More about: 12 Things to Do in New York in December
With New Year's Eve just around the corner, New York has plenty to offer and is gearing up for what is probably the most important time of year for most New Yorkers. Christmas markets and colourful lights take over the city, creating the perfect atmosphere for all that shopping.
And although the temperatures are low, it's always nice to grab a hot coffee to go while strolling through the streets lined with ice rinks. Despite being a busy tourist season, if you love Christmas, this is undoubtedly the best time of year to travel to the Big Apple. Let's go!
1. Experience all the excitement of an NBA game
The NBA is considered one of the most special sporting events in the world. Without a doubt, watching a game is something you cannot miss if you are going to the United States. The fanaticism of the crowd and the rivalry between the teams will allow you to enjoy the stars on the court, offering an extraordinary experience. It's a spectacle of music, dance, celebration and, above all, sport, of course.
What's more, if you go in December, you'll be lucky enough to see a game in the middle of the season. What's more, they take care of every detail , even wearing special kits for the occasion!
Madison Square Garden is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It is an impressive indoor stadium where the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL) play. In the next article, I'll tell you how to buy NBA tickets at the best price.
2. Explore Niagara Falls
Booking a trip to Niagara Falls from New York is something I consider essential. After all, when else will you get to enjoy this natural wonder? What's more, December offers a wonderful winter scene that will captivate you even more.
You have several options depending on how many days you have available and whether you want to combine Niagara Falls with other cities:
- Excursion to Niagara Falls from New York with overnight travel, from €129
- Excursion to Niagara Falls from New York, from €174
- Day trip to Niagara Falls from New York, from €232
- Two-day excursion to Niagara Falls from New York, from €44
- 4-day tour of America from New York (Niagara Falls, Washington and Philadelphia), from €706
On this trip, accompanied by an expert guide, you will visit Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls and American Falls, and explore the park's viewpoints. You can also stroll through the Cave of the Winds, a place that will dazzle you. Grab your raincoat and get ready for adventure!
3. Be dazzled by the aerial views of New York
Another must-do on your trip to New York in December is a helicopter tour. What's more, at this time of year, with all the festive decorations and lights, you'll get some dreamy photos. You'll be the envy of everyone when you return from your holiday.
Flying over Manhattan and admiring the city's impressive skyscrapers from above is a spectacular experience and, although you may find it hard to believe, it's in high demand. So much so that there are numerous options and a wide range of prices available. Here are some of them:
- Helicopter tour from New Jersey, from €178
- Helicopter tour in New York, from €287
- Helicopter flight over New York: essential tour, from €215
- Helicopter ride in New York, from €241
- Helicopter flight over New York: extended tour, from €241
- Long helicopter flight over New York, from €331
- VIP helicopter flight over New York, from €2,212
4. Enjoy a hot chocolate at Serendipity III
As you can imagine, it's very cold in New York at this time of year. That's why it's common to see people bundled up with a cup of coffee to warm their hands.
We suggest something a little sweeter! Go for a hot chocolate at Serendipity III, an extraordinary place with extravagant décor that is sure to impress. For those who can't make up their minds, it's always a good idea to order their speciality, the Frozen Hot Chocolate.
And if you're someone who enjoys gastronomy when travelling, here's a list of the best places to eat in New York. I also highly recommend booking a gastronomic tour of Manhattan. An unforgettable experience!
5. Visit the impressive Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
The 1st of December, one week after Thanksgiving, is the official start of Christmas. It is traditional to attend the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony, which is attended by music stars who sing Christmas carols and spread Christmas cheer to the audience in the square.
You'll need a good wide-angle lens on your camera to capture it all in your photo! You can visit it throughout the month and until early January. It is usually lit from dusk until midnight, except on 25 December, when you can enjoy its lights throughout the day.
While you're here, don't miss the chance to go up to the Top of the Rock or visit the Top of the Rock at night. To do so, book your tickets to the Top of the Rock and you'll be sure not to miss out on the spectacular views. Don't miss the best Christmas trees in New York either.
6. Take a tour of the most spectacular shop windows and take the opportunity to go shopping
Shopping in New York is always a good option, but December is undoubtedly one of the most amazing times to visit its shops. This month, the shops put on the most spectacular window displays of the year (and probably the world).
They certainly leave no one indifferent, and at the end of the month, they hold the After Holiday Sales, a few days when they offer discounts and you can get many products at incredible prices. If you're looking for the best prices, be sure to visit the best outlets in New York.
You can also take advantage of this opportunity to buy Christmas gifts or the most original souvenirs. Here's a guide to the best things to buy in New York.
