You know the Christmas season has started the second you put the fork down on Thanksgiving. Santa comes to town in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and pine trees take up prime real estate on the sidewalk. Everything becomes adorned in fairy lights, which can make even a New York garage look festive. So, put on your ugliest sweater, grab some eggnog and get ready to listen to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” on repeat. It’s Christmas and there is something magical in the air. Here is what to do in New York in December; your must-do Christmas Activities in NYC.
Steph Ridhalgh
The New York City Union Square Holiday Market aglow from above. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
What to do in New York in December: Must do Christmas Activities in NYC
Stroll through the Union Square Holiday Market
While the only thing I have walked away from these markets with is a free hot chocolate sample, the stalls are very festive and beautiful to look at. This has to be one of the top things to do in New York in December.
It is the place to get all your stocking stuffers and feel like you are in a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. See, practical and magical all at the same time. The market is open between November 17 and December 24.
Union Square Market | Union Square Park, Southern Side, New York, NY 10003
Wander the snow-covered streets of stunning New York this Christmas Holiday season. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
All The (Neighbourhood) Lights of New York
Dyker Heights gives Times Square a run for its money during the holiday period. This Brooklyn neighbourhood is famous for its extravagant light displays on homes (that would put Clark Griswold to shame).
Some are completely over the top gaudy and others are simply stunning, but a trip down the streets in the cool winter air is sure to make even the Grinch bust a smile.
Dyker Heights Lights Tours | Southwest Brooklyn between Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst & Gravesend Bay
Christmas cheers as far as the eye can see in New York City. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Christmas cheer spreads from the city to Brooklyn and the boroughs beyond. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Go Holiday Window Shopping
Take a stroll down 5th Ave starting at Bergdorf Goodman and peep in all the high-end windows decked out in more than a few baubles and tinsel. These displays aren’t just thrown together on November 30th, these windows go through months and months of planning and designing and it shows. The craftsmanship in each window is jaw-dropping.
Finish the tour down at Saks’ just in time for the light show that starts at 5 pm and runs every 15 minutes ’til 11pm. Don’t forget to turn around and take in Mr. Rockefeller all lit up in a purple hue.
Bergdorf Goodman | 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Cartier on 5th Avenue New York sparkles both inside and out. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
New York angels light up the city streets. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a must-see New York holiday show. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
See a Broadway Show
High-kick it at The Rockettes or see Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ show at the Beacon Theatre. Both are mind-blowing in terms of choreography and yes, Mariah is still hitting those notes just as high as the Rockettes kick those legs.
The Rockettes | Radio City, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Mariah Carey: All I Want For Christmas Is You | Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
The Rockettes’ kick line perfection at the iconic New York Beacon Theatre. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Go Sledding in Central Park
There are no rules as to how old is too old when enjoying sledding down the hill in Central Park. Every corner shop sells plastic sleds for a couple of bucks or an old piece of cardboard will get you down a few times. If you’re looking for what to do in New York in December with kids, this should be top of your list. Just make sure you rug up and stay warm.
Growing up in Australia where we get a good healthy dose of sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine, I am first in line for any kind of snow activities.
Sledding | Pilgrim Hill (enter via 72nd St & Fifth Ave) or Cedar Hill (enter between 76th & 79th St at Fifth Ave)
When the snow falls hit Cedar or Pilgrim Hill in Central Park for some sledding fun. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Try Ice-skating at Wollman Rink
Many assume Rockefeller is the best place to go ice-skating, but between the crowds of tourists and NBC employees, my suggestion is to head to Wollman Rink in Central Park. This rink has the best of both worlds with the iconic buildings as a backdrop and the nature of Central Park. Plus you will save a few bucks. Bonus points if you can resist the smell of the hot waffles they sell by the rink.
Wollman Rink, Central Park | 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065
Winter wonderland: Central Park’s Wollman Rink attracts holidaymakers and locals alike. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Make a Snow Angel
No explanation needed. The photo below is me, about 2 hours after getting off the plane when I moved to the city.
Spot the Aussie: Steph Ridhalgh crosses making a snow angel off her holiday list on arrival to the Big Apple. Image © Steph Ridhalgh
Hailing from ‘down under’, Steph Ridhalgh is a journalist, producer and blogger who suffers a serious case of geographic schizophrenia. Currently fulfilling her dream of living in New York, you can usually find her wandering the city streets, camera in hand.
Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource sharing her experiences as she gallivants around the globe.