The top question I get during this time of year is, "What are the best things to do in the city during December?" There are SO many amazing things to do during this time of year, so I wanted to share my Ultimate NYC Christmastime Guide for 2024! The guide will cover my favorite eating spots, events, hotels, and festive activities. If you're traveling to the city, check out my Winter NYC Fashion Guide to stay warm during your trip!

Shows

Setting the Holiday Mood

Below are some of my favorite movies set in New York City to get me into the Christmas spirit! All of these are perfect to get you ready to spend Christmas in the best city in the world!

Coffee and Treats

As we dive into the guide, I am sharing some popular places in the city. While I will be sprinkling in some lesser-known places (is anything in NYC *really* not popular?), this blog is more for those visiting who want to hit the iconic locations. So, I recommend making reservations for everything and anything you can and allowing yourself plenty of time to arrive at each destination with time to spare.

Ralph’s Coffee

Go early to beat the line! This is a big place for tourists to visit, but it is super aesthetic! There are locations in Soho, the Upper Easter Side, and near Rockefeller Center in a truck.

Le Cafe Coffee

Perfect for those who are in a rush and want to grab a yummy coffee! These are located all over Manhattan and are always a treat!

Levain Bakery

Another super touristy location, but they serve the most yummy warm cookies you won't want to miss!

Angelina’s

If you are looking for a decadent hot chocolate, this is the place for you. The location is gorgeous, and they also serve delightful macarons.

Glace

If you're interested in visiting viral locations, Glace is home to toasted hot cocoa. It truly is worth the virality!

Fellini Coffee

Fellini has three locations throughout New York, and they have some of my favorite coffee!

Maman

Maman is located all over the city, so no matter where you are, you're sure to get some delicious coffee, tea, and sweets!

Lunch and Dinner Spots

One of my favorite parts about the city is the fact that there is always amazing food around every corner! During the holiday season, many locations add special items to their menu or decorate their restaurants to get into the holiday spirit. I added some of my favorite restaurants in this guide, along with some that I know capture the true essence of the holiday season!

Rolfs - 281 3rd Avenue

Rolf's is a super popular spot, so you will have to make a reservation! If you're looking for a place with delicious food and a festive atmosphere, this is the place for you!

Tavern on the Green - Central Park West & 67th Street

One of my favorite spots in Manhattan to grab lunch! This place is a famous restaurant in the city, and they have holiday decor and featured seasonal cocktails to scratch your festive itch!

Capizzi Pizza - 547 9th Ave

This place is Will's favorite pizza in the city! Our all-time favorite is the Margherita pizza, but the burrata is a must-have, too! It is a very small restaurant that has first-come, first-serve seating.

Burger and Lobster - 132 West 43rd St

If you love lobster, you MUST try the lobster roll! It is truly the best lobster roll I've ever had, and I love to pair it with a spritz and fries.

Canto - 117 Perry S

If you're looking for yummy Italian food in the West Village, this is the place to go. My favorites are their frozen espresso martini and true mushroom ravioli!

Drinks

The Palm Court - 768 5th Ave

After Thanksgiving, you cannot go inside The Plaza Hotel unless you have a room or reservation at The Palm Court. The Palm Court is the best place for afternoon tea or a glass of champagne before a show. Plus, you can live out your Eloise at The Plaza Christmas dreams!

Blitzen’s - 21 E. 52nd St.

Blitzen's is a festive pop-up open until December thirtieth, and it is always something I look forward to visiting! It is decked out in holiday lights and decor with the best Christmas music!

Miracle on 9th Street - 649 E 9th St

Miracle on 9th Street is another fun pop-up for the holiday season. It is one of the most festive places I've seen and has yummy holiday-themed cocktails.

Jingle Jangle - 30 Water St

Isn't Jingle Jangle the cutest name you've ever heard? They also have THE cutest cocktails that will help you feel merry and bright!

Starbucks Reserve - Ste 105, Empire State Building, 350 5th Ave

If you love espresso martinis and Starbucks, you must try one at the Starbucks Reserve. Only six cities have a Starbucks Reserve, and two are in NYC! Our favorite location is at the Empire State Building, which was a filming location for Elf!

