If you don’t know what to do during the holidays in New York, let me give you some suggestions and tips because there are tons of things to do this time of year.
The Christmas atmosphere in New York
Department store windows
Admire the windows of department stores
As Christmas approaches, all department stores (Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s) reveal their Christmas windows magnificently decorated to the amazed eyes of customers. If you are in New York during this period, don’t miss the lovely spectacle they offer!
–When ? From mid-November to early January
Read my article on Christmas window displays
© FB Saks
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Admire the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
New York at Christmas is also magnificent Rockefeller Center Christmas tree! With its 17m height, it is one of the symbols of celebrations in New York! I advise you to go and admire it in the evening, when it is lit up, it’s magical!
For information, the tree is equipped with low-consumption bulbs powered by solar panels, which is obviously very good from an ecological point of view.
– When ? : November 29, 2023.
– All the info here : www.rockefellercenter.com/holidays/rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting
Christmas markets in New York
You should know that in New York the Christmas period is truly festive and that the municipality mobilizes very significant resources for this occasion. I strongly advise you to take a trip to a Christmas market in the city where the holiday spirit is sure to delight young and old alike! You will find jewelry, home decor, scarves, hats, and other artisanal products.
–When ? : from mid-October to early January.
Read my article on Christmas markets
Christmas in New York, the Christmas decorations store in New York
If you want your tree and your house to have a little New York flair for the Christmas holidays, this store is for you!!!
Here you will find hundreds of Christmas decorations, for all tastes!
You will find everything you need for your tree (balls, bows, garlands, socks, etc.), your front door, your house, your fireplace… but also nativity scenes with figurines, candles, crowns… in short you will find absolutely everything!!!
Read my article on this Christmas decorations store
Christmas lights in Brooklyn
Take a guided tour to see Brooklyn’s Christmas lights
Christmas lights in New York are magical, but those in Brooklyn, in the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and especially Dyker Heights, are CRAZY!!!
It’s definitely not to be missed!!!!
And I have just created a special, exclusive tour of New York in French to take you to discover these magnificent Christmas decorations.
More information about the visit
Enjoy the holiday atmosphere
I advise you to take full advantage of the magical atmosphere of the end of year celebrations in New York. The decorations are grandiose and the city is adorned with illuminations of all colors. The atmosphere is truly magical, and even more so if the snow is there 😉 .
Christmas music is played in most of the city’s stores, but also in the streets where there are also many people singing like in the films. Right here (see photo below), my little wife is giving a piece to this lady who sang really well!
– When ? : from mid-November, usually after Thanksgiving.
Ice skating in a magical setting
Once you have seen and taken a photo of the magnificent tree at Rockefeller Center, put on your skates to enjoy the ice rink located just below, and act like the characters from the many films and TV series that millions of people enjoy would dream of imitating.
What’s more romantic than to ice skatehand in hand with her lover (or in love)under the lit Christmas tree in New York?
Skating rinks are also installed in Central Park, Bryant Park and Brookfield Place.
– When ?: from mid-October to mid-April.
Read my article on ice rinks in New York
Attend a special Christmas show
Nutcracker (The Nutcracker in English) :Like every year, George Balanchine’s famous ballet will be performed at the David h. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center by the prestigious New York City Ballet.
– When ? : from November 30, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular : The famous Rockettes Christmas show brings joy to young and old from 7 to 77 years old at Radio City Music City Hall.
– When ? : from the end of November 2023 to January 1, 2024.
What to do on December 25 and 26?
What to do on Christmas Day and the day after
Please note that on December 25, called “Christmas Day”, many stores are closed: stores, restaurants, museums, etc.
I therefore advise you to make the most of the outdoors and discover New York City and its neighborhoods, particularly Central Park (possibly under the snow).
It’s actually the only day of the year when New York slows down, so to speak… and even to eat, it’s not easy to find a place.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of good tips for Christmas Day:
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Multiple shows per day.
Empire State Building – Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Top of the Rock – Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center – Open 8:30 a.m. to midnight.
