How to have the perfect Christmas in New York: tips for residents and visitors of the city

The season of fun is upon us, and New York City is perhaps one of the few cities that best embodies the spirit of the holidays. From the dizzying displays of iconic department stores to the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, New York City is a delight at every turn during the Christmas season. travelandleisure has put together a guide to spending the perfect Christmas in New York City.

The biggest challenge of Christmas in New York is deciding which of the city's seasonal activities you'll enjoy the most. All five boroughs host a variety of holiday attractions and events, from stunning Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights to George Balanchine's old-fashioned Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Whatever your holiday, here's a list of the best Christmas things to do while in New York City.

Look in New york botanical garden

During the holidays, the New York Botanical Garden transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling Christmas trees and the famous Holiday Train Show. For more than three decades, it has been delighting visitors with a miniature version of the city, which this year contains about 200 replicas of famous New York landmarks.

Watch the show Radio City Rockets

Since 1932, incendiary performances have opened the season at the iconic New York music hall Radio City Music Hall. The Christmas performance is characterized by high energy and delightful fun, both thanks to the performers and the fiery festive melodies. But keep in mind that tickets to the show sell out instantly.

Look “The Nutcracker” by George Balanchine at Lincoln Center

If your tastes are more classical, head to Lincoln Center for the New York City Ballet's annual production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Balanchine, the company's Russian-born founding choreographer, premiered his lavish interpretation of Tchaikovsky's 1954th-century ballet in XNUMX. This traditional family show is suitable for children aged five and up and is sure to create magical memories.

Go ice skating in Winter Village in Bryant Park

Want to experience all the best aspects of New York Christmas in one place? Head to Winter Village in Bryant Park. Here you'll find holiday shopping, hot cocoa and a 1500-square-foot ice skating rink. meters on which you can skate. Bring your own skates or rent them from the park, but make a reservation in advance.

Have dinner at a restaurant Rolf's

Holiday decorations have become increasingly popular among New York City restaurants in recent years, and Rolf's is certainly the most sophisticated of the bunch. This German eatery in Gramercy Park displays thousands of ornaments and hundreds of thousands of lights every December, making it the perfect spot for holiday selfies while eating schnitzel and strudel. It goes without saying that this place can get crowded, but if you can't get a table, you can't go wrong if you decide to move your party to another iconic restaurant city.

Go shopping at holiday market

Have you made a gift list and checked it twice? Explore one (or more) New York City holiday markets. The Union Square Holiday Market is perhaps the most famous, but you can find equally wonderful trinkets and treats at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, the Grand Central Holiday Market, and many more.
Or stroll past some of the city's best department stores and peer into their incredible displays.

On the subject: Stunning Christmas displays in New York that are definitely worth seeing

Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's worth checking out the impressive window displays in the city center. The city's flagship department stores—Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Saks Fifth Avenue—are renowned for their window displays and seasonal decorations, but other Fifth Avenue stores, from FAO Schwarz to Cartier, don't fall short, either. Yes, it's a little friendly competition to see who has the best displays, but all the prizes go to the audience.

Stroll through Dyker Heights

If you want to see more DIY-style garlands, head to Dyker Heights, a Brooklyn neighborhood that takes holiday displays very seriously. Most homeowners hang up their lights right after Thanksgiving and keep them up throughout December for passersby to admire.

Admire the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

It's simply impossible to imagine Christmas in New York without the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The tree has been erected every year since the early 1930s, and today it is one of the largest and best not only in New York, but in the whole world. In 2023, following the lighting ceremony on November 29, the tree will be lit every day from 5am to midnight until mid-January. On Christmas Day it will shine for 24 hours straight.

Where to Stay for Christmas in New York

There are many great hotels in New York, but here are five that are the most festive. if you live in New York, then only like a character from a Christmas movie

The plaza

The hotel is conveniently located on Fifth Avenue and is always at the center of Christmas events. During the season, the hotel decorates the halls, reminding guests that this is where Kevin ran in the movie “Home Alone 2: Escape to New York.” For extra holiday fun, treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at the iconic Palm Court or a celebratory toast at the sophisticated Champagne Bar.

Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace is another hotel with a special address. The hotel is located just one block from Rockefeller Center, making it easy to see the famous Christmas tree. The hotel offers holiday treats throughout the season, and there's even a “North Pole Mailbox” in the lobby so kids can send their letters to Santa.

St. Regis new york

Hotel St. Regis, founded by John Jacob Astor in 1904, is a New York landmark. During the holidays, the entire hotel area is decorated with luxurious holiday decor and offers a variety of festive dishes. And if you prefer to celebrate the season in privacy, several of the largest suites feature a fully decorated Christmas tree and you can enjoy an in-room Christmas dinner or brunch.

Ritz-Carlton New York

Another luxury option for the holidays, The Ritz-Carlton features plenty of twinkling lights and festive food. The hotel is located steps from Central Park and a five-minute walk from Wollman Rink, where you can skate under glittering skyscrapers. In addition, each year the hotel offers holiday packages, which usually include welcome gifts and personalized in-room decor.

The Langham

Located on Fifth Avenue, The Langham is close to some of the city's best Christmas entertainment and boasts many holiday specials. A full list of offers can be found on the hotel's website, but this year's highlight is “Holidays with Saks Fifth Avenue,” an extravagant package that includes a hotel stay with a $2000 Saks gift card and a holiday window shopping tour.