Christmas in New York City 2019 - Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities

By Katie Sagal

There are few places as magical in the wintertime as Christmas in New York City. And when it comes to celebrating the Christmas holidays, you better believe that NYC has got plenty going on. If you’re traveling to New York this holiday season, check out our list of the top things to do for Christmas in New York City 2019.

Save on attraction admission for the Holidays

Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go New York Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available New York passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Christmas & holiday events may be separately ticketed and not included in the Go New York Pass.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

We're sure the first thing that comes to mind when you think New York City Christmas celebration is the iconic Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree. For over eight decades, the Tree Lighting Ceremony has been a classic New York tradition. If you're going to be in the city during the holiday season, you have to visit the gorgeous display. Pose in front of the gigantic tree, watch from above as holiday visitors skate the rink, shop around the Rockefeller Plaza shops, and more. The tree will be lit for the first time for the Christmas 2019 season on Wednesday, December 4, and will remain lit through early 2020. On Christmas Day, the tree will remain lit for the full 24 hours, so be sure to check it out! Since you'll already be at 30 Rock, you may as well take a trip up to the Top of the Rock Observatory. You can see the tree from the highest vantage point while taking in the views of the entire city below. This is a great opportunity to see New York's Christmas lights from a unique perspective. Getting in: Top of the Rock tickets are included in Go New York Pass.

Bryant Park Winter Village presented by Bank of America

Bryant Park's Winter Village has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in recent years. The popular greenspace has transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the past 17 years, and this year is no exception. Complete with 170 stalls, a 17,000-sq ft ice rink, and a delicious food hall made up of 12 vendors serving delicious holiday meals, it’s no surprise as to why it’s the best and biggest holiday market in the city. Shop local at the boutiques, offering everything from fashionable sunglasses to hand-made sculptures of your favorite movie characters. It's the perfect place to find a niche gift for that tricky loved one in your life. While you shop, make sure to try a few of the holiday treats too. Delicious craft cocoa and sugar cookies are not to be skipped. Of course, the crown jewel of the Winter Village is the ice rink which serves as a centerpiece. The ice rink is always packed with visitors twirling about and is a fun experience no matter your skating skill level. You can rent skates and a locker on-site and get right onto the ice. There are skating lessons and skate assistants available for kids as well. Anyone visiting New York during the holidays has to visit Bryan Park's Winter Village. It's such a special space and worth spending a few hours! *Please note, the Rink and the Lodge will be open from October 31, 2019, through March 2020. The Holiday Shops will only be open until January 5, 2019. Getting in: Bryant Park Winter Village is free and open to the public. Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park Ice Rink tickets are included with Go New York Pass.

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

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New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Participate in another one of NYC’s most beloved holiday traditions with the visit to the New York Botanical Garden. Their Holiday Train Show is a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll see trains wind through replicas of over 150 different New York landmarks – all made of organic, botanical materials. Think tiny depots made of bark and acorns, bridges made of sticks and stones, and décor made of dried mosses and flowers. It’s a truly inspiring work of artistic labor and a super fun thing for the whole family to see. Kids and adults alike will be amazed at the artistic and technical skill that has gone into making the magical Holiday Train Show. Getting in: New York Botanical Garden tickets included with Go New York Pass.

Union Square Holiday Markets

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Union Square Holiday Markets

Another great place to do some Christmas shopping is the Union Square Holiday Markets at Union Square Park. Local crafters and artists come together to set up booths of home-made items, from jewelry to scarves, to artwork. The Union Square Market has sections like Little Brooklyn and Urbanspace Provisions in addition to a Warming Station and Lounge. There will be over 50 stalls to shop around and plenty of delicious food and drink available. You're sure to find some perfect gifts for family and friends back home... or for yourself! Getting in: the Union Square Holiday Markets are free and open to the public.

THE RIDE Holiday Edition

Take NYC’s most enjoyable bus tour with a special holiday twist! Now in its seventh year, it’s more fun and festive than ever, with a focus on holiday sights and sounds. You'll tour New York on a unique bus with side-facing seats, as your entertaining guides tell you what you need to know. But that's not all – keep your eye out for street performers bringing NYC to life all along the route. It's an unforgettable attraction at any time of year – but extra special during the holidays. The RIDE is a great way to get to know NYC and soak up the Christmas spirit, all at the same time! Getting in: THE RIDE tickets are available on the Go New York Pass.

View the Holiday Lights from the Empire State Building

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View the Holiday Lights from the Empire State Building

A good way to see the city’s best and brightest Christmas lights is with a trip to the top of this towering skyscraper – one of the city’s most famous buildings, too. The Empire State Building is an amazing experience any time of year, but when you build in the festive atmosphere and twinkling lights of the holiday season, it simply can’t be beaten. Explore the exhibition halls, enjoy the full Empire State Building Experience, and snap photos of the Winter Wonderland that is New York City. Getting in: Empire State Building tickets are available on the Go New York Pass.

Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History

If you’re in search of a unique spin on a Christmas tradition, pay a visit to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Their 30-year tradition of putting up an origami tree has inspired kids and adults alike for quite a long time, and it’s well worth your time to visit. The origami itself is made by volunteers throughout the preceding year who were inspired by some aspect of the museum’s collections. The origami takes all forms - from dinosaurs to sea creatures to figments of the imagination. The tree will be on display from November 25, 2019 - January 12, 2020. Explore the museum while you're there! AMNH is one of the largest museums in the world, featuring a 94-foot model of a whale, a famed collection of dinosaur fossils, a 563-carat Star of Indian sapphire, and plenty more intricate artifacts. It has to be on your New York Bucket List. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are available on the Go New York Pass.

Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue

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Holiday Window Displays on Fifth Avenue

Embark on a self-guided tour down Fifth Avenue to take in all the intricately-designed holiday displays. Each year, the displays get more and more ornate, with flashing lights, golden decorations, and gorgeous artwork calling for attention. Its beautiful holiday ambiance almost offsets the craziness of holiday shopping at stores like Saks and Macy's. Almost. Fashion fans may want to take a Fashion Window Walking Tour of Fifth Avenue, to see the beautiful windows with an expert guide. Getting in: Fashion Window Walking Tour tickets are included with the Go New York pass.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

 The Metropolitan Museum of Art will continue its longstanding holiday tradition of erecting the 25-foot blue spruce. It serves as the perfect backdrop for their Neapolitan Nativity scene, complete with silk-robed angels hovering above. The Met's take on a Christmas display always shows the creativity and artistic nature of New York City's art scene. After visiting the tree, make sure to explore as many of the exhibition halls as you can. The museum houses a variety of artworks in all mediums, covering art from each part of the globe. Getting In: Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets are available on the Go New York Pass.

Remember to save on attraction admission

So there’s our brief list of the top things to do in New York City during Christmastime and the holidays. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go New York Pass, which can save you up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Please note, the Christmas events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go New York Pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Empire State Building vs The Shard - Comparing the Major Differences

World travelers often wonder how the globe’s most famous observation decks stack up against one another. While there are some obvious differences, when it gets down to the tiny details it can be a difficult task to sort out when the attractions are in different countries. If you’re trying to compare the Empire State Building and the Shard, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you consider which attraction appeals to you the most. Visit one, or visit them both on different trips. Both observation decks are located at significant heights above street level, and both have plenty to offer adventurers looking for an exciting view of the city below. Each is also located in a building of cultural significance. However, there are many differences between the two, the most basic of which is their location: the Empire State Building is located in New York City and the Shard is located in London. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the more nuanced differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by: What’s Included with General Admission Location Scenic Views Building History Tips for Visiting Thinking about Visiting the Empire State Building or The Shard? Save up to 50% on admission to the Empire State Building plus your choice of other popular New York attractions with the New York City Explorer Pass. Tickets to The Shard are separately priced and are not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Another fun alternative in New York City the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Or, if your trip takes you to London, a great alternative is the Coca-Cola London Eye, a famous observation wheel that’s an iconic part of the London skyline. What’s Included with General Admission Both attractions include admission to the relevant observation decks, as well as informative exhibits and guides. Location Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the famed NYC Macy’s. The Shard: Located in Southwark, London, near the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the HMS Belfast. Comparing the Scenic Views Each observation deck offers unique views of their respective cities, and both are located at a significance height above ground level. The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building offers open-air and enclosed observation decks. The Shard offers excellent views of the Thames, the Tower of London, and the London Bridge, as well as London riverfront. You can also see as far as 40 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Shard also has both open-air and enclosed observation decks. Building History The Empire State Building In 1931, the Empire State Building came into the world as a symbol of hope in a dark time. Designed and executed by the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, this iconic NYC landmark was among the most beautiful of all Art Deco buildings in the city. Designed to honor American industrial strengths and capitalist progress, the Empire State Building still stands today as a monument to commerce. It was awarded the distinction of being classified as one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States in 1955, and its reputation has only grown since. Today the building is home to a variety of companies – nearly 1,000 all told (including restaurants and bars that are worth a quick trip to snag a cocktail and some photos) – as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. The Shard The Shard is a much newer construction, begun in 2009 and opened to the public in July of 2012. The View from the Shard (the official name of the observation deck) opened in February of 2013. It was designed by iconic Italian architect Renzo Piano (who is also known for his work on the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC). Piano intended for the Shard to evoke the feeling of emerging from the Thames, so the design is very modern and sleek. The Shard was part of the redevelopment of the then very industrial Southwark neighborhood of London, in an effort to revamp the area and bring new business to the city. Today it is home to a number of businesses, including restaurants and a hotel on the ground floor (as well as the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel located on floors 34-52). There are also residential floors above the hotel but below the observation deck. Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building and The Shard In Summary (The Biggest Differences) Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives. The Empire State Building is an iconic historic structure with a long legacy of standing tall and proud in NYC’s skyline. It also features gorgeous Art Deco décor and a variety of special exhibits on multiple floors. The Shard is much newer, but also boasts a beautiful, striking design – by none other than Renzo Piano. The Empire State Building offers views in Midtown Manhattan, where you can see as far north as Central Park and as far south as the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. The Shard offers views along the Thames waterfront, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and much more. Visit the Empire State Building and Save on Admission Remember to visit the Big Apple with the New York City Explorer Pass! You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building plus tickets to dozens of other top attractions in the city, like the American Museum of Natural History, a Statue of Liberty Ferry, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Top of the Rock, and many more. Save up to 50% on combined admission versus paying at the gate with the New York City Explorer Pass – it’s a smart choice for savvy travelers! If you are planning your trip to London rather than NYC, consider picking up a London Explorer Pass. You can save up to 40% on the city’s top attractions, including another great observation option in the Coca-Cola London Eye.
Katie Sagal
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Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty – Discount Tickets & More

