WHAT TO DO IN NYC ON CHRISTMAS DAY – 8 IDEAS WITH ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND RESTAURANTS
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in NYC, you’re probably wondering what to do on the 25th. It all works out nicely on the 24th, but some attractions, shops, and restaurants do close for the 25th, so it’s important to make a plan beforehand. Still, I guarantee there are plenty of options for your itinerary! To make it a little bit easier, I put together a list with some of my favorite things to do on this long-awaited day that manages to make NYC a little bit quieter (or extremely busier in some areas – I’m talking to you Rockefeller Center)
I hope you like it!
Oh, before I forget…To see more of my day to day life in NYC, check out my Instagram (@marthasachser), and follow my Youtube channel. For more NYC tips join my NYC tips Facebook group HERE! And if you are traveling to NYC, don’t forget to get my New York City Guide HERE!
WHERE TO HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER ON THE 25TH (CHRISTMAS DAY)?
Yes, a lot of restaurants and delis don’t open on the 25th. For Christmas lunch or dinner on the 24th and 25th I recommend 3:
- Tavern on the Green
- Bryant Park Grill
- Dinner cruise with Bateaux or Spirit (you can get 10% off your reservation with my code MARTHA10)
I still recommend using apps like OpenTable to search and book reservations on restaurants that will be operating normally, though. Or take a walk on the 25th to find new places!
WATCH A CHRISTMAS SHOW
Watching the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Hall (you can get your tickets HERE) is a classic Christmas activity (besides watching The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and other shows). But the Christmas Spectacular is my favorite, the Rockettes are amazing.
GO ON A CRUISE AROUND NYC FOR LUNCH OR DINNER
I’ve lost count of how many times I celebrated special occasions on a dinner cruise. For me, it’s one of the most special ways to see NYC! The experience as a whole is very pleasant too and you get three hours to just appreciate the breathtaking views! The cool thing about it is that some cruises also serve lunch, which is usually more affordable than dinner! Both are great experiences and I strongly recommend trying them out! Learn more about my favorite cruises and get your tickets HERE!
GO ICE SKATING
If you’d like to have some fun, then you should know that ice skating is a Christmas classic in NYC! My favorite rinks for the 25th are the ones at Central Park, Bryant Park, and the Rockefeller Center!
VISIT ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL AND THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE
Both of these Cathedrals are beautiful and offer services on Christmas Day. St Patrick’s also performs a mass at midnight on the 25th, but a ticket is required to attend and they are usually sold out very quickly. Click HERE to learn more about the Cathedral’s hours and Christmas Day service. Keep in mind that the cathedral gets super busy at night and they might close to visitors if it reaches the full and safe capacity.
The Church of St. John The Divine is also very beautiful! It’s located in one of the most peaceful areas of the city, where few tourists go, in Uptown New York! Learn more about it HERE!
GO TO ONE OF THE 3 OBSERVATORIES IN THE CITY!
Yes, the Empire State Building opens on the 25th, and it’s not the only one. The Rockefeller Center and the One World Observatory also operate on Christmas Day, so take this opportunity to see NYC from above! To purchase tickets to the Empire State Building, click HERE or HERE; to the One World Observatory tickets, HERE or HERE; to Top of the Rock, HERE or HERE. Or get an attractions pass that includes all these observatories; click HERE to learn more! You can try to buy your tickets on the spot too, but Christmas time is the highest season in the year, so I strongly recommend booking your seats in advance to avoid standing in line for too long.
TAKE A WALK AROUND THE CITY
The way I see it, there’s nothing better than walking around NYC to explore holiday markets, make the most out of Central Park or take a city tour and visit the many trees scattered around the boroughs. If you wish to avoid crowds, make sure to make a dinner reservation in advance and avoid walking around Rockefeller Center, it gets SUPER busy, especially at night. I mentioned some of my favorite Christmas spots and trees HERE!
EXPLORE DYKER HEIGHTS or VISIT A WINTER/CHRISTMAS LANTERN AND LIGHTS FESTIVAL
DYKER HEIGHTS – BROOKLYN:
The easiest way to explore Dyker Heights is by booking a guided tour or by car. To learn more about how to get to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights click HERE or HERE!
NYC Winter Lantern Festival at Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden: Adult tickets cost US$ 25 each. The event runs until January 12th, 2020. Learn more HERE!
LuminoCity em Randall’s Island: From November 23rd to January 5th. Adult tickets are US$ 38 each; children tickets are US$ 19 each! Learn more HERE!
Hello Panda Festival: This is a lantern festival at Queen’s Citi Field! It’s the biggest festival in North America. Adult tickets are US$ 25 each; children tickets are US$ 22 each! The event runs until January 26th. Learn more HERE!
To learn more about my day to day life in NYC, check out my Instagram (@marthasachser), and follow my Youtube channel, which you can find HERE!
ACCOMMODATIONS IN NYC:
Budget friendly hotels in Manhattan:HERE!
Budget friendly hotels in Queens ( very close to Manhattan): HERE!
Book hotels and packages on Booking: HERE!
Book hotels and packages in Hotels.com: HERE!
Best NYC Hostels: HERE!
Get credit on your first AirBnB stay: HERE!
GET NYC ATTRACTIONS DISCOUNT PASSES:
CityPass (good for the basics): HERE!
Sightseeing Pass (my favorite): HERE or HERE!
Sightseeing FLEX Pass (second favorite): HERE!
Explorer Pass: HERE!
New York Pass: HERE!
Get more passes and tickets to most NYC attractions HERE!
