Last updated on November 7th, 2024 at 06:41 pm
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Are you looking for the best New York Christmas Itinerary for first-timers? Look no further! This jam-packed 3-day itinerary has everything you need to see during your first visit to New York City at Christmastime. Explore bucket list NYC activities for any time of the year plus all the magical Christmas experiences available in NYC!
It has always been a dream of mine to visit New York City and an even bigger dream to spend Christmas in New York. There is just something so enticing about New York City. It is the center of it all. This city is even more magical during the Christmas season!
Where to Stay
I have been to New York City several times now and finding accommodation is always difficult and expensive. AirBnBs are no longer allowed in New York City.
We stayed at the East Village Hotel on one of our visits and enjoyed the location. It is near several great bars and restaurants. East Village is a great area of town to stay for your first trip to New York City.
The hotel itself is simple but has everything that you need for a short stay. I loved the rooms with exposed brick. Some of the rooms have kitchenettes too!
The Archer Hotel is where Luke stayed for his Bachelor party and they loved it. The hotel is near Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan, which is central to many sites. It also has a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building!
For this itinerary, I recommend you stay in lower or midtown Manhattan as it is closer to the sites and restaurants. You can use this map to check out other stays in Manhattan:
Day 1: NYC Highlights for First Timers
Getting to Manhattan
We flew an overnight flight and landed at 5:35 AM on Saturday at JFK. This was great because it allowed us to get a full day without having to book lodging or take another day off work. However, it can be tough to fly overnight, so if you aren’t interested in that you can also fly in Friday night so that you can be well rested for a day of adventuring on Saturday!
From JFK Airport, we took an Uber, which was pricey at the time. These days a ride-share would be about $85 depending on the time of day. The subway in combination with the Airtrain also goes to and from JFK Airport and runs 24/7.
Dumbo
We had our Uber driver drop us off at Dumbo at the intersection of Washington and Water Streets, where you can get this famed picture of the Manhattan Bridge.
This is a really popular photo spot, which is why I wanted to visit first thing. There were already several people there before us and this photo was taken at 6:45 am. Saturday is also trash day, which means there will likely be huge piles in the background and you may have to wait for the garbage truck to get out of the way.
If you walk down Washington Street, Main Street Park is a good place to get some different views of both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, with the skyline in the background.
Coffee
When it is six in the morning and you slept maybe 3 hours on the plane, coffee is a necessity. We stopped at Brooklyn Roasting Company and refueled on caffeine.
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
You have to do this at least once in your life. I enjoyed walking it in the morning because the sun lit up all the buildings beautifully. Josh and David also mentioned that when they walked across the bridge in the afternoon there were a ton of vendors and people.
The Oculus
The next stop in this NYC itinerary is the Oculus, which is a shopping mall and transportation hub but is most famous for its unique structure of white steel ribs reaching up. We stepped inside to take a picture and then headed on our way.
9/11 Memorial
The 9/11 Memorial is next to the Oculus as a part of the World Trade Center. It is on the site of the former World Trade Center complex. It honors the 2,977 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. The memorial is spectacular, leaving you speechless in the face of this tragedy.
I recommend visiting if you are in the area. The monument is free to the public and open from 8 AM to 8 PM every day.
If you want to visit the museum it is $33 dollars for an adult. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday and select Tuesdays.
Breakfast at Zucker’s Bagels
For a New York City bagel experience, head to Zucker’s on Chambers and Broadway. Just make sure to order with confidence because this is not a place you visit for good customer service.
I ordered the Everything Bagel with scallion cream cheese, which had fresh scallions in it. If you want it toasted, you must specify. The guys ordered egg sandwiches which were also good!
There weren’t any seats, so we got our bagels to go and ate them in Washington Market Park.
The Friends Building
If you are a fan of the TV show, Friends, stop by 90 Bedford Street to see the apartment building featured in the show! This was one of the things I was most excited to see in New York City because Friends is my absolute favorite TV series. Just be respectful of the tenets since it is still an active apartment building.
Coffee at Oslo Coffee Roasters
For a break and a cup of coffee, check out Oslo Coffee Roasters. We had walked about 4 miles by this point and had been up for a long time. Oslo Coffee Roasters is a cozy coffee shop with only a few seats. They make great coffee and roast their beans in small batches. We sat and sipped our drinks while watching patrons trod in and out.
The High Line
From Oslo Coffee Roasters, walk to the High Line. The High Line is a former railroad that was converted into an elevated walkway, complete with greenery and nice views. It has become an iconic aspect of New York City and an example of how unused architecture can be re-purposed.
Chelsea Market
Take the High Line to Chelsea Market. This is a must-see for all foodies. The Chelsea Market reminded me a lot of Pikes Place Market in Seattle but bigger. There are many cute, artisan shops as well as awesome food.
I really liked Chelsea Market Baskets, which sells gourmet foods, candy, and gifts. Los Tacos No. 1 has some incredible tacos al pastor and Very Fresh Noodles was also very good. At Very Fresh Noodles, you can watch them stretch, spin, and snap the noodles until they are the perfect thickness. I recommend ordering the Tingly Cumin Lamb soup noodles. The dry option is good as well but is rich and heavily cumin-flavored.
