holiday using our Christmas in New York guide to navigate the best and most festive attractions and shows

By Tazi Phillips and Time Out New York contributors Posted: Thursday September 27 2018

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Photograph: ShutterstockRockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Of course, we’re referring to Christmas in New York, a magical time when the best New York attractions transform into the most festive winter wonderlands. During the holiday season, you’ll spot Christmas lights and trees in every borough. You’ll also find pop-up holiday markets outside of subway stations which provide excellent gift ideas for your friends and family. Aside from the decor, make sure to keep an eye out for Christmas movie screenings and concerts in NYC, including other popular shows such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Our guide will help you plan and navigate the merriest time of year in New York leading up to New Year’s Eve.

Watch a video of the Bryant Park Winter Village!

Best selling Christmas Events

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Theater Buy tickets

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Nov 9 - Jan 2

Buy
New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker
Dance Buy tickets

New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Nov 23 - Dec 30

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Home Alone in Concert
Music Buy tickets

Home Alone in Concert

Dec 20 + Dec 21

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How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Theater Buy tickets

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Dec 13 - Dec 30

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Christmas in New York

Rockefeller Center Tree lighting guide
Things to do

Rockefeller Center Tree lighting guide

Each Christmas, thousands of New Yorkers (and tourists) travel to the bright and brilliant nexus of town: the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. 

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree guide
Things to do

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree guide

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree (NYC’s pride and joy) is a beaming and brilliant symbol of the holiday season. 

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The Bryant Park Winter Village guide
Things to do

The Bryant Park Winter Village guide

Everything you need to know about the Bryant Park Winter Village from admission-free ice-skating to shopping the vendors. 

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The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2018 guide
Things to do

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2018 guide

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2018 display offers so much  razzle-dazzle that you may want to wear shades. 

The best Christmas things to do in NYC
Things to do

The best Christmas things to do in NYC

Embrace the merriest time of year and start checking off our list of Christmas things to do in NYC. 

The best Christmas shows in NYC to see
Theater

The best Christmas shows in NYC to see

Here’s a handy guide to holiday stage fun: lots of Nutcrackers and details on the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

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Where to see Christmas lights in NYC
Things to do

Where to see Christmas lights in NYC

Around Thanksgiving in NYC, the city transforms into a magical wonderland with all the Christmas lights.

The best holiday markets NYC has to offer
Shopping

The best holiday markets NYC has to offer

At a holiday market, NYC offers the best decorations, food and winter activities to get you in the merriest of moods

The best pictures of Christmas in New York
Things to do

The best pictures of Christmas in New York

Lovers of snow, ice-skating and glitter, get ready to swoon over these festive pictures of Christmas in New York

The best things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC
Things to do

The best things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC

’Twas the night before Christmas and all through Gotham, New Yorkers were actually stirring. 

The best of what’s open on Christmas Day in NYC
Things to do

The best of what’s open on Christmas Day in NYC

Don’t stay in on December 25—New York City has plenty going on this Christmas Day, from dinners to theater.

The best Christmas concerts in NYC
Music

The best Christmas concerts in NYC

If you’re looking to add some holiday pep to your step, check out our list of the best Christmas concerts this season

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Christmas dinner and brunch in New York

Where to eat Christmas dinner in NYC
Restaurants

Where to eat Christmas dinner in NYC

The best places for Christmas brunch in NYC
Restaurants

The best places for Christmas brunch in NYC

The best restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC
Restaurants

The best restaurants open on Christmas Day in NYC

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The best pies in NYC
Restaurants

The best pies in NYC

The best grocery stores open on Christmas Day
Shopping

The best grocery stores open on Christmas Day

News about Christmas in New York 2018

The Grand Central Holiday Fair has officially reopened in the terminal
News

The Grand Central Holiday Fair has officially reopened in the terminal

Check out the world’s largest gingerbread village in Queens this weekend
News

Check out the world’s largest gingerbread village in Queens this weekend

Bloomingdale’s is putting an ice skating rink in their basement for the holidays
News

Bloomingdale’s is putting an ice skating rink in their basement for the holidays

The Union Square Holiday Market opens next week
News

The Union Square Holiday Market opens next week

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Holiday gift ideas

Cheap Christmas gift ideas under $25 that are actually great
Shopping

Cheap Christmas gift ideas under $25 that are actually great

Ball on a budget this Christmas in New York with our cheap Christmas gift ideas under $25. 

Christmas gifts for her this holiday season
Shopping

Christmas gifts for her this holiday season

Doing a little holiday shopping for a special lady in your life? 

15 incredible gifts for movie lovers
Movies

15 incredible gifts for movie lovers

We've collected this list of unique and affordable gifts for the little Kubrick in your life this year.

See the full holiday gift guide

Christmas movies

The 50 best Christmas movies of all time
Movies

The 50 best Christmas movies of all time

NYC’s top 10 Christmas movie moments
Movies

NYC’s top 10 Christmas movie moments

New York hotels to stay at this Christmas

11 Airbnbs with fireplaces in NYC
Hotels

11 Airbnbs with fireplaces in NYC

NYC hotels with the best free stuff
Hotels

NYC hotels with the best free stuff

The most outrageous hotel requests in NYC
Hotels

The most outrageous hotel requests in NYC

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The best date hotels in NYC
Hotels

The best date hotels in NYC

The best budget hotels in NYC
Hotels

The best budget hotels in NYC

NYC hotels with the weirdest perks
Hotels

NYC hotels with the weirdest perks

The most over-the-top hotels in NYC
Hotels

The most over-the-top hotels in NYC

Cheap New York City hotels that are actually good
Hotels

Cheap New York City hotels that are actually good

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Archive Christmas in New York content

Here are the opening dates for every holiday market in New York
News

Here are the opening dates for every holiday market in New York

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The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens this week!
News

The Rink at Rockefeller Center opens this week!

Here are the dates for the best tree lighting ceremonies in NYC
News

Here are the dates for the best tree lighting ceremonies in NYC

Check out these holiday markets with awesome live music, DJs and booze
News

Check out these holiday markets with awesome live music, DJs and booze

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