TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the cooling air fills the streets and dazzling lights complement its iconic billboards, New York City is more than ready for a festive celebration. And its spirit is best reflected in the best things to do on Christmas Eve in New York, offering everything a visitor could ask for.
Whether it’s gliding across ice rinks or window shopping along Fifth Avenue and soaking in Central Park’s awe-inspiring winter landscape, tonight in NYC is all about pure seasonal cheer.
Citing Condé Nast Traveler and TimeOut, here are seven of the best things to do on Christmas Eve in New York City.
List of the Best Things to do on Christmas Eve in New York City
1. Enjoy an ice skating session
Hitting the ice at Rockefeller Center or Central Park’s Wollman Rink has long been a staple among the best things to do on Christmas Eve. The crisp air and iconic backdrops pair perfectly with the unforgettable winter experience New York City has to offer. As various ticket packages are available, this outdoor experience caters to nearly all visitors.
2. Stroll by Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Christmas in New York truly comes alive when Dyker Heights stages one of the city’s most awe-inspiring holiday displays. A visit here promises a magical, almost surreal spectacle, with life-size reindeer, motorized Santas, towering snowmen, and countless dazzling lights. For the best views, head to 11th through 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets.
3. Window shopping along Fifth Avenue
Few experiences perhaps best capture the magic of Christmas Eve in New York quite like strolling down Fifth Avenue. World-famous storefronts such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Cartier transform their windows into elaborate holiday art installations, making every sight worth remembering even without stepping inside.
4. Take in Central Park’s stunning winter scenery
If you’re craving something light, without much activity to breathe in the season, a simple stroll through Central Park’s stunning winter scenery makes for an effortless NYC Christmas Eve. Whether during the day or after the sun sets, snow-dusted paths and the sight of passersby leave you in a sense of quiet elegance.
5. Discover New York Transit Museum’s free Holiday Train Show
One of the most unique things to do on Christmas Eve in New York City includes discovering the New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show. Situated within Grand Central Terminal, this exhibition features vintage model trains weaving through miniature replicas of the city’s iconic landmarks. For that, the immersive experience offers a playful glimpse of what it might feel like to be a giant towering over New York City.
6. See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
It feels incomplete to miss the legendary Radio City Christmas Spectacular. and that’s an idea we’re far from entertaining. Starring the iconic Rockettes, this world-renowned show combines precision dance, dazzling costumes, and festive storytelling into an unforgettable performance.
7. Wander through NYC’s streets
Sometimes, the best way to experience Christmas Eve in New York City is simply to wander. From softly lit brownstone-lined streets to bustling neighborhoods filled with holiday décor, every corner feels alive with seasonal energy. Best of all, each area brims with its own festive personality, be it Midtown, SoHo, or Greenwich Village.
The best things to do on Christmas Eve in New York span widely, yet all reveal the season at its most beautiful. From iconic traditions to simple moments of stillness, you’ll never be far from the warmth and wonder that define Christmas in the city. And what’s better at setting the mood than the best Christmas songs of the 21st century, where modern beats meet timeless seasonal charm.
Read: 12 Must-Watch Best Christmas Movies for Every Mood
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