Christmas in New York: complete itinerary with the best of the season

As someone who’s always lived in the southern hemisphere, I’ve had that childhood dream of spending Christmas in a winter wonderland, with cold weather, snow, and trees covered in thousands of twinkling lights.

Finally, we made it: Christmas in New York! Fulfilling childhood dreams, even years later, is one of life’s greatest joys. And experiencing it in New York? Ahhh, there’s nothing better!

Join us as we explore a New York City fully decked out for Christmas, following this complete 8-day itinerary to soak in all the magic the city that never sleeps has to offer during the holiday season.

My husband and I had visited New York a few times before, but this was our first trip with our daughters, who were 9 and 10 at the time. Since we already knew the city well, we put together an itinerary that highlights the best of New York in winter, making sure to include all the must-see holiday attractions to create unforgettable memories together.

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Weather and temperature in New York at Christmas

We headed to New York City for Christmas, convinced we'd be surrounded by snow — snow falling, snow on the streets, snow in the parks, snow everywhere!

Hahaha! To the disappointment of kids (and adults) alike, we didn’t see any snow at all during our entire Christmas week in New York . It snowed just once overnight, very lightly, and by the time we went out the next morning, the little that had fallen had already melted away.

Interestingly, a few years before, I had visited NYC in late November and was caught in a massive snowstorm! It just goes to show how unpredictable the weather can be, with no guarantee of a “White Christmas.”

From my research, “White Christmas” in New York City are actually rare. Historically, snow has covered the ground in Central Park on Christmas day only once every six years since 1912. Being a coastal city, New York tends to have milder winter temperatures than inland areas of the state, making late-December snow unlikely.

If seeing snow in New York is a priority, plan your visit for January. The city’s Christmas decorations usually stay up until January 7-10, so with a bit of luck, you might catch New York blanketed in snow and still fully decorated during the first week of January.

Even without snow, be ready for the cold! ! During Christmas week, temperatures ranged from -7°C to 7°C, mostly hovering around 0°C. Cold, but manageable with the right clothing.

The sun rose around seven thirty a.m. and set at four thirty p.m., giving us about nine hours of daylight and plenty of chances to enjoy the Christmas lights — one of the season's most enchanting aspects in the city.

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Where to stay in New York

Without a doubt, the best place to stay in New York is on the island of Manhattan, where most of the city’s main attractions are located.

The downside? New York is one of the priciest cities in the world, so even basic accommodations can be costly.

My favorite areas to stay are just south of Central Park or in Midtown. These neighborhoods offer plenty of lodging options, easy subway access, and are within walking distance of many top sights.

During our Christmas week in New York, we stayed at the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel, on 35th Street and 7th Avenue, right near Macy’s and the Empire State Building. They gave us an upgrade, so we ended up with a spacious room and a beautiful view of Lower Manhattan (see picture below). I loved the location — we could walk almost everywhere, plus there were several subway stations nearby: 34th-Penn Station, 34th-Herald Sq, and Times Square.

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On a previous trip, I stayed at the Intercontinental New York Barclay Hotel, an excellent hotel that I highly recommend — and when I checked while writing this, it was slightly less expensive than the Renaissance. It’s located on 48th Street near Park Avenue, very close to Grand Central Station.

I’ve also stayed at Park Lane New York, a recommendation from a Brazilian friend. Located on 59th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, it’s comfortable, with some rooms offering Central Park views (though not the one I stayed in 😉). While I loved being near the park for a morning run, I actually prefer the location of the other two hotels.

The most affordable option I’ve tried in New York was The Watson Hotel in Hell’s Kitchen, near Ninth Avenue. The location was decent, close to Central Park with easy subway access at Columbus Circle, but the hotel itself was quite rundown. It was worth it for the price, but it’s the least impressive hotel I’ve stayed at in the city. It’s no longer listed on Booking.

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What to do in New York City during Christmas week

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We spent eight days in New York – here is the itinerary with the must-see attractions perfect for a first family visit to the city. We revisited classic places loved by adults, added a few new spots, included some child-friendly activities, and made sure we got to explore the best of the Christmas season. The result? It was perfect!

Excluding the ice skating and the Christmas Markets, this itinerary works well at any time of the year.

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Day 1: Arrival, Union Square Christmas Market and Times Square

The day of arrival can be tough, so I usually keep it flexible to suit everyone’s energy levels.