7. Skate at one of the skating rinks located throughout the city
When winter arrives, New Yorkers are in luck, as one of their favourite activities is ice skating. And the city is full of rinks! The most famous, the first to be set up each year and the most iconic is the one at Rockefeller Center at Christmas.
Of course, many people come every day to skate. That's why, apart from a good scarf and warm gloves, you'll have to be prepared for a long queue. An alternative is to book your ticket for The Rink ice rink at Rockefeller Centre in advance.
Another very typical and somewhat less crowded rink is the Central Park ice rink, where you can glide through a dreamlike winter landscape.
8. Discover the Botanical Garden train
One of the most popular traditions in New York is the Holiday Train Show. It is a miniature train that runs through a miniature model of the city. It is a great way to see all the tourist attractions from a different perspective.
Seeing the train surrounded by moss, branches, bark and many other natural elements is a tradition that you can only enjoy when December arrives and has become a New York tradition. It is definitely a highly recommended experience, especially if you are travelling with children.
An interesting fact is that this model is created with sustainable materials, most of which come from the Botanic Gardens themselves. That's right. At this point, I recommend booking your ticket to the Botanic Gardens so that you can see the materials used to create it.
9. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square
Celebrating New Year's Eve in New York is something you have to do once in your life, whether in Times Square, at the Empire State Building or in Central Park. Since 1907, there has been a tradition of celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square with its famous ball drop, where a huge crystal ball descends to mark the start of the new year. Up to a million people gather here! Concerts are held with famous artists such as Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.
Empire State Building
Another of the most famous parties that you cannot miss is the one you will witness if you go to the top of the Empire State Building, where the building is lit up and spectacular fireworks displays are held. Don't hesitate to book your ticket to the Empire State Building and enjoy the full experience.
Other interesting places to enjoy on New Year's Eve
If you want to get away from the crowds and welcome the new year in a more peaceful setting, you can always watch the fireworks in Central Park or from the Brooklyn Bridge.
10. Enjoy one of New York's most famous shows: The Rockettes
If you visit New York in December, there's one show you can't miss: the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. It's been New York's quintessential Christmas show since it began in 1933. The show is set in the North Pole and features more than 130 performers with impressive choreography, including ice skating and more than 1,300 costumes, including Santa Claus!
This is another activity that is not to be missed. If you're travelling with children, don't miss the chance to visit Santa Claus, who will be waiting at the end of the show to have his photo taken.
And if you'd like to spend a night at the movies, you can also check out the best musicals on Broadway.
11. Be dazzled by the illuminated houses in the Dyker Heights neighbourhood
If you want to experience Christmas in true American style, Dyker Heights is the neighbourhood you can't miss. It is famous for its extravagant Christmas lights, and at this time of year all the residents fill their houses with lights and all kinds of Christmas figures such as reindeer, Santa Claus and elves, which move and sing carols.
If you want to visit this Brooklyn neighbourhood, you can do so on your own by subway, or if you are near the financial district, the bus can be a very good option. Otherwise, join one of the many New York tours to see the Christmas lights.
12. Lose yourself in the New York Public Library
Every year, the New York Public Library is filled with a warm and cosy atmosphere. In addition to setting up one of the most visited Christmas trees in the city, the entire space is decorated with candles, lights and garlands. There are also activities such as face painting workshops, crafts, magic shows, Christmas story readings and much more.
Highly recommended, especially if you are visiting New York with children!
The weather in New York in December
It is not unusual to see images of New York City covered in snow in winter, as winter officially begins on 21 December, so you need to be prepared to combat the low temperatures.
Be sure to pack warm, waterproof clothing to protect you from the cold, as temperatures range from a high of 7ºC to a low of 0ºC, and we have an average of 8 days of rain per month.
It gets dark quite early, around 4:30 p.m., when the streets begin to light up and the Christmas atmosphere comes to life.
You may or may not like the cold, but if you come prepared, it will be the perfect companion to help you experience New York in the most magical way possible.
The influx of tourists to New York in December
New York has so much to offer, and December is probably the month when the Big Apple receives the most visitors. Without a doubt, it is the best time of year to travel to the Big Apple. However, tourism at Christmas is very high, so I recommend that you book your accommodation and activities in advance, and assume that, as it is high season, prices will be quite high, both for accommodation and flights, and even for restaurant menus.
Even so, that shouldn't stop you from visiting this wonderful city because at Christmas, you'll see the city like no other time of year and you'll be able to store a totally unforgettable experience in your memory.