You won’t leave Chelsea Market hungry.
Times Square
No New York City itinerary for First Timers would be complete without seeing Times Square.
While iconic, Times Square is chaotic, so I don’t recommend spending much time there. Surrounded by advertisements, all the huge American chain restaurants, and way too many people, our visit to Times Square was short.
Dear Irving or Rolf’s
We made a quick stop by the Bryant Park Christmas Market and realized it was way too packed on a Saturday night. We then walked to Rolf’s, the famous German restaurant decked out in Christmas decor year-round, and were met with the same realization when we saw the line.
So my advice is to skip Bryant Park on Saturday and if you want to go to Rolf’s, make reservations or commit to standing in line for 30 minutes or more.
Instead, we went to Dear Irving, a classy, baroque-style bar that serves good craft cocktails.
Read More: Denver Speakeasies you need to try!
Dinner Macao Trading Company
Check out Macao Trading Company for dinner. They serve Chinese-Portuguese fusion dishes in a 1940s gambling parlor. We tried the skirt steak which was served with potatoes and Chinese broccoli, the charred octopus, and chorizo fried rice. Everything was delicious!
A close second on our list was Momofuku Noodle Bar, a very popular ramen spot.
Day 2: Christmas in NYC
Central Park
If you are craving brunch, Sarabeth’s is supposed to be good. Otherwise, grab a snack and head to Central Park. It was a super gloomy morning, which allowed for some interesting pictures.
The park is huge, so we only walked up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, and then back through the park, but you could easily spend hours exploring this park.
Columbus Circle Christmas Market
This market is just off of Central Park. Out of the three Christmas markets we visited, this was my favorite. It was much less busy, possibly because it was earlier in the day, and they had Glühwein, German mulled wine. I also bought an adorable souvenir Christmas mug.
The Columbus Circle Christmas Market is open from December 3rd through the 31st this year.The hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Walk Along 6th Avenue
Check out some of the famous Christmas decorations on the way to the next stop. Walk along 59th until you get to 6th, and then walk down to 42nd. See the giant Christmas ornaments, lights, nutcrackers, and the Radio City Music Hall sign.
You can also pop into Grand Central Station.
2nd Ave Deli
One of our goals was to try a traditional Jewish Deli and we found the perfect one in 2nd Ave Deli. I ordered half of a pastrami sandwich, which was huge and delicious. It also came with fries, a salad, pickles, and a Bosco and seltzer shot. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it for a unique New York City food experience!
Madison Square Christmas Tree
The Madison Square Christmas Tree is one of the many around New York City during the holidays. However, this one is historically significant because the first public Christmas tree lighting in the country took place in Madison Square! This is one of the last trees to be lit up around NYC. Unfortunately, it wasn’t lit up yet when we visited, but the lighting was just a couple of days away, on December 6th.
Hot Chocolate at Max Brenner
New York City at Christmas is not complete without a cup of decadent hot chocolate. There are many places to grab a hot chocolate around NYC, but Max Brenner is the place I recommend. This is a chocolate shop and restaurant near Union Square. They have different types of hot chocolate that you can try as well as a plethora of other desserts like crepes, shakes, chocolate fondue, waffles, cookies, and more! It is a menu worthy of Buddy the Elf! They also have savory dishes and winter specials. I recommend making a reservation if possible because this place is popular!
Union Square Christmas Market
A NYC Christmas itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Union Square Holiday Market. The Christmas markets make the holidays magical in New York City. Union Square is a great place to pick up some Christmas gifts and sip on a warm beverage.
The Union Square Holiday Market is open from November 16th through December 24th. Check out this market Monday through Friday 11 AM to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 8 PM.
Fifth Avenue Christmas Decorations
Don’t miss the Christmas Decorations along 5th Ave! We took the subway from Union Square to 58th and 5th Ave and walked down 5th Ave from there.
See the window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, the giant snowflake at 57th and 5th Ave, the light show at Saks Fifth Ave, and, of course, the tree at Rockefeller Center. You will see many other decorations along the way! Note that there will be fewer people if you enter Rockefeller Center from 6th Ave instead of 5th. If you decide to enter from 5th Ave, be prepared for a very large crowd.
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on December 4th, 2024. The tree will be lit at 10 PM. After the ceremony, you can see the tree in all its glory every day from 5 AM until midnight through mid-January.
If you visit during Hanukkah, check out the nightly lighting of the largest Hanukkah menorah in front of the Plaza Hotel.
Attaboy
Another speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, Attaboy has appeared on the World’s 50 Best Bars list and did not disappoint. The dimly lit bar is located behind a nondescript door and there isn’t a menu. Simply describe your tastes to the bartender and they will whip you up one of their unique concoctions.
Osteria Morini
Craving some really good carbs, we headed to Osteria Morini for pasta. Try the polpetine as an appetizer and the cappelletti with truffled ricotta ravioli.
