Having been to New York in December many times over the years, we are able to give you an in-depth, insiders guide to New York in December. The places to go, the places to avoid – along with a few secret places you just can’t miss while you’re there.
It’s likely that if you’re going to New York in December, it’s because you love the magic of Christmas and want a bit of it for yourself. If you’ve watched Home Alone 2 and want to recapture the Christmas magic – with the big Christmas trees, the houses decked out with lights that rival the sun’s brightness and as many treats as you can eat – then you’re in for a great time!
So, where do you go in New York in December?
Places To Visit In New York
Although you don’t need to have a New York City tourist pass, it might be worth getting one if you plan to be going all over the place during your visit. They can save you a lot of time and money having one in advance.
Brooklyn Bridge
- Ice Skating – Visit the newest ice skating rink in Brooklyn underneath the bridge with breath-taking views of the city’s skyline while you whizz around the rink.
- Christmas Lights Tour – If you love looking at fantastic Christmas lights displays then you should book at tour through Brooklyn. There are some amazing displays to be seen. Prices start from $54 per person.
- Visit A Chocolate Factory – Fancy the Willy Wonka experience? Then you must visit the Li Lac chocolate factory in Brooklyn where you can watch their speciality Christmas chocolates being made.
- Sledding – Go sledding at Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park or Owl’s Head Park. There are some great hills to go zooming down – plus it’s free!
Bryant Park
You have to make sure you visit Bryant Park, located in central Midtown Manhattan, while in New York. It’s definitely worth it to get into the Christmas spirit and only a quick stroll down the road from Times Square.
- Ice Skating – The skating rink at Bryant Park is generally less busy than other places, which is ideal if you want a bit more space to yourself. Ice skate rentals range from $15 to $55 (cheaper in the mornings), so make sure you take money with you if you intend to do some skating.
- Christmas Lights – There is also has a Christmas tree lighting ceremony if you’re there on the right day.
- Christmas Market – There’s the Winter Village which is a fabulous Christmas market that has over 180 stalls full of food, drink and festive goodies. (Set to be open between October 27th – January 2nd 2023). The market stalls are open Monday – Friday 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm. Make sure you avoid late afternoons and evenings if you can because it gets VERY busy during those times. Mornings are best if you can make it then. The Christmas market is FREE to enter!
- The Igloos – Once you’ve done all of that, make sure you go and look at the Cozy Igloos – and take a seat in the warmth – if there are any spaces. (Due to remain open until early March 2024).
Union Square Park
- Christmas Market – Make sure you go and visit the Christmas market at Union Square Park if you’re there between November 16 – December 24. Opening times are – Monday – Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, and Sunday 11am-7pm.
Rockefeller Centre
One of the most famous places to visit in New York in December has to be Rockefeller Centre.
- Go ice skating – although this does get very busy during peak times. Prices vary between $21 – $79 for general admission as it can get quite expensive. The most expensive times to go are between 9-10pm on a Saturday.
- The Christmas Tree – Go and see the huge Christmas tree (also seen in the Home Alone film) at Rockerfeller Centre. It’s a great photo opportunity and free to view. However, you can also get a professional photo taken at the tree for $40.
- Meet Santa – Take the whole family to meet Santa. Tickets start at $55 so it’s not a cheap activity though and it will be very busy at peak times.
Central Park
To recreate some of the magic from Home Alone 2, you have to visit Central Park. There are so many things you can do here – other than simply walk around and take in all the famous spots from the film.
- Snowshoeing – Not many people know you can actually go snowshoeing through Central Park if it’s had at least 6 inches of snow.
- Ice Skating – Go ice skating at the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Prices start at $37 for adults and $10 for children aged 4-12.
- Ride the Carousel – Central Park’s stunning carousel has 57 beautifully painted horses. The vintage carousel was found abandoned in an old trolley terminal on Coney Island. With a lot of love, it was reopened again in 1871 and still remains to be one of the largest carousels in the U.S. At $3.50 a ride, it’s probably one of the cheapest things you’ll do whilst in NYC!
- Christmas Market – The Central Park Christmas market opens November 28th – December 31st, 2023. Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm and Sundays from 11am – 7pm. Closes at 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Here you’ll find over 100 stalls selling all the Christmas gifts you need to get into the festivities of Christmas.
- Horse Drawn Carriage – Go for a ride in a horse drawn carriage through central park. Prices start from $195.
The Plaza Hotel
If that’s not good enough, then you could always go to the Plaza Hotel for the Christmas experience of a lifetime. They’re now offering the Home Alone 2 experience package.
Package Includes…
- You get to start the experience with a 4 hour private limousine ride around New York City (visit filming locations including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall)
- Extra large bed (Kevin style)
- Large cheese pizza
- Home Alone sundae (16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce)
Prices for this package vary depending on when you want to go – the closer to Christmas, the more expensive it will be.
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