With rows of Christmas trees lending the sidewalks their piney scent and glittering lights everywhere you look, New York City is a magical place around the winter holidays. It’s also massively crowded and often cold, with the propensity to be very expensive (all that holiday cheer can really add up). Therefore, you’ll want to be prepared; here are some important things to consider before visiting New York during the holidays.
What New York City neighborhoods are best during the holidays?
Midtown Manhattan is the epicenter of New York’s holiday season, packed with people eager to see the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the sparkling window displays along Fifth Ave. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and the Tiffany & Co flagship are all reliable standouts; get an early start if you want time to linger before the sidewalks start filling up.
However, skip the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center, which is small, expensive, and prone to long queues. Instead, head to Bryant Park, where there’s skating (reservations required) and a holiday market. Further up, you can enjoy ice-skating at Central Park’s Wollman Rink (book in advance), then pick up gifts at the Columbus Circle holiday market.
Many locals find the Midtown bottleneck unenjoyable, preferring to avoid it entirely between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Visitors can explore lesser-known areas for a lower-key, neighborhood-oriented take on the festive season. The quaint streets of Greenwich Village offer a solid alternative; visit Washington Square Park, which features a huge tree and caroling on Christmas Eve. The Meatpacking District also stays alight through mid-January.
What’s the best place to see holiday lights?
It depends on what type of show you’re after. In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights, the houses are all the way over the top on the decorating front. Get there shortly after dusk and act respectfully as you wander these residential streets, taking in the festive atmosphere.
In another corner of the borough, the Jewish festival of lights ignites at Grand Army Plaza with a 32ft-high menorah, lit up on all eight nights of Hanukkah. On the first night, there’s a party with live music and hot latkes, good reasons to brave the cold.
For spectacular lights in beautiful surroundings, explore one of the botanic gardens. Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape features more than a million bright lights; the Holiday Train Show returns to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for its 31st year; and the NYC Winter Lantern Festival shines in Staten Island and Queens at SIUH Community Park and the Queens County Farm Museum, respectively.
What are some non-touristy holiday things to do in New York City?
New York loves an excuse to party, and there’s no excuse like a major holiday. Themed pop-ups are popular in the run-up to the new year, from Miracle’s Christmasy craft cocktails to Maccabee Bar’s Hanukkah extravaganza.
When in doubt, head for a rooftop bar. Crowning the Beekman Tower in Midtown East, the lounge-y Ophelia transforms into a snow globe for the festive season, while the McKittrick Hotel’s Gallow Green channels cozy alpine vibes.
Shop for last-minute gifts at local flea markets and artisan events; check local listings for leads on free and affordable events in the area. Cultural celebrations like Kwanzaa at the Apollo Theatre also offer festive experiences.
What’s the weather like in New York City during the holidays?
Usually, pretty darn cold, though this can fluctuate. Last year, December temperatures ranged from highs of 66°F (18°C) to lows of 27°F (-2°C). However, the numbers don’t tell the whole story, especially in Manhattan, where all those skyscrapers contribute to a wind-tunnel effect that often makes it feel colder.
Check the forecast before heading out and plan on wearing layers. You might need your warmest coat and thickest sweater for a comfortable walk or for ice-skating, yet you’ll likely be too warm in all that on the subway and in dining establishments. Strategize accordingly to ensure comfort during your adventures.
What’s the best way to get around?
The bus and subway are often the best options for navigating New York during the holiday season, though cabs, cars, and bikes are all good alternatives. Ride-sharing services may experience surge pricing, so consider your options based on the time of day.
If your schedule is flexible, explore ride-sharing apps that offer savings, or consider taking a traditional taxi, paired with the Curb app for convenience. Another option is Revel, which provides electric vehicle rides, albeit within a limited service area.
Citi Bikes are increasingly popular, especially when the weather is chilly. Just keep in mind that early evenings will see shorter daylight hours, so plan accordingly when biking around town.
What’s up with the subway these days?
Daily ridership remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, and recent incidents have raised concerns about subway safety. While crime statistics indicate increased occurrences, in many categories, transit crime is lower in absolute terms compared to before the pandemic.
Precautions for a safe journey include standing back from the edge of the platform and avoiding empty cars on crowded trains. Always check for service alerts to avoid delays, and be mindful of new fare systems being rolled out.
Have you made dinner reservations?
Reservations for dining destinations are always recommended, especially during peak seasons. If your desired restaurant does not accept reservations, numerous establishments welcome walk-ins; arriving early increases your chances of being seated.
While indoor dining is now the norm, many outdoor dining options remain available, offering a cozy atmosphere with heaters and blankets to fend off the winter chill.
