Things to see: Christmas in New York
December in New York City
The city that never sleeps has endless options for new experiences as well as continuing treasured traditions.
Photo of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in 2019 from L'Avenue Restaurant (Upstairs in Saks Fifth Avenue) (Photo Credit: Kerry)
See the infamous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, watch the fabulous light shows and elaborate holiday displays in the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue. Venture to the Top of the Rock for some serious views. There is of course plenty of shopping at Saks, the American Girl store, FAO Schwarz and if you prefer an activity, perhaps skating at the ice rink.
45 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10111
Visit The Jazz Club at the Aman Hotel.
Enjoy a cocktail and prepare to be impressed by the newly opened Aman Jazz Club. The Creative Director of the club is a friend of the couple, a Grammy Award Winner, Lady Gaga's bandleader and known as one of the most talented jazz musicians and trumpeters in the world, Brian Newman, performs on Friday nights along with his talented wife, Angie Pontani who is a famous burlesque dancer.
The Crown Building
730 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
United States
The St. Regis Hotel exterior Christmas Decor from outside entrance. (Photo Credit: Kerry)
Have a cocktail at the iconic St. Regis Hotel's King Cole Bar (which claims to have invented the Bloody Mary) and enjoy the beautiful mural and lobby Christmas decorations.
St. Regis New York
2 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022
Have a cocktail at the iconic St. Regis Hotel's King Cole Bar (which claims to have invented the Bloody Mary) and enjoy the beautiful mural and lobby Christmas decorations.
St. Regis New York
2 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022
The red carpet: the grand entrance to the Plaza Hotel (Photo Credit: Fairmont)
Visit the legendary Plaza Hotel to see
the Christmas tree, have a cocktail at the Champagne Bar, have lunch / afternoon tea at the Palm Court, or go down the escalators and visit the shops and eateries under the hotel on the lower level. For those of you who are Home Alone fans and don’t know (you should already know) yes, this is the spot and they pay homage to the film on the lower level where there is a Home Alone store as well as Eloise).
The Plaza Hotel
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
The iconic Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel (Photo Credit: Carlyle site)
Have a cocktail or a bite at Bemelmans Bar at the New York City classic, Carlyle Hotel. Enjoy the people watching, fabulous piano bar music and prepare to be transported back in time to Old New York.
The Carlyle Hotel
35 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
Prepare to be dazzled and get into the holiday mood at The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. A New York City tradition.
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Visit the Peninsula Hotel and take photos with the toy soldiers, enjoy the huge trees and holiday decorations or have a cocktail or a bite to eat and take in the fantastic views from the rooftop bar Salon de Ning which transforms part of it's space to feel like the Swiss Alps for the holidays also known as "Chalet de Ning".
The Peninsula Hotel
500 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Visit the architectural art deco masterpiece and take in beautiful views of the city from the top of the Empire State Building where you can visit the observatories and exhibits.
The Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
11 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019
Visit the Museum of Natural History and see the Origami Christmas Tree, dinosaurs and more!
See your favorite show on Broadway
Walk Central Park or go Ice Skating at Wollman Rink
For a treat visit the upstairs bar at the Baccarat Hotel. Enjoy the fabulous ambiance and luxurious decor.
Visit the famous Winter Village Christmas Market at Bryant Park and knock out some holiday shopping, sit by the fire and have a hot chocolate or a cocktail, have some food or go ice skating.
Bryant Park
42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
If you prefer a walk in Central Park or visit Wollman Rink, stop in at the old classic and cozy Tavern on the Green for a bite, a warm drink or a cocktail.
Visit Columbus Circle and the shops at the Time Warner Center, there is a light show every hour after 5pm during the season using the lighting display called Holidays Under the Stars. There are restaurants and bars in the building that offer great views looking out over Central Park from above. There is a fabulous Christmas Market outside the building as well.
Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(59th Street and 8th Avenue - take a scenic stroll along Central Park South on 59th Street from Fifth Avenue to 8th Avenue)
A Present: The Cartier Flagship store on Fifth Avenue decked out for the holidays
Walk Fifth Avenue in either direction to see decorations and maybe do some holiday shopping, or just enjoy the views of the holiday decor of iconic NYC flagship stores such as Tiffany's, Bergdorf's, Cartier, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, The Apple Store and more. For more, venture uptown on Madison Avenue to visit stores like Hermes, stop at the Mark Hotel for a bite or a drink, or just stroll to experience the beautiful Upper East Side.
Pictured above: The Saks Fifth Avenue light show on it's facade facing Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. Including extraordinary holiday window displays
Pictured above: Miracle on 34th Street, Macy's Christmas entrance display. It's worth a visit to see their beautiful window displays if you feel like wandering downtown to Herald Square!