Our Guide – New York in December

Whether you’re looking to admire show-stopping festive decorations, catch a vintage train show, or cozy up in a museum cafe, here are our fave things to do in New York at this time of the year.

By Sarah Harris
Published: May 16, 2024
new york at christmas

Bustling festive markets. Streets enveloped with snow. Dazzling light displays. It’s true - New York City in December is the perfect winter wonderland! Whether you’re looking to browse the Christmas markets, go ice-skating at the Rockefeller, or party at the Times Square ball drop, the city promises a wide array of fun activities and exciting events for you and your loved ones. With so much to see, do and experience, one thing’s for sure – your trip won’t be boring! So, pack your best winter jacket and get ready to explore all that the city has to offer.

See the City

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Everyone knows about the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Plaza, but those looking for a captivating seasonal experience may be interested in making a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Combining history, religion, and design, this Neo-Gothic style Catholic cathedral is a total must-see for history lovers and architecture buffs alike. Come Christmas time, the church offers special holiday tours so that visitors may admire its heavy bronze doors, stunning stained-glass windows, and high ceilings.

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If you’re trying to avoid the cold, you might appreciate a day out at one of the city’s top cultural amenities. Situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate curiosity in the natural world. Since its founding in 1869, the museum’s collections have grown to include a whopping 34 million specimens of plants, animals, human cultural artifacts, and much more. This total crowd-pleaser is sure to spark a sense of wonder and delight in anybody. A day at the museum is a day well spent in our books!

Whilst the seasonal markets and the snowy cityscape have their appeal, it’s understandable that you’ll be looking for some indoor activities to enjoy. Warm up by checking out some of the city’s highly revered cultural amenities for a fuss-free day out. One of our favorites is the Frick Collection, which features a wide array of Old Master paintings and European fine and decorative arts. The institute stands as one of the most popular spots for creative thought in the city, and we can easily see why.

Hit the Classics

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Those who are brave enough to brace the cold might enjoy the next item on our list. Open all throughout the month, The Rink under the Rockefeller Center offers a fun festive activity for you and your loved ones. The great thing about this place is that it offers skate rentals, so you just need to bundle up with a warm jacket and cozy scarf before taking a spin. To avoid waiting in line during the busy holiday season, make online reservations so you can skip the queues.

Looking for the quintessential winter in New York experience? Well, look no further! Since its premiere in 1933, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular has been captivating and delighting audiences with its incredible visuals. Combining traditional thematics with special features, the beloved Christmas spectacle offers everything from tap dancers and an original music score to 3D projections and a flying Santa Claus. Perfect for those travelling with family, this magical experience is sure to satisfy everybody.

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We’ve seen it in all the movies: the spectacular New Year’s Ball Drop. Drawing in over a million spectators each year, the exhilarating event is known as one of the biggest New Year's Eve celebrations in the world. If you’re looking to grab a slice of the action, head down to Times Square for an experience you’ll remember for years to come. Though the main event is clearly the ball drop, we recommend showing up early enough to catch some fantastic musical performances and feel the world hold its breath.

Anybody looking for a relaxing way to see the city will enjoy our next suggestion. An absolute New York classic, the horse-drawn carriages at Central Park will take you through the idyllic landscape and provide fantastic views of some of the city’s most magnificent structures. On the way, your guide will explain the intriguing history behind the famous landmarks as you pass them by. As engaging as it is magical, this one is a total delight for those of all ages.

Soak up the Atmosphere

Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of December is checking out the Holiday Train Show. For thirty years running, New York Botanical Garden’s artful display of the city in miniature has captured the imagination of visitors and natives alike. Marvel at model trains whizzing through a dazzling exhibit constructed from natural materials, such as pinecones, acorns and twigs. Drawing in train enthusiasts and novices alike, this enchanting visual experience is not to be missed!

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Come December, the city becomes host to a wide array of fun and seasonal pop-up events. For some easy cold-weather exercise and festive shopping, head down to Bryant Park Winter Village. The famous holiday market is known for presenting over 170 kiosks selling gifts, decorations, crafts and more. Whilst browsing, you can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy delicious treats, or admire the gorgeous tree. With its lively atmosphere, this place is a great destination to spend time with friends and family.

Just because it's chilly doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors! During this time of the year, the city presents a wide variety of fun and festive activities that are well worth checking out. One of our absolute favorites is the annual NYC Winter Lantern Festival, which combines Christmastime decorations with the craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern making to present a magnificent immersive exhibition. Festivalgoers of all ages will be awed by the beautiful handmade silk structures, coming in almost every form imaginable. This total crowd-pleaser is sure to put a smile on anybody’s face.

