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New York in winter: 9 of the best things to do in New York at Christmas

Celebrate the festive season in one of the world’s most magical cities – discover New York in winter with its ice rinks, sparkling Christmas light displays, festive markets and iconic stage shows.

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New York in winter: 9 of the best things to do in New York at Christmas

The smell of roasting chestnuts, the sparkle of Christmas lights, snowy carriage rides through Central Park, lavish shop window displays and ice skating at the Rockefeller Center – visiting New York in winter is like stepping onto the set of a real-life Christmas movie.

The Big Apple knows how to celebrate, with the festive season starting after Thanksgiving at the end of November and lasting into the New Year. So if you’re looking for a great winter break, here are nine of the best things to do in New York at Christmas.

Dusk over Manhattan from the Rockefeller Centre
New York nights

What’s New York’s winter weather like?

In one word – cold! The weather in New York in winter sees average high temperatures of 6°C (43°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F), with January being the coldest month.

But the wind chill can make it seem colder, and icy spells can cause temperatures to plummet to -15°C (14°F). There are also frequent snow showers, with 66cm falling a year. So wear plenty of warm layers, a hat and gloves, and don’t plan to spend all day outside.

Things to do in New York in winter

Snowy scenes in New York in winter
New York in the snow

1. Go ice skating

Strapping on your ice skates and wobbling around the rink is a must-do if you’re visiting New York in winter. From Central Park to the tip of Manhattan, the city has plenty of skating options. One of the most famous spots is the Wollman Rink – a festive rom-com favourite at the south of Central Park with a backdrop of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

You can also ice skate next to the giant Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre. It’s one of the city’s most popular skating spots so book in advance, with early slots and weekdays less busy. There are more ice rinks in Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the Rink at Brookfield Place in Battery Park and the indoor Sky Rink on Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers.

If you want to test out your skills without the crowds, there are also smaller and less well-known rinks around the city, including the Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink in Harlem and LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Brooklyn. Most rinks charge both entry and skate hire fees – except Bryant Park, where entry’s free but skate hire costs $15–50.

Ice rink at the Rockefeller Center in New York in winter
On the ice at the Rockefeller Center

2. Visit a pop-up Christmas market

Bryant Park’s Winter Village is also home to New York’s biggest Christmas market, open from 28 October 2022–2 January 2023. Over 170 over stalls sell food and gifts, from jewellery and candles to artworks and homewares. There’s also an open-air pop-up eatery called the Lodge by the ice rink which serves food and festive cocktails.

You can also find Christmas markets in the spectacular (and indoor so it’s warm) setting of New York’s Grand Central Station and at Union Square and Columbus Circle. There are also special events like the Renegade Craft Fair and Brooklyn Flea Dumbo for unique fashion, beauty and craft gifts. Check latest details for locations and opening times.

Grand Central Station, New York, USA
Gorgeous Grand Central Station

3. Build a snowman in Central Park

Manhattan’s green oasis turns to white in winter when snowfall blankets Central Park. The park covers 840 acres so you’ve got plenty of space for snowman-building, snowball-fighting and making snow angels. Explore the Arthur Ross Pinetum in the centre of the park for a real winter wonderland feel with its pine trees draped in snow.

And when snow depths hit six inches you can go sledding in Central Park. Pilgrim Hill is the park’s most popular sledging spot (near 72nd and Fifth) but there’s also the gentler Cedar Hill (near 79th and Fifth) or the quieter Great Hill (near 102nd and Central Park West). You can also try snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing in the park.

Central Park in the snow in New York in winter
Central Park in the snow

4. Shop Fifth Avenue

With its elegant buildings and luxury stores, Fifth Avenue is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets at any time of year. But come winter it sparkles even more brightly with Christmas lights and elaborate festive window displays at the city’s top department stores.

It’s well worth paying Fifth Avenue a visit in winter even if you’re not a fan of shopping. The stretch from 34th Street to 59th Street has some of the most impressive window decorations, which are normally on display from Thanksgiving until early January.

Don’t miss the window displays at Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, where there’s a light projection onto the building’s facade. But the store with the top festive credentials is Macy’s, which featured in the Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street and previously created a window display inspired by the film.

Fifth Avenue shops and taxis
Frantic Fifth Avenue

5. See the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree

Visiting the tree at the Rockefeller Centre is an annual New York Christmas tradition that started in the 1930s. Today’s tree is a 23-metre-high giant topped with a Swarovski star and draped with lights, which are lit for the first time at the annual tree lighting ceremony.

This takes places on 30 November in 2022, and starts at 7pm with music performances before the lights are turned on at 9pm – get there early if you want to grab a spot.

