What’s more magical than Christmas? Christmas in New York City! NYC is a vibe year-round but during the holidays it comes alive with twinkling lights, iconic window displays, and energy that feels like anything can happen. Every corner reminds you of a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. I’m so bummed my daughter couldn’t make this trip with me, but now I have an excuse to return because Christmas in NYC is a must! Read on for the best spots you won’t want to miss in the city that never sleeps!
Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
I flew into New York pretty late but had to see the iconic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center before bed. It was about 10:30pm on a Wednesday so I was hoping to avoid the crowds. Luckily, I got to soak in some Christmas cheer without much chaos. Friday and Saturday were much busier and having an itinerary helped me navigate my day without going crazy or feeling FOMO.
If you enter from 5th Ave, across from Saks Fifth Ave, you’ll see the row of Angels with the Rockefeller Christmas tree lined up in between them which makes for a great photo opp. This is also a great spot to see the Saks show which I will cover later. Every year, the tree is donated to the Rockefeller Center and once it’s taken down in mid January, it is donated once again to the Habitat for Humanity to build affordable homes for people in need.
The tree stands above an ice skating rink where I was lucky enough to capture a figure skater on video. This was the moment I applauded myself for staying up to experience. If you’re looking at the rink with the tree directly in front, there are little wooden cabins to the left that can be rented for an unobstructed view of the ice skaters.
Saks Fifth Ave Light Show
While you’re at the Rockefeller Center you might as well stick around for the Saks Fifth Ave light show. According to AI, this show runs every 10-15 min until 11pm but that was not the case when I was there on a Wednesday. I did however catch it on Friday night but of course a double decker bus stopped in front of the building for part of the show and I couldn’t get the full effect. Nonetheless it is fun to see. Make sure you are standing on the other side of 5th Ave (near the Angels at Rockefeller) so you can see the whole building.
Ralphs Coffee
A little further down on 5th Ave, across the street from St Patrick’s Cathedral, is a mobile Ralphs Coffee truck. This is a popular destination and there’s usually a line. Unfortunately I have to cut down my coffee consumption these days so I cannot comment on the taste but it smelled amazing. There’s another Ralphs coffee location at the Ralph Lauren store on the Upper East side, which I intended on checking out Friday but the line was around the building.
St Patrick’s Cathedral
I love history and architecture, and especially European churches. St Patrick’s Cathedral is located on 5th Ave and E 50th St, right next to Saks Fifth Ave but it was originally located on Mulberry St in Lower Manhattan. The new location opened in 1879, while the twin spires were built in 1888 which made the Cathedral the tallest building in NYC at the time. This is a great spot for your Holiday tour of NYC for obvious reasons. I recommend going inside to light a candle, pray, or spend some time reflecting and setting intentions for the New Year.
Lotte Palace
Directly behind St Patrick’s Cathedral on Madison Ave, is the beautiful hotel, Lotte Palace. You may recognize this if you’re a Gossip Girl fan. At Christmas, there’s a gorgeous tree, winter bar stand, and toy soldiers in the courtyard. Another lovely photo opp. If you have time, head inside to The Gold Room for dinner or drinks. The ambiance here is from the gilded age, the room is almost entirely gold with original gilt ceilings.
5th Ave Shopping
Continue back down 5th Ave towards Central Park and first you’ll see the Cartier building wrapped in a red bow with crawling panthers. There’s lots of designer shopping on this street but they aren’t all adorned in over the top Holiday light displays like Saks and Cartier. The Louis Vuitton building is a giant suitcase with no windows and a sight to see any time of year. Next you’ll want to step inside Bergdorf Goodman where you’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. Everything is monochromatic white on the first floor with snow covered trees and white birds.
The Peninsula Hotel
Between Cartier and Louis Vuitton, you’ll find The Peninsula Hotel on 5th Ave and E 55th St. I didn’t find this location busy and was able to get some great photos of the festively decorated lobby.
Plaza Hotel
This is the hotel Kevin stays at in the iconic movie “Home Alone 2 Lost in New York.” Unfortunately during Christmas, non guests are not allowed inside the main lobby unless you have dining or spa reservations. If you really want to see the Christmas decor, use this hack to get inside. The Palm Court is famous for afternoon tea and is still accepting reservations during the Holiday season, but the Champagne Bar is only open to hotel guests.
Central Park – Wollman Rink
After all the shopping, relax at Central Park and if you have any energy left, skate at Wollman rink. You’ll have a perfect view of the park and city. Afterwards, make your way through the park and head towards the Upper East Side. If you didn’t stop at the Ralphs Coffee mobile truck earlier or get enough shopping on 5th Ave, you can stop at the Ralph Lauren store on E 72nd St and Madison Ave.
Bryant Park
By now you probably need a bit of a rest from all the walking so stop somewhere festive like the Papillon Bistro (reservations required) or take the subway to Bryant Park and explore the food vendors at the Winter Village. Here you’ll find pizza, pasta, empanadas, corn dogs, lobster rolls, pancakes, waffles, hot chocolate and a bar at The Lodge. There’s all sorts of shopping from local artists as well. I particularly loved “Book Page Art” which creates art from upcycled books, and bought a Harry Potter piece for my daughter. There’s also an ice skating rink if you missed out on skating at the Rockefeller Center or Central Park.
Macy’s Flagship
Macy’s flagship location on Herald Square is the largest retail department store in the United States! On the lower level you’ll find the Holiday Square with local vendors set up like all the other Holiday markets and although it is smaller with fewer vendors, it’s indoors and away from the cold. There’s also a Santaland where you’ll walk through festive scenery and see elves and even Mrs. Claus while on your way to meet Santa in his home. (You’ll need to book a time slot online.)
Radio City Music Hall
On 6th Ave and W 50th St, you’ll find Radio City Music Hall where you must complete your Holiday experience by seeing the Rockettes. This year was their 100th year anniversary and I’m so glad I went solo! The dancers are amazing but there’s also pyrotechnics and other special effects that add to the experience. You’ll definitely be in the Christmas spirit after seeing this show!
On 6th Ave just across the street from Radio City Music Hall, there’s a photo opp with large candy canes and huge red ornament bulbs.
This is a lot of ground to cover in one day but I did it and assure you it’s manageable depending on how long you shop. For dinner I planned ahead with reservations at La Grande Boucherie before the Rockettes show. I gave myself two hours which worked out perfectly, and the restaurant is only a 5min walk to Radio City Music Hall. The food is French cuisine and the restaurant is decorated with Christmas lights throughout the restaurant. Another more festive option is Lillie’s Victorian Establishment which is about an 8min walk to the show.
If you haven’t been to NYC at Christmas yet, I hope this itinerary helps you pull the trigger and make it happen. Go experience life while you’re still in it, even if you must go solo! Share your favorite Holiday NYC places with us in the comments.