New York is incredible to explore in December. The air is brisk, the city is buzzing with life, and you’ll be able to find countless fun activities popping up all over the place. Whether you’re looking to admire the beautiful interiors at St. Patrick’s church, catch a vintage train show, or cozy up in a museum cafe, you’ll find many reasons to love New York at this time of the year. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Empire State Building Vs Edge: Which NYC View Will Take Your Breath Away?
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Empire State Building Vs Edge: Which NYC View Will Take Your Breath Away?

Two towering experiences, one big decision—how will you see NYC?
Statue of Liberty
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Things to do at Night in New York City

When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the City Lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway Show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top Tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a Different Kind of Show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a Sunset Movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top Tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the City Lights from the Ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees Game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Alex Birungi
Top of the Rock vs Edge
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Top of the Rock vs Edge - Compare Observation Decks

Do you know what's better than one observation deck overlooking Manhattan? Two observation decks overlooking Manhattan. That's right, we're talking about Top of the Rock and Edge. Double trouble. The gruesome twosome. Now imagine, if you will, that these two static buildings suddenly came to life. No, please don't click away. So they're alive, right? And they have to, like, fight and stuff. Who would win? Well, let's explore their strengths and weaknesses as Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Let's get ready to rumble! Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: A brief history You'll find Top of the Rock at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If that combination of words sparks recognition in that withered brain of yours, it's likely due to the hit sitcom 30 Rock, which takes place within its walls. The Plaza is nearly 100 years old, being built back in 1933, so it's certainly the older of the two. It's also been home to some of America's biggest companies, including General Electric, Comcast, and NBC - 30 Rock's network, funnily enough. Edge, on the other hand, is the baby of the two. It's a newly-established observation deck at the newly-renovated Hudson Yards, which has evolved from a shipping district to a cool, gentrified neighborhood. It's named as such due to its proximity to the Hudson River. But other than that, there's not much more history to cover. Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: The view As you'll find both, there are bound to be landmarks you'll see from both Top of the Rock and Edge. So, let's explore each in more detail, so you'll know what to point your camera at! From the Top of the Rock observation deck, you'll get clear views of the Empire State Building, the whole of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty (on a clear day, but don't count on it), Times Square (more likely a night due to all the LED light), and the Chrysler Building. So, plenty to see! From Edge, you'll also see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and maybe Lady Liberty on a good day. But what else will your eyes gaze upon? Well, you'll see the One World Trade Center, The Vessel (an interactive art installation in Hudson Yards, and the Hudson River. What can you do at Top of the Rock? Yes, there is the observation deck, but we'll get to that. Patience is a virtue, after all. Why are we making you wait? Well, because there's more to 30 Rock than just the observation deck. Start at the bottom, where you'll find multiple exhibits dedicated to the building, the area, and New York in general. You'll see video footage of the Rockefeller Center's historic 10-year construction during the Great Depression in the 1930s. You'll even learn more about the life and times of the building's namesake, John D Rockefeller. Drink all that in, and then it's time for the ascent. The ride up itself lasts but a minute, shooting you up into the sky like some kind of advanced catapult - though a lot more comfortable. Then, you'll exit the elevator and be hit by the view. Get your camera or phone out and get snapping. Snap like there's no tomorrow. Snap like your life depended on it. After that, you're done! Feel free to head back down and explore Manhattan! What can you do at Edge? No messing around here. Head straight in, and take the elevator up to the 100th floor. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. When you're up there, you can drink the view. Ah. Just sip it so it lasts longer. Delicious view. In the middle of the observation deck, you'll find a glass floor. Why is that there? Well, it's for daredevils like you to walk on top of, so you can see the ground hundreds of feet beneath you! Then, when you're done, head back down and take a mosey around Hudson Yards. It's not just newly built flats but an entire ecosystem of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks to explore. How to get to Top of the Rock There are several ways to get to Top of the Rock. These are them! If you're going on the subway, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at the 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, just a short walk from Top of the Rock. Alternatively, take the 1, E, or C subway lines to the 50th Street station. If the bus is the best boy, you're in luck; several routes head into the area, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M27, M50, and M104. If you're driving, there are several parking garages in the area. However, traffic downtown can be utterly brutal. So maybe leave the car at home. You could always get a taxi if you want it to be someone else's problem! Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. How to get to Edge If you plan on taking the subway, the closest subway station to Hudson Yards is the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station (funnily enough), that's served by the 7 train. From the subway station, you can walk to Hudson Yards in a few minutes. If you're taking a bus, several routes serve the Hudson Yards area, including the M12, M34, and M34A. If driving's your poison, you'll find several parking garages in the area. But parking in Manhattan can burn through cash quicker than a bad habit, and driving around there isn't much better. Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And now you know everything anyone ever need know about Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Rather than pick just one, go to both to make the most of the differing views and experiences! Does booking both sound expensive? It needn't be. With Go City's All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can head to both, as well as tons more of New York's best bits, for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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