NYC Christmas Bucket List: 23 Unique Ways to Celebrate
There’s nothing quite like spending Christmas in New York. The streets are lit up, holiday markets are in full swing, and every corner feels like a scene from your favorite holiday movie. As a native New Yorker, I’ve had the chance to experience some of the city’s best holiday traditions, but there’s always something new to discover!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to add something different to your NYC Christmas bucket list, these unique ideas will help you enjoy the holiday season like a local.
From cozy hidden spots to under-the-radar events, these suggestions are perfect for anyone looking to experience the charm and energy of Christmas in NYC. Let’s dive into some fun ideas to make your holiday visit truly unforgettable!
NYC Christmas Bucket List
1. Take a Holiday-Themed Walking Tour of the West Village
The West Village is one of the most iconic neighborhoods during the holidays. Cobblestone streets lined with brownstones are decked out in festive lights and decorations. A holiday-themed walking tour will take you through this charming area while you hear stories about Christmas in NYC and see some of the most beautifully decorated homes. It’s a great way to experience the neighborhood!
2. Attend a Christmas Jazz Show at Dizzy’s Club
If you’re into live music, treat yourself to a Christmas jazz show at Dizzy’s Club in Lincoln Center. Overlooking Central Park, the views pair perfectly with the smooth sounds of classic holiday tunes. It’s an intimate way to experience the NYC Christmas aesthetic while enjoying some of the best musicians in the city.
3. Enjoy a Holiday Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel
Afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel is a New York classic, and during the holidays, they go all out. I used to love doing this as a kid with my family! The hotel’s elaborate decorations and festive tea menu make it a must-do for anyone visiting Christmas in New York. Sip tea while taking in the beautiful surroundings, and don’t forget to admire the towering Christmas tree in the lobby.
4. Take a Holiday Chocolate Tour in SoHo
SoHo may be known for its trendy shops, but during the holidays, it’s also a great spot for a chocolate tour. Several chocolatiers in the area offer holiday-themed treats like peppermint truffles and spiced hot chocolate. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season and enjoy a different side of Christmas in NYC.
5. Visit the Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science
For something off the beaten path, head to the New York Hall of Science to see Gingerbread Lane. This record-breaking display features hundreds of gingerbread houses, all intricately designed and decked out for the holidays. It’s one of those hidden gems that many visitors overlook when experiencing Christmas in NYC.
6. Skate at the Standard Hotel’s Ice Rink
If you’re looking to avoid the massive crowds at Rockefeller Center, the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District has its own boutique ice rink. It’s smaller and more intimate, offering a unique experience with fewer people. Plus, you can warm up afterward with a spiked hot chocolate in one of their cozy outdoor lounges.
7. See the Christmas Trees at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
While everyone heads to Rockefeller Plaza, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a beautiful Christmas tree set in its Medieval Sculpture Hall. The 20-foot tree is decorated with handmade Neapolitan Baroque ornaments, and the surrounding collection of angels and cherubs makes for a serene holiday experience. It’s a quieter way to take in the NYC winter atmosphere.
8. Ride the Nostalgia Subway Train
During the holiday season, the MTA brings back vintage subway cars from the 1930s for a special ride through the city. These retro trains are decorated with old-school ads and rattan seats, giving you a unique glimpse into what Christmas in New York looked like decades ago. It’s a fun and unexpected way to travel through the city while soaking in some holiday nostalgia.
9. Explore the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights
For a neighborhood Christmas light display like no other, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. This local tradition has homeowners competing to see who can create the most over-the-top light show. You’ll see everything from giant inflatable Santas to entire homes covered in twinkling lights. It’s a spectacle that’s worth the trip to Brooklyn and one of the best-kept secrets for holiday visitors.
10. Watch a Holiday Performance at The Apollo
The Apollo Theater in Harlem offers a different spin on traditional holiday performances with events like the annual “Kwanzaa Celebration.” Featuring music, dance, and spoken word, it’s a cultural experience that highlights the diversity of Christmas in NYC. It’s an exciting way to celebrate the holidays and support local artists.
11. Shop for Holiday Gifts at Artists & Fleas
If you’re on the hunt for unique holiday gifts, skip the big department stores and head to Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg or Chelsea Market. This market is full of local artists selling one-of-a-kind items. From handmade jewelry to vintage finds, it’s the perfect place to pick up thoughtful gifts while supporting small businesses during Christmas in NYC.