The Pond at Bryant Park – Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wollman Rink in Central Park – Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Central Park Carousel – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jewish Children’s Museum – Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jewish Museum – Open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Museum of Jewish Heritage – Open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Restaurants open for Christmas Day: www.opentable.com (choose the date of December 25, 2023)
Know that if the snow covers all of Central Park, you will be amazed and take magnificent photos. Only one imperative: have something to cover yourself well. Because it can get very, very cold! So down jackets, hats, tights and underwear are essential to make the most of your trip to New York during the end-of-year holidays.
Rest assured for December 26. On the 26th, activity is more lively than ever, notably with the start of the sales! Attention shopping fans: you will be able to heat up your credit cards! 🙂
And for others, visit the museums, because the people who will be in the stores will not be in the museums! 😉
Bars and Restaurants for Christmas and New Year
Have a drink on a rooftop in winter
New York in winter is sublime. If it snows during your stay you will discover a magnificent city. On the other hand, it may be very cold. So I have some good tips that will allow you to enjoy the city, while being warm and in a comfortable place.
Read my article on good deals in winter
What to do on December 31 for New Year’s Eve?
What to do for New Year’s Eve?
In New York, every year, the party is everywhere, but it’s true that “the place to be” for the stroke of midnight is Times Square!
Arrive early to be at the heart of the festivities, and above all avoid bringing children who are too young and/or people who don’t like crowds. (agoraphobes, s’abstenir !)because each time there are tens of thousands of people who meet in this… tight-knit atmosphere 😉
Don’t miss the fireworks which are considered one of the most beautiful in the world! (I must admit that I have not yet had the opportunity to attend it myself.)
Read my article on New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Book a New Year’s Day 2024 party in Times Square or on a cruise
What are the restaurants in Times Square for New Year’s Day?
If you are not too tempted by the experience and especially by the long wait in Times Square, know that there are other ways to spend New York’s Eve. I have prepared a Top 10 to help you decide.
Read my Top 10 for New Year’s Eve
©Times Square
What to do on January 1st?
What to do for New Year’s Day?
Just like in France, not everything is open on January 1st in New York.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of good tips out for New Year’s Day:
Guggenheim Museum – Open from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Museum of Modern Art – Open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
New-York Historical Society – Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
New York Botanical Garden – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Museum of the Moving Image – Ouvert de 11h à 17h
NY Hall of Science – Temporarily closed
Liberty and Ellis Islands – Ferries – Departure from 9:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Met Opera – ‘Magic Flute” matinee in English and “Die Zauberflöte” in German at night Merchant’s House Museum – Ouvert de midi à 17h
Jewish Children’s Museum – Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Jewish Heritage – Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Empire State Building – Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Top of the Rock – Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m
The Rink at Rockefeller Center – Open 8:30 a.m. to midnight
The Pond at Bryant Park – Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wollman Rink in Central Park – Open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Central Park Carousel – Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum – Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Circle Line downtown Harbor Cruises – Ride from 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Museum of Sex – Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Restaurants open for New Year’s Day: www.opentable.com/ and choose the date January 1, 2024.
And also enjoy Central Park this January 1st, especially if you are lucky enough to have snow, like here:
Guided Tours from my agency “New York in French”
L’agenda BPVNY
Consult the calendar for all events, exhibitions, concerts, parades, etc.
Don’t hesitate to look at the events in the New York Agenda because there are always plenty of concerts, shows, parades… and tons of very nice little events to see and where you can participate.
To see a show on Broadway or search for an artist in concert, visit the trusted site to reserve your seats Tiqets
.
Consult the agenda Attend a concert See a show on Broadway
Sport events
Attend a sports match
Pour sports fansplease note that during the Christmas period, there is no break for NBA, NHL or NFL matches. So you can reserve your seats to support one of the local teams.
– Basket-Ball NBA
The season is in full swing as it just started at the end of October! You can go see matches of New York’s two flagship teams!
NY Knicks and/or Brooklyn Nets Fan Experience
– American Football NFL
Here again, the season starting in September, the teams play their best to qualify for the famous Super Bowl which will take place in January!
– NHL ice hockey
It’s the winter sport! Go see the best players in the league which brings together American and Canadian teams.
New York Rangers New York Islanders
If you want to learn more about the New York teams and the different seasons of each sport, I created a summary article.
Read my article on sports teams in New York
2023-12-04 08:00:00
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