Christmas/Holidays in NYC Guide: Markets, Holiday Decor & Bars + Local Tips

Winter holidays, including Christmas, in NYC are a spectacular experience. Here's what you need to know before coming to NYC in December.

General tips to know before coming around Christmas

Things to Pack: Gloves, beanie, layers, umbrella or be prepared to buy one, good walking shoes, a jacket that has a hood, hand warmers. Room in your suitcase for shopping items. Check the weather, if it is going to rain or snow, bring some type of boot.

Plan to spend more on a hotel. Everyone wants to be in NYC for Christmas. It is by far the busiest time in Manhattan.

If you have something you really want to do or a place you really want to eat at, try to get a reservation a few weeks in advance. Again, this is the busiest time of year, and reservations fill up very quickly.

For the love of god, review our sidewalk rules episode before coming. And be sure to download the full NYC Transportation Guide once you read the sidwalk rules episode on our website.

Holiday Attractions, Decor & Things to Do

Rockefeller Tree-- This year's tree is from Massachusetts. That is the first tree to hail from that state since 1959. It will be lit daily from 5am-midnight and on Christmas Eve only it will be lit for 24 hours. On NYE it will be lit from 5am-9pm.

Holiday Musicals/Performances

• Elf the Musical
• Lincoln Center--The Nutcracker (Nov 29th-Jan 4th)
• Rockettes (November 8, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Ice Skating

• Central Park--We chose Central Park because it's bigger than others and also was cheaper.
• Rockefeller Center
• Dumbo
• Bryant Park

Lotte New York Palace--(This is also where Serena (Blake Lively) lives in Gossip Girl)

Holiday Decor on 6th Ave

• Giant Candy Canes
• Giant Christmas Ornaments
• Radio City Music Hall
• Fox Christmas Tree

Holiday window decor on 5th ave. (Bergdorf Goodman, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany etc)

St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th ave

Plaza Hotel--Where Kevin stays in Home Alone 2. Pretty Christmas decor. They might not let you go in unless you have a reservation in the bar or restaurant or are staying there.

Holiday Markets & Shopping

• Bryant Park Winter Center--shit show
• Rockefeller Center staples
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market
• Grand Central Station--Holiday Fair. Ends Dec 24th at 6pm. https://grandcentralterminal.com/holiday-fair/
• Union Square Holiday Market
• Also tons of opportunities to do all your Christmas shopping because NYC has basically every store ever.

Holiday Bars & Restaurants

• Lillie's Victorian Establishment
• Fraunces Tavern
• Pete's Tavern
• Bell Book & Candle
• Jack Demsey's
• Oscar Wilde
• Dead Rabbit
• We recommend skipping Rolf's. 3.2 stars on Google. The atmosphere seems great, but the food and service suck, per the reviews—tourist trap.

AuH20 - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment

Check it out here.

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