Must-Do Things in New York in December
New York City is a bustling metropolis that offers something for everyone, regardless of the time of year. While the summer months are perfect for outdoor activities, the winter season brings a unique charm to the city. December is a great time to visit New York, with festive events, holiday markets, and cozy atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.
Holiday Events and Festivals
One of the most exciting things to do in New York in December is to experience the city’s holiday events and festivals. Here are some of the top events to look out for:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting: This iconic event takes place on December 1st and features a stunning Christmas tree, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus.
- New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker: This classic ballet is a must-see in December, with its beautiful costumes, sets, and choreography.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: This iconic parade takes place on November 27th and features giant balloons, floats, and live performances.
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: Ice skating is a classic New York City activity, and Rockefeller Center offers outdoor ice skating from November to January.
- Holiday Markets: New York City has several holiday markets throughout the city, including the Union Square Holiday Market and the Bryant Park Winter Village.
Cozy Atmosphere and Winter Activities
While the holiday events and festivals are a big part of the fun in December, there are also plenty of cozy activities to enjoy in the city. Here are some ideas:
- Visit a Museum: New York City has a wealth of museums to explore, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum.
- Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is a classic New York City experience.
- Go Ice Skating: As mentioned earlier, ice skating is a great way to enjoy the winter weather in New York City.
- Take a Winter Hike: New York City has several parks and green spaces that are perfect for a winter hike, including Central Park and the High Line.
- Visit a Holiday Market: Many of New York City’s holiday markets offer a wide range of goods, from food and drink to clothing and accessories.
Food and Drink
December is a great time to try some of New York City’s famous holiday foods and drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Try a Classic New York-Style Pizza: New York City is famous for its pizza, and December is the perfect time to try a classic slice from one of the city’s many pizzerias.
- Visit a Holiday Market: Many of New York City’s holiday markets offer a wide range of food and drink options, from hot chocolate and cookies to mulled wine and cider.
- Try a Hot Chocolate: New York City has several coffee shops that offer delicious hot chocolate, including the famous Cafe Grumpy.
- Visit a Holiday Market for Food: Many of New York City’s holiday markets offer a wide range of food options, from traditional holiday treats to international cuisine.
Shopping
December is a great time to shop in New York City, with many of the city’s iconic department stores offering special holiday promotions and discounts. Here are some ideas:
- Visit Macy’s Herald Square: Macy’s is one of the city’s most iconic department stores, and December is the perfect time to visit for holiday shopping.
- Shop at Union Square Holiday Market: The Union Square Holiday Market offers a wide range of goods, from clothing and accessories to home decor and gifts.
- Visit Bloomingdale’s: Bloomingdale’s is one of the city’s most upscale department stores, and December is the perfect time to visit for holiday shopping.
- Shop at the Brooklyn Flea: The Brooklyn Flea is a popular holiday market that offers a wide range of goods, from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your trip to New York City in December:
- Book Your Accommodations Early: December is a popular time to visit New York City, so it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance.
- Check the Weather: December can be quite chilly in New York City, so make sure to pack warm clothing and layers.
- Take Advantage of Free Attractions: Many of New York City’s museums and attractions offer free admission on certain days of the week or month, so make sure to take advantage of these free attractions.
- Use Public Transportation: New York City’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world, and December is a great time to use it to get around the city.
Conclusion
New York City in December is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. From holiday events and festivals to cozy activities and food and drink, there’s always something to do in the city. With its iconic department stores, holiday markets, and winter activities, New York City is the perfect destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun and festive holiday experience, New York City in December is a must-see destination.
Must-Do Things in New York in December:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
- Holiday Markets
- Cozy Atmosphere and Winter Activities
- Food and Drink
- Shopping
- Tips and Tricks
Table: New York City Holiday Events and Festivals
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec 1st | 5pm | Rockefeller Center |
| New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker | Dec 1st | 8pm | Lincoln Center |
| Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade | Nov 27th | 9am | Macy’s Herald Square |
| Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center | Nov 27th – Jan 1st | 10am – 10pm | Rockefeller Center |
| Holiday Markets | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village |
Table: New York City Holiday Markets
| Market | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Square Holiday Market | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square |
| Bryant Park Winter Village | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Bryant Park |
Table: New York City Winter Activities
| Activity | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Skating | Nov 27th – Jan 1st | 10am – 10pm | Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park |
| Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride | Dec 1st | 10am – 5pm | Central Park |
| Winter Hike | Dec 1st | 10am – 4pm | Central Park, High Line |
| Holiday Market Shopping | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village |
Table: New York City Food and Drink
| Food and Drink | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic New York-Style Pizza | Dec 1st | 12pm – 10pm | Lombardi’s Pizza, Joe’s Pizza |
| Holiday Market Food | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village |
| Hot Chocolate | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Cafe Grumpy, The Coffee Club |
| Holiday Market Shopping | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village |
Table: New York City Shopping
| Store | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macy’s Herald Square | Nov 27th | 9am – 9pm | Macy’s Herald Square |
| Union Square Holiday Market | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 10pm | Union Square |
| Bloomingdale’s | Nov 27th | 9am – 9pm | Bloomingdale’s |
| Brooklyn Flea | Nov 27th – Dec 31st | 10am – 6pm | Brooklyn Flea |
Table: New York City Tips and Tricks
| Tip | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Accommodations Early | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Online |
| Check Weather | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Online |
| Take Advantage of Free Attractions | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Online |
| Use Public Transportation | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Online |
| Try Holiday Foods and Drinks | Dec 1st | 10am – 10pm | Local restaurants and markets |