There’s simply no better place than NYC to get in the spirit of the season and as 2024 comes to a close, New York City is bustling with activities. It’s holiday season, there’s plenty of snow on the ground, and that bliss feeling of winter is in the air!
From bar transformations, dazzling light displays, and all the icy fun and shopping in between—here are 25 magically festive things to do in NYC this December.
1. Conquer the Squid Game Experience
Netflix’s beloved series Squid Game officially has an immersive experience in NYC that actually lets you be the player! Squid Game: The Experience allows participants to put their skills to the test and engage in intense challenges inspired by the popular series! From facing the iconic Young-hee Doll in “Red Light, Green Light” to crossing the precarious “Glass Bridge,” you’ve got to try this out if you’re a fan of the show. There’s also a Korean-inspired night market offering food, cocktails, and exclusive merchandise to browse too. For more details, here’s how to grab tickets to Squid Game: The Experience this December.
2. Visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
NYC’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be illuminated all December long, so be sure to stop by the festive plaza to snap a photo, grab some hot chocolate, or even go ice skating on the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink! If you want to escape the craziness of the area, try one of the other stunning Christmas trees around the city, with some of our favorites below:
🎄 Brookfield Place: 230 Vesey St.
🎄 New York Public Library Flagship: 476 5th Ave.
🎄 The Peninsula Hotel: 700 5th Ave.
🎄 Zucotti Park: At Liberty St. between Broadway & Church St.
3. Lace up your skates and hit the ice rinks
December is prime ice skating szn in NYC, and there are a handful of outdoor ice rinks to bookmark for this month!
❄️ Wollman Ice Rink in Central Park
❄️ Rink at Rockefeller Center: open daily from 9 am
❄️ The Rink at Bryant Park: open from 8 am
⛸️ See additional ice rinks here.
4. Get your shopping done at NYC’s holiday markets
What would the holidays be in NYC without our enchanting holiday markets? Get your shopping done early this year at all the returning markets below:
🛍 The Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park: Oct 25 – March 2
🛍 Union Square Holiday Market: TBA
🛍 Columbus Circle Holiday Market: TBA
4. Be dazzled by the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights return every December and are one of the most famous Christmas neighborhoods in the country! The stunning lights and endless decorations have become increasingly more famous over the years, netting over 100,000 visitors per year. Dyker Heights’ impressive light display has been a tradition for more than 30 years and spans three avenues and several streets (located between 83rd and 86th Streets, and 11th and 13th Avenues in Brooklyn). Find out more about the lights and the best houses to view with our Dyker Heights Lights guide.
5. Escape the city to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
Take a magical journey through the 1.2-mile drive-thru at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, featuring thousands of lights and enchanting themed characters like Santa and the Ice Queen. Located just a short drive from NYC, this event not only spreads holiday cheer but also supports the Westchester Parks Foundation and local charities! Don’t miss the chance to cruise down Rudolph’s Runway and marvel at the 40-foot Christmas tree! Learn more about this festive experience and how to grab tickets here!
6. Check out the holiday window displays
Don’t worry if you can’t afford anything at those luxurious shops up and down 5th Avenue (we can’t either). What we can afford though is some nice window shopping! Make your way over to experience the light show and elaborate decorations for yourself:
😍 Saks 5th Avenue: 611 5th Ave
🛍 Bloomingdale’s: 1000 Third Avenue 59th Street and, Lexington Ave
🎁 Macy’s: Once you’re done on 5th Ave, be sure to head over to Herald Square to marvel at the Macy’s display too – this year visitors will follow an an adorable tale about Tiptoe the reindeer!
Check out our full list here.
7. Snap pics at these over-the-top spots that go all-out with holiday decorations
You’re sure to get into the holiday spirit at these festively decorated spots across NYC. Admire enormous bows, glowing trees, and larger-than-life ornaments. With so many places that go crazy for the season, these are just some of the many bringing merriment to the city:
🍽 Rolf’s
🍽 Oscar Wilde
🍽 Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
8. And make sure to stop by all the festive holiday pop-ups as well
All of these pop-ups are only here for a limited time but they most definitely deserve a spot on your winter bucket list before the new year hits! Whether you’re looking to enjoy some holiday cheer this season, trying to find the next venue for your holiday party, or just want to check out a new space, here some of our favorite holiday pop-up bars.
