Itinerary: 1 Day in New York City for Christmas Lights

Spending a day (or weekend) touring around Christmas time in New York City is spectacular. It’s classic. It’s charming. It’s magical. And you can’t explore during the holiday season without taking at least a few hours to take in all the Christmas lights in NYC. It can also be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time in New York City! 

When it comes to exploring New York City during the holidays, having a loose plan is crucial. With a plethora of attractions and Christmas light displays to see, it’s important to prioritize your must-see spots and consider booking tickets in advance. Familiarizing yourself with the city’s transportation options can also save you time and hassle.

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A few tips to ensure your experience goes smoothly:

• Plan ahead. This is one of those times when you want to get your plans in place before your trip. There is so much to do and see, tickets to be purchased, and it’s a big ol’ city to navigate. Make a list of your top 5 must-haves and everything else you would like to accomplish if you have the chance.
• Get to know a little bit about the boroughs of NYC, are you mainly focused on midtown Manhattan, or will you explore Brooklyn or Queens? It’s helpful to plan it out based on location. 
• Figure out your modes of transportation. Flying, driving, train, subway, a combination of each one?
  If you drive- look into parking and reserve a space in advance! You can find a garage closest to your main attractions and navigate the city from there. You could also drive to a nearby town in DE or NJ and take the train from that location! We always made the drive from Baltimore, but even then, there are a few different options!
• Wear layers! You will be in and out of stores, restaurants, and museums throughout the day- layers in the city are a must.
• Snack around the city! One of the best ways to experience the magic of Christmas lights in NYC is while snacking your way through the city. Indulge in roasted chestnuts, street vendor delights, and classic New York pretzels as you wander from one festive display to the next. Snacking allows you to savor the flavors of the city without committing to sit-down meals, which gives you more time to take in the sights.
• Seek out warm beverages like hot chocolate! As I mentioned, it’s likely to be a bit chilly as you walk around and warm drinks will help! 
• Our personal experience is that the best time to visit NYC during the Christmas season is the weekend after Thanksgiving. The parade crowds have died down and most people aren’t fully into the swing of Christmas vacations just yet. Be sure to look into the activities you are hopeful to book though as some things are only open on select dates. 

When it comes to must-see Christmas light displays, there are several iconic spots that should be at the top of your list. 

• Winter Village at Bryant Park is a magical winter wonderland located in the heart of New York City. This festive village features an ice skating rink, holiday shops, and delicious food vendors. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities, including shopping for unique gifts, sipping on hot cocoa, and taking a spin on the ice. The twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere make it the perfect destination for celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Winter Village at Bryant Park offers a quintessential wintertime experience in the big city.
• The Christmas Spectacular with the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is an iconic holiday tradition. The show features the world-famous Rockettes, who dazzle audiences with their precision dance routines, glamorous costumes, and high-energy performances. From the classic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” to the magical “Living Nativity,” the Christmas Spectacular is a celebration of the season that brings joy and wonder to all who attend. With spectacular special effects, festive music, and a visit from Santa Claus himself, this show is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holidays in the heart of the Big Apple. Whether you’re a local New Yorker or visiting from out of town, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is sure to create lasting memories for the entire family.
• Ice skating! There are several options throughout the city for ice skating! It’s a great way to enjoy the winter season and have some active fun with friends and family. Whether it’s at a local rink or a pop-up ice skating venue, there are plenty of opportunities to lace up your skates and hit the ice. It’s a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful winter weather.

1.  The Rink at Rockefeller Center – it doesn’t get more magical than this! 
2. Wollman Rink in Central Park
3. LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
4. Bryant Park Winter Village
5. Riverbank State Park
6. The Standard Hotel
7. The Rink at Brookfield Place
8. Rooftop at Pier 17

• Visit the Rockefeller Christmas tree, even if you ice skate elsewhere!! You can’t miss spending time in Rockefeller Plaza to see the famous Rockefeller center Christmas tree. The tree is always absolutely stunning, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and beautiful decorations. Walking around the plaza, taking in the festive atmosphere, and enjoying the lively holiday music is a magical experience. 
• Stroll through Central Park. The park’s tranquil atmosphere and beautiful greenery create a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s something magical about taking a leisurely walk along the winding pathways, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, lush trees, and charming bridges. It’s a great way to relax, clear my mind, and soak in the natural beauty of New York City.
• The Christmas displays from department stores along 5th Avenue are absolutely breathtaking. Walking along this iconic street during the holiday season feels like being transported into a winter wonderland. The storefronts, especially the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show and the Bergdorf Goodman windows, are adorned with mesmerizing holiday decorations, twinkling lights, and extravagant window displays that capture the festive spirit of the city. Each store along 5th Avenue competes to create the most eye-catching and elaborate Christmas window displays, showcasing intricate scenes that evoke the enchanting magic of the season. From traditional holiday themes to modern artistic interpretations, every window tells a unique story, offering visitors an immersive and captivating visual experience.
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a spectacular holiday tradition in the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Every year, residents of this neighborhood decorate their homes with elaborate and extravagant Christmas light displays, attracting visitors from near and far. The houses are adorned with larger-than-life lighted Santas, sleighs, reindeers, and other festive decorations, creating a truly magical and enchanting experience for all who visit. The display has become so popular that it has even been featured in numerous media outlets and television shows. It’s definitely a must-see destination for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit!
• See the Holiday Train Show at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This enchanting exhibition features model trains zipping through a miniature New York City landscape, all made entirely from natural materials such as bark, leaves, and seeds.
• Eat at Rolfs, a popular spot throughout the year but particularly renowned for its elaborate Christmas decorations, which adorn the interior with an abundance of lights, ornaments, and garlands. Amid the festive ambiance, patrons can enjoy a traditional German dining experience, complete with hearty cuisine and an extensive selection of German beers. The unique atmosphere and delicious fare make Rolf’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, especially during the holiday season.
• Visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Markets. The market is a festive and lively place, filled with an array of vendors offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The atmosphere is usually buzzing with holiday cheer, you will enjoy strolling through the rows of beautifully decorated stalls, taking in the sights and sounds of the season. 
• During the holiday season, Hudson Yards transforms into a magical wonderland, with dazzling light displays, festive decorations, and joyful spirit. The entire area comes alive with the spirit of the season, and visiting the Hudson Yards mall during Christmas is an experience like no other. The towering holiday tree, festive window displays, hot air balloons, and special events create a warm and enchanting atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the holidays. Whether it’s taking in the beautiful lights, enjoying holiday shopping, or simply immersing oneself in the festive cheer, Hudson Yards is a magical destination for creating lasting holiday memories.
• Visit Macy’s to see their window displays and the decorations from the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I also love walking through the store to see the white lights at the original escalator. 
• See the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo is decked out with stunning light displays and holiday decorations that create a magical atmosphere. 

There are a few ways to see the sights in New York City, book a guided walking tour, rent bikes, use a hop-on/hop-off bus tours, take a cruise to get views from the water, or plan your own itinerary. I usually go for a mix of all of the above! 

There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas time in New York City (except maybe New Year’s Eve if you want to check that off your bucket list!). Nearly all of New York City transforms into a magical wonderland with dazzling lights, stunning displays, and festive cheer around every corner, it will put anyone in a festive mood. If you’re planning a trip to NYC during the holiday season, seeing the Christmas lights is an absolute must. Whether you have just a day or a full weekend to spare, experiencing NYC decked out for Christmas is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. So, grab your coat, map out your route, and get ready to be dazzled by the holiday magic of the Big Apple.