12. Attend the Winter Solstice Concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Every December, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine hosts its Winter Solstice concert, which combines world music, dance, and art in one of the city’s most awe-inspiring spaces. It’s a unique way to celebrate the season, blending traditions from around the world in the beautiful setting of the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.
13. Sip on a Seasonal Cocktail at a Speakeasy
New York’s speakeasy scene takes it up a notch during the holidays, with many offering seasonal cocktails and festive decorations. Head to Please Don’t Tell or Attaboy for a cozy, intimate vibe while you sip on drinks like spiked eggnog or a warm whiskey cocktail. It’s a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the holiday.
14. Attend the Lighting of the Washington Square Park Christmas Tree
While Rockefeller Center gets most of the attention, Washington Square Park also has its own Christmas tree lighting. Located under the iconic Washington Square Arch, this tree is smaller and less crowded, offering a more low-key way to kick off the holiday season.
15. Visit the Holiday Display at the Museum of the City of New York
The Museum of the City of New York has a holiday exhibit every year that celebrates the city’s rich history. This year’s display focuses on how New Yorkers have celebrated the holidays over the past century, from the early 1900s to today. It’s a fascinating look at how the traditions of Christmas in New York City have evolved over time.
16. Take a Christmas Cruise Around Manhattan
For a unique way to see the holiday lights, hop aboard a Christmas-themed cruise around Manhattan. These cruises offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including the Statue of Liberty, all while you enjoy holiday music and treats. It’s a relaxing way to see Christmas in New York from a different perspective.
17. Attend a Holiday Trivia Night at a Local Bar
Many NYC bars host holiday-themed trivia nights in December, complete with prizes and festive cocktails. Grab some friends and test your knowledge of holiday movies, music, and history. It’s a fun, laid-back way to celebrate the season with locals and experience a true NYC winter night out.
18. Go Ice Skating at Industry City
Industry City in Brooklyn may not be as famous as Rockefeller Center, but it has a cool, industrial feel that’s perfect for holiday fun. Their ice rink is surrounded by unique shops and food vendors, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon. Plus, it’s much less crowded than the more well-known skating rinks.
19. Enjoy the Christmas Lights at Brookfield Place
Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan puts on a stunning light display every year called Luminaries. These giant, color-changing lanterns are suspended from the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing light show. It’s free to visit and a great spot to escape the cold while still enjoying the festive season.
20. Watch the Christmas Carolers in Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is home to several groups of traditional Christmas carolers during the holiday season. You can catch them singing holiday classics on various street corners, adding a bit of old-fashioned cheer to the busy streets. It’s a fun way to experience the holidays in New York City.
21. Attend the Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol Reading at the Morgan Library
For a literary twist on the holidays, visit the Morgan Library for their annual reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The reading takes place in the library’s historic study, surrounded by rare books and art, making it a cozy and intimate holiday experience.
22. Explore the Holiday Markets at Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle may not be as well-known as Bryant Park or Union Square, but its holiday market is worth visiting. You’ll find local vendors selling handmade gifts, food, and holiday treats, all set against the backdrop of Central Park. It’s a great stop for those who want a more relaxed holiday shopping experience.
23. Take a Holiday Lights Bike Tour
For a more active way to see the city, join a holiday lights bike tour. You’ll ride through some of the best-decorated neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn, seeing everything from classic light displays to extravagant setups. It’s a unique and eco-friendly way to explore Christmas in NYC while staying active during the season.
NYC Christmas Bucket List
New York City comes alive during the holiday season, and there are always new and exciting ways to experience it. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been here for years, these unique additions to your NYC Christmas bucket list will help you make the most of the season. From intimate jazz shows to festive light displays in Brooklyn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during Christmas in New York.
No matter what you decide to do, the magic of Christmas in NYC is undeniable. So, bundle up, grab a hot drink, and explore the city in all its festive glory. Whether you’re skating at a hidden rink or strolling through a holiday market, these experiences will make your time in the city truly memorable.
Let me know in the comments, which holiday activity is your favorite!
Enjoyed this blog? Check out my other blogs here:
- Christmas in New York (2024): Best Things To Do
- The Best Black-Owned Vegan Restaurants in NYC
- The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary in Brooklyn: From A Local
- 8 Cheap Spring Activities in Brooklyn
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