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are among the most iconic landmarks in all of New York. Both represent an important period in the history of immigration in this country. They reflect the long-held ideal of America as a safe haven for all who seek liberty and freedom. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Ellis Island was once the home of the primary immigration center in the United States. Today, it is a fascinating museum. Head to both of these top attractions on a fun ferry ride and spend an educational afternoon with the whole family. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the both the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Discount Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Tickets? We’ve got you covered - ferry tickets for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: The below options include a ferry ticket, audio tours, and access to the grounds of both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. 1. Explorer Pass - Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 10 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note: tickets to access the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty are not included with the Explorer Pass. If you wish add access to those parts of the statue, you will need book Crown Reserve tickets and/or Pedestal Reserve tickets separately. Make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited and tours often sell out months in advance. Top Statue of Liberty Facts Tips for Your Upcoming Visit You may use either two of the ferry departure points for your trip. Battery Park in New York - departs every 25 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm) Liberty State Park in New Jersey - depearts every 40 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm) If time is a concern, then we strongly encourage using the Liberty State Park, New Jersey location for faster processing, boarding, convenient access and ample parking. Save on Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets with the New York City Explorer Pass®. If visiting using an Explorer Pass, you must pick up your ferry boarding pass before entering the security line. All visitors are required to pass through a mandatory airport grade security screening, so be prepared for a long wait. We suggest arriving early in the morning. Allow at least 2 hours to visit one island and 4 hours to visit both islands. Bring your camera. You'll want to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty from the shore, from the ferry, and from up close on Liberty Island. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis for no fee from the National Park Service. Visiting the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty requires a reservation. Book well ahead to ensure availability the day you want to visit. When is the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty? What should I bring to The Statue of Liberty? There are a number of limitations on what is permitted on either island, so it’s best not to bring much if you want to avoid paying for a locker. You won't be permitted to bring large bags, and backpacks and strollers are not allowed at the Pedestal and Crown areas of the Statue. You'll have to put everything except your camera and medication inside a locker beforehand. Some things you you plan to bring include: Camera - You'll take a lot of photos trying to capture the statue from every angle. Don't forget to take photos of the NYC skyline, too. Money for souvenirs Comfortable shoes - Most of the visit will be on your feet. The boat deck can be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction. If you're visiting the pedestal or crown, you'll need shoes that are safe for climbing stairs. On Ellis Island, the Hard Hat Tour prohibits sandals or open-toed shoes. Dress for the weather - Much of the visit is outdoors, so come prepared with the layers you need to stay warm. Sunscreen - You will likely be waiting in long lines outside. What are things to do at Liberty Island? Self-Guided Audio Tours Self-guided audio tours are included with every ticket for both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, with special tours for children and those with vision impairments. The Audio Tours are available in different languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. If you'd like to be able to ask questions while you explore, there are ranger-led tours at both islands as well. The Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty A Pedestal Tour includes access inside the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and the Statue of Liberty Museum. The lowest part of the Statue of Liberty, just above the lobby, the Pedestal forms the base of the Statue. Be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum on the second floor to learn all about the history and heritage of the world’s most famous statue. The pedestal's observation deck offers panoramic views of the harbor. The pedestal is partially wheelchair accessible, with elevator access part of the way up. There are 215 steps to the top of the pedestal for those who choose to climb. The museum presents the history of how France and the United States cooperated to erect the statue and exhibits the original torch. Remember: Statue of Liberty Pedestal tickets are separately ticketed. The Crown of the Statue of Liberty The Torch Exhibit Featuring the original torch (which was actually replaced in the 1980s) and a number of drawings, and photographs depicting this iconic symbol