New York, US, United States · Trip plan
4 days in New York at Christmas
The Rockefeller tree, ice skating and Broadway in the city that never sleeps.
- Best time
- Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $350 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,800
Planning a 4-day trip to New York at Christmas? Here's a day-by-day New York at Christmas itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
From late November New York is at its most magical: the Rockefeller Center tree, store windows on Fifth Avenue and holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square.
New York is the ultimate city break: skyscrapers, world-famous museums, Broadway, food from every corner of the world, and at Christmas, lights on every street.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
December: -2 to 6°C, sometimes snowy.
Don't miss
Best things to do in New York at Christmas
- 01
Rockefeller Center
The famous Christmas tree and ice rink.
- 02
Central Park
Skating at Wollman Rink and winter walks.
- 03
Statue of Liberty
Ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
- 04
Broadway
World-class musicals and plays.
Day by day
New York at Christmas itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Midtown magic
- Morning
- Top of the Rock at opening for skyline views, then the Rockefeller tree and rink.
- Afternoon
- Fifth Avenue's holiday windows, St Patrick's Cathedral and Grand Central.
- Evening
- Times Square lights and a Broadway show.
Book Top of the Rock for a timed slot.
- D2
Day 2: Liberty and Lower Manhattan
- Morning
- Early ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Afternoon
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum, then Wall Street.
- Evening
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset and dinner in DUMBO.
Buy ferry tickets only from Statue City Cruises.
- D3
Day 3: Central Park and museums
- Morning
- Skate at Wollman Rink and walk Central Park.
- Afternoon
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Evening
- Holiday market at Bryant Park and dinner in Hell's Kitchen.
The Met is pay-what-you-wish for New York residents only.
- D4
Day 4: Markets and home
- Morning
- Chelsea Market and the High Line.
- Afternoon
- A last slice of pizza.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Allow at least 1.5 hours to JFK.
Shorter or longer
New York at Christmas in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in New York at Christmas
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Markets and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in New York at Christmas
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Park City.
What it costs
New York at Christmas trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $180 | $1,440 |
| Mid-range | $350 | $2,800 |
| Luxury | $900+ | $7,200 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to New York at Christmas is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in New York at Christmas for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in New York at Christmas
New York pizza
A thin, foldable slice.
Bagels with lox
A classic breakfast.
Pastrami on rye
At Katz's Delicatessen.
Getting there
How to reach New York at Christmas
- Travel
- JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports; AirTrain and subway into Manhattan.
- Getting around
- The subway runs 24 hours; walking is the best way to see Manhattan.
- Tap a contactless card on the subway (OMNY).
- Buy Broadway tickets at TKTS or by lottery.
Before you go
What to pack for New York at Christmas
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
New York at Christmas trip FAQs
How many days are enough for New York at Christmas?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Statue of Liberty. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day New York at Christmas trip cost?
Roughly $180 a day per person on a budget, $350 mid-range and $900+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,800 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit New York at Christmas?
Nov – Dec, Apr – May, Sep – Oct. From late November New York is at its most magical: the Rockefeller Center tree, store windows on Fifth Avenue and holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square.
Where should I stay in New York at Christmas?
Budget: HI New York City (Upper West Side), from about $90 a night. Mid-range: citizenM New York Times Square (Midtown), from about $300 a night. Luxury: The Plaza (Fifth Avenue), from about $1,000 a night.
How do I reach New York at Christmas?
JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports; AirTrain and subway into Manhattan.
Is 3 days enough for New York at Christmas?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Markets and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in New York at Christmas?
December: -2 to 6°C, sometimes snowy.
What food should I try in New York at Christmas?
New York pizza: A thin, foldable slice. Bagels with lox: A classic breakfast. Pastrami on rye: At Katz's Delicatessen.
How do I get around New York at Christmas?
The subway runs 24 hours; walking is the best way to see Manhattan.
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