How to Spend an Unforgettable December in New York
New York City in December is pure magic. From the twinkling lights of Fifth Avenue to the ice-skating rinks in Central Park, the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland. Whether you’re here to see the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, explore charming holiday markets, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, NYC in December is an experience like no other.
Beyond the Christmas cheer, the city offers world-class museums, scenic rooftop bars, Broadway shows, and legendary food spots that make every moment unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC explorer, this guide will help you make the most of your December trip to the Big Apple.
Let’s dive into all the best things to do, eat, and experience during your December adventure in New York City!
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Top left: Christmas trees for sale on the street. Top right, bottom left, bottom right: the streets of NYC
Where to Stay in New York in December
Finding affordable accommodation in New York can be a challenge, but there are plenty of great options that won’t break the bank.
Budget & Mid-Range Hotels:
- Pod 39 (Midtown) – Stylish, compact, and centrally located.
- Moxy NYC East Village – Trendy and budget-friendly with a great vibe.
- The Jane Hotel (West Village) – Cozy, vintage-inspired rooms in a charming neighborhood.
- The Freehand NYC (Flatiron) – A mix of affordability and style, plus a great rooftop bar.
- Pod Brooklyn – Perfect if you want to stay in Brooklyn!
House & Pet Sitting – A Budget-Friendly Way to Stay in NYC
If you’re looking for free accommodation in exchange for taking care of someone’s home (and sometimes a furry friend), house and pet sitting can be an incredible option! It’s a great way to experience NYC like a local while saving money on accommodation – which can free up your budget for food, experiences, and holiday shopping.
Not sure where to start? Check out my Ultimate Guide to House & Pet Sitting for tips on how to land the best sits, which platforms to use, and how to make the most of this unique travel opportunity!
Best Things to Do in New York in December (By Area)
Jump to area:
- Chelsea & Hudson Yards
- Greenwich Village & West Village
- Central Park & Midtown
- Lower Manhattan & the Financial District
- Brooklyn & Williamsburg
- Christmas Lights & Holiday Markets
Chelsea & Hudson Yards
This area is full of cool things to see and do, and you could easily spend a whole afternoon exploring. Start with a visit to Chelsea Market, a must-visit for food lovers, packed with amazing vendors selling everything from tacos to fresh seafood. From there, hop onto The High Line, an amazing elevated park built on an old railway line, giving you some of the best views of the city.
For a dose of nature in the middle of the city, check out Little Island, a super unique floating park on the Hudson River. Right next to it, Pier 57 Rooftop Park offers an incredible skyline view, making it a great spot to relax and snap some photos.
Hudson Yards is home to The Vessel (you can’t climb it anymore, but it’s still cool to see) and The Edge, one of NYC’s best observation decks with an insane glass floor that makes you feel like you’re floating above the city. If you have extra time, consider visiting The Whitney Museum of American Art, which offers free entry on the first Friday of the month (just make sure to register in advance as spots get snapped up quickly).
Top left & right: views from The High Line. Bottom left & right: inside The Whitney Museum.
Greenwich Village & West Village
If I had to pick one area of New York to get lost in, Greenwich Village & the West Village would be it. These neighborhoods have that effortlessly cool, historic charm – think tree-lined streets, brownstone buildings, cozy cafés, and some of the best food spots in the city. Start your day with a coffee at Ralph’s Coffee, the chic little café inside the Ralph Lauren store (yes, it’s as stylish as it sounds). Then, take a wander down Bleecker Street, one of the most iconic streets in the Village, home to boutique shops, record stores, and some incredible food stops. If you’re a bagel lover, grab a classic New York bagel from Murray’s Bagels – the perfect fuel for exploring.
Be sure to check out the Stonewall National Monument, an important site in LGBTQ+ history. Take some time to explore Washington Square Park, the beating heart of the Village. There’s always something happening here – musicians, artists, street performers – it’s the perfect place to soak up the NYC vibe. If you’re visiting in December, the park’s holiday tree lighting ceremony is a must-see.
For a drink, stop by The Garret, a hidden speakeasy-style bar located above a Five Guys burger shop (yes, really). If cocktails aren’t your thing, Blind Tiger Ale House is a great spot for craft beer lovers. To end on a fun note, catch a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar, where some of the best comedians in the world perform regularly (you never know who might drop in for a surprise set!).
All: the streets of Greenwich Village & West Village
Central Park & Midtown
No trip to New York in December is complete without a visit to Central Park, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch it dusted in snow. Go ice skating at Wollman Rink, grab a hot chocolate, and soak up the festive atmosphere. While you’re in the area, make a stop at Levain Bakery for one of their legendary, gooey cookies—trust me, it’s worth the hype.
