New York! Charming and delightful, the city of New York exudes a vibrancy that not many cities in the world can compete with. The city is a vivid celebration of life throughout the year, but when December comes along it reaches a hysteria that will leave you euphoric! The holiday celebrations are in full force and you will find yourself surrounded by holiday lighting, market fairs, musical performances and special holiday events. The good old attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and the Empire State Building are evergreen and a must-visit! Here is a guide on how to make the best of the holidays and plan an epic trip to New York in December.
What Makes New York in December Special?
Holiday Cheer – New York is one of the best cities in the world to spend the annual holidays. Touted as the ‘Melting pot of the world’ it witnesses holiday celebrations from cultures across the world. The festive season starts right from Thanksgiving and all through December till the New Year.
Shopping & entertainment – New York has multiple sales, Christmas market fairs and pop-ups across the city that are ideal for festive shopping. Even window shopping is a treat with major departmental going over the top with their holiday decorations! You have special shows like Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and Nutcrackers, plus several music concerts to entertain the entire family.
Calm & Frenzy – New York in December witnesses two phases, the first couple of weeks are lower in tourist numbers and you can enjoy shopping and sightseeing with fewer queues. However, if you love being in the thick of things then you enjoy the last two weeks of December when there is a literal holiday frenzy! Accommodation and flight rates reflect this as well and you can choose what kind of experience you want.
New York Weather in December
Winter is in full force in New York in December and temperatures are dropping throughout the month. The average daytime temperature ranges around 7°C and it lowers to around 0°C at night. The weather is windy and you can expect a few rainy days, while there aren’t major snowstorms hitting the city there will be snow towards the end of the month.
Must - Dos in New York in December
1
Central Park
Central Park is the best spot in New York to witness the changing seasons. In December, the landscape turns white and opens up for snow activities like sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The most popular activity remains ice skating at Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink.
December Timings
Daily: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM
New York, NY, USA
Getting There ›
2
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial is a sombre reminder of the terrorist attack that happened in New York. It is a moving tribute to the people who lost their lives, the museum holds a variety of memorabilia of the event and the people affected. In December, you can attend the film and live talks at 9/11 Memorial, free of cost.
December Timings
Daily: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Memorial)
Sun – Thu: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Memorial Museum)
Fri – Sat: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Memorial Museum)
Z180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007, USA
Getting There ›
3
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Go up 850 feet to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and take in a bird’s eye view of New York City. With both indoor and outdoor viewing you can keep the December cold at bay. Combine your trip to enjoy the Christmas festivities at the Rockefeller Centre.
December Timings
Every day: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
December 24 & 31: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA
Getting There ›
4
American Museum of Natural History
A visit to the largest natural history museum in the world is the best way to enjoy a cold December day. With over 33 million specimens spread across 28 buildings, there is a lot to see at the museum. It is the best place to go to if you are traveling to NYC with kids.
December Timings
Every day: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Holiday on Christmas
Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024, USA
Getting There ›
5
Statue of Liberty
Bundle up and take the ferry to Ferris Island for a rendezvous with the Statue of Liberty. December is a great time to visit the monument as you don’t have to deal with thronging crowds and even visit the Crown and Pedestal without having to book months in advance.
December Timings
Every day: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Holiday on Christmas
New York, NY 10004, USA
Getting There ›
6
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
Enjoy a Christmas NYC Tradition by going to a show of the Christmas Spectacular starring the beautiful Radio City Rockettes. A tradition since 1933, the show is a visual extravaganza and is a family-friendly entertainment show that uses technology and fantastic choreography for a show of a lifetime!
December Timings
Daily Shows at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
New York, NY 10004, USA
Getting There ›
7
Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Museum is an ode to the might of the American Military. The museum displays the USS Intrepid, which was an aircraft carrier in World War II, a Space Shuttle Pavilion, the Submarine Growler and a British Airways Concorde. It is perfect for kids and adults to learn about the rich history of the US Army.
Decemeber Timings
Every day: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pier 86, W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Getting There ›
8
Couple’s Private 30 Minute Helicopter Tour
Searching for the best Christmas gift for your partner? Gift them an experience they won’t forget ever! Book a unique 30 minute Helicopter tour of NYC, enjoy a private experience and indulge in sightseeing of NYC’s most famous attractions from the sky!
December Timings
Every day: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Helicopter Flight Services Inc, Downtown Manhattan Heliport pier 6
New York, USA
Getting There ›
7
Chinatown Food Tour
NYC is a melting pot of cultures and a tour of Chinatown will help you understand how this culture came to fruition. Take a food tour of the neighborhood’s most iconic restaurants like Vanessa’s Dumplings, Jing Fong, Nom Wah Tea Parlour, and Golden Fung Wong Bakery.
December Timings
Tour starts on Saturdays at 12:00 PM
Canal St & Baxter St,
New York, USA
Getting There ›
11
Holiday Lights and Movie Sights
Head to the real locations of your favorite Christmas movies and enjoy the glamorous side of New York City. On this tour you will be accompanied by a local actor who will take you through the Holiday light decorations of the city and stop at some of the most memorable movie locations in NYC.
December Timings
Every day: 3:00 PM
1841 Broadway #812, New York, NY 10023, USA
Getting There ›
Events in December in New York
Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center
Date: 4th December 2019
The Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting is in its 87th year and it’s not an exaggeration to state it’s become a New York tradition. The lighting ceremony is accompanied with an entertainment show and the tree remains lit until early 2020. The ceremony lasts from 8 PM – 10 PM.
Hello Panda Festival
Date: 6th December 2019 – 19th December 2019
The Hello Panda Festival is a one of its kind Lantern Festival in New York. For the first time you can experience over 120 Chinese lantern exhibits, live entertainment and interactive workshops. With lots of activities and international food vendors, it is a fun family event for all ages.
Street Music Festival
Date: 21st December 2019
All of New York will ring out with beautiful music on Winter Solstice, the longest day of the year, as over 350 artists perform throughout New York’s streets. The event is taking place since 1989 and is inspired by the French street music festival, Fête de la Musique.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
Date: All through December
Over 120 holiday shops pop up in Bryant Park for the Winter Village festival. The holiday market is one of the best in NYC and the highlight of the festival is the only free admission skating rink in the city. Plus, there are restaurant popups, events and live entertainment shows.
New Year’s Eve at Times Square
Date: 31st December 2019
There is no other place in the world you would rather be than at New Year’s Eve in Times Square! At Least a million people assemble at Times Square to watch the ball drop and be a part of history each year. Be there for this epic moment and witness a fireworks show and musical performances.
The Nutcracker
Date: All through December
The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition worldwide, and the New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s Nutcracker is a family favorite. The show will run at the David H. Koch Theatre and is a brilliant production complete with spectacular choreography and grand stage theatrics.
