Top 10 Things to do in New York This Christmas

Christmas brings back the euphoric soul of New York City in all its glory. It is one of the incredible times of the year to witness the sparkling magical flair of NYC’s banal winters. So, what is this holy magical vibe which I speak of? Well, it’s the one you’re gonna notice as soon as you start scrolling down & explore some of the top things to do in NYC on Christmas this year. Furthermore, if you’re prone to turning into an irritated elf or stressed out tooth fairy then these festive activities were definitely made for you. Without any further delay here is a list of 10 fantastic things to do in New York during Christmas, with all the added bonuses of location, opening dates & prices.

List of 10 Must-Try Things to do in New York For Christmas

1. Attend Bryant Park’s Funfair

Winter Village at Bryant Park is one of the coolest holiday destinations during Christmas. Every year it shines up with all its holiday glory. You can stroll around beautifully decorated stores, buy a lot of cool gifts, eat food and explore about 60 shopping and food kiosks. Obviously, famous things to do in New York during Christmas can’t miss out on the 17,000-square-foot ice-skating rink giving you the adventure of all time. Surely, a trip to Bryant park adds sparkle to your holiday season by offering you a winter wonderland of fun and excitement. Though don’t underestimate the surreal backdrop of nature as well. 

Address: Fifth and Sixth Avenues amidst 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Highlights: Surreally decorated stores, amazing gifts shops & numerous foods kiosks

2. New York Botanical Garden Train Show

Every year since 1992 the New York Botanical Garden organizes a unique show featuring handmade organic replicas inspired by 150 New York City landmarks. It also includes the network of legendary model train tracks. The show is held indoors in the cozy comfort of the world-famous health conservatory. It has become one of the popular things to do in New York for Christmas especially amongst travelers. Be prepared to be blown away because each miniature building is painstakingly made from twigs, seeds, leaves, flowers, and just about any plant matter that you can think of. Altogether there’s a lot of hard work you’ll be witnessing.

Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY, United States

Highlights: Fabulous replicas of NYC’s 150 iconic landmarks

Get: Foods to Try in New York

3. Visit Lincoln City and enjoy Nutcracker Ballet

If you are looking to experience the best of the best in the realm of the performing arts then this is the place to be. What better than The Nutcracker ballet at the David H Koch theatre with its jaw-dropping decor and an awesome selection of art and sculpture. It is one of the stunning theatre’s feasts you are gonna have to add to your list. The costumes and the dancing will be top-notch and you will love every minute of the performance. Now if you truly want to make it a memorable Christmas then you should visit David Geffen Hall for a striking performance of Handel’s Messiah. You shouldn’t miss this well-known thing to try in New York this Christmas.

Address: David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, NYC

Highlights: Entertaining storytelling through ballet & jaw-dropping decor with a refined selection of art and sculpture.

4. Christmas Windows

If you make it a point to visit the big fancy department store of Christmas Windows, then be ready to face a crowd lined up to see windows brimming with holiday cheer. The best part of this thing to try in NYC on Christmas is at night where they also host their custom dramatic light show taking the term holiday windows to a whole new level. These delighted things are some of the Christmas holiday adventures that will never disappoint you for sure. 

Address: one set on Broadway between 34th and 35th streets and another set along 34th Street

Highlights: Cheerful crowd & mesmerizing decor to explore

5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The awesome way to start off the season of Christmas is via Macy’s Thanksgiving giving day parade. Every year since 1924 Macy’s department store organizes a huge event featuring a line-up of colorful floats larger than life helium balloons, marching bands, famous celebrity singers, and seducing Broadway performers. The parade kicks start at Manhattan’s upper west side and continue down central park west. It then further leads to the 6th avenue joining the herald square directly in front of Macy’s department store. This is where the best things to try in New York on  Christmas will begin. The most-awaited Santa Claus will make his appearance at the very end.

Address: Starts at West 77th Street and Central Park West and ends in front of the iconic Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street in Herald’s Square

Highlights: Be a part of an incredible parade adorned with helium balloons, marching bands, famous celebrity singers & much more.

