There’s something undeniably magical about New York City during the holidays, and I just got back from the most incredible Christmas trip that I’m still buzzing about. If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, broadway, and that electric holiday energy that only NYC can deliver, this guide is for you.

Let me be real with you from the start, this isn’t a leisurely stroll through the city kind of trip. We’re talking 20-30K steps a day, subway navigation like a local, and an itinerary packed with everything that makes the holidays in New York absolutely unforgettable.

I’ve pulled together all my itenerary, the things I wish I’d known before I went, and a few dreamy spots I’m saving for next time. So lace up your best walking boots, charge your phone for all the photos you’re about to take, and let’s dive into how to do Christmas in New York the right way.

✅ Day 1 —Thursday

Early flight

Hotel Check in
☐ Drop bags 

Midtown & Holiday Sights
☐ Eat your way through Bryant Park Winter Village & Shop -*hot chocolate, potato crusted corn dog, cheese wheel, brown butter chocolate chip mini pancakes, etc. – got there early which was clutch
☐ Walk 5th Ave holiday windows -*coffee at the Ralph Lauren truck if you can stand the line
☐ St. Patrick’s Cathedral
☐ Rockefeller Tree
☐ Saks light display

The Plaza & Central Park
☐ The Plaza Champagne Bar or Tea – must make a reservation well in advance

Lotte New York– to see their Christmas tree

Dinner
☐ Becco in the theater district was the plan but we ended up at a random japanese restaurant called Henoheno because we did not make reservations & it was delicious.

Broadway

☐ Hamilton — 7:00 PM 🎭

✅ Day 2 — Friday

Brunch
☐ Jacob’s Pickles —– Upper west side. SOO GOOD!

Christmas Tree on Wallstreet

Walked through Central Park

Brooklyn Day
☐ DUMBO
 • Walked the Brooklyn bridge
 • Late lunch at Juliana’s pizza– the best pizza i’ve had in New York
☐ Took an uber to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (took the subway back to the city)

Evening
☐ Took another stroll down 5th avenue and saw the Rockefeller tree at night, the Saks light show, candy canes and giant ornaments

Dinner
The latest dinner ever at pastis

✅ Day 3 — Sