With the bustling streets, world-renowned sights and an endless foodie scene, New York City is a place that is as diverse as it is unique…especially during Christmas time.
The best thing about going back like we did this time of year was that after having visited a few times in the past, there was no pressure to ‘do everything!’ this time around and focus on the holiday spirit.
We could have just taken things slowly, checked out some old favourites, made some new ones and spent more time in the city pretending to be locals. With most global cities, New York is known for being pricey especially around the holidays. Of course, NYC has loads of glitzy restaurants and speak-easy bars where you can wine and dine the night away, though not everything has to cost an arm and a leg.
The holidays in New York City is pinnacle to every great Christmas movie such as Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Elf
We made our list, we checked it twice and here it is with everything naughty and nice. Your perfect New York City Christmas Itinerary for 2022.
Make sure to bundle up with your hat, scarf, mittens and mask since during the holiday season it is quite busy around the city.
- Christmas Markets:
The holidays in Europe are known for their Christmas Markets. Countries such as Austria, Belgium and Germany hold the title as some of the most magical Christmas Markets in the world. New York City has markets all over from uptown to downtown. It’s no wonder that the Winter Village in Bryant Park also makes that list as one of the magical markets with it’s massive open-air European-style inspired market.
Other popular markets are Union Square Holiday Market and the Columbus Circle Holiday Market.
2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park in general is the place to be. With a massive ice skating rink right in the middle of the park where you can skate here for free. Skate rentals are $20USD but you can also bring your own hockey or figure skates. The entire arena is surrounded by various Christmas stalls and vendors selling ornaments, arts and crafts, food such as waffles and of course hot apple cider to keep you extra warm.
3. Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree
The iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a must see during the holidays. This year’s tree was a 79ft tall Norway Spruce spanding 46 feet wide and weighing in at 12 tons. The tree is lit for 24 hours apart from New Year’s Eve where it is lit from 6am to 9pm.
Depending on the time you visit, morning or later in the evening are preferable as the crowds are much less and you’ll be able to see the light display on the tree which overlooks the famous skating rink.
Skating at Rockefeller Centre can be a bit pricey as there is also a long wait to get on the ice. It’s worth stopping by to see the area and grab a coffee in the concourse.
4. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
Just as you’ve visited the Rockefeller Centre make sure to do a 180 degree turn from the rink and catch a glimpse of the light show at Saks. Since NYC is known for its holiday window displays, Saks Fifth Avenue takes the holiday spirit to new heights.
The light show is one for sure to catch as it’s accompanied by music and repeats itself every 10 minutes as soon as the sun sets from 5pm to 11pm. Be mindful that the sidewalks are extremely crowded during this time and to keep your personal belongings close.
5. New York Christmas Window Displays
Many Manhattanites consider it a holiday tradition to visit the decorated holiday window displays at Manhattan’s major department stores. As you walk along Fifth Avenue from Central Park all the storefronts are decorated from top to bottom. Make sure to check out Bloomingdales which is a staple of New York located on Lexington Avenue.
6. Central Park
Strolling through Central Park any time of the year is always a must thing to do. Walking through reminded me of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York as we walked through the pathways to see the famous Plaza Hotel.
7. Watch a Broadway Show
Due to Covid the traditional Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall featuring The Radio City Rockettes and The Nutcracker from the New York City Ballet were not available during this time. Instead we opted to watch a Broadway show.
New York City is known for the love of musicals and theatre, then Broadway is the place to be. With a variety of internationally acclaimed and recognized shows, you’re bound to find at least a few that peak your interest.
If you have a specific preference, make sure to book your tickets well before you visit. In order to have a good selection with seats depending if you’d want to sit in the orchestra, front or rear mezzanine.
That being said, if you’re flexible, make a reservation to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Hamilton in Time Square. These are typically sold out due to their popularity.
8. Macy’s on Herald Square Holiday Window Display
Not only is Macy’s known for its American Thanksgiving parade it is also known for the most Christmassy window displays. Each year the theme changes with a nice mix of puppetry and screens to create the magic. The theme is often in relation to the recurring holiday theme of “Believe”.
9. Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde says it best “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. The Importance of Being Earnest perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Oscar Wilde’s restaurant during the holidays. Walking into Oscar Wilde truly is walking through a unique Christmas wonderland. The restaurant is absolutely buzzing and the lavish and intense Christmas decorations change seasonally.
Thousands upon thousands of ornaments, candy canes, tinsel, Santa clauses hang on nearly every wall and dangle from the ceiling. Locals, tourists and literature fanatics alike make it a point to visit and pose with the life-size statues of the writer and signing his guest book with quotations and anecdotes from his beloved works.
10. The Greens at Pier 17: Private Dining in an Igloo
This is a really super dope experience that has a set up with social distancing in mind. This season’s theme was, ‘the Cozy Winter Cabin’. Each cabin is set up with a couch, full size dining table, ceiling lamps, a tv screen doubling as a fireplace and of course the amazing views.
The cabins are well equipped, spotless and heated despite the cold temperatures. Each cabin is thoroughly disinfected after each party. Upon arrival, you’re seated without any additional wait time as each reservation is 90 minutes.
To book new dates are released every Monday at 10am for the following week’s reservation. So plan to book a week in advance. The cabins are booked within minutes especially during the holiday season. The cost to book a cabin is $50USD for dinner during the week and during the weekends for lunch and dinner. This reservation cost is not included in your food bill.