Right nearby, you’ll find The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Even if you’re not a big art fan, this place is incredible. You could easily spend half a day wandering through the exhibits, and during December, they have a stunning Christmas tree display. If you’re looking for a warm indoor escape from the winter chill, this is the perfect spot.
Top left: dog walkers in Central Park. Top right: ice skating at Wollman Rink. Bottom left & right: Central Park scenes.
Midtown is also home to some of NYC’s most iconic sights, including Times Square, Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center (where you’ll find the famous Christmas tree). Stop by 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar for a cheeky drink (including Christmas classics like mulled wine) with an incredible view. While you’re in the area, stop by the New York Public Library – not only is the building stunning, but it’s also the perfect cozy escape for a quiet break in the middle of the city.
One of the coolest, completely free experiences you can have in NYC is being in the audience for a live talk show! A lot of major shows film in this area, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Drew Barrymore Show, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Tickets get released months in advance and disappear fast, so you have to be organised and book early. I was lucky enough to be part of the audience for both The Drew Barrymore Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and it was easily one of the best experiences from my time in NYC!
Top left: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert venue. Top right: view from 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Middle left & right: views from the Empire State Building. Bottom left: Radio City Music Hall. Bottom right: inside Grand Central Station.
Lower Manhattan & the Financial District
Lower Manhattan is where history, finance, and iconic landmarks collide. It’s home to Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and some of the city’s most powerful moments in history.
Head to Battery Park, where you can enjoy waterfront views and hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a free, up-close view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you want to visit the statue properly, book ferry tickets in advance.
Back on land, wander through the Canyon of Heroes, where ticker-tape parades have celebrated everything from moon landings to World Series victories. Nearby, the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues are iconic photo ops. From here, take a stroll down Wall Street to see the New York Stock Exchange – it’s closed to visitors, but still pretty impressive to see.
And finally, pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a deeply moving tribute to the lives lost in the 2001 attacks. Even if you don’t go inside the museum, the twin reflecting pools, where the towers once stood, are a powerful sight.
Left & right: views from the Staten Island Ferry.
Brooklyn & Williamsburg
Brooklyn is the effortlessly cool, creative, and slightly rebellious counterpart to Manhattan. Whether you’re crossing over for skyline views, vintage shopping, or a laid-back vibe, it’s worth dedicating a full day to exploring.
Take a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – one of the most iconic walks in NYC. If you go early, you’ll avoid the crowds and get the best photos of the Manhattan skyline. Once in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), head to Washington Street, where the Manhattan Bridge perfectly frames the Empire State Building – arguably one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. Check out Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 carousel sitting right on the waterfront. And if you’re here on a Saturday, check out Brooklyn Flea Market for vintage treasures and artisan goods.
From DUMBO, hop on the NYC Ferry or the subway to Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhood. This area is a paradise for food lovers, with endless cafes, food markets, and cool local restaurants. Explore Bedford Avenue, the heart of Williamsburg, filled with boutique stores, record shops, and thrift shops. If you love vintage shopping, don’t miss Awoke Vintage and Beacon’s Closet – you can score some seriously cool finds here.
For an evening activity, catch an NBA basketball game (Brooklyn Nets tickets are usually cheaper than the Knicks) or go to a comedy show for a night of laughter.
Top left: Brooklyn Flea Markets. Top right: the iconic selfie spot in Washington Street. Bottom left: DUMBO! Bottom right: strolling over Brooklyn Bridge.
Christmas Lights & Holiday Markets
New York City transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with dazzling lights, festive markets, and larger-than-life holiday displays at every turn. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, here are some of the best spots to soak up the festive magic.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – The most iconic Christmas tree in NYC! The lighting ceremony usually happens in late November, but the tree stays lit through early January.
- Fifth Avenue Window Displays – Walk along Fifth Avenue to see the stunning holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Tiffany & Co.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Brooklyn) – A must-see neighborhood known for its over-the-top Christmas displays (best viewed between 11th–13th Avenues and 83rd–86th Streets).
- Bryant Park Winter Village – One of NYC’s best Christmas markets, with a free ice-skating rink and plenty of festive food stalls.
- Grand Central Holiday Fair – Perfect for avoiding the cold! This indoor holiday market inside Grand Central Terminal offers elegant handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and decorations.
- Union Square Holiday Market – Great for unique gifts and handcrafted goods.
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show – Every night, Saks’ flagship store puts on a dazzling light show set to music. One of the most magical holiday experiences in the city!
New York in December is an absolute dream – whether you’re skating under twinkling lights, exploring festive holiday markets, or indulging in delicious winter treats. The city’s magic is undeniable, and there’s no better time to soak it all in than the holiday season. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect NYC winter adventure. Have you visited New York in December? Let me know in the comments!
