The Ultimate NYC December Bucket List: 10 Best Things to Do

This blog is about the NYC December Bucket List.

December in New York City is like no other month. Between the holiday lights, festive markets, and cozy winter scenes, there’s an undeniable buzz around the city that both locals and visitors can’t help but feel. Growing up here, I’ve always seen December as a time when New York truly shines. From holiday traditions to unique city events, December offers endless opportunities to experience the best of New York City.

Whether you’re planning a visit, a newcomer, or a local looking for something new, this list of ten must-do activities will help you make the most of December in the city. From iconic holiday staples like the Rockefeller tree to hidden gems like festive hot chocolate stops, these ideas will help you dive into New York’s holiday spirit and embrace all that winter has to offer. Here are my top picks to get you started!

NYC December Bucket List

Holiday Markets Across NYC

NYC’s holiday markets are packed with local vendors, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats that make them a must-visit during the winter. From Bryant Park’s Winter Village, with its cozy lodge and rink, to Union Square Holiday Market, where you can shop unique finds and sample some incredible snacks, the markets are perfect for picking up gifts and soaking up the festive atmosphere. Stroll through, enjoy the sights and smells, and grab some gifts or treats to take home.

Ice Skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park

There’s nothing like skating in Central Park during the winter season. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions! Wollman Rink offers one of the most picturesque settings, with views of the city skyline surrounding you as you skate. Whether you’re a pro or just in it for fun, this rink has an inviting atmosphere that captures the charm of winter in New York. Head there during the day for fewer crowds or at dusk to skate under the city lights.

Catch a Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Lincoln Center

Seeing The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center has been a holiday tradition for me since I was young. The New York City Ballet’s rendition brings Clara’s world to life with stunning sets, costumes, and unforgettable performances. Tickets go fast, so planning ahead is a good idea—but this experience is worth it for anyone wanting to experience a NYC’s holiday arts scene.

Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights

For a neighborhood that goes all out, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn tops the list. Here, entire blocks are decked out with bright lights, larger-than-life decorations, and themed displays that are impossible to miss. Many locals have made this an annual tradition, and it’s a great way to see just how creative (and over-the-top) New Yorkers can get with holiday decorating. It’s easiest to take a car or a tour to get there, but the trip is worth it for the sheer wow factor of these displays.

Walk Through Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Window Displays

The holiday windows on Fifth Avenue are a staple of NYC’s December experience, with flagship stores like Saks and Bergdorf Goodman pulling out all the stops. Each window tells its own story, with intricate designs that make them more like mini-art installations than just window displays. To catch them all, start around 59th Street and work your way down, admiring the creativity and taking in all the details. For fewer crowds, try visiting during weekday mornings.

New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is one of those uniquely NYC events that feels extra special. The exhibit features scale models of famous New York landmarks crafted entirely from plants, with trains running through the scenes in a beautifully lit setting. It’s especially fun for families, but really, it’s a great experience for anyone. Tickets often sell out, so book ahead, and if you can, check out their nighttime events as well!

Warm Up with a Hot Chocolate Crawl Through NYC

December is the best month to go on a hot chocolate crawl in the city. Some of NYC’s bakeries and cafes have really elevated their hot cocoa game, making it a perfect excuse to explore. Try City Bakery for their famously rich hot chocolate topped with a homemade marshmallow, or head to Dominique Ansel for a unique “flowering” marshmallow experience. End your crawl at Maman for a cozy, Instagram-worthy cup that’s as delicious as it is photogenic. It’s the perfect way to warm up while exploring the city’s neighborhoods.

Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

There’s no NYC holiday season without a visit to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Every year, this massive tree becomes the heart of the city’s holiday celebrations. Walking up to Rockefeller Plaza, you’re greeted by twinkling lights, ice skaters below, and the city’s most famous tree glowing above it all. To beat the crowds, try going early in the morning or later at night for a more relaxed experience, and don’t forget to grab a hot drink nearby to complete your outing.

See the Giant Menorah Lightings Around the City

Celebrate Hanukkah by catching one of the giant menorah lightings across the city. The Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn hosts one of the most famous ceremonies, lighting a 32-foot-tall menorah each night of Hanukkah. The event often includes music, latkes, and a warm sense of community. Whether you’re observing or just joining in to celebrate, it’s a meaningful and festive event that adds to NYC’s holiday season diversity.

Ring in New Year’s Eve in Times Square (or Nearby!)

Times Square on New Year’s Eve is one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. While joining the crowds for the ball drop is an experience all its own, nearby locations like rooftop bars or Times Square-adjacent streets offer a great view with a bit more breathing room. If you want a different vibe, there are also countless bars, clubs, and restaurants hosting their own New Year’s celebrations all around the city. Whichever way you celebrate, New Year’s in NYC is a night to remember.

NYC December Bucket List

December in NYC is full of unforgettable experiences, from classic holiday traditions to unique winter festivities. Each activity on this list captures a piece of what makes New York City so special during the holiday season, and there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re looking for culture, festivities, or just some holiday cheer.

If you’re in NYC this December, don’t miss the chance to make the most of what the city has to offer. Bundle up, get out there, and soak in the season with everything from sparkling lights to comforting hot cocoa. There’s no better way to end the year than by experiencing the best of New York City in December.

Let me know in the comments which NYC winter activity it your favorite!

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