We dropped our bags at the hotel and set out to explore the city, welcomed by a brisk -3ºC.

Our first stop was to satisfy the kids' excitement: the Lego Store on 5th Avenue and 23rd Street, near Madison Square Park and the iconic Flatiron Building, one of my personal favorites.

Then, it was time for a treat for the adults. We walked over to the Strand Bookstore on Broadway and 12th Street — one of New York's coolest independent bookstores.

Next, we headed to the Union Square Christmas Market, which was beautifully decorated. While it’s not huge, the market has a great mix of stalls, some live events, and delicious street food that we couldn’t resist.

As night fell (by 5:30 p.m. it was already completely dark), we made our way to the classic NYC spot: Times Square! The kids were thrilled by all the neon lights, and despite the chilly weather, we lingered a while before wrapping up our first day in the city.

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Day 2: Lower Manhattan, 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty and 5th Avenue Lights

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Wall Street

Our first full day was spent exploring the southern tip of Manhattan.

We started with a quick walk around Wall Street, which, aside from some historic buildings and the iconic Charging Bull, doesn’t have much to linger over. Of course, there was a long line of tourists waiting to take photos with the bull — definitely something we skipped!

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9/11 Memorial & One World Trade Center

Next, we visited the World Trade Center site, a place with profound historical significance.

Today, where each tower once stood, there are two reflective pools honoring the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks and the six lives lost in 1993.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must. My husband and I had been before, but we decided to wait to take our children until they were a bit older. Not because I think children shouldn’t learn about these moments in history — in fact, we've taken them to the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima and the Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo — but we wanted to wait until they were mature enough to better grasp the weight of what happened. When you go, I’d recommend buying tickets in advance.

Also in the complex is the One World Trade Center, a skyscraper built as part of the area's reconstruction. The observatory offers one of the best views in New York, especially from its unique location in the southern part of Manhattan.

Another notable spot here is the Oculus, part of the Westfield World Trade Center. It’s an interesting blend of tourist attraction, shopping mall, and subway station. The building’s exterior is a popular photo op, and inside, the minimalist, futuristic design is both striking and polarizing —regardless of your tastes, it’s worth a look.

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Statue of Liberty Tour

From the 9/11 Memorial, it’s a short walk to Battery Park, where boats depart for tours to the Statue of Liberty.

One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the U.S. in 1886. Standing 46 meters from foot to torch (or 93 meters including the pedestal), this copper statue is a National Monument managed by the U.S. National Park Service.

Statue City Cruises is the only authorized operator for the tour, so it's essential to purchase tickets in advance from their official website. You can choose from several ticket options: a basic ticket granting access to Liberty Island, the museum, and Ellis Island (which is what we chose); a ticket with access to the pedestal; or one that includes access to the crown. Full details are available on the NPS website. This was my first time doing the full tour, and I simply loved it.

If you’re short on time or prefer a budget-friendly option, you can also get a view of the Statue for free by taking the Staten Island Ferry. I did this on a previous trip and found it perfect! The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes each way, and once you reach Staten Island, you simply follow the crowd back onto the same ferry for the return trip to Manhattan — a fun round trip and a chance to see the statue up close without spending a dime.

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Lights on 5th Avenue

After our busy day, we still had energy for a stroll down 5th Avenue to take in the Christmas lights.

What a sight! Fifth Avenue is stunning even on a regular day, but during the holidays, it’s transformed with festive decorations adorning every shopfront, tree, and lamppost. You may even think it might be a bit much, but then you remember you’re in New York for Christmas, and it all feels perfectly magical.

The Rockefeller Center, with its towering Christmas tree, skating rink, and Top of the Rock observatory, is one of the most iconic spots to wander during the season. It’s truly a place where Christmas in New York feels like a scene from a classic movie.

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Day 3: Intrepid Museum, The Vessel & Hudson Yards, High Line & Chelsea Market

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Intrepid Museum

On the Hudson River at 46th Street lies the Intrepid, an aircraft carrier built during World War II that now houses a museum dedicated to American naval, aviation, and space exploration history.

It’s a fantastic place to visit with kids, especially those who are into science and airplanes. Personally, though I’m not a big fan of such things, I found it fascinating to explore a real aircraft carrier. Beyond the typical displays you’d expect, the museum has some especially memorable exhibits: an F-14 Tomcat (like the one from the original Top Gun), a Concorde (which every 80s kid dreamed of flying on), and the space shuttle Enterprise..