Death and Co.
We had to stop by Death and Co. because they recently just opened their newest location in Denver. The two bars are different in menu and ambiance, but you can see some similarities. I recommend a visit to this famous bar if you need a nightcap.
Read More: Check out my guide to visiting Chicago!
Day 3: Christmas in NYC
Plaza Tree
Start your day with some coffee at Birch Coffee, then head to the Plaza Hotel to see the Christmas tree. If you are not a guest of the hotel, you can only view the tree before 10 AM or after 10 PM.
The opulence and splendor of this Christmas tree is fitting for the Plaza Hotel.
The Love Sign
Unfortunately, the famous Love sign by Robert Indiana is no longer on display. It was displayed for a short time in 2023 but has since been removed. Keep an eye out for this statue!
Lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods
Xi’an Famous Foods is one of our favorite places to eat in NYC. Their Chinese hand-pulled noodles are a unique dish you can’t find in most places. In 2019, Luke and I planned a quick weekend trip to NYC to get another taste of the Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles.
They have many locations throughout the city, making it an easy place to grab lunch.
Bryant Park
It’s your last day of this 3-day NYC itinerary, so head to Bryant Park to get your fill of Christmas markets before it’s time to go home. The Winter Village at Bryant Park is something you must do if you are visiting NYC for the holidays. It is a European-inspired outdoor holiday market with an ice rink and a huge Christmas tree.
This market is open early, from October 25th, 2024 until January 5th, 2025! The hours are 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday and 10 AM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday.
I picked up an ornament for my Christmas tree, the perfect souvenir for a NYC Christmas trip. There is also a Wafels & Dinges where you can get a Belgium waffle topped with whatever you please.
Macy’s Windows
Head to Macy’s to check out the famous window displays. This is a Christmas classic and a must-do when spending Christmas in New York City. You can also visit Macy’s Santaland while you’re here!
Tips for Visiting New York City in December
Transportation
The subway here is extensive and much cheaper than Uber or Taxis. The NYC subways take contactless payment. Simply tap your contactless credit or debit card or mobile device with a smartphone pay feature enabled and then enter the turnstile. You can also buy a Metro Card at the beginning of your trip if you don’t have a form of contactless payment.
Weather
The weather in New York City in December wasn’t too bad for our visit. The average high is usually 44°F and the low is 32°F. When we visited it was 50°F and fairly nice. The wind can be very cold, however, so I recommend bringing gloves, a hat, and wearing layers. It was also rainy when we visited so I brought an umbrella and a rain jacket. Check the weather before you go and be prepared for anything.
Save Money on Major Attractions with the CityPASS
If you want to spend more time seeing the major sites and museums in New York City, get the CityPASS for discounted access to up to five attractions. The more you see, the more you save.
How to Get to JFK using the Subway
You can catch the AirTrain to JFK Airport from Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station. The AirTrain runs 24/7.
It is $8.50 USD to ride the AirTrain. The Jamacia and Howard Beach Stations accept contactless payment methods. If you do not have a form of contactless payment, you must use a Metro Card.
An Airtrain arrives about every 5 to 10 minutes. Take the Airtrain to whichever Terminal you need and hopefully, you won’t have to sprint to the gate like we did.
I have never almost missed a flight before, but this almost happened when we were flying home from New York City. If your flight is anytime around rush hour, I would leave at least three hours to get through the airport whether driving or taking the subway to the Airtrain. We initially were going to take an Uber, but the estimated drive time was much longer than expected and very expensive. We ended up taking the subway, which would have been fine if it hadn’t been packed and running behind schedule.
How to Pack for Christmas in New York City
I was worried about how cold it would get in December in New York City, but with this fleece pea coat and a merino wool base layer under my jeans, I was perfectly warm. Another option is to wear these warm fleece leggings.
This carry-on backpack was perfect for lugging around the streets of New York City until we could check in to the hotel. You definitely need a travel-sized umbrella in case of rain in New York City in December (paid links).
For long travel days, I recommend bringing a battery pack so you are able to use Maps and take photos. This one charges multiple devices quickly and has a 3-year replacement promise!
Visiting NYC from outside the US? Ensure you stay connected with an eSIM that you can download as soon as you land!
Other Things to Do in NYC in December
- See the elaborate Christmas decorations in Dyker Heights. Check out this tour that includes transportation to Dyker Heights and DUMBO to see the Manhattan Bridge Photo spot!
- See a Broadway show or the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes. Use the TodayTix app to find discounted shows or find a TKTS discount booth around NYC.
- Try your luck at getting tickets to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, but remember you have to get on the wait list a month in advance.
- Take the ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty. We did this on a different trip to NYC and it was an excellent way to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan from the water on a budget.
- Ice Skate in Central Park. The Wollman Rink in Central Park is open from October 26th until March 15th.
- Try frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3.
NYC Itinerary
I loved visiting New York City during Christmas and can’t wait for my next visit. Are you dreaming of spending Christmas in New York City? Did you find this 3-day New York City Christmas itinerary useful?
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