Here are 5 festive things to do inNew York for Christmas to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
1. Visit to the Rockefellar Centre Christmas Tree. ( 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York NY10112).
The Rockefellar Christmas Tree is iconic and the tree lighting ceremony is a much anticipated event in NYC.
This year’s Norway Spruce tree (2024) will come from Massachusetts and the lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday December 4th 2024. The tree is lit daily from 5am to midnight and 24 hours on Christmas eve.
A word of warning about the crowds if you are visiting the Rockefellar Christmas Tree. As you can see from the image I took last year, the whole area is packed. Best time to go if you want to avoid the crowds is early in the morning or late at night.
En route to the Rockefellar Centre, it is likely you will pass through Time square which is lit with festive adverts adorning the skyscrapers.
2. Radio City Rockettes for a Christmas Spectacular show.
The Radio City Rockettes is an annual festive musical show with singing and dancing. The costumes are stunning and the dancing is with the most incredible coordination and precision.
The Rockettes have been doing their routines since 1925 and the troupe moved to New York in 1932.
Here’s a little peek of the music hall’s foyer. Isn’t that suspended crystal Christmas tree amazing?
We really enjoyed the show and definitely left feeling festive.
Just to mention, if you are going, to pre-book well in advance your dinner reservations before or after the show as this is a busy time of year.
3. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
(11th to 13th Avenues – Dyker Heights Blvd and from 83rd to 86th |St Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY).
Americans are well known for their over the top home Christmas decorations and lights.
Dyker Heights is definitely the place to go for festive things to do in New York. It’s just like what you see on those American Christmas movies.
There are life sized Nutcrackers, elves and Santa Clauses. The lights are colourful, sparkling and beautiful.
The lights are on display from the weekend after Thanksgiving and are up until New Year’s Eve. Most houses turn their lights on from 9pm.
You can get there via subway by the D train to 79th St and New Utrecht ave, Brooklyn, followed by a 15 minute walk.
As the area is residential, it is important to be respectful and quiet when viewing.
Many of the houses light upfor charity and remembrance of loved ones, so do donate if you can for this free spectacle.
There are tour groups who can drive you to Dyker Heights too.
4. Festive shopping at the Artists and Fleas at Chelsea Market. (88 10th Avenue @ W. 15th Street , open 11am to 7pm daily)
You can find this wonderful artisan market beneath the High Line. So you can do a High Line walk, go for some hot cocoa followed by some festive shopping.
There are numerous small independent makers selling their crafted goods under one roof. It’s the perfect place for buying unique Christmas gifts.
5. Gingerbread house decorating.
Chelsea market is also famous for its food halls and eateries, so it’s a perfect place to stop off for lunch and a drink after your shopping.
If you fancy, Chelsea market is running a build your own Gingerbread House event on Thursday December 19th 2024 3pm to 7pm. Tickets cost $25 per person +tax, and includes drinks and snacks.
Hope you have enjoyed this Festive things to do in New York post. I’ve also done a Brunch in New York post here if you are interested.
Have a fabulous Holiday season.
( All photography are by and copyrigt of Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell.)