Best things to do in New York City in December
New York City, USA
December is the best time to visit one of the greatest cities in the world. Because New York is a great walking city, many of the holiday attractions are outdoors. Be sure to check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately. The average monthly high temperature is 43 degrees with the average low at 32 degrees, so prepare for chilly weather. Enjoy a wide variety of winter and holiday activities in New York City during December.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Rockefeller Plaza
A must-see in NYC during December is America’s most famous tree in Rockefeller Plaza. The tree is between West 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenue in the middle of the Rockefeller Center Complex.
The tree is put in place in mid-November, and the 2019 lighting ceremony is at 7:00 p.m. on December 4th.
Besides the tree lighting, the celebration includes numerous live performances by singers and bands plus the Radio City Rockettes. If you can’t attend the lighting ceremony, see the lights every night from 5:30 until 11:30 p.m. until the first week of January.
Other things to do at Rockefeller Center include viewing the city from the observatory at Top of the Rock. Top of the Rock is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, opening at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 12:30 a.m. You will find the most massive crowds around sunset, so the best times to visit are morning or after dark. The 70th-floor observation deck is completely open and gives panoramic 360-degree views of the city. The 69th-floor deck is enclosed and suitable for bad weather viewing. You will need a ticket, but a variety of discounts are available.
Winter and Holiday Markets
One of the best places to get a dose of cheer while you get your holiday shopping done is at one of NYC’s holiday markets.
Union Square Holiday Market – With over 150 vendors, this is the largest of the holiday markets offering a variety of gifts from leather goods to jewelry. Open November 21 – December 24, 2019.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market – Located at the southwest entrance to Central Park, this market is similar to the Union Square Market. Open December 4 – December 24, 2019
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park – This temporary market offers everything from apparel to local food vendors. Open Oct. 31, 2019 – to Jan. 5, 2020.
Grand Central Holiday Fair – Located inside Grand Central Terminal, this market offers a wide variety of unique items. Open November 18-December 24, 2019.
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn Light Displays
Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is one of the great free attractions of the New York City area. During the holidays, the residents of Dyker Heights decorate their homes with elaborate festive light displays. Many houses are decorated after Thanksgiving. The best time to view the decorations is in December from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. If you’re taking the subway, bundle up in cold weather. The best lights are about a mile from the subway stop.
Photo by Josh Wilburne
Store Window Decorations
Shopping in New York may be expensive, but window shopping is always one of the best free things to do. Take in the elaborate window displays in some of the city’s most fabulous stores along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. See Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Tiffany’s, and Cartier as they go all out with holiday decorations to entertain window shoppers. Madison Avenue boasts Barneys and Hermés. Each window has its own unique theme from winter scenes to elaborate stories. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes to enjoy the glamour of holiday decorations paired with high fashion all through December.
Photo by Arthur Osipyan
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a must-see for a December trip to New York City. Enjoy the spectacular choreography, and fantastic costumes as the Rockettes perform their high kicking show. The show runs November 19, 2019-January 5, 2020. Times vary by day, so check the schedule for showtimes. Special experience packages available include pre-show receptions, dance classes, and backstage tours.
Ice skating in Central Park
One of the best places for winter ice skating is Central Park’s Wollman Rink. Located at 6th Avenue and 59th Street, you can enjoy spectacular views of the New York skyline as you skate.
Bank of America Winter Village At Bryant Park
You have a great selection of activities at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Take a spin on the ice at the ice rink, enjoy a gourmet meal, or do some shopping at the holiday market. Carols and a giant tree add to the holiday spirit.
World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah
Enjoy the Jewish Festival of Lights in Brooklyn or Manhattan. Brooklyn and Manhattan vie for the honor of having the world’s largest menorah. The Manhattan menorah is a steel 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound icon located across the street from The Plaza hotel. It is lit at 5:30 every day except Friday and Saturday when the lights go on at 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The similarly sized Brooklyn menorah is at the top of Prospect Park and is lit at 6:00 p.m., except for Fridays (3:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (7:00 p.m.). The Brooklyn location hosts a concert before the lighting on the first night of Hanukkah.
Nutcracker Ballet
Taking in a performance of The Nutcracker is one of the most traditional ways to get in the holiday spirit during your visit to New York City. There are many performances of The Nutcracker all over the city. The most famous one is put on by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. George Balanchine’s production combines Tschaikovsky’s lavish music with elaborate costumes and outstanding visual effects.
(Photo/Amy Hart/Times Square Alliance)
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
The world’s greatest watch party happens every December 31st as revelers celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The ball drops from the top of 1 Times Square just south of Broadway and 7th Avenue at 42nd Street. There is a wide area from which to watch the action. The ball drop happens at midnight, but live performances begin at 6:00 p.m. Check the Times Square website for more information on entertainment. Arrive early for the best viewing spot. Dress warm because you will be outside for several hours. Eat before you go and bring snacks. Once you are inside the area, you may not be able to leave.
Whether your interest is the arts, festive displays, or shopping, New York City has something for you to enjoy during the December holidays.
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