CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK CITY: WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO SAVE MONEY

There’s no place like New York for Christmas. From the glittering lights of Manhattan to cozy holiday markets, the city transforms into a winter wonderland. This guide will help you experience the best of NYC during the holiday season—without overspending.

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There’s something magical about Christmas in New York City. This year, I decided to play tourist in my own city and create the ultimate guide for anyone planning a trip to NYC during the holiday season—specifically focusing on Manhattan.

Whether you’re here for iconic sights or searching for something a little more under the radar, I’ve got you covered with tips on holiday markets, Christmas-themed bars, 5th Avenue displays, and even budget-friendly ideas to make the most of your trip.

Let’s dive into the best ways to experience Christmas in New York without feeling overwhelmed or overspending.

Grand Central Holiday Fair

Start your NYC Christmas itinerary at the Grand Central Station Holiday Fair. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM (with slightly shorter hours on Sundays), this cozy indoor market wraps up on Christmas Eve at 6 PM.

It’s a convenient first stop, whether you’re arriving via the Subway, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North.

Here, you’ll find unique, handcrafted items like jewelry, scarves, hand-painted watercolors, and glass-blown ornaments. These thoughtful gifts are perfect for anyone on your holiday list.

Bonus: This year, Costa Rica’s tourism board is hosting the event and giving you a chance to enter to win a five-day trip to Costa Rica when you visit the market. How’s that for a Christmas surprise?

Chew Tip: Plan to spend at least an hour browsing, and afterwards you can check out the Summit observation deck which is next to Grand Central Station. Tickets start at ~$50 USD per person.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

From Grand Central, it’s just a 10-minute walk to one of Manhattan’s most iconic Christmas destinations: Bryant Park’s Winter Village, a free, European-style market with over 170 vendors.

This festive spot combines everything from ice skating to cozy igloos, offering something for all ages. The holiday shops are open through January 5th.

Bryant Park Winter Village Hot Chocolate

Visitng Bryant Park with a cup of hot chocolate in hand just go together. My personal favorite is No Chewing Allowed!

It’s rich, velvety, and comes with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pieces. Other standout options include:

S’mores ‘N More: Torched marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
Cocoa Cabin: Try their Mexican hot chocolate—spicy and topped with a perfectly toasted marshmallow.

Yes, these drinks can cost upwards of $10 USD per cup, but on a cold winter day, they’re worth every penny.

Bryant Park Winter Village Food

If you’re hungry, head to the food stalls along 42nd Street. I tried Red Hook Lobster’s viral lobster cone (~$30 USD), and it did not disappoint.

The lobster was tender, the bisque was flavorful, and the cone—a soft bread-like wrap—made it one of my favorite things I’ve tried all year.

Other food highlights include:

Toastie Land: Unique grilled cheeses like the Rainbow Toastie ($14.70 USD) or Mac and Cheese Toastie ($14.70 USD). Add-ons like bacon or jalapeños are available for a small extra cost.

Chew Tip: Bring a physical credit card as some vendors don’t accept mobile payments like Apple Pay.

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

The ice skating rink is a must-visit, open through March 2nd.

Admission is free if you bring your own skates, but rentals range from ~$25–$60 USD, depending on the time of day.

Early mornings are ideal for families, as free skate aids are available before 10:30 AM on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bryant Park Igloos

For a splurge-worthy experience, consider reserving a heated dome at the Curling Café (~$400 USD for up to 4 people or ~$750 USD for up to 8).

These private spaces come with an iceless curling lane and a selection of food and drinks.

You can also skip the curling, and just reserve a cozy igloo with food and drinks right in front of the skating rink for a slightly lower cost.

The Lodge Bar

Perfect for the 21+ crowd, The Lodge Bar offers rinkside drinks and bites to eat in an open-air setting with a great atmosphere and view of the Bryant Park Christmas tree.

Cocktails run around ~$20 USD—typical NYC prices. The bar is open through March 2nd, so you can enjoy it even after Christmas.

Chew Tip: Check out other Christmas-themed bars around the city, like Frosty’s Christmas Bar in Midtown, Oscar Wilde NYC in the Flatiron District, or Pete’s Tavern in Union Square.

Fifth Avenue Window Displays

After exploring Bryant Park, make your way to Fifth Avenue for the city’s legendary holiday window displays.

When it comes to NYC Christmas window displays, stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier go all out with intricate, larger-than-life designs.

Chew Tip: Visit at night when the lights are at their best. Be prepared for crowds, and don’t just stop at 5th Avenue, also check out the Macy’s Herald Square holiday window display, which just might be the best one in Manhattan!

