Yahoo Finance 11 Christmas-y Things to Do in New York City at Least Once
- 1/11
1) Visit the country's most famous Christmas tree.
How could it be Christmas in New York without the iconic Rockefeller tree? Following tradition, a giant Christmas tree (this year, a 75-foot Norway spruce) will be on full display at Rockefeller Center starting in early December. Though the tree is usually lit from 6 a.m. to midnight, you can expect it to be merry and bright for the full 24 hours on Christmas Day.
Chris Hondros - Getty Images - 2/11
2) See the holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo.
For an fun holiday experience for the whole family, head up to the Bronx Zoo, where you can attend the ultra-festive "Holiday Lights" event this year. With social distancing in place for all activities, you can explore five lantern safaris decked out in illuminated animals — all before enjoying ice-carving demonstrations, wildlife theater and more.
Bronx Zoo - 3/11
3) Take in the sights at Central Park.
There's nothing like wintertime at Central Park, where you can enjoy the gorgeous (and hopefully snow-covered) natural splendor against the backdrop of the city. You'll love partaking in sledding and other winter activities, taking a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or simply strolling through the park (with a hot chocolate in hand, of course).
RELATED: The 25 Best Winter Activities to Keep Yourself Occupied
DenisTangneyJr - Getty Images - 4/11
4) Visit the New York Botanical Garden.
Kids and adults alike won't want to miss the annual holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden, which runs from November to late January. (This year, the event is limited to members and Bronx community partners.) After marveling at the magical display of toy trains, be sure to check out the "NYBG GLOW" event, an all-new outdoor experience for the holiday.
New York Botanical Garden - 5/11
5) Shop at a holiday market.
Looking to get some holiday shopping done, all while sipping on a cup of hot apple cider? Spend your day at the open-air holiday market at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.), where you'll definitely feel the holiday spirit while shopping for artisanal gifts and indulging in tasty, festive bites.
RELATED: 30 Unique Christmas Gifts to Pleasantly Surprise Your Family and Friends This Holiday
BryantPark.org - 6/11
6) Go ice-skating.
While you're at Bryant Park, don't forget to grab a pair of skates to take several laps around the free admission risk, where you can skate outdoors surrounded by holiday cheer. (This year, skating will be by timed reservation only.) Another option, of course, is the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center (open 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.), where you'll be able to skate under the famous Christmas tree!
Walter Bibikow - Getty Images - 7/11
7) Soak in the city skyline.
For breathtaking winter views of the city, head 100 floors up to One World Observatory (open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), which is situated at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. If you're already visiting Rockefeller Center and prefer to stay in that area, check out the incredible views from 70 floors up at Top of the Rock Observation Deck (open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
One World Observatory - 8/11
8) Stroll past the holiday window displays.
Is there anything more magical than strolling along the New York streets to take in the festive holiday window displays? Every year, big department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman decorate their windows with intricate holiday vignettes. You can even design your own little walking tour and hit up each store before crowning your favorite!
Mireya Acierto - Getty Images - 9/11
9) Drink a frozen hot chocolate.
Scheduled to re-open for the holidays this year, Serendipity 3 is an iconic NYC establishment whose dessert menu is absolutely overwhelming ... in the best way possible. You can't go wrong with one of its giant drugstore sundaes, chocolate blackout cake or the classic frozen hot chocolate. (It's Christmas — treat yourself!)
RELATED: 65 Festive Christmas Desserts to Get You in the Sweet Holiday Spirit
Serendipity 3 - 10/11
10) Grab some grub in Chinatown.
It's tradition for many to enjoy Chinese food on Christmas day, so it only makes sense to head to New Yorkers' go-to neighborhood for delicious Chinese food. After a dim sum brunch (popular spots include Jing Fong and Golden Unicorn), be sure to grab some pastries (like sweet buns filled with red bean, taro and more) from one of the local bakeries like Taipan Bakery.
ANGELA WEISS - Getty Images - 11/11
11) Relax with a cozy cocktail.
After a day of sightseeing, kick up your feet at Dear Irving on Hudson, a stylish bar and lounge serving up innovative cocktails and sweeping views of the city. (The bar has now re-opened with various safety measures in place.) Don't forget to enjoy one of their special "Sweater Weather" seasonal cocktails!
RELATED: 50 Boozy Christmas Cocktails That Are Sure To Get You Into the Christmas Spirit
Dear Irving on Hudson
How many have you already checked off your list?!
