Christmas in NYC: Top Things To Do and See From a Local!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular: If you want to feel the Christmas spirit and be dazzled by the best dancers, singers, and musicians in the city, then this is the place to go. The show is only 90 minutes long and is perfect for families of all ages. They have multiple shows all day long. Make sure to arrive early so you can take in the decorations on different floors and see the beautiful dressing rooms and bathrooms. You can also take a tour of Radio City, where you get to learn about its history and go backstage. This is one of my favorite tours in New York.

Christmas Markets: There are 3 big Christmas Markets in NYC, Bryant Park, Union Square Park and Columbus Circle. These are set up like European markets, with food stands and gift shops. Bryant Park is the largest, with an ice skating rink and more stalls than you can imagine. My favorite place to stop is No Chewing Allowed, which sells French Truffles. I also love to try different foods, including Bratwurst, Raclette, Stroopwafels and you have to get a hot chocolate. Union Square is a bit smaller and quieter and has some of the same booths. You have to stop and get a Hard Nectar lollipop here! Columbus Circle market is up by Central Park and is the smallest and least crowded of the three. They all have various shops where they sell anything from clothing and jewelry to candles and scarves and even records and artworks.

Central Park: No trip to NYC is complete without a stop at Central Park. You can choose to walk through the park or bike the Central Park loop. You can also go skating. Hopefully the park will be dusted in snow, because there is truly nothing prettier than snow in Central Park

Macys: One of my favorite places at Christmas is Macy's! Maybe this is because my favorite Christmas movie is Miracle on 34th Street. Head down to Herald Square and check out their amazing Christmas windows, wreaths, bows and other decorations. Make sure you head inside, because it is truly spectacular. Maybe you can even get some Christmas shopping done!

Rockefeller Center: This Iconic Location houses one of the world's most famous Christmas trees. Local workers put up the first tree in 1931, and now it has become an NYC tradition. The plaza will be busy, so if you want a picture with the tree, I recommend going early, or you can see it from a short distance away. You can also go skating in Rockefeller Center! This is my favorite place to go ice skating in NYC, because you have gorgeous views of the tree and everyone is kind. There is timed entry and different times and days of the week have various prices.

5th Avenue windows: Strolling down 5th Avenue at Christmas is absolutely special. Start around 40th Street and walk on 5th Avenue up to 59th Street. You will see beautifully decorated windows from designer fashion companies and different holiday decorations along the street. You definitely have to stop in front of Saks 5th Avenue and see their famous light show, which usually happens every 10 minutes from 5 to 11. NYC has decided to make some days in December on 5th Avenue car-free, so visitors can enjoy.

Dyker Heights: If you are interested in making the trip into Deep Brooklyn (30 minutes by car and an hour on the subway). You should check out Dyker Heights! It is a neighborhood with elaborate Christmas Lights and Decorations that span multiple streets. The houses are beautiful and the displays are massive. A great event to do with families or couples!

Empire State Building: While this is something you can visit all year round, they usually have fun Christmas activities and decorations that are great to see during the Holidays. Especially if this is your first time in NYC. This year they are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Elf on the Tour.

Broadway: No matter what time of year it is, seeing a Broadway show is my favorite thing to do in NYC! Use the contact form to message me if you want help picking the perfect show for your family. As an actor in NYC, I have the best intel on everything that is currently running. You can also take a Broadway Up Close Walking tour! They are an award-winning tour company that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the different Broadway theaters. All 6 of their tours run all year round, but in Winter I recommend the Hudson Theater Tour, which gives you an inside look at Broadway's Oldest operational theater.

No matter how many times you visit NYC, even if you live in the city, you will never be able to eat at every amazing restaurant the city has to offer. Here are just a few that are a perfect fit for Christmas!

Le Rock is a perfect place to go before seeing the Rockettes or if you are visiting Rockefeller Tree, since it is right in the center! It boasts beautiful views and an incredible French menu. I highly recommend ordering Leeks which are prepared tableside, bison Bison au Poivre and Duck Aux Épices. They have a wonderful wine list, great service and one of the best Gourmet meals I’ve had in New York. This is best for couples or families not traveling with small children.

Serra (Eataly Flatiron): If you find yourself down in the Flatiron district visiting the beautiful Madison Square Park and the Flatiron building, I definitely recommend stopping at Eataly. Serra is a rooftop restaurant that is beautifully decorated for each season. You are sure to eat delicious Italian countryside cuisine in a winter wonderland.

Plaza: This is such an iconic spot at Christmas. If you can’t spend the money to stay here, then I definitely recommend coming for their Tea at the Plaza. The tea and cakes are delicious and the portions are great. The decorations are beautiful and it can be a special occasion for couples or mothers and daughters. They even have a kid's menu, themed for Eloise at the Plaza.

Tavern on the Green: If you find yourself exploring or skating in Central Park, then stop by Tavern on the Green for a meal or a drink. They have pretty Christmas decorations, great food and beautiful views of the park.

One of the best parts about Christmas time is all the sweet treats. I highly recommend stopping inside some NYC bakeries and seeing what special Christmas flavors they have baked up. Schmakerys, Levain Bakery, and Magnolia Bakery are iconic shops that are not to be missed!

Another special stop in Midtown is Myzels Chocolates. Founded and run by Polish immigrant, Kamila Myzel. It is a delicious sweets and chocolate shop with 60+ types of licorice, cookies and marzipan baked right at the store. The store is also covered in holiday decorations that she does herself.