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

No NYC Christmas trip is complete without a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

The iconic tree is lit from around 5 am to midnight, and the surrounding plaza is lively with activity, and everyone taking their holiday selfies.

If you’re planning to ice skate here, keep in mind that it’s much more expensive (~$21–$155 USD for admission, plus ~$12 USD for skate rentals) than Bryant Park—but skating under this famous Christmas tree is considered a bucket list activity for many.

You can visit the Rockefeller tree all the way through mid-January.

Radio City Music Hall and Nearby Sights

Catch the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall for a holiday performance you won’t forget. Tickets are ~$60 USD and should be booked in advance.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss:

FAO Schwarz Window Displays: Nostalgic and fun, these holiday displays are exciting for kids and adults alike.
Giant Red Ornaments and Candy Canes: Across the street from Radio City, these oversized decorations make for great photo ops.
Top of the Rock: End your day with panoramic views of the city from this famous observation deck on top of Rockefeller Plaza. Tickets can cost ~$40 – $60 USD per person.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is often called “America’s Parish Church” and is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States.

Its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture is a stand-out amongst the NYC buildings, especially during the holiday season.

Jesus is the reason for the season so if you plan to attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass, check the schedule and remember to dress modestly and respectfully.

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Wollman Rink in Central Park

For a quintessential New York winter experience, head to Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Skating here offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and a slightly more relaxed vibe than the Rockefeller Center rink.

Admission is ~$15 – $40 USD per person depending on if you choose a peak or off-peak time to visit + skate rentals are available for an additional $12 USD.

Hudson Yards & the Vessel

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards, presented by Wells Fargo, features an incredible light display with golden lights illuminating the entire mall.

You’ll also find lit-up hot air balloons hanging from the ceilings, making the space feel extra festive. Kids can even meet Santa during select hours.

Hudson Yards offers a sleek, modern shopping experience with high-end vendors and festive decor.

Outdoors, vendors set up in Bella Abzug Park, providing even more shopping opportunities. Pair your visit with a photo stop at The Vessel, a huge honeycomb-shape outdoor attraction.

Chew Tip: Getting here is easy—take the 7 train to the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station.

More Holiday Markets

Columbus Circle Holiday Market: Located at the entrance of Central Park, this market is known for its artisanal goods, unique gifts, and gourmet foods. It’s the perfect place to pick up handcrafted items or grab a warm drink while enjoying the festive surroundings.

Union Square Holiday Market: A classic downtown destination, the Union Square Holiday Market is packed with local vendors offering everything from handmade candles to quirky art pieces. It’s a great spot to find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Herald Square Holiday Market: Situated near Macy’s, this smaller market features a mix of holiday-themed goods and quick bites. Pair it with a visit to the department store’s famous window displays.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Christmas in NYC

Skip the Taxis: Use the Subway or walk to save money and time—traffic during the holidays can be brutal. I know those pedicabs driven by Santa Claus blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” may seem tempting, but their rates are ~$9 USD per minute. You read that right.
Take Advantage of Free Activities: From the lit up Christmas trees to the window displays along Fifth Avenue, many of NYC’s best holiday experiences are free.
Where to stay in NYC during Christmas: Search for affordable hotel options using Plannin. (When you sign up for a free membership, you’ll get up to 40% off accommodations in NYC and beyond). It may be less expensive to stay in boroughs outside of Manhattan.

New York City Christmas Itinerary

Here’s a complete itinerary for exploring Manhattan’s holiday highlights, organized to make the most of your time:

Morning

Grand Central Station Holiday Market – Begin your day browsing handcrafted items and unique gifts while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Bryant Park Winter Village – Walk over to enjoy hot chocolate, grab a bite to eat, and skate at the rink.

Afternoon

Radio City Music Hall – Catch a mid-day Rockettes performance (~90 minutes) or enjoy the nearby decorations, including the giant red ornaments.
Fifth Avenue Window Displays – Walk along Fifth Avenue to admire the intricate holiday displays. Perfect for late afternoon strolls when the lights really start to shine.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful architecture and holiday decor.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – Capture the beauty of the tree as the lights dazzle.

Evening

Herald Square Holiday Market & Macy’s Herald Square – Head south to explore the market and Macy’s famous holiday windows.
Hudson Yards & The Vessel – Head west to see the dazzling light display and modern holiday vibes.
Empire State Building – End your day by admiring the building lit up in holiday colors from the outside or head up for a nighttime view of the city. Keep in mind that this can cost ~$80 USD per person.