The Big Apple transforms into the world’s most glittering spectacle every holiday season. From legendary window displays to dazzling light shows and unique seasonal treats, New York City during Christmas is pure magic.
Are you planning your trip? Don’t just see the holidays, experience them! We’ve compiled the 10 Best NYC Holiday Activities for 2025, ranked to give you the best chance of seeing what everyone else is searching for. Book these must-do experiences early—they sell out fast!
Top-Tier NYC Holiday Experiences
These activities capture the most iconic, searched-for holiday moments in New York City.
1. Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall 🩰
You simply cannot visit NYC during the holidays without seeing this legendary show. The Radio City Rockettes deliver a dazzling performance that includes the iconic Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the moving Living Nativity. The sheer scale and tradition make this an unforgettable NYC Christmas experience. This is a major ticketed event; secure your seats early!
2. NYC Holiday Lights Carriage Ride Down Fifth Avenue 🐴
Glide past the most iconic decorations in timeless elegance. This VIP Christmas Lights Carriage Ride offers a romantic, cozy, and crowd-free way to see the best of Fifth Avenue lights. Highlights include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Saks Fifth Avenue light show, and the stunning windows of Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, and The Plaza Hotel.
Bonus: Includes a photo stop at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!
3. Manhattan 2025 NYC Christmas Lights Tour (4-Hour Bus Experience) ✨
Want to cover maximum lights in one night? This 4-hour luxury bus tour is your answer. Starting in Times Square, you’ll visit Union Square Holiday Market, see the Wall Street Christmas Tree, marvel at Hudson Yards’ 2 million lights, and cap it off by skipping the line at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar for incredible Empire State Building views from a heated igloo.
4. Fifth Avenue Walking Tour: Windows, Tree & Bryant Park 🚶♀️
For those who prefer to explore on foot, this 90-minute walking tour covers the glittering essentials. An expert local guide will share the story behind the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, decode the artistry of the luxury department store windows (Saks, Bergdorf Goodman), and finish at the bustling Bryant Park Winter Village. Available in English or Spanish!
Unique Flavors & Festive Exploration 🍦
Move beyond the main avenues to discover hidden gems and tasty traditions.
5. Holiday Donut Tour in Midtown (Grand Central & Rockefeller Center) 🍩
Deck the halls with scrumptious donuts! This unique 2-hour tour pairs spectacular holiday decorations with the city’s best artisanal donuts and hot chocolate. You’ll start at Grand Central Terminal, see the lions at the New York Public Library in their holiday finery, and finish by the Rockefeller Center Tree.
6. Holiday Wine, Cheese & Small Bites Pairing Cruise 🍷
Set sail on the Yacht Manhattan for a sophisticated 90-minute cruise past Lower Manhattan sights like the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a guided tasting of festive wines paired with artisanal cheeses. Perfect for a unique NYC date night!
7. Dyker Heights Luxury Bus Tour: Brooklyn’s Ultimate Display 🏡
Head to Brooklyn to witness the legendary Dyker Heights holiday lights. This 3-hour luxury bus tour takes you through the neighborhood where houses are decked out with life-sized Santas, animated reindeer, and synchronized decorations. A true over-the-top Christmas spectacle!
Deeper Dive & Cultural Celebrations 🕎
These activities offer historical context or explore different holiday traditions.
8. Holiday Lights Walking Tour including Market Shopping (3.5 - 4 Hours) 📸
This extended walking tour dives deep into the festive overload, hitting Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more, plus dedicating time for a 45-minute shopping excursion at an outdoor holiday gift market. Great for shoppers wanting a structured look at the best displays.
9. Virtual Stroll: Christmas in Old New York 📜
For those who can’t be there in person, this virtual experience is perfect. Learn how New York helped create the modern American Christmas tradition through photos of Herald Square, Bryant Park, and historic department store windows.
10. Eldridge Arts & Learning: Chanukah Celebration 🕎
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Museum at Eldridge Street in the historic Lower East Side. This in-person event (Ages 5+) features a family-friendly retelling of the Chanukah story, dreidel spinning, games, and craftingChanukah cards. A wonderful way to honor a different holiday tradition.
Ready to Make Your 2025 NYC Holiday Memorable?
The best spots and tours fill up weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Don’t miss out on the twinkling magic!
Which of these spectacular New York City holiday activities will be your highlight this year?
