When I first moved to New York in 2012, I massively struggled with the change—even as someone who grew up in a city. I couldn’t find the “magic” everyone insisted was there. But once the holidays arrived, I was completely sold. By early November, the city transformed, and when Christmas finally hit, it was nothing short of stunning.
Everywhere I looked, there were dazzling holiday windows, timeless markets, and unbelievably cool seasonal events. Yes, many of the classic Christmas activities are unbelievably touristy—but there are ways to plan a trip to NYC for the holidays that help you capture that true, cozy, local holiday magic.
Here are the top tips to plan a Christmas trip to New York City that actually feels special.
Photo by Kaydn Ito on Unsplash
1. See the touristy sites—at least once
Every pretentious New Yorker will tell you that the holiday staples are “trash,” but I disagree. If you’ve never seen the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree at night or watched the Rockettes perform the Christmas Spectacular, do it. Yes, it will be crowded. Yes, it will be pricey.
But if you dedicate one full “tourist day” to the big-ticket bucket-list experiences, you can get them out of the way and spend the rest of your time enjoying the city’s more unique seasonal offerings.
Related: Christmas at The Plaza in NYC has officially arrived
2. Choose the right time to go
New York is always busy, but timing matters. A long weekend that includes a mix of weekdays and a Saturday/Sunday is ideal—weekdays let you enjoy places like Bryant Park Winter Village and Union Square Holiday Market with fewer crowds, while weekends are great for exploring outer boroughs.
Also, go early in the morning for big attractions and save window-shopping for after dark. You’ll avoid the worst crowds and see the displays at their best.
3. Reserve everything you can in advance
Holiday shows, ice skating, themed river cruises, special exhibits—if it requires a ticket, book it early. These events do not reward spontaneity.
The same goes for dining, especially anywhere in Rockefeller Center, near Broadway, or any hyped Midtown restaurant.
And mentally prepare: lines will be long, sidewalks will be packed, and crowds will be chaotic. Embracing that early makes the whole experience smoother.
Related: The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has officially been selected: Here’s how to make the most of your trip to see it
4. Avoid visiting during SantaCon weekend
I try not to be a curmudgeon, but SantaCon is… a lot. The long-standing tradition of costumed bar crawling is fun if you’re 22, but for most adults, it’s chaos. Participants get extremely drunk, the subways get messy, and it’s not the vibe you want for a cozy holiday weekend.
This year’s SantaCon falls on December 13—avoid that weekend if you can.
If you do choose to participate: stay safe, drink water, and commit fully to the ridiculous outfit.
5. Get out of Manhattan
Yes, Manhattan is holiday central—but the outer boroughs shine, too:
Exploring other boroughs gives your trip balance and a more authentic NYC feeling.
Basic NYC survival tips
Even at Christmas, New York is still New York. A few practical reminders:
-
Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, and bring an umbrella. You’ll be on your feet a lot.
-
Map out your route: The city is huge, and nothing is truly a “10-minute walk,” no matter what confident New Yorkers say. Understand the subway system and plan accordingly.
-
Wear a crossbody bag: Keep it zipped, in front of you, and ideally under a coat. Pickpocketing spikes in crowds. Never set your bag on the floor.
Above all, take in the magic. Every NYC Christmas trip is a whirlwind, but it is deeply memorable—and worth every moment.
Adventure starts with a click—sign up for our newsletter for travel tips and stories.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the New York section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.