What to Do to Have a New York Christmas

By: Lillian Lewis

Christmas is almost here—the time for holly and mistletoe, peppermint-flavored everything, and Christmas trees lighting up every corner of every store. The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, and it’s no wonder so many people gravitate towards iconic destinations to celebrate. Among them, New York City holds a particularly legendary status.

In almost every holiday movie, from Elf to Home Alone 2 to those cheesy-but-charming Hallmark films, a New York Christmas takes center stage. But what makes it so special? Is it really as enchanting as Kevin McCallister made it seem?

Last December, I had the opportunity to find out for myself. My trip to New York City for the Jingle Ball (which was absolutely amazing) turned into an unforgettable Christmas adventure. While some tourist traps fall flat, winter in New York City exceeded my expectations. It was every bit as magical as Buddy the Elf made it look.

If you’re planning your own NYC Christmas, here are my top tips to help you avoid the mistakes I made and make the most of your experience.

Book Ahead

This might seem obvious, but trust me, you’ll want to plan ahead. Check to see if the places you’re interested in visiting—restaurants, ice skating rinks, or attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building—accept reservations. New York City is busy year-round, but during the holidays, it’s a whole new level of chaos.

For example, my family and I found a cute restaurant and an ice skating rink on social media that we were excited to try. However, when we showed up, we were hit with a three-hour wait for the restaurant, and the ice skating rink was reservation-only. While these weren’t the main attractions we had planned for, it was a lesson learned: book in advance to save yourself time and disappointment.

Learn the Subway

Navigating New York City’s subway system can be daunting, especially if you’re not used to public transportation. In my hometown, public transportation is limited to a single bus route and ride-share apps, so the subway was a whole new world for me.

On our first day, my mom and I accidentally boarded the wrong train and spent an hour heading in the opposite direction before realizing our mistake. In our defense, we were exhausted from our flight, but it was still was not the best way to start to our trip. Once we got the hang of it, though, the subway turned out to be the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city.

A quick tip: Manhattan is laid out in a grid system, which makes navigating much easier once you understand it. Most streets are numbered, and avenues run north to south while streets run east to west. Fun fact: This system was established by the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811 to help control New York's quick growth after the American Revolution. It’s a genius design that makes getting around much more straightforward once you get familiar with it. This blogger does a great job at explaining the system and how to navigate it like a real New Yorker.

Stay in the City

When visiting New York City, resist the temptation to save a few bucks by staying outside the city. It might seem like a good idea at first, but trust me, it’s not worth the hassle.

New York is a highly walkable city, and you’ll likely spend most of your trip on your feet exploring. After a long day, the last thing you’ll want to do is have an hour-long commute back to your hotel. Staying in the city allows you to quickly retreat to your room and recharge whenever you need to.

If budget is a concern, look for deals through coupon websites like Groupon, or check if your credit card offers discounts on hotels in the area. It’s an investment in your overall experience that your feet will thank you for after.

Act Like a Local This New York Christmas

While it’s fun to visit famous tourist spots like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square, don’t be afraid to explore. These popular attractions often come with long lines and crowds that can detract from the experience.

Some of the best tourist spots during Christmas season was Bryant Park, a winter village in the city. It had everything from hot cocoa, multiple types of food to shops with things like paintings, jewelry, clothing, etc. The iconic Macy's Day Holiday Square and Rockefeller Christmas Tree were also beautiful but to you want to see these attractions its better to go at night.

For a more authentic NYC adventure, seek out small restaurants and local shops. Don't get me wrong I loved the other restaurants we went to to. But one of my favorite memories from the trip was grabbing a slice of white pizza and a Coke from a tiny hole-in-the-wall just a block from our hotel. It was easily the best meal of the entire trip, proving that sometimes the simplest experiences are the most memorable.

Find a Fun Souvenir

The holiday season in New York is a shopper’s dream. Stores are brimming with ornaments, toys, and custom gifts, making it hard to resist taking home a piece of the magic. I always try to pick up a unique souvenir from every place I visit, and New York was no exception.

My favorite find? A custom Barbie from FAO Schwarz. Yes, I was 21 at the time, but building my own Barbie—complete with a mini version of myself—was the perfect memento. Not only did it fit in seamlessly with my childhood Barbie collection, but it also felt personal and unique. Other family members opted for ornaments and mugs, but I’m glad I chose something that felt truly special to me.

FAO Schwarz, by the way, was like stepping into Santa’s workshop. The sheer whimsy of the place made it one of the highlights of the trip, though I couldn’t imagine working there during the holiday rush. If you visit, prepare to be dazzled by the festive displays and endless gift options.

Stay Jolly and Explore NYC

A New York City Christmas is every bit as magical as the movies make it out to be, but it’s also a bustling, high-energy experience that requires some planning to fully enjoy. By booking ahead, mastering the subway, staying in the city, and embracing the local culture, you can create your own version of a holiday movie-worthy adventure. And don’t forget to pick up a special souvenir to remember the trip by—it’ll be a little piece of Christmas magic you can carry with you year-round.

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the holiday season in New York City, make it happen. There’s nothing quite like the twinkling lights, festive music, and contagious holiday spirit of the Big Apple in December. Whether you’re ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or sipping hot cocoa in Bryant Park, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.