Christmas in New York City Bucket List
While New York may be on your bucket list all year round, New York City is a little extra special in December during the holiday season.
If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve shared plenty of go-to holiday places this year, but thought there should be a permanent place for them on my blog. If you missed the holiday season this year, save this post for next year!
My family happens to be visiting me this week here and they’ve never witnessed the holiday magic in New York City, so here are some of the ‘must-see’ holiday spots I plan to take them to:
Hudson Yards
The inside of Hudson Yards is probably one of my favorite spots during the holiday season. The lights are so magical during the day AND at night.
The best view to shoot the Vessel and the hot air balloon is on the second floor balcony.
2. The Vessel
The Vessel is right outside the shopping center in Hudson Yards and this area is usually crowded with tourists during the holiday season.
3. Radio City Music Hall
The Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes are usually in high demand during this time, but there are some pretty cool giant ornaments around the area.
One of my favorite spots to shoot in New York City is in front of these giant ornaments right by Radio City Music Hall. I shared some shooting tips for the best angles and shots in my Instagram post here.
4. Cartier on 5th Avenue
I believe the word you’re looking for is… iconic.
The classic Cartier store on 5th Avenue is a must-see. Every year you’ll find a different variation of the theme on their storefront.
5. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The classic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Another iconic spot. This area is usually packed with tourists, but every year, this Tree has a way of making me smile… without fail. The Tree is typically put in place in mid-November and the Tree Lighting ceremony usually takes place publicly and broadcasted LIVE on NBC on the Wednesday evening following Thanksgiving.
There’s a Ralph’s Coffee pop-up cafe right near the Rockefeller Tree — 10/10 recommend their oat milk chai latte.
6. Bryant Park Winter Village
This location has it all — ice skating, Christmas tree, holiday markets, TONS of food and drink vendors… including the best hot chocolate pop-up IMO. (It’s called Crepe Cafe)
7. Pulitzer Fountain by the Plaza Hotel
I’ve only discovered this spot more recently last year when they had giant ornaments in and around the Pulitzer Fountain. This year, there’s polar bears, monkeys, and penguins decorating the Fountain.
8. Ralph’s Coffee on Madison Avenue
The Ralph’s Coffee store is the perfect spot to grab a coffee or latte to go and head over to Central Park.
9. E 76th Street between 5th and Madison Ave
This townhouse really said SLEIGH. I recently discovered this spot this year, but I spoke with a friend of the owner and apparently they decorate for other seasons too. I’ll have to check back at this location in the next year and see what they come up with for the next upcoming holidays.
The Upper East Side stoops were my favorite holiday stoops to see this year.
10. Bloomberg Tower’s Christmas Tree
I purely stumbled across the Bloomberg Tower’s Christmas Tree a few weeks ago by accident. I was on my way to the new Trader Joe’s location on the Upper East Side, but glad I got sidetracked. This is located on 59th Street between Lexington and 3rd Ave.
11. Macy’s ‘Believe’ Sign
The ‘Believe’ sign sits above the entrance to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street, located in Midtown.
And yes… the taxi is a paid actor.
12. Sak’s 5th Avenue Light Show
Of course I had to save the best for last.
As someone who has seen the Sak’s 5th Avenue Light Show MULTIPLE times in a holiday season, I also shared tips on the best places to watch and capture photos / videos in my Instagram post here.
This is hands down, my favorite thing to look forward to every holiday season. Every year there’s a different theme and I even go to the lengths to judge which year’s theme is my favorite.
The light show lasts about 5 minutes and starts from 4:35 PM - 11:35 PM, every 10 minutes until Jan. 10, 2022.
If you made it to the end here, thanks for reading!
I hope this travel guide was helpful! Let me know your favorite holiday spots in New York City! If you’re planning a trip here, what are you most looking forward to?