One of the most magical places to spend some time during the holiday season is in New York City. The decorations are unreal, the city is buzzing, and there is something to do or see on seemingly every corner. Our first visit during the holidays was in 2019 and we had a general idea of where we wanted to go but no definitive plans or reservations so we could see where the trip took us. This philosophy has been ours whenever we’re in the city ever since. My favorite part of NYC is simply walking around through the different neighborhoods and finding places to pop in and out, and we did just that. We average 12 miles a day walking the city, so I included a section on what we wore to stay comfortable, warm, and exploring at the end. Here is our complete travel guide for Christmas in New York.
This post was originally written in December 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2024.
Christmas in New York: a Complete Travel Guide
Christmas in New York: Where to See Decorations
Take a Stroll through Central Park
There is nothing better than a stroll through Central Park. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, and walk through. Check out the Wollman Rink to either ice skate yourself or to do some people watching. Check out the holiday carols at the Delacorte Clock, near the Central Park Zoo. For more holiday themed things to do in Central Park, check out this page.
Explore Grand Central Station
David and I always make a point of spending some time in Grand Central Station and there is a Holiday Fair through December 24 this year. In addition the holiday fair, be sure to explore Grand Central Market. This European-style gourmet market features 100% local merchants with locally sourced products.
Enjoy the Historic Financial District
New York’s Financial District is such a cool spot full of history. Our first experience in FiDi was after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and heading to lunch at the Dead Rabbit (more on that later, in the where to eat section). Admittedly, I was not prepared for how beautiful this neighborhood is and is even more magical during the holiday season. The Fraunces Tavern is the oldest and most historic bar in New York City, established in 1762 and one of the watering holes for the founding fathers.
Walk past the New York Stock Exchange to see it decorated for the holidays and the Fearless Girl statue. Additionally, the historic Trinity Church is a gorgeous landmark and where Alexander Hamilton is buried. The One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Liberty Park are incredibly emotional experiences and yet incredibly important.
Window Shop on 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center
New York City holiday window displays are absolutely spectacular and I highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll down 5th Avenue to do some window shopping. Make your way to the Rockefeller Center to see the tree and all the surrounding decorations. Taking an early morning walk or a walk after a later dinner should help you have smaller crowds to see the tree.
Take a detour and check out the beautiful tree and the outdoor bar, Winter Bar at the Palace at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. It is just opposite of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a 5 minute walk to Rockefeller Center.
All Things Holiday at The Plaza Hotel
End your jaunt down 5th Avenue with all things holiday at the Plaza Hotel. Make a reservation for a glass of champagne at The Champagne Bar or holiday afternoon tea in The Palm Court. Cocktails are served until 11:00 PM, so even if you are unable to secure a reservation, you can still pop in for bar seating. Take a look around the beautiful lobby and check out the Plaza Boutique in the lobby level of this grand hotel.
Christmas in New York: Where to Shop Holiday Markets
Bryant Park Winter Village
This European inspired open-air market features artisans from New York City and around the world. Located throughout Bryant Park, the Holiday Shops are housed in custom-designed, “jewel box” kiosks. Enjoy local crafts, artisan provisions, and gifts from around the world. Check out the skaters on the ice rink, grab a table on the rooftop of Bryant Park Grill to take in the sights and sounds, or a seat on the seated patio.
Bryant Park is located right behind the New York Public Library, which is also a wonderful spot to explore as it is beautifully decorated and the gift shop has unique gifts.
Artists and Fleas Holiday Market at Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market‘s Artists and Fleas is a fun stop while in this iconic culinary destination, located right beneath the High Line. In its 10th year, the Artists and Fleas also hosts a holiday market in addition to the existing space. While at Chelsea Market, take some time to peruse the other shops as well, especially Posman Books. Grab a slice of pizza from Filaga and a drink to sip and stroll through the market as well.
Union Square Holiday Market
Union Square Holiday Market features 185 vendors with unique gifts by local craftspeople and artists. We like to grab a cup of hot chocolate and walk through browsing these shops. Head over to Pete’s Tavern, New York City’s oldest continuously owned-and-operated restaurant and bar, for their festival holiday decor! Make a reservation online to ensure you can get in!
Where to Eat for your Christmas Trip in New York City
Madison & Vine
Located on the first floor of The Library Hotel, Madison & Vine is a delicious spot for a meal. I love their cobb salad and they serve Veuve Cliquot by the glass. Make a reservation online or grab a seat at the bar.
Madison & Vine is at 299 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017.
& Son Steakeasy Upper East Side
Hidden in the back corner of Mel’s Burger Bar, the original location of & Son Steakeasy is a must-visit. There is a pre-fixe and a la carte menu. We did the pre-fixe and I did the steakhouse wedge salad, the mac & cheese carbonara, and the NY strip. Also, their Filthiest Martini is the best martini I’ve ever had. Make a reservation online as the space is small.
& Son Steakeasy UES is at 1450 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021.
Papillon
This Parisian bistro and bar gets decked out for the holidays and is one of the best in New York City. We stopped in here for dinner after window shopping on 5th Avenue. This restaurant is walk-in only during the holiday season. The pesto chicken sandwich with a side of fries was a lovely way to refuel after a day of exploring the holiday decor.
Papillon is at 22 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022.
Zucker’s Bagels
There are seven Zucker’s Bagels locations throughout the city, though we frequent the one near Grand Central Station when we are in the city since it is around the corner from The Library Hotel. I either get the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel or a scooped everything bagel with jalapeño cream cheese with tomato and onion.
Zucker’s Bagels is at 370 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017.
Pershing Square Cafe
Located right across the street from Grand Central Station, this spot is a delicious one! It is beautiful, spacious, and the menu is great. The avocado toast is served with burrata. It is also a great spot to grab a drink and a snack between exploring the city, too!
Pershing Square Cafe is at 90 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017.
The Dead Rabbit
This Irish pub located in FiDi right by the Fraunces Tavern. The Dead Rabbit is transformed into Jingle Jangle at the Dead Rabbit, featuring a delightful holiday menu in the coziest set up. Their wedge salad and fish and chips are the move here.
The Dead Rabbit is at 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004.
Where to Drink for your Christmas Trip in New York City
Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel
This gorgeous rooftop lounge features a cozy vibe for a nightcap! There are fire places for chilly evenings and a garden terrace for warmer evenings. They also serve fun small plates, too! We love the mini macs.
Bookmarks Lounge is at 299 Madison Ave #14, New York, NY 10017.
The Monkey Bar at the Hotel Elyse
This historic bar has been around since 1936 with beautiful murals. We stopped in here for an afternoon drink to rest our feet, warm up, and we absolutely loved it.
The Monkey Bar is at 60 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022.
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment
The Bar at Clement in the Peninsula Hotel
The Peninsula Hotel is located right off 5th Avenue and beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The Bar overlooks 5th Avenue and is dimly lit featuring cozy seating and a delightful cocktail list. They are famous for their Negronis, though I opted for a dirty martini and it was great!
The Bar at Clement is at 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019.
Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel
This legendary bar features masterpiece murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline children’s books. There is live music in the evenings beginning at 5:30 PM.
Bemelmans Bar is at 35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021.
The Bar Room at the Beekman Hotel
The Beekman Hotel has an absolutely stunning atrium and the Bar Room is a lovely spot to belly up and enjoy the gorgeous interior. They have an exceptional cocktail menu and a full dining menu to peruse.
The Bar Room at the Beekman is at 5 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038.
Where to Stay for your Christmas Trip in New York City: The Library Hotel
David and I call the Library Hotel home in New York City. It is two blocks from Grand Central Station, a block from the New York Public Library, and Bryant Park. We love how welcoming it is and is a cozy spot to rest in the evenings. See our full review here.
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