Christmas 2023 in New York: what to do, practical info and tips

The charm of the'Big Apple' is not in dispute, New York is one of those cities that we all dream of visiting at least once in our lifetime.
So why not do it just in time for Christmas?
Think about it: the snow, the coloured lights, the big decorated trees, the ice rinks, the toy shops, the shopping in the fashion streets... that magical Christmas atmosphere that warms the hearts of adults and makes children dream. New York at Christmas is enchantment.
Here's everything you need to know to plan your Christmas holiday in New York: flight + hotel deals, tours, useful information on markets, places of interest and much more...

1 - Attend themed events

New York is probably the best city in the world to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Malls and shopping streets are decked out for the holiday and special events take place all over the city.

Best of all, the festivities here begin in November with Thanksgiving Day, during which the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is held, featuring performers, marching bands and beautiful floats.

Another iconic event is the Tree-Lighting Ceremony, or thelighting of the Christmas tree at the Rocafeller Center, at which concerts and shows are broadcast live on national television. The lighting generally takes place in early December.

Also worth mentioning is the traditional Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a historic dance performance by the Rockettes (the world's most famous synchronised dancer troupe), which has been organised every year at Christmas since 1933.

2 - Visit the New York Christmas markets

There is no shortage of traditional Christmas markets and villages in New York either. They are generally set up from mid-November until the end of December, but some remain open until the first week of January.

Some of the most beautiful and characteristic markets include theUnion Square Holiday Market (Union Square at 14th Street, Southern Side - get directions), the Grand Central Holiday Fair (Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St - get directions) and the Winter Village at Bryant Park (located at
Bryant Park, between 5th and 6th Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets - Get directions).

3 - Ice skating

Photo by Tomás Fano. Anyone who has visited NYC at Christmas time will agree that one of the most magical experiences to have is definitely ice skating like real New Yorkers. There are plenty of rinks scattered around the main squares, malls and parks. We want to recommend two in particular: the one in Bryant Park(get directions) and the one in Central Park(get directions).

And when you get tired of skating, you can sit on the edge of the rink and watch the kids having the time of their lives while sipping a hot chocolate or glass of wine, or you can enjoy the Christmas music (often played by live bands)

4 - Meet Father Christmas at Macy's

Photo by Jazz Guy. A tradition that has been going on since 1902 is Santaland, Santa's Village inside the Macy's shopping centre in Herald Square. Little ones can walk through twinkling lights, toy workshops and pine forests until they reach Santa's throne, and finally sit on his lap to present their gift list.

If you are visiting NYC with children, you absolutely cannot deny them this unforgettable experience. The line to see Father Christmas is rather long, but you can book online on the chain's website.

5 - Admiring the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

Photo by Michael Vadon. The Rockefeller Christmas tree (New York's pride and joy) is a bright and shining symbol of the holiday season.
Seeing it is one of the most popular things to do in New York at Christmas. It really is one of the most iconic places in the city, although it is quite crowded, so we do not recommend visiting on weekends.

6 - Enjoy a Broadway musical

Photo by California Musical Theatre. Another timeless classic, that of Christmas-themed musicals. The 'Nutcracker', 'A Christmas Carol' or perhaps 'the Grinch', all you have to do is browse the schedule and choose the show that suits your taste. More information can be found at www.broadway.com.

7 - Admiring the lights in the Dyker Heights district

Photo by Rhododendrites. For several years, there has been an unspoken competition between homeowners in the Dyker Heights neighbourhood of Brooklyn. Today, the houses are so decked out with flashing lights and motorised screens that it has made the neighbourhood one of the city's main Christmas attractions. Dyker Heights has truly become a 'must-see' and it is no coincidence that you can visit it by taking part in an interesting guided tour.

8 - Taste the Christmas specialities

In the United States there is no tradition of Christmas dinner as we understand it in Italy. Certainly, most establishments tend to dine with the family on Christmas Eve, but not with the traditional roast or large dishes and specialities. This kind of tradition relates more to the Thanksgiving Day feast, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, during which the traditional roast stuffed turkey is eaten, accompanied by mashed potatoes.

Christmas gastronomic traditions in New York are more about sweets. During the winter holiday season, it is customary to eat specialities such as Gingerbread men biscuits, Apple Pie, Pumpkin pie, cupcakes with Christmas-themed decorations,eggnog (liquid eggnog flavoured with vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon), Christmas pudding (pudding with dried fruit and brandy) and Mince pies, which are traditionally left on the chimney so that Father Christmas can eat them during his night-time visits.

Which museums and attractions remain open?

Photo by Amar.raavi. During the festive season, most museums in NYC observe special opening and closing times. For example, the Guggenheim Museum is open on Christmas Eve from 10am to 4pm, closed on Christmas Day and open regularly on New Year's Day. The Jewish Museum is open on Christmas Day from 11am to 4pm, but is closed on New Year's Day. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is open on Christmas Eve from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., remains closed on Christmas Day, and open regularly on New Year's Day. Please check the official websites for any changes.

Other major attractions open on Christmas Eve include the Empire State Building, the 9-11 Memorial and the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
SEE ALSO: What to see in New York

What means of transport are available?

Metro, buses and other transport operate on special timetables the week of Christmas. Generally, services are guaranteed on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, but there are no services on 25 December. On the website of the MTA, the New York City Transit Authority, you will find all the necessary information regarding service changes during the festive period.

• Gettingaround: The best way to get around is by underground. A single ride costs $3, but we recommend purchasing a Metrocard (valid for underground and bus) at a cost of about $31 for 7 days.

• Useful passes and cards: we recommend purchasing the New York City Pass, a cumulative ticket that includes line-free entry to six of the city's major attractions including the Statue of Liberty and MoMA

Weather in New York at Christmas

Generally, winter in NYC is not excessively harsh and temperatures range between lows of around 0°C and highs of 6°.
However, it is not uncommon to experience particularly cold spells with heavy snowfall, especially in December.
Don't forget to pack your scarf, gloves, cap and clothing suitable for cold temperatures. During your stay, treat yourself to a few walks along the snow-covered streets, and if you feel particularly cold, stop by some museums or shops.

Thermal excursion: you will most likely find a 'tropical' climate inside rooms and shops due to the heaters being 'cranked up to maximum'. Therefore prepare for the temperature hike by dressing in layers.

Christmas offers in New York: Flight + 10 nights in a hotel

• Cheap flights: Flights Rome - New York from €500.00 - look at the offers

• Where to stay: 10 nights in Hotel from €610,00 per room - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: Return flight + 10 nights/11 days from 23 December to 2 January from €1110,00 per person - look at the offer

Tickets, tours and bookable activities

We propose you some activities and tours to do in New York. Click on the tour that interests you to get more information or to book.