of freedom, this exhibit is a good replacement for not being able to ascend to the torch itself. Things to Do at Ellis Island Ellis Island Immigration Museum With nearly 400,000 artifacts and over 1 million archival records, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is an expansive collection of historical records pertaining to the millions of immigrants who passed through this island on their way to a better life. Search the American Family Immigration History Center’s databases in person at Ellis Island or online before you go. The museum's exhibit "Journeys: The Peopling of America" presents the immigration experience before Ellis Island opened and after it closed, but the museum emphasizes the arrivals process experienced by immigrants to the United States at Ellis Island. Begin in the Baggage Room, where immigrants checked their bags after disembarking their ships. Upstairs, the Registry Room and the Hearing Room are where immigrants were examined before being granted entry to the United States. The Dormitory Rooms, where travelers who were briefly detained stayed overnight, host special exhibits. Peopling of America Center This is a must-see on your trip to Ellis Island. This exhibit space tells the story of immigration to America before the opening of Ellis Island in 1892. It explores the way immigration works today following the closure of the Island in 1954. These galleries follow the lives of real immigrants as they make their way into the United States and try to build a new life for themselves. American Family Immigration History Center For those of you with a particular interest in your family’s history, this Center is going to be a real treat. Get a chance to explore the entire archival collection of immigration arrival records at Ellis Island and search for your ancestors. Search by passenger record, ship manifest, and ship information. Have any family on the Wall of Honor? Search for the location of their name with the Foundation’s Search the Wall. Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour The Hard Hat Tour takes visitors on a 90-minute tour of the South Side of Ellis Island. The tour visits the Ellis Island Hospital facilities, including the contagious disease wards and autopsy rooms. The tour also includes the art exhibit "Unframed – Ellis Island" by JR, featuring full-size photographs of immigrants. No children under 13 are allowed on this tour. Nearby Attractions Liberty Island and Ellis Island stand apart from New York City in its harbor. However, there are many attractions near both the New York and New Jersey ferry landings. For a couple ideas, check out our things to do in lower Manhattan post. Here are a few others we suggest adding to your itinerary... See the famous Charging Bull statue and walk over to Wall Street, where you'll find Federal Hall, a National Memorial marking the spot where George Washington became president. Honor more of our nation’s important history with a visit to the poignant 9/11 Tribute Center & Memorial Museum. If you’d like to see the statue but don’t feel like waiting in lines at the actual island, try these fun options out on the water... Landmark Cruise by Circle Line Sightseeing Clipper City Tall Shop Sail Shearwater Classic Schooner Sail The Museum of Jewish Heritage is also right on the waterfront. New York City Hall is an interesting place to snap photos. Pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge on a bike tour. If you're departing from the Jersey City location, take time to appreciate the views of New York City's West Side skyline. Liberty State Park's greenery provides a respite from the concrete city and its trails can even take you through a salt marsh. The Liberty Science Center helps visitors understand science and technology through hands-on exhibits. Where to eat near the Statue of Liberty? What restaurants are near the Statue of Liberty? You are allowed to bring your own food for lunch. However, it needs to be sealed prior to entering the screening facility. Coolers are not allowed. The boat ride to the islands is brief. But if you get hungry on the way, you can purchase food on board. Evelyn Hill Inc. is the food concessionaire located on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It offers a variety of high quality food options. Back in Manhattan, you'll find hot dog vendors and the Battery Gardens restaurant tucked as far south on the island as you can get. Dine with a view of Lady Liberty at Battery Gardens. Gigino at Wagner Park also features great Statue views alongside Italian fare. Are you a Seinfeld fan? Then head to the Original Soup Man. Beaubourg offers high-end French cuisine and a delicious raw bar. In the mood for Japanese fare? Check out Shinjuku Sushi. History buffs will enjoy Trinity Place, located in a converted bank. Kids will love Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop. Families can find a wide variety of affordable chain options from Shake Shack to Subway. Save on Admission with a New York Explorer Pass Remember, the New York City Explorer Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, plus admission to your choice of dozens more top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Lindsay Eagan
View of State of Liberty
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A week in New York itinerary: 5-7 days in New York for first timers

One week is enough time to see the highlights of New York at a more relaxed pace and explore the five boroughs like a local.
Katie Sagal

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