Otherwise you can see the tree until early January, with the lights on from 6am to 12am daily. While you’re at the Rockefeller Centre, don’t miss the trip to the Top of the Rock observation deck for views of Central Park – it’s extra magical after a snowfall.

Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in New York
The Rockefeller Centre tree

6. Watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular

The Radio City Music Hall is a New York landmark with its beautiful Art Deco interiors. Its most famous show is the Christmas Spectacular*, featuring the Radio City Rockettes dance troupe, who are known for their high kicks and perfect formation moves.

And as well as festive dance numbers, the show also includes a nativity scene which features live farm animals. This year’s Christmas Spectacular runs from 18 November 2022 until 2 January 2023, with 90-minute shows taking place several times a day.

Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall

7. Check out the Dyker Heights Christmas lights

The residents of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn go all-out for Christmas with some of the most over-the-top light displays you’ll see anywhere. It all started in the 1980s as a bit of festive neighbourhood rivalry and has grown into a seriously competitive spectacle.

Some homeowners now fork out up to $20,000 on professional lighting designers to decorate their houses with life-size Santas, sleighs and reindeer. Visitors flock to see the light displays from dusk until 9pm from mid-December until New Year’s Eve.

If you want to visit Dyker Heights independently, you can get there on the D train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn, a 45-minute subway ride from Manhattan. Then it’s a 15-minute walk to the biggest concentration of lights from 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Streets. Or you can take a 3.5-hour bus tour* of the neighbourhood.

Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
Christmas lights at Dyker Heights

8. Catch a concert at the Winter Jazzfest

If you fancy a change from Christmas carols, time your trip to New York to coincide with the Winter Jazzfest – from 12–18 January in 2023. Warm up in a cosy jazz club while listening to music from over 100 acts from around the world, from big names to new talent.

The festival’s biggest event is the Friday and Saturday night jazz marathon, where one ticket gets you access to gigs at 12 venues across Lower Manhattan.

Jazz musicians
Jazz musicians

9. See in the New Year in Times Square

Join in the celebrations at one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties around when the ball drops at midnight in Times Square. People have been gathering in the square to mark the New Year since 1904, and the event now attracts over a million people. As the clock strikes 12, a 5386kg Waterford crystal ball drops from a flagpole on top of One Times Square.

If you want to get a prime spot you need need to be prepared – arrive by early afternoon, bring warm clothes, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (though not too many as you’ll lose your spot if you need the bathroom). If that sounds like hard work you can also book a table in a restaurant or bar in Times Square – at a price – and watch from there.

Colourful lights in Times Square New York, USA
Colourful Times Square

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Celebrate the festive season in one of the world's most magical cities – discover New York in winter with its ice rinks, sparkling Christmas light displays, festive markets and iconic stage shows | Christmas in New York | Winter in New York | Things to do in New York in winter

New York in winter: 9 great things to do in New York at Christmas, rom Christmas light displays to ice skating, jazz festivals to Christmas markets | Christmas in New York | Winter in New York | Things to do in New York in winter

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Alyssa Sullivan

Sunday 26th of January 2020

I have been to NYC a few times around Christmas and have never heard of Dyker Heights, that will definitely be one of the places to check out next time I'm there!

Lucy

Monday 27th of January 2020

Hope you enjoy it – NYC at Christmas is fab!

Robert Harris

Thursday 23rd of January 2020

Great article! Winters in New York can be truly magical. And, if you are in New York on New Year’s Eve, it gets even better. You can enjoy the fireworks, see the ball drop at Times Square and attend amazing concerts.

Lucy

Monday 27th of January 2020

Thanks, yes it's a great time to visit!

Louise Jones

Monday 20th of January 2020

You're post brings back some amazing memories for me. I went there as part of my honeymoon 10 years ago. We flew home for Christmas but I do remember New York giving us a very cozy Christmas feeling.

Lucy

Monday 27th of January 2020

What a great place for a honeymoon, it's so magical around Christmas!

Kim

Thursday 28th of November 2019

New York in Winter has been high on my wish list ever since I was a child. And Home Alone 2 is largely to blame for that! Pinned for later.

Lucy

Thursday 12th of December 2019

Yes I remember watching that too and wanting to go!

Alison Abbott

Monday 25th of November 2019

It's been far to long since I've been to NYC in the winter. My husband and I had one of our first dates at Rockefeller Center. You've captured the city's romance in the the chilly season and my favorite pastime-all the wonderful holiday windows. Bloomingdales' were always special!

Lucy

Thursday 12th of December 2019

The windows are wonderful – so much work, I read they start planning next year's as soon as the last gets taken down!