With the holiday season quickly approaching, the city is lighting up with spirit. Storefronts have revealed their holiday displays, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is up, and ice-skating rinks across the city have opened. The holiday spirit is evident throughout the streets and avenues, as New Yorkers gather to take in the excitement of New York at Christmastime.
As people flock to the city to take in the sights and sounds of Christmas, The Monitor has compiled a must-do list of activities, sights, and restaurants for New York during the holidays.
If you’re in the mood for holiday-centered shopping and dining, check out the many holiday markets. Among the most popular are the Union Square Holiday Market, the Winter Village at Bryant Park, and the Herald Holiday Market. These markets offer activities such as ice skating and shopping at artisan booths. Food booths include specialty treats like hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and the viral truffle fries by The Truffleist at Bryant Park. Looking to be merry? This is the activity for you.
A quintessential New York holiday tradition is visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. A popular tourist destination, and for good reason. With its beautiful lights and bustling atmosphere, Rockefeller Center at Christmas is a must-see. The tree will be lit on Dec. 3, signaling the beginning of the holiday season in New York. Christmas music is played by the speakers around the rink, to give the full ambiance of the holiday season. Venture to Rockefeller Center to take in views of the tree and to skate on its famous ice-skating rink. If you’re looking for other ice-skating options, check out Wollman Rink in Central Park or The Rink at Bryant Park. At Wollman Rink, take in views of the city’s skyline while you skate.
For views of elaborate and spirited Christmas lights, take a stroll down 57th street, where holiday-themed storefront displays are on every corner. Stores like Chanel and Dior on 57th have glittering storefronts, lit up with Christmas lights and brand-themed decor. Dior showcases a gingerbread themed display, with Dior shopping bags and boxes made to look like gingerbread. If you’re looking to window shop and take in the sights of holiday luxury, take a walk down 57th Street, Madison Avenue, or 5th Avenue. On 5th Avenue, stores including Cartier, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman have holiday displays. After a one-year break in 2024, Saks Fifth Avenue has announced they are bringing back their annual light show this year. Their light show will begin on November 24 and run nightly through January. The light show features synchronized lights and music on Saks’ storefront, free of charge. The Lotte New York Palace hotel has a Christmas tree and holiday light display in the hotel’s front courtyard. The city has an abundance of holiday-themed views and displays, so take a walk through the different neighborhoods to get into the holiday spirit!
There are many restaurants and cafes that offer warm treats amid the chill of the winter season. Cafes like Ladurée and Ralph’s Coffee supply warm lattes and treats. For a holiday dining experience, try Rolf’s German Restaurant, filled with holiday lights and cozy ambiance. Famous for its Christmas cheer and German cuisine, Rolf’s is a New York holiday staple for tourists and locals alike. Boucherie, a French restaurant in the West Village, has a comforting holiday ambiance. With wreaths and Christmas trees decorating its exterior, it offers a cozy escape from the cold of New York City winters.
For holiday spectacles, check out Radio City Music Hall’s exquisite decorations and shows. When walking past at night, the lights at Radio City light up the entirety of 6th Avenue. With its iconic vintage sign and Christmas tree, Radio City serves as a traditional New York holiday sight. Plus, the iconic Rockettes Christmas show, The Christmas Spectacular, is a must-see during the holidays. With their festive and up-beat performances, the Rockettes are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
During a busy holiday season, New York offers an extensive list of attractions. Hopefully our list of Christmas activities for students helps you find things to do in the city for a reasonable price. Have fun and happy holidays!