If touring an aircraft carrier isn’t high on your NYC bucket list, make time for some of the city’s world-class museums. While MoMA and the Guggenheim didn’t make our itinerary this week, they’re two of my personal favorites.

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The Vessel & Hudson Yards

The Hudson Yards area, on the Hudson River between 30th and 34th Streets, offers a range of attractions, including a shopping mall, office and residential towers, a cultural center (The Shed), and an observation deck (The Edge).

The main draw here, however, is The Vessel, an impressive sculpture you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It’s made up of 2500 steps that ascend to 16 stories, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. Access was closed for a while (my photo is from my 2019 visit), but according to the official website, it’s now open again

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Highline

Hudson Yards sits at the northern end of the High Line, a linear park elevated about ten meters above the street, on an old rail line. It’s a lovely place to stroll, though every time I’ve visited, I was packed with people. The 2.3-kilometer path features sculptures, street art, benches, and lush gardens along the way.

At the southern end of the High Line is the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has a fantastic permanent collection and exhibitions worth checking out.

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Chelsea Market

We wrapped up the day at Chelsea Market, once a Nabisco cookie factory built in 1890, now home to numerous restaurants and a few shops. I find the industrial aesthetic charming, though it can feel a bit claustrophobic with the crowds.

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Day 4: Central Park & ​​Natural History Museum

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One of my favorite things to do in New York is wandering through Central Park and visiting the nearby museums.

The Natural History Museumis a classic, an absolute must-visit, whether you’re with kids or just adults – after all, who hasn’t dreamed of spending a night in a museum? I highly recommend buying tickets in advance.

Although I’ve been to this museum many times, this visit felt special. I vividly remember my first trip here as a pre-teen, completely mesmerized by the dinosaurs and mammoths that, until then, had only existed in my imagination. This time, I got to experience that same wonder through my daughters' eyes.

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Day 5: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

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Metropolitan Museum of Art

We returned to Central Park, but this time to its eastern side, at 82nd Street, where you’ll find the unmissable Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Better known as The Met, it’s the largest art museum in the United States. Founded in 1870, the museum holds a vast collection of over two million pieces spanning more than 5.000 years, featuring art from antiquity to European, Asian, and American works.

Don’t miss the Egyptian wing, especially the Temple of Dendur. Built around 15 AD, the temple was once located in an area that would have been submerged by the Aswan Dam’s waters. Thanks to UNESCO, it was carefully dismantled and transported piece by piece to The Met, where it’s been displayed since 1978.

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Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO

I have yet to find a place in New York more packed with Brazilians than the Brooklyn Bridge.

But it’s understandable. The Brooklyn Bridge , opened in 1883, is stunning, offering breathtaking views, and strolling along its nearly 500 meters — especially at sunset — is something you simply can’t leave New York without experiencing. Plus, it’s free.

On the Brooklyn side, the bridge ends in a neighborhood known as DUMBO, which has nothing to do with the elephant; it stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” If you thought the bridge was crowded with Brazilians, wait until you get to the corner of Washington and Water Streets, where everyone (myself included) lines up to capture that iconic shot of the Manhattan Bridge.

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Day 6: Little Island, High Line, Byrant Park and Ice Skating

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Little Island & Meatpacking District

Little island is a public park on the Hudson River at 13th Street, opened in May 2021. Built on a floating structure, the island has a unique design with wave-like shapes supported by posts that resemble flowers, creating the feel of a natural island with hills and gardens. It features walking paths, seating areas, an outdoor amphitheater, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Entry is free.

Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the southern entrance to the High Line, along with Chelsea Market and the Meatpacking District. This area, once home to the city’s slaughterhouses, underwent a major transformation at the beginning of the century and is now a trendy spot for the well-heeled and hip.

You can easily combine a visit to Little Island with Hudson Yards, taking a walk along the High Line.

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Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park sits between 4th and 6th Streets, at the start of 5th Avenue. The park is known for its Washington Square Arch, a kind of triumphal arch honoring George Washington. Although it’s a well-known spot, there isn’t much to see, and I felt a little uncomfortable with the crowds there.

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Bryant Park and Ice Skating

Ice skating is a must-do in New York at Christmas. It was one of the activities the kids were most excited about, and we did it in style at Bryant Park.

Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library (also beautifully decorated for the holidays), between 40th and 42nd Streets, with access on 6th Avenue.

