Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025
20 Great Ways to Spend Christmas in New York City
Our editors' favorite holiday activities in the city they call home.
Grab hot chocolate and a pastry.
28 things in this story
- Central ParkParkStroll through park, see ice skating at Wollman.
- Rockefeller CenterAttractionSee the massive Christmas tree.
- Fifth AvenueNeighborhoodWalk to see Christmas tree and sparkly window displays.
- Caputo’s Fine FoodsDeliPlace for boccacini, cold cuts, and treats.
- Radio City Music HallTheatreWalk past giant Christmas ornaments display.
- Gramercy ParkParkQuiet, residential area with brownstones and upscale buildings.
- Loeb BoathouseRestaurantGood stop for a pristine view of The Lake.
- Breads BakeryBakeryMakes incredible baked goods, especially holiday offerings.
- Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant ParkMarketIce skate in the shadow of the New York Public Library.
- Café SabarskyRestaurantViennese cafe with schnitzel and sachertorte.
- Neue GalerieMuseumDisplays German and Austrian art, including Klimt.
- Little ItalyNeighborhoodChristmas in New York shop becomes more magical.
- PastisRestaurantParisian fare with convivial, celeb-scented chic vibe.
- Ferrara’sRestaurantCannoli from Tony Soprano’s favorite bakery.
- Lincoln CenterSightSee The Nutcracker.
- Dyker HeightsNeighborhoodHouses go all out with holiday cheer and lights.
- Panino RusticoRestaurantGrab hot chocolate and a pastry.
- Russian & Turkish BathsSightAscend staircase to saunas and steam rooms.
- Bronx ZooZooAnnual Holiday Lights celebration with lantern sculptures.
- Union SquareNeighborhoodHoliday market with over a hundred vendors and food stalls.
- Church of SwedenPlace of worshipGothic-style building with cafe and Christmas shop.
- Bergdorf GoodmanMarket
- Mazzola’sRestaurant
- Wollman Ice RinkSight
- Louis VuittonPlace
- Saks Fifth AvenuePlace
- Miracle on Ninth StreetRestaurant
- Pete's TavernRestaurant