There’s something magical about New York City in December. The city transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, where the holiday spirit is alive on every corner. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular, New York has something special for everyone during this time of year. Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in NYC in December that will fill your holiday season with fun, joy, and a little sparkle.
1. SantaCon NYC
If you’re looking to kick off the holiday season with a party, SantaCon is for you. This annual bar crawl attracts thousands of people dressed up as Santa Claus (and other festive characters) as they hop from one bar to another across the city. It’s a wild, jolly, and often hilarious event that turns the streets of NYC into a sea of red suits and reindeer antlers. If you plan to join, make sure you’re 21+ because, yes, this one involves some serious festive drinks!
2. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
One of the most over-the-top Christmas light displays you’ll ever see happens in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. This neighborhood is famous for its residents going all out with life-sized Santas, glowing reindeer, and enough lights to outshine a Christmas tree. You can either drive or take a walking tour to see the most impressive houses. It’s a local favorite and definitely worth the trip if you love Christmas lights.
3. Macy’s Santaland
If you have kids (or you’re just a big kid at heart), Macy’s Santaland on 34th Street is a must-visit. This place is the definition of holiday magic with its enchanting Christmas village, reindeer, and of course, Santa himself. You can take a photo with Santa, explore the winter wonderland, and really feel like you’re in a holiday movie. It gets busy, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation to avoid long lines.
4. Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays
New York’s Fifth Avenue is iconic for holiday window displays that are basically art installations. Major department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale’s decorate their windows with stunning holiday scenes that range from classic winter wonderlands to quirky, artistic displays. On select Sundays in December, Fifth Avenue is closed to cars, so you can stroll at your own pace and soak up all the holiday vibes.
5. Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is one of NYC’s newest neighborhoods, and during December, it’s lit up with over 2 million lights. Their Shine Bright display is breathtaking, with glowing hot air balloons, giant trees, and a synchronized light show every evening at 5 PM. There’s ice skating, festive shopping, and free photos with Santa, making it perfect for both day trips and evening adventures. It’s like a winter playground!
6. The Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History
For a different kind of holiday decor, head to the American Museum of Natural History to check out the Origami Holiday Tree. This 13-foot-tall tree is covered in over 1,000 paper ornaments, all intricately folded by local and international origami artists. This year’s theme celebrates elephants, so you’ll find adorable paper versions of elephants, mammoths, and other creatures. It’s both artistic and festive—perfect for a holiday stop after exploring the museum.
7. Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
You can’t miss the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show if you’re anywhere near Rockefeller Center. Every night, hundreds of thousands of lights blink in time to holiday music on the facade of Saks Fifth Avenue. This year’s display is in collaboration with Dior, adding a touch of luxury to the mix. It’s a quick but jaw-dropping show that’s especially beautiful after you’ve seen the nearby Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
8. Christmas Dining at Rolf’s German Restaurant
For a dining experience that screams Christmas, head to Rolf’s. This German restaurant in Midtown is famous for its extravagant Christmas decorations, with thousands of lights, ornaments, and garlands packed into every inch of the place. The food is hearty, German comfort fare think schnitzel, bratwurst, and apple strudel. It’s cozy, festive, and definitely an Instagrammable spot to enjoy a holiday meal.
9. Dumbo’s Festive Charm
In Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood, the holiday spirit comes alive with festive lights and projections on the Manhattan Bridge and nearby buildings. The area’s charming cobblestone streets are perfect for a holiday stroll, and you can pop into local shops or the FAD Market for unique holiday gifts. Dumbo also has a giant gingerbread house on display, adding to the festive fun. It’s a perfect spot to snap some holiday photos with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.
10. New Year’s Eve in Times Square
No list of December activities in New York would be complete without mentioning New Year’s Eve in Times Square. The ball drop is a worldwide tradition, and while it’s cold and crowded, there’s nothing like the excitement of counting down to midnight in the heart of NYC. The energy, the confetti, and the live performances make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re not a fan of the crowds, don’t worry—you can always watch it live from the comfort of a warm, cozy spot.
New York City in December is truly something special. From the sparkling lights to the festive traditions, there’s magic around every corner. Whether you’re checking out the iconic Rockefeller tree, doing some holiday shopping, or just enjoying a hot chocolate while ice skating, you’ll be swept up in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