At Christmas, Bryant Park transforms into the Winter Village, a festive fair with countless stalls, street food, and special events. But the main attraction is the ice-skating rink.

To skate, you’ll need to reserve a time slot online. Prices vary by date and time, and whether you rent skates or bring your own. It was my first (and only) time ice skating, and while I looked pretty ridiculous, I had to give it a go! The kids loved it — it was their first time, but being young and having some natural coordination certainly helped.

Other iconic New York ice skating rinks during the holiday season are at Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s Wollman Rink. They usually open from late October to March; check each website for exact dates.

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Christmas Eve in New York

Christmas is finally here!

Many New York restaurants offer Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day lunch, but reservations are essential, especially for higher-end spots.

I researched options and prices, but they were shockingly high — think one hundred, one hundred fifty dolars per person without drinks. For a family of four, even with reduced prices for kids, it would still cost around five hundred dolars for one meal. Way too steep!

One of the most popular apps for restaurant reservations in New York is The Fork. It’s worth browsing there, and you might find more reasonable options. Just don’t wait until the last minute.

Instead, we opted for a cozy, picnic-style dinner at the hotel. We bought sushi, salads, plenty of fruit, cheese, nuts, and some sweets, and it was perfect.

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Day 7: Museum of Mathematics, Times Square, and more ice skating

December 25th can be a tricky day for sightseeing in places with large Christian communities. Most attractions close, and even finding a good meal can be challenging.

After some research, I discovered one of the attractions we wanted to visit was open on the 25th: the National Museum of Mathematics.

Located on 5th Avenue and 26th Street, across from Madison Square Park, MoMath is one of the coolest interactive museums I’ve visited. If your kids love hands-on learning, this museum is a must. The exhibits are all interactive, with activities focused on math and physics. Kids can engage in various experiments, making it educational and fun.

For lunch on Christmas, you can either reserve at a fancy restaurant and spend what you’d typically budget for three days or try this tip: head to a neighborhood with a strong Asian influence. Many restaurants there stay open, have shorter waits, and offer regular prices.

We chose Koreatown, the Korean area between 31st and 33rd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. Wandering along 32nd Street, we found a small, line-free restaurant with delicious food.

Since it was Christmas, we let the kids pick the afternoon activity. No surprise — they wanted to go back to the Bryant Park skating rink!

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Day 8: Empire State Building and Return Home

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Observation Decks in New York

For the grand finale of our Christmas week in New York, we decided to visit one of the city’s five iconic observation decks:

• Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Center
• Empire State Building
• Edge NYC, at Hudson Yards
• One World Observatory, at One World Trade Center
• Summit One Vanderbilt

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I had already been to three of these, and I was eager to check out Summit since it had just opened and was the hot new attraction in town.

However, we were staying at the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel, which was quite close to the Empire State Building, so we ended up doing a lot of things there in the region, and we used the building as a point of reference to locate ourselves.

When we asked the kids which observation deck they wanted to visit, which one did they choose? Yes, the Empire State.

The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers. Opened in 1931, it was the city’s first observation deck. Located on 5th Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets, it features two observation decks: one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd. Both provide, in my opinion, some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In 2019, the building underwent significant renovation, particularly in the exhibition spaces on the 2nd and 80th floors. Even though I’ve been there before, it was absolutely worth revisiting — don’t miss the King Kong exhibit; it’s sensational!

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Other Christmas attractions in New York

Our Christmas week in New York was packed with activities! Despite our busy schedule, the city offers countless other attractions during the holiday season that are worth exploring:

– In the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, Christmas lights are the main event. The homes are extravagantly decorated, rivaling (or surpassing) what we see in the movies.

- At the New York Botanical Garden the “NYBG Glow” features a stunning nighttime light display that illuminates the trails, greenhouses, and gardens. It’s definitely at the top of my list for our next visit during the holiday season, along with the Holiday Train Show that weaves through the gardens.

- For musical enthusiasts, Radio City Music Hall hosts the “Christmas Spectacular“, a dance and music show starring the Rockettes, reminiscent of the best Broadway performances.

- Brookfield Place Winter Garden: This indoor atrium is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, massive holiday decorations, and a dazzling indoor tree display, perfect for family photos.

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Stay Connected!

Got comments or questions? Feel free to leave a comment here or connect with me on social media—I love chatting about travel 😉.

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