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.
Annual Holiday Lights celebration with lantern sculptures.
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