One of my favorite places to go during the holiday season is New York City. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the ice skating rink and giant Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center or the holiday light shows, Christmas performances and so much more. For me, even though I have been lucky to experience it more than once, I still think it’s a special and unforgettable experience. 

Last year, I wrote an ultimate 3-day itinerary for a New York City Christmas. This year, I wanted to update it with some new information and experiences for 2025! In this year’s 3-day itinerary, I’ll again take you through the must-see sights. You will experience cherished traditions and amazing food spots. This is all tailored for the 2025 season. 

I’ve also created this DOWNLOADABLE GOOGLE MAP that you can use to easily navigate around the city during the busy holiday season.

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

 For day one, let’s stick to the classics. This day will be much like last year’s day one. The suggestions are more traditional. However, I’ve added some new 2025 specific highlights where I could in this section.

Morning:

Brunch at Sarabeth’s Restaurant

Start your NYC Christmas journey  with brunch at Sarabeth’s (Central Park South location), a cozy spot known for its delicious comfort food and lemon-ricotta pancakes . Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, try to arrive early, as Sarabeth’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, which is 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. This year the tree is 80 feet and comes from Upstate New York. It’s decorated with 50,000 LEDS and topped with a Swarovski star 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 (before 8:30 a.m.) or late evening (after 10 p.m.) for fewer crowds and a more intimate experience.

Dinner at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

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 Lillie’s Victorian Establishment . This restaurant serves more pub-styled food. Note: Reservations are recommended, especially during the holiday season.

Shopping at Macy’s Herald Square & Sak’s Fifth Avenue Light Show

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. This year, the Sak’s Fifth Avenue light show will be returning to NYC. Shows are expected to start in late November so make sure they should be releasing more details soon.

Day 2: Brooklyn Adventure

Morning:

Festive Treat at Dough Doughnuts 

Start your day in Brooklyn with a delicious sweet treat at Dough Doughnuts, which is known for their gourmet donuts. This year, they’re serving up new 2025 holiday flavors like gingerbread chai, peppermint mocha, and brown-butter eggnog. 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. The park’s Pier 1 and 2 areas are strung with festive lights this year,

Afternoon:

Brooklyn Flea Market

If you’re visiting on a weekend, make your way to the Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market (now held at DUMBO Archway Plaza in 2025). This local favorite features handmade gifts, vintage treasures, artisanal candles, and winter street food.
New this year:

• A “Warm & Local” vendor section with Brooklyn-based bakeries and chocolatiers.
• A Mini Maker’s Corner where you can personalize ornaments or cards on-site.

Tip: Some vendors at this market prefer to be paid in cash.

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 Edge NYC

Towards the end of the night, you can 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. For 2025, the Edge will have “Winter at the Edge” 2025 experience, featuring glowing LED installations, a holiday light tunnel, and seasonal drinks at the sky deck bar.

Day 3: Winter Markets & Cultural Immersion

Morning:

Breakfast at Café Joyeux

Start your day with a warm gingerbread cappuccino at Café Joyeux. They also have a delicious cranberry-orange brioche.

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.

Optional Detour – The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center

If you want to experience one of New York’s most iconic holiday traditions, walk or cab a few minutes south to Lincoln Center, where New York City Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker .

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 190 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.

Insider Tip: Every Friday, there will be Holiday Nights on Ice with live DJ sets and hot cocoa tastings.

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. 

In 2025, both locations have transformed into a festive “Mercato di Natale” with holiday decorations, pop-up tasting booths, and limited-edition Italian desserts like panettone al pistacchio and vin brulé.

Insider Tip: Order the Tagliatelle al Tartufo Bianco (white truffle pasta) — available only during the holiday season.

Evening:

Holiday Pop-Up Market  

As the city lights up, spend your final evening wandering through one more festive market.

Choose between:

• Union Square Holiday Market — eco-friendly vendors, local artists, and a “Made in NYC” section.
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market — steps from Central Park, perfect if you caught The Nutcracker earlier in the day.

What’s New in 2025: Both markets now feature live choir performances and Sustainable Gift Corners promoting upcycled goods and local artisans.

Whether you’re ice skating under the Rockefeller Tree or sipping hot cocoa at Bryant Park, there’s something in NYC during the holidays for everyone. I’d love to hear about your own holiday adventures in the city. Share in the comments what activity you are most excited to try this 2025 holiday season in NYC. Happy Holidays!