New York City at Christmas Time
New York City during the Christmas holiday is simply magical. Enjoy the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, savor some hot roasted peanuts in Central Park, spin some circles on the ice rink under the sparkles of the famously lit tree at Rockefeller Center, take in the Saks 5th Avenue light show, visit Santa Claus at Macy’s, shop for unique gifts at the Bryant Park Winter Village, and more.
If you prefer to watch a video of our visit you can do so here.
The Perfect Christmas Gift
We like to give experiences to our children instead of things when possible. Fortunately, My work with the airlines affords us the opportunity quite often. Noel and I had been dreaming of a trip to NYC during the Christmas season for several years, but hotels at that time are typically quite expensive. One night while we were watching the Christmas movie ELF, I stumbled upon a hotel deal that was too good to be true and booked it on the spot. I invited her cousin to meet us and ordered a pair of new figure skates to place under the tree for the perfect Christmas surprise. So, what did we do with 2 days in NYC???
The perfect surprise - New York City at Christmas Time
How We Got There
Visitors to New York City can fly into La Guardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), or John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport. Be sure to research each airport for the best flight deal along with transportation costs from each airport into the city. Visitors can take a subway, bus, or uber from the airport to the city.
Where We Stayed
Positives
The Hilton Midtown boasts an executive lounge, convenience store, gift shop, 2 bars/restaurants, terrific city views and is within walking distance to Central Park, Times Square, Macy's, Bryant Park, Radio City Music Hall, the cruise terminal, Rockefeller Center, the cathedral and more.
Negatives
Bag storage here is $5 per bag and the line to check-in/out can get quite long and time consuming.
I highly recommend this hotel, but any hotel in Midtown will be very convenient for the duration of your stay due to its proximity to major attractions. I have also stayed at Conrad New York Midtown and loved it!
New York Midtown
What We Did
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Undoubtedly, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is one of the most iconic Winter activities in New York City, but is it worth it? For us, the answer was yes. The girls really wanted to skate at Rockefeller Center. And, being a huge fan of Christmas myself, skating for a couple of hours near the best lit tree in the country was appealing. However, the answer to this question will be different for everyone so here are a few things to consider when making the decision.
The line for entry is almost a 2 hour wait unless you pay for the VIP skate and reservations. The VIP ticket grants immediate access to the rink, along with skate rental, hot cocoa, coffee, water, and cookies in the VIP igloo. But, this VIP treatment comes with a hefty price tag of $75-$175 per person with no refunds due to inclement weather etc. 
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center, glass elevator down to the restaurants - New York City at Christmas Time
The general public waiting area is on the opposite side of the rink from the tree and VIP igloo. The line places visitors between the tree and the Saks 5th Avenue light show. It’s a bit difficult to find amid the mass of people, but it begins in the corridor and continues onto the steps. The line is a protected area so guests aren’t being shoved by other visitors passing through the area. We were never so happy to get into a line.
If it’s after 5:00 pm guests also get to view the 5th avenue light show every 10 minutes during the wait.
Once in line, the 2+ hour wait went fairly quickly as we watched the skaters on the rink with the beautifully lit tree and fountain (skaters can be pretty entertaining to watch). And, if it’s after 5:00 pm guests also get to view the 5th avenue light show every 10 minutes during the wait. Remember to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes for the wait.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center - New York City at Christmas Time
The cost of admission is as follows: Adults $25, Children 11 and under $17, Skate Rental $13. Be sure to check prices before your visit for current rates.
If part of your group doesn’t want to ice skate, they can take the glass elevator down to The Sea Grill or Rock Center Cafe and enjoy a drink or meal with a window view onto the ice rink.
If part of your group doesn’t want to ice skate, they can take the glass elevator down to The Sea Grill or Rock Center Cafe and enjoy a drink or meal with a window view onto the ice rink. Prime seating at these restaurants will require a full meal purchase which is pricey, however guests can sit at the bar with partial window views and enjoy an appetizer and drink in a warm and dry place while waiting.
