Christmas in NYC 2026 runs from early November through the first week of January.
It's no wonder why the city is the backdrop of so many iconic holiday movies, from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York to Miracle on 34th Street. Twinkling lights on every street, ice skating at Central Park, carolers on street corners, festive shop windows, and, if you're lucky, snow-dusted streets.
Most visitors plan around two dates: November 26, when the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the season, and December 2, when the Rockefeller Center tree is lit. But even if you visit outside of those dates, there are endless options to take a bite out of the Big Apple's holiday spirit.
Below are our top must-sees and must-dos for an unforgettable New York Christmas.
- Things to do on Christmas in NYC
- Where to stay during Christmas in NYC
- Where to eat & drink for Christmas in NYC
- Where to go Christmas shopping in NYC
- Best Christmas lights in NYC
- Christmas in New York City FAQs
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Christmas in NYC 2026: Key Dates
- November 4: The Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes opens at Radio City Music Hall and runs through January 4, 2027, with 230 performances.
- Early November: The Rockefeller Center tree arrives and is raised on the plaza, usually on a Saturday about three weeks before the lighting.
- Mid-November: Fifth Avenue and Herald Square department stores unveil their holiday windows.
- November 26: The 2026 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marches down Central Park West and Sixth Avenue for its 100th run.
- Late November: The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show returns, running every 10 minutes from early evening to 11 p.m.
- December 2: The 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, broadcast live on NBC, with the tree lit just before 10 p.m.
- December 24: The Union Square Holiday Market closes for the season in the late afternoon.
- Early January: Most holiday displays come down, and the Rockefeller tree is taken away around the second week of the month.
When Does New York Decorate for Christmas?
New York decorates in early November, weeks before Thanksgiving. The Fifth Avenue holiday windows go up in mid-November, the Rockefeller tree arrives on the plaza around the same time, and Bryant Park's Winter Village opens in late October. By the last week of November, Manhattan is fully lit.
When Does NYC Take Down Its Christmas Decorations?
Most of New York's Christmas decorations come down in the first two weeks of January. The Saks light show and the big holiday markets wrap up right after New Year's celebrations, and the Rockefeller Center tree is usually removed around January 10. Bryant Park's ice rink is the exception and stays open into late February.
Best Ways to Spend Christmas in New York City 2026
Best Things to Do During Christmas in NYC
- Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
No Christmas in New York City is complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center to see the iconic Christmas tree. The tree arrives in early November and is lit on December 2, 2026. Skip the ceremony itself, which draws hundreds of thousands of people. Come back the next morning instead, when the lights are on from 5 a.m. and the plaza is nearly empty. While you're there, consider lacing up some skates at the Rockefeller Rink.
Closest subway: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M) - Wander Through Bryant Park's Winter Village
Bryant Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, complete with a charming Christmas market, ice skating rink, and festive decorations. The 17,000-square-foot rink is the only free-admission rink in the city, running from October 28, 2026, through February 28, 2027. The park's cozy lodge offers warm drinks and a perfect spot to take in the holiday atmosphere.
Closest subway: 42 St-Bryant Park (B, D, F, M) or 5 Av (7) - Catch a Show at Radio City Music Hall
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes is a beloved NYC holiday tradition. The 2026 run goes from November 4 through January 4, 2027, with 230 performances, the most in the show's history, and a brand-new number joining "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers."
Closest subway: 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M) - Explore the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Head over to Brooklyn to see the jaw-dropping Christmas lights of Dyker Heights. This neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top holiday displays, with residents competing to outdo each other with lights, inflatables, and decorations. For Christmas, Manhattan gets most of the attention, but this Brooklyn spectacle is worth the trip. Displays are typically up from the week after Thanksgiving through New Year's, and the biggest ones cluster between 11th and 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Streets.
Closest subway: 18 Av (D), then about a 15-minute walk - Stroll Down Fifth Avenue
Window shopping along Fifth Avenue is a quintessential NYC holiday activity. The store windows are decked out in elaborate holiday displays, turning a simple walk into a festive adventure. Be sure to check out the light show at Saks Fifth Avenue and the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman, then head south to Macy's in Herald Square.
Closest subway: 5 Av/53 St (E, M) for the Saks windows, 34 St-Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) for Macy's - Ice Skate at Central Park
If you're looking for a classic winter experience, head to Central Park for ice skating at Wollman Rink for a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Surrounded by the park's snow-covered trees, Wollman ranks as one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the US.
Closest subway: 5 Av/59 St (N, R, W) or 59 St-Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1)
Where to Stay: Best Christmas Hotels in New York
Book early. Midtown fills up fast for NYC at Christmas, especially the week between Christmas and New Year's.
