Christmas time in New York City is magical. Even if you don’t celebrate, there are still activities going on in and around the city that you can enjoy. So get in the holiday mood with a few of the things going on, listed below.
1. Head to a Magical Sugar and Spice Holiday Pop-Up
Explore a giant world of toys, cookies, and presents at one of NYC’s hottest holiday pop-up events.From the hot cocoa ball pit to an amazing glow in the dark room, to the smell of warm gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven, this experience has a bit of everything AND they’re open on Christmas Eve. Get your tickets here!
2. See the Radio City Rockettes Spectacular
The Rockettes are an absolute must-see Christmas time tradition. The first show debuted in 1933 and since then, they have made up an integral part of holiday life in NYC. Interested? Get your tickets to the show here.
3. Snap a selfie with the Rockefeller Center Tree
Is there anything more quintessential Christmas than the Rockefeller tree? We don’t think so. Join the masses and make your way to the plaza for your special selfie with that giant Norwegian spruce. It’s open for viewing in the plaza both Christmas Eve and Day.
4. Have a fancy dinner with your family or friends
If you’re not the cooking type, but you have Christmas Eve dinner on the mind already, you might be thinking about reservations. This 8-course tasting meal for two is original and tasty and will be sure to be a big hit with that special someone you’re hoping to entertain this year. Make your reservations here.
5. Wander through the Bryant Park Winter Village (and go skating there too!)
Bryant Park Winter Village is such a fun place to take the kids or to wander through with your significant other. The pop-up village features over 170 holiday shops, a pop-up rink-side food hall, and a 17,000-foot free ice skating rink as the centerpiece. The Holiday Shops are open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and is open on Christmas Day!
6. Head to the movies
Not much is usually open on Christmas Day but the movies stay open! Take this opportunity to see the movie you’ve been wanting to see. AMC is having a deal on their tickets for under $10 so be sure to get yours ahead of time here.
7. See the Holiday train show at the NY Botanical Gardens
This year marks the 27th annual train show at the Botanical Gardens and the focus is on spotlighting Lower Manhattan with replicas of landmark buildings like the One World Trade Center, Battery Maritime Building, and other landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The show is located at the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and will have “more model trains than ever before, with nearly a half-mile of track hosting over a dozen large-scale model railway locomotives!” They’re open on December 24 but doors close early so you’ll want to get there in the morning.
8. Catch some Christmas carols
The spirit is alive and well at churches all across the city. No matter what your beliefs, everyone is welcome to listen to these sweet songs of the season. Carols are happening throughout the rest of the month of December and some even into January. Find out more dates and times here.
9. Take in all the beautiful Christmas displays on 5th Avenue
We’ve all heard this one before- but it’s because it’s so totally worth it! Take a walk along 5th Avenue to take in all the Christmas light shows and holiday displays at some of the city’s most high-end retailers like Saks and Bloomingdale’s.
10. Take an extra special Christmas walk through Central Park
Central Park is always open and on Christmas Day it tends to be (a little) less crowded. There’s really no better time to take a long walk, and after Christmas dinner, it’s a great way to burn off some of those calories!
Featured image: nyclovesnyc