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center - New York City at Christmas Time
Saks 5th Avenue Light Show
The Saks 5th Avenue Light Show takes place every 10 minutes from 5pm-11pm and lasts for about 5 minutes. The show is beautifully done and not to be missed. Saks 5th Avenue is located across from Rockefeller Center so it’s easy to take in both at the same time.
Shopping
It can get chilly while walking to various sights so be sure to stop into stores along your journey to warm up and buy some souvenirs. New York City provides options aplenty.
Central Park - New York City
Central Park
Central Park was not in our original plans, however we needed to burn a few hours before entering the line for Rockefeller Center (we wanted to skate at dusk under the lights of the tree) so we grabbed some cookies and hot cocoa from Hilton’s executive lounge and strolled to Central Park. I am so glad we made this detour.
The girls had a blast riding the carousel, climbing the giant rocks, and running around while we savored hot roasted peanuts from a street vendor and enjoyed the live music from various street musicians.
The girls had a blast riding the carousel, climbing the giant rocks, and running around while we savored hot roasted peanuts from a street vendor and enjoyed the live music from various street musicians. Visitors can also take in the sights via a carriage ride around the park, sled, and ice skate here as well.
Carriage rides in Central Park - New York City at Christmas Time
Carousel ride in Central Park - New York City at Christmas Time
Window Displays
When researching our trip, I read that window displays could be found all along 5th street from 50th to 32nd, however we didn’t see many interesting displays along that path. Anthropologie had a fun display, there was a building wrapped to look like a gift which was fun, we saw some larger than life ornaments by the fountain across from Radio City Music Hall along with their window display of a giant gingerbread tree and entertainment center, and some larger than life soldiers just past our hotel.
Macy’s had the largest and most interactive window display.
Macy’s had the largest and most interactive window display. There was a large dog that scratched when you rubbed it’s nose, a selfie game that took our photo and turned us into elves, another game where kids turned a wheel to catch the falling gifts and of course Santa’s workshop upstairs where kids can write letters to Santa.
Macy's Window Displays - New York City at Christmas Time
Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
It is a rare show or concert that I purchase tickets for, I typically prefer anything outside to sitting indoors for hours on end. But, my daughter really wanted to see the Rockettes and I typically love anything related to Christmas, so I bought the tickets online at ticketsatwork.com and wrapped them up to place under the tree. I went with the cheaper seats on the side, but in hindsight I wish I had gone farther back in the middle section instead.
I went with the cheaper seats on the side, but in hindsight I wish I had gone farther back in the middle section instead.
Radio City Music Hall has a curved ceiling and the show projects images and utilizes 3D elements which partially get cut off when sitting on the side. However, this didn’t deter from our experience too much. The show was incredible and I would love to go back again with the entire family some time before the Christmas holiday. That is saying a lot for me. The entire experience was engaging. Some of our favorite acts were the toy soldiers, reindeer and sleigh with Santa, New York City tour bus, and the Christmas story complete with live animals and a nativity. And, that Rockettes leg kick just never gets old!
Radio City Music Hall - New York City at Christmas Time
Know Before You Go
If you’ve purchased tickets in advance there is no need to show up incredibly early. Doors open around 15-30 minutes prior to the show. Guests do need to pass through a metal detector so be prepared to open your bags and be slightly delayed. Once inside the lobby is beautiful with an impressive chandelier and plenty of items available for purchase. Be sure to check out the giant gingerbread window displays outside by the ticket window before or after the show as well.
Radio City Music Hall Window Display - New York City at Christmas Time
Once the show begins no photography or videography is allowed. I thought this was because of the flash distraction and tried to record a portion of the show without a flash, but was immediately shut down by one of the ushers and watched closely from then on out. So, just enjoy the show and forget about sharing it with others. They will just have to experience it themselves.
Ice Skating and Christmas Market at Bryant Park Winter Village
When I told locals we would be ice skating at Rockefeller Center almost every one of them told me to skip Rockefeller Center and ice skate at Bryant Park instead. Since we didn’t want to skip Rockefeller Center, we decided to check them both out and I’m so glad we did.