9. Browse “Solid Gold” exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum
Get lost in the glimmer of pure solid gold at this new exhibit coming to NYC this December! The exhibit is dedicated to the element that has inspired countless works of art, fashion, film, music, and design throughout the years. Featuring over 400 works, visitors can walk through the stunning history of the material and color through gold-ground paintings, sculptures, coins, jewelry by Alexander Calder, Belperron, Bulgari, Cartier, Charles Loloma, Jacob & Co, and Verdura, grillz by Gabby Elan, and even more treasures. Learn more about the exhibit here!
10. Embark on a magical winter hike in and around NYC
Sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself to get some fresh air when the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall. However, we have a list of gorgeous winter hikes that are totally worth getting off of your couch for in and around NYC here.
11. Visit a nearby Christmas town this holiday season
Though NYC is the most magical place to be in the wintertime, sometimes there’s nothing like getting away from all the holiday madness and escaping to a quaint, wintry village for a little respite. Lucky for us, there are tons of adorable towns that look straight out of a Hallmark movie just a few hours distance. Find them all here.
12. Enjoy a beautiful candlelit concert with a spectacular holiday twist
Enjoy enchanting performances inside a breathtaking NYC church all bathed in candlelight. Each concert makes for a stunning evening where you can simply sit back and savor the stunning holiday pieces you’ll hear. Get tickets here.
13. Plan a day trip to “Christmas City USA”
Less than 2 hours away, “Christmas City U.S.A” (a.k.a. Bethlehem, PA) is the ultimate holiday town, perfect for a quick festive getaway. Expect everything from a window decorating competition to a magical Christmas village lining its very streets! Read more here.
14. Try all the mouthwatering treats at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Sure the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is perfect for ice skating and holiday shopping, but let’s not forget that it’s a foodie’s paradise. Feast outrageously flavored hot cocoa, fruit-filled crepes, or Nutella-drenched bombolones.
15. Relax at the best winter rooftops in NYC with fire pits, blankets, and glass houses
Just because temperatures have dropped does not mean that rooftop season has to come to an end! From winter chalets to tropical-themed installations, see our full list of spots here.
16. Or lose the alcohol and sip on some soul-warming hot chocolate
There’s something so romantic about sipping on a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s day! With no shortage of places to try in the city, see our full list here.
17. Take advantage of pay-as-you-wish admission at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s pay-as-you-wish admission days are coming back this winter. On select hours and dates, New Yorkers can get into the garden and explore its beautiful scenery in the winter months for a price they choose to pay. Read more here.
18. Cozy up inside your own private igloo
If New York learned one thing over the past couple of years, it’s how to keep outdoor dining going all year-round! NYC has tons of igloo dining options during the winter months. Our most favorite are the ones at Bryant Park! See our full list here.
19. Watch the ball drop inTimes Square on NYE!
In-person spectators are welcome to Times Square for NYE to see the iconic ball and ring in 2025! Plus, you can write your wish on official NYE confetti this month leading up to the big day.
20. Celebrate Kwanzaa in NYC with these festive happenings
From a Kwanzaa crawl supporting 30 Black-owned establishments to celebrations at the Apollo Theater and a Kwanzaa Film Festival, find all the best ways to make the most of Kwanzaa, which begins on December 26, 2024, in NYC here.
21. Hop aboard a stunning winter train ride
What’s cozier than watching snow covered hills roll by, as you chugga chugga-long on a picturesque train ride? Find some of our favorite winter train rides here.
22. Ride New York City’s magical vintage holiday trains
Every year, the museum collaborates with the MTA to roll out vintage trains for an old-timey commute in celebration of the holiday magic in NYC. The longstanding tradition however stopped in recent years, yet it has returned once again! Hop aboard every Saturday between Thanksgiving and New Years. Learn more here.
23. See the world’s largest Menorah
The world’s largest menorah will illuminate Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza again this December. Towering 30+ feet, lightings will take place each night of the celebration. There’s also a massive menorah taking over Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza for you Brooklynites! Find Manhattan’s lighting schedule here.
24. Give back this season by volunteering in NYC
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of giving back, and what better time that the holiday season? NYC has tons of organizations working to help those in need, be it food, clothing, funds and beyond. Find out how you can get involved here.
25. Slurp down delicious ramen
Nothing’s quite as comforting as a steamy bowl of ramen with chewy noodles and flavorful broth. Lucky for us, NYC has some of the best ramen to slurp down. Try these spots that will surely impress:
🍜 Ichiran
🍜 Ippudo
🍜 Zurutto
🍜 Chuko
🍜 HinoMaru
See our full list here.