Bryant Park Hotel | ★★★★
Located directly across from Bryant Park, this hotel offers easy access to the Winter Village and other holiday attractions. The rooms are stylish and modern, and the hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city during the holidays.
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New York Hilton Midtown | ★★★★★
For those seeking a prime location, the New York Hilton Midtown brings you right to the heart of it all. Just steps away from Times Square and the Rockefeller Christmas tree, you'll have no problem checking off all the Christmas must-sees in New York City.
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The Ludlow Hotel | ★★★★
If you're looking for something more unique, The Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side offers boutique accommodations with a cozy, chic vibe. The hotel's warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for a Christmas getaway, and its location provides easy access to holiday activities in Manhattan.
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Where to Eat & Drink for Christmas in NYC
Christmas Brunch at Balthazar: Start your holiday with a festive NYC brunch at Balthazar in SoHo. Known for its classic French fare and charming atmosphere, Balthazar offers a special holiday menu that's perfect for Christmas Day brunch in NYC.
Holiday Cocktails at Rolf's: Rolf's is famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations and festive cocktails. This German restaurant in Gramercy Park is decked out with thousands of ornaments, lights, and garlands, making it a must-visit Christmas bar in NYC during the holidays. Reservations open in the fall and go fast, so plan ahead.
Christmas Dinner at The Polo Bar: For a refined holiday dining experience, head to The Polo Bar near Central Park. This Ralph Lauren-owned restaurant offers classic American cuisine in a cozy, elegant setting.
Where to Go Christmas Shopping in NYC
Union Square Holiday Market: This popular holiday market offers a wide variety of unique gifts, artisanal crafts, and boutique shops in NYC at Christmas time. It runs from mid-November through December 24.
Fifth Avenue: From high-end luxury brands to iconic department stores, Fifth Avenue is the ultimate destination for holiday shopping in NYC. Don't miss the festive window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
Brooklyn Flea Market: For a more eclectic shopping experience, check out the Brooklyn Flea Market, open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 21. This market features a mix of vintage finds, handmade goods, and artisanal foods, making it a great place to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Best NYC Christmas Lights in 2026
- Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show: The facade of Saks Fifth Avenue comes alive with thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to festive music, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that draws crowds every evening. It runs every 10 minutes from early evening until about 11 p.m., and it's free.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: The massive tree, adorned with more than 50,000 lights and topped with a Swarovski star, is a symbol of the holiday season in New York. After the initial lighting, it's on from 5 a.m. to midnight every day until early January.
- Dyker Heights: This Brooklyn neighborhood is renowned for its extravagant holiday decorations, with each house vying to outshine the others. It's a magical experience that's sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
- Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: The 2026 Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights show transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with stunning light displays featuring animals, trees, and more. It runs on select nights from late November into early January, and tickets are timed, so book before you go.
Several of the region's best light displays sit outside the city, and they pair well with weekend getaways from NYC.
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Christmas in New York City FAQs
When Is the Rockefeller Center Tree Lit in 2026?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, as it is every year.
The ceremony airs live on NBC from about 8 p.m., and the tree is lit just before 10 p.m. Public viewing is free but extremely limited, and the plaza fills up by mid-afternoon.
After lighting night, the tree is on daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.
How Long Do Christmas Decorations Stay Up in NYC?
About six weeks, from mid-November through the first week or two of January. The holiday windows and the Rockefeller tree are the last to go, and Bryant Park's rink outlasts everything else by running into late February.
How Cold Is New York in December?
Average highs are around 43°F (6°C) and lows drop close to freezing, near 30°F (-1°C). Snow is possible, especially later in the month, but a white Christmas is never guaranteed. Pack warm layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes for slushy days.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New York for Christmas?
The first two weeks of December. The decorations are up, the markets are running, and the crowds haven't peaked yet. The week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest and most expensive stretch of the year. If you want even more festive energy, check out these best places to experience Christmas in the US.
What Can I Do on Christmas Day in New York City?
Plenty. Many attractions stay open on December 25, including the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Central Park for a winter stroll, and the ice rinks at Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center.
You can also walk Fifth Avenue to enjoy the store window displays with fewer crowds than usual, and Chinatown restaurants and movie theaters do a brisk Christmas Day business.
Are There Free Holiday Things to Do in NYC?
Yes. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, watch the light show at Saks, browse the department store windows, stroll through Bryant Park's Winter Village, and walk around Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see some of the city's most extravagant home light displays. Skating at Bryant Park is free too if you bring your own skates.
Where Can I See Famous Christmas Movie Locations in NYC?
New York City is home to many iconic holiday movie spots. You can visit the Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2, the skating rink at Rockefeller Center featured in countless movies, and Central Park's Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace as seen in Elf and Serendipity.