Bryant park has an entire Holiday Market set up with vendors selling unique gifts, a carousel for the kids to enjoy, and plenty of food vendors to satisfy the fiercest of hunger cravings.
Bryant park has an entire Holiday Market set up with vendors selling unique gifts, a carousel for the kids to enjoy, and plenty of food vendors to satisfy the fiercest of hunger cravings. The ice rink and decorated tree are in the center of the action allowing parents of older children the opportunity to shop or sip on some spiced wine, beer, cocktails, or cider while keeping an eye on their upcoming olympic skaters. 
Ice skating at Bryant Park Winter Village - New York City at Christmas Time
The Winter Village is set up in late October, so guests can enjoy the market and festivities from late October through the beginning of January, however the ice skating rink operates on a slightly different schedule from November 30 - March 1st. Check dates before you go for the current year.
Carousel at Bryant Park Winter Village - New York City at Christmas Time
Know Before You Go
Ice skating at Bryant Park is free if you bring your own skates. If you need to rent skates the rental cost is $18. They also have the most adorable skate aides I've ever seen. For a steep rental price of $22/hour, guests can choose from a penguin or a snowman to aid them on the ice. Picture perfect!
The indoor area to lace up skates and store bags is larger and a bit nicer here than at Rockefeller Center. There are signs saying that unattended bags may be removed, but we left our bags (without valuables) under the bench and they were just fine. They do provide lockers for a cost if you want to be sure your valuables are protected.
In addition to the outdoor food and drink vendors there is an indoor bar for your enjoyment.
In addition to the outdoor food and drink vendors there is an indoor bar for your enjoyment. Here guests can enjoy a drink protected from the wind, snow, or rain and also purchase additional food items. Choose from BBQ, perogies, sandwiches, burgers, chili, and the most decadent artisan chimney cakes containing hot cocoa, coffee, apple strudel and more. These cakes are expensive, ranging from $15-$18 each, but we had to get one for the photo opportunity. Noel and I shared an apple strudel with whipped cream piled high along with a $3 hot cider to warm our innards before heading back out onto the ice.
Food vendors at Bryant Park Winter Village - New York City at Christmas Time
The public library is located next to Bryant Park so visitors can stop in here and warm up for a bit while perusing a few choice works of literature or children's books.
The Bryant Park Winter Village is incredibly romantic and would make a great date night. However, do be prepared to go at a penguin pace here as well as it is quite a popular destination. All the more time to stroll together hand in hand.
Times Square
On our journey from Macy’s to Radio City Music Hall we walked over a couple blocks to check out the New Year's Eve preparation in Times Square. I love the action of Times Square and I thought the girls would enjoy the multitude of lights, but they wanted nothing more than to move along from the chaos and the crowds.
Times Square - New York City at Christmas Time
We had worked up quite a hunger though, and while I typically don’t recommend eating in the center of tourist areas, I was outvoted 3 to 1. Camille’s Italian Restaurant was the perfect remedy for our famished bellies and had beautiful Christmas decorations as well. The food was delicious and very affordable especially considering the location.
I highly recommend making reservations here.
I highly recommend making reservations here as there was still a 45 minute wait when we arrived at 8pm. This restaurant is a family style dining establishment so it does require a bit of planning and agreement on the entrees desired, but the compromise is well worth it and everyone will enjoy the warm basket of bread promptly delivered to the table once seated.
Camille's Italian Restaurant Times Square - New York City at Christmas Time
Final Thoughts
New York City at Christmas time is truly magical. Unfortunately for us, it rained almost non-stop both days we were there. During the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular we viewed footage of New York City with snow and it was just as I had imagined, simply magical. If we had a wonderful time in spite of the 2 days of rain, I feel that almost anybody should love their visit to New York during the Holidays. If you can take in the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular before Christmas day it will be even more special.
Central Park - New York City at Christmas Time
Have you been to New York City during the holidays? Did I miss something you highly recommend? If so, leave a comment below for others to see.
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