Christmas In New York
There is truly nothing like New York City at Christmas. The lights, the window displays, the holiday markets, the Broadway shows, and the energy of the city make it feel like you are walking through a Christmas movie. From iconic holiday stops like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Saks Fifth Avenue light show to cozy coffee mornings and unforgettable meals, this trip was the perfect mix of festive, fun, and classic New York.
Where We Stayed: Moxy NYC
For our Christmas trip to New York City, we stayed at the Moxy, and it was a great home base for exploring the city. The hotel had a fun, trendy feel and made it easy to get around to the places we wanted to visit.
During a trip like this, location matters so much because there is a lot to see and do. Being able to come back to a comfortable place after long days of walking, shopping, sightseeing, and Broadway shows made the trip feel much more relaxed.
The Moxy was a great fit for a festive NYC getaway, especially if you want something stylish, convenient, and full of city energy.
Getting Around NYC
One of the best ways to get around New York City is by using public transportation. The subway and buses made it so easy to move around the city, especially during a busy Christmas trip when we were trying to fit in holiday markets, Broadway shows, shopping, museums, restaurants, and sightseeing.
We used OMNY, the tap-to-pay system, which made everything super convenient. You can use the same card, phone, or OMNY card to tap into the subway or bus, and there is a 7-day fare cap, which is amazing if you plan on using public transportation a lot throughout your trip.
This made getting around the city feel so much easier and more affordable. Instead of worrying about buying individual tickets every time, we could just tap and go. For a Christmas trip in NYC, this was definitely the best way to get around.
Breakfast Stops: Bagels, Coffee & Classic NYC Mornings
We started several of our mornings with classic New York breakfast stops. We had bagels from Liberty Bagels and Best Bagel, both of which were perfect for a quick and delicious start to the day.
We also stopped at Ralph’s Coffee, which felt like such a charming NYC Christmas moment. There is something about grabbing coffee in the city during the holidays that feels extra special, especially when you are bundled up and getting ready for a full day of exploring.
These breakfast stops were simple, but they added so much to the trip. Sometimes the best travel memories are the little routines, like coffee in hand, walking through the city, and deciding which festive spot to visit next.
Where We Ate
New York has no shortage of amazing food, and we were able to try such a fun mix of classic spots, casual bites, and special dining experiences.
We ate at Stardust Diner, which was such a fun and memorable experience. The singing servers, the energy, and the Broadway atmosphere made it feel like more than just a meal. It is definitely one of those places that fits perfectly into a New York trip, especially if you love theater.
We also went to Magic Hour Rooftop Bar, which had such a fun atmosphere and great city views. It was a perfect spot for drinks, photos, and taking in the NYC energy from above.
Of course, we had to stop at Junior’s. It is such a classic New York spot, and you cannot go wrong with cheesecake while visiting the city.
For lunches and snacks, we explored Chelsea Market and the Bryant Park Winter Village. Both were perfect for a Christmas trip because they gave us a mix of food, shopping, and festive atmosphere all in one place. Chelsea Market was great for browsing and grabbing bites, while Bryant Park felt especially magical with its holiday shops, lights, and seasonal energy.
Michelin-Star Dining at Nōksu
One of the most special dining experiences of the trip was Nōksu, a Michelin-star restaurant in New York City. This definitely deserves its own section because it felt like such a unique and elevated part of the trip.
Nōksu is the kind of dining experience that feels intimate, creative, and memorable from start to finish.
Adding a Michelin-star dining experience to a Christmas trip in NYC made the getaway feel even more special. It was one of those meals that becomes part of the story of the trip, not just somewhere you stopped to eat.
Broadway Shows: Gatsby & Hell’s Kitchen
A huge highlight of the trip was seeing two Broadway shows. There is already something magical about Broadway, but seeing shows during Christmastime in New York made it feel even more exciting.
We saw Gatsby, featuring the amazing Jeremy Jordan, and it was such a memorable performance. The music, the costumes, the staging, and the energy made it such a fun Broadway experience.
We also saw Hell’s Kitchen, and there was a surprise appearance from Alicia Keys, which made the night even more unforgettable. That is one of those once-in-a-lifetime New York moments that you never expect, but will always remember.
If you are visiting NYC during Christmas, I would absolutely recommend adding at least one Broadway show to your itinerary. It is the perfect way to slow down after a busy day in the city and experience one of the things New York does best.
Museum of Broadway
We also visited the Museum of Broadway, which was such a fun stop, especially since Broadway was such a big part of this trip.
The museum was colorful, interactive, and full of history. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the shows, performers, costumes, and creativity that make Broadway so iconic.
This is a great activity for theater lovers, but it is also fun even if you are just looking for something unique to do in the city. It pairs perfectly with seeing a Broadway show while you are in town.