Darling Rooftop - 36 Central Park S

The Darling Rooftop has incredible views overlooking Central Park, and this is one of our top date night spots, even during the winter months.

The Grey Dog - Multiple Locations

Nothing tastes better than a delicious brunch, and The Grey Dog is one of the coziest locations that will leave your tummy satisfied.

The Consulate - Multiple Locations

If you're looking for a nicer option for dinner, I recommend The Consulate. They have some of my favorite appetizers and meals that everyone will enjoy!

Things to Do

Putting together all of my favorite Christmas activities was the hardest part of this guide! There is truly something to do around every single corner in NYC, but I wanted to share some of the things that I look forward to doing the most. If you want to keep up with all my winter activities, check out my YouTube channel to see me visit some of these locations!

Bryant Park Winter Village

The Bryant Park Winter Village has always been one of my favorite locations in the city during Christmas. There are so many festive places to eat, shop, and even ice skate! I love picking up all of my Christmas gifts from here to give my friends a family and a small piece of the city!

New York Public Library

Every single year, the New York Public Library transforms itself into a winter wonderland! Get the chance to see Charles Dickens' personal copy of A Christmas Carol while strolling through a library covered in Christmas lights and Christmas trees! Plus, this is located right next to the Bryant Park Winter Village, helping you pack more into your festive day!

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

I learned about Dyker Heights Christmas Lights way too late last year, so I am excited to visit this month! Brooklyn has incredible Christmas lights, and there is a bus tour that picks you up in Manhattan and helps you get there with ease. For those who won't be in the city but still want to see the lights, there is even a virtual tour option!

Ice Skating

There are lots of options when it comes to ice skating in the city! My favorite is Wollman Rink because it is a decent size and has gorgeous views of Central Park. I also love skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park (which is free if you have your own skates!), Roebling Rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park, The Rink at Brookfield Place, and The Ice Rink at Pier 17!

Window Shopping on Fifth Avenue

While there are plenty of amazing small businesses nestled in Manhattan, the most iconic Christmas shops in the city are found on 5th Avenue. Every single store has festive window displays that sparkle, glow, and leave you in awe. It truly feels like Christmas magic flows down this street!

Visit Macy’s in Herald Square - 151 W 34th S

Have you ever watched The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? If yes, this is the Macy's location where all the performers stop to perform. It is also the world's largest department store with over a million square feet of space and ten stories of goodies dying to go home with you!

Admire the Views

New York City will leave you breathless with its winter views, so don't let the cold weather stop you from experiencing the city's magic. I always recommend visiting Top of the Rock or The Edge to see the city from the top of a skyscraper, and if you're lucky, get amazing pictures when it snows!

Seasonal Shows

Maybe it’s the theater kid in me, but there is nothing better than live theater during the holiday season! I have LOVED the ability to see so many shows since moving to the city, and I definitely take advantage of this during the winter time. Seeing a heartfelt show on stage or listening to Christmas music live always makes my heart burst from happiness!

The Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes

Seeing The Christmas Spectacular is a right of passage when visiting the city. This is a wonderful performance for everyone in your group, and it is truly a classic that you must see once in your life!

Annie

Will and I had the opportunity to see Annie this year, and it was amazing! Something about the show reminds me of the hope and magic that comes with the holiday season, and it brings me so much joy every time I watch it. It's currently running at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden until January 5th!

NYCB The Nutcracker

Watching The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition in our home! I love nothing more than taking a special evening to the ballet and dressing up in my fanciest outfit. The New York City Ballet is the best version of the show I have ever seen, and it always takes my breath away!

Elf The Musical

Nothing is more seasonal than seeing your favorite Christmas movie come to life on stage! Elf is another family-friendly musical that will leave your group in a fit of giggles. It's also a holiday-exclusive show that runs through January 4!

There are SO many things to see and do in the city during the holiday season, but I hope this list inspires you as you plan your trip to New York. No matter what you do, the city is pure magic!