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
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