Grand Central Station & Holiday Market
We spent time walking around Grand Central Station, which is beautiful any time of year, but especially fun to visit during the holidays. The architecture, the movement of people, and the classic New York feeling make it such an iconic stop.
We also checked out the Christmas market there, which was a great place to browse for gifts and enjoy a more festive side of the station. It was nice to have an indoor holiday market option, especially during a colder December trip.
Grand Central is one of those places that feels both practical and special. You can pass through it quickly, but it is worth slowing down and really looking around.
Christmas Shopping & Holiday Markets
Christmas shopping in New York City was such a fun part of the trip. We shopped around Hudson Yards, Chelsea Market, and the holiday market near Macy’s Herald Square, which is called Macy’s Holiday Square Market.
Hudson Yards felt polished and festive, Chelsea Market had a more artsy and local feel, and Macy’s Holiday Square Market was perfect for that classic Midtown Christmas shopping moment.
We also spent time at the Bryant Park Winter Village, which was one of the most festive places we visited. Between the holiday shops, seasonal snacks, and beautiful atmosphere, it is such a must-do during Christmas in NYC.
If you love finding gifts, browsing small vendors, or just soaking in holiday magic, New York’s Christmas markets are such a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Fifth Avenue Window Shopping & the Saks Light Show
One of the most iconic Christmas activities we did was window shopping along Fifth Avenue. The holiday windows are so beautiful, and even if you do not buy anything, it is such a fun experience to walk around and take it all in.
We also caught the Saks Fifth Avenue light show, which felt like such a classic NYC Christmas moment. The lights, music, crowds, and excitement all come together in a way that feels so festive and memorable.
This is definitely one of those activities that belongs on a Christmas in New York itinerary. It may be crowded, but it is worth it for the experience.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was another iconic moment from the trip. No matter how many photos or movies you have seen of it, there is something so special about standing there in person.
The tree, the lights, the skating rink, and the energy of the crowd make Rockefeller Center feel like the heart of Christmas in New York.
It is busy, but it is also one of those places you just have to see at least once during the holiday season.
North Pole Express Tour Bus
We also took the North Pole Express tour bus, and even though it was definitely touristy, it ended up being such a great way to see the Christmas lights around the city.
Sometimes touristy activities are popular for a reason, and this was one of them. It gave us a chance to sit back, relax, and see the city dressed up for Christmas without having to figure out every stop on our own.
It was festive, easy, and a fun way to experience more of the holiday lights throughout New York City.
Iconic Gossip Girl Spots
We also made time to visit some iconic Gossip Girl spots, which added such a fun touch to the trip.
We stopped by The Met steps, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Lotte New York Palace. These places are beautiful on their own, but if you are a Gossip Girl fan, they feel even more exciting to see in person.
The Lotte New York Palace especially felt so elegant and festive during Christmas. It was such a fun stop for photos and a little bit of Upper East Side nostalgia.
American Museum of Natural History
Another stop on our itinerary was the American Museum of Natural History. This was a great way to break up the holiday markets, shopping, and shows with something educational and classic.
The museum is huge, so you could easily spend hours there. It is a great option for families, couples, or anyone who wants an indoor activity during a winter trip to NYC.
It was a nice change of pace and added even more variety to the itinerary.
The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
Another unforgettable Christmas moment was seeing The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. This is such a classic New York holiday experience, and it truly felt like something that belongs on every Christmas in NYC itinerary.
The show was festive, polished, and so fun to watch. From the costumes to the choreography to the Christmas music, it felt like stepping into one of the most iconic holiday traditions in the city.
Making a Wish for the 2026 Ball Drop
We also got to make a wish for the 2026 ball drop, which was such a sweet and memorable New York moment. Visitors can write their wishes on official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti, and those wishes become part of the confetti released over Times Square at midnight.
It was such a simple activity, but it felt really special knowing our wish would become part of such an iconic New Year’s Eve celebration.
Final Thoughts
Christmas in New York City is truly something everyone should experience at least once. This trip had everything: cozy coffee mornings, classic bagels, Broadway shows, holiday markets, window shopping, festive lights, iconic sightseeing, amazing food, and unforgettable moments.
Between staying at the Moxy, using public transportation to get around the city, dining at Nōksu, seeing Gatsby and Hell’s Kitchen, visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, catching the Saks light show, shopping at the Christmas markets, exploring Gossip Girl spots, and taking in the city at its most festive, this trip felt magical from start to finish.
New York City during Christmas is busy, crowded, and full of energy, but that is also what makes it so special. If you love the holidays, good food, theater, shopping, and iconic city moments, this is a trip worth adding to your travel list.
If you are dreaming of a Christmas getaway to New York City, I would love to help you plan the perfect itinerary. From where to stay and what to eat to which shows to see and how to make the most of the holiday magic, NYC is one of the most unforgettable Christmas destinations.