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6. Attend Christmas Spectacular Show in Radio City

This is another New York city classical festivities during Christmas that has been around since 1933. The venue of Radio City is absolutely gorgeous with its art decor interiors. In the lobby, there is an eye feasting humongous Christmas tree in the grand foyer which you mustn’t miss. There is a beautiful show called “A spectacular Christmas” held every year and attended by millions of people at Radio City. This  90-minute show is one of the perfect things to do in New York during Christmas that everyone needs to see at least once in their lifetime.

Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY, USA

Highlights: Humongous Christmas Tree at the lobby of Radio City along with numerous art decors.

7. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Dyker Heights becomes an iconic part of the New York City Christmas experience. Every year thousands flock to Dyker Heights to visit this bright festive Hollywood extravaganza. This is where the homeowners from 83rd to 86th street between 11th and 13 avenues pull out all the stops with the Christmas lights and decorations. The homes are enormous with so many over-the-top decorations. Crowds of all ages come out to see this vibrant display of lights and holiday cheer. They have lights flashing in so many nooks and crannies that you just might have to wear your shades at night. These beautiful things to do in New York during Christmas keep you hooked for the next upcoming years of your winter holidays. 

Address: 1072 80th St 1st. Floor, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Highlights: Over-the-top decorations with a marching band & euphoric crowd.

8. Bronx Zoological Garden

Bronx Zoological Garden is one of the largest zoos in the United States. During Christmas, the sparkling celebration of the zoo features animated lights and LED displays of animals from around the world. Every year 79 lanterns portray 30 new custom-designed animal lanterns including walrus and guanacos. It also depicts the magnificent forest of Color with 21 all-new larger-than-life lanterns representing toads, frogs, snails, sunbirds, turtles, moths, butterflies, and more. stilt walkers, a holiday train, a wildlife theater, souvenirs, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate, and you would feel refreshed after attending these top things to do in New York during Christmas.

Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park, Bronx, New York 

Highlights: Mind-Blowing lighting animal decors

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9. NYC Winter Lantern Festival

The NYC Winter Lantern Festival is one of the unforgettable experiences you can have. It returns with all its glory in 2021 with three major events that will help illuminate the bright Christmas. The Nassau County Museum of Art is called”A Bug’s Night” which lets you drive across over 20 acres of colorful lanterns and festival lights. The eye-catching botanical garden will be brightened for over eight acres. These famous things to try in New York during Christmas make you more grateful. 

Address: Snug Harbor Botanical Garden on Staten Island NYC

Highlights: Drive through 20 acres of Colorful lanterns & festive lights

10. Enjoy Park Slope’s Giant Christmas Tree

Every year, during the illuminated Christmas festival, the Park Slope residents rejoice in the vacations with the first tree lighting in NYC on Fifth Avenue on November 27. The entertainment also includes stilt-walking steel drum band Tropical Fete. Its own Homegrown community street party spotlighting music, art activities, treats, and visits from the giant Santa and his elf. Dr. Alex performs his kid-friendly silly songs on guitar, giant bubble blower extraordinaire Bubbledad, plus art activities furnished by Park Slope Parents. The tree will brighten at 6 pm sharp and the enlightenment makes you realize that you should enjoy these satisfying Things to do in New York during Christmas. 

Address: Old Stone House, Washington Park, 3rd St between Fourth and Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn

Highlights:  Enjoy street parties featuring cool music, art activities, treats, and visits from the giant Santa and his elf.

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Hope you enjoyed the aforementioned suggestion, briefing a list of the 10  best things to do in New York this Christmas. It also includes the respective addresses as well as the most highlighted features of the suggested activities to explore in New York. Each adventure provides you, a different wonder of the city through a unique lens. For more exciting information like these head on to our blogs at Adequate Travels. We also have an engaging adequate travel app on the Play Store, that offers exciting features on travel packages as well as provides a great community of travelers online to engage. 

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