Ultimate 3-Day New York City Christmas Itinerary: Best Holiday Activities, Christmas Markets & Sights

New York City at Christmas time is iconic, offering a blend of unforgettable Christmas events in NYC. From ice-skating rinks at Rockefeller Center to the giant Christmas trees and dazzling holiday light shows, the holiday season in NYC truly feels like a scene from a movie

Whether it’s your first Christmas in NYC or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover, adding fresh layers to the city’s timeless holiday traditions.

In this 3-day itinerary, I’ll take you through the must-see sights, cherished traditions, and amazing food spots that define NYC’s festive season. Wishing you the happiest of holidays in the city that never sleeps!

Day 1: Classic New York Christmas- Must-See Christmas Attractions in NYC

Morning:

Brunch at Bubby’s Restaurant

Start your NYC Christmas journey  with brunch at Bubby’s (120 Hudson Street), a cozy spot known for its delicious comfort food and holiday-inspired dishes like cinnamon rolls and spiced lattes. Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, try to arrive early, as Bubby’s is a popular spot for both locals and tourists during the holiday season.

Walk through Central Park

After brunch, take a walk through Central Park. During the holiday season, the park is especially magical with snow-dusted trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, and peaceful winter landscapes-—perfect for those looking to enjoy holiday activities in NYC. Be sure to visit Bethesda Terrace for a picturesque view and a perfect spot for photos. Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful, crowd-free experience.

Afternoon:

5th Avenue Window Shopping

One activity I love doing all-year-round is window shopping, but there’s nothing quite like window shopping during the holiday season on 5th Avenue. Famous department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Bergdorf Goodman are beautifully decorated for the season, with themed windows that display their products beautifully and allow for extravagant photos. Insider tip: Visit in the late afternoon or early evening for a magical view of the windows lit up as the sun sets.

The Plaza Hotel

You might remember the movie Eloise at Christmastime. I remember watching this movie as a child and being amazed by the Christmas decor at the Plaza Hotel. Well, this is not just a scene in movies- they decorate beautifully for the holidays every year!  Admire the grand lobby decorated with festive wreaths and towering Christmas trees. If you have time, grab a hot chocolate or cocktail at the Palm Court. 

Grab a New York Pizza Slice

A slice of New York Pizza isn’t exactly the most holiday- themed activity but it is a staple food when visiting NYC. Joe’s Pizza Broadway is about a 20 minute walk away from the Plaza Hotel and in the direction of Rockefeller Center. Tip: Joe’s Pizza is a local favorite, so be prepared for a line, especially around lunchtime.

Evening:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating – Best Holiday Activities in NYC

No NYC holiday experience is complete without visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, one of the world’s most iconic Christmas symbols. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the ice skating rink beneath the tree—it’s a must-do, though be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.

Dinner at Rolf’s German Restaurant  

There are lots of dinner options near the Rockefeller Center, but if you want a restaurant decorated with over-the-top Christmas decorations, check out Rolf’s German Resturant  After a day of holiday magic, enjoy dinner at Rolf’s, a charming German restaurant located in Gramercy. The restaurant is famous for its over-the-top holiday decorations, including garlands, lights, and ornaments covering nearly every inch of the space. Note: Reservations are recommended, especially during the holiday season.

Shopping at Macy’s Herald Square

End the evening with a visit to Macy’s Herald Square, the world’s largest department store. The holiday displays inside are just as impressive as the ones on Fifth Avenue. Don’t forget to check out Santaland, where you can visit Santa and find unique Christmas gifts.

Day 2: Brooklyn Wonderland

Morning:

Festive Treat at Dough Doughnuts 

 Start your day in Brooklyn with a delicious sweet treat at Dough Doughnuts. Known for their gourmet donuts, they offer seasonal flavors like eggnog, gingerbread, and peppermint, along with rich hot chocolate to warm you up. Insider tip: Try their hot chocolate for the ultimate festive experience.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

After your treat, walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. The park’s holiday decorations and views make it an ideal spot for a morning walk.

Afternoon:  

Brooklyn Flea Market

 If you’re visiting on the weekend, make your way to the Brooklyn Flea market on 80 Pearl St. This holiday market features unique handmade gifts, vintage finds, and local food vendors. It’s a perfect spot for holiday shopping with a Brooklyn twist. 

Late Lunch

For some great Margherita-style pizza, visit Juliana’s near the Brooklyn Flea Market, but if you are looking for something quick and without lines, there are also a lot of great cafes in the area such as Beepublic or Arabica. 

Evening:

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

In the evening, head over to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, one of the best places in NYC to see jaw-dropping Christmas lights. This residential neighborhood goes all out with its holiday displays, from giant Santa Clauses to elaborate light shows and although guided tours are offered for this experience, you can enjoy it for free without a tour as well. Best time to visit: After dark, when the lights are fully illuminated.

The Nutcracker at King’s Theatre 

 End your day with a magical evening at King’s Theatre in Brooklyn. Book tickets here for a performance of The Nutcracker, one of the most beloved holiday traditions. The King’s Theatre itself is a historic venue, adding extra charm to the experience.

Alternative: The Edge NYC

If you want to skip the Nutcracker performance, you can also take a subway or Taxi to Hudson Yards and check out the Edge NYC, an outdoor sky deck that allows you to see the whole city from a 360-degree view. The views here are stunning, and I highly recommend visiting this attraction while in the City.

Day 3: Winter Markets & Cultural Immersion

Morning:

Breakfast at Café Joyeux

Start your day with a warm cappuccino at Café Joyeux. They have a nice variety of sweet and savory goods! 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art  

 After breakfast, head uptown to The Met Museum. The museum is beautiful year-round, but during the holidays, it’s even more special with decorations like the Christmas tree and Neapolitan Baroque crèche in the Medieval Galleries.

Afternoon:

Winter Village at Bryant Park

 After the museum, make your way to Bryant Park for the Winter Village. This charming outdoor market features over 170 boutique shops, holiday treats, and festive food vendors. You can also enjoy ice skating on the rink or just wander around looking at  the lights and decorations. Make sure to reserve tickets here. if you want to ice skate or rent out a cozy igloo.

Eataly NYC Downtown  

For a delicious Italian-inspired lunch, head to Eataly in the Flatiron District. This Italian marketplace has everything from fresh pasta to decadent pastries, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a festive meal. 

Evening:

Holiday Pop-Up Market  

 If you’re in the mood for more shopping, stop by one of New York’s many pop-up holiday markets, like Union Square Holiday Market or Columbus Circle Holiday Market. These seasonal markets offer unique gifts, handmade goods, and plenty of food options, making it an ideal spot to continue the holiday shopping fun.

Whether you’re ice skating under the Rockefeller Tree or sipping hot cocoa at Bryant Park, there’s something in NYC for everyone. I’d love to hear about your own holiday adventures in the city—share your favorite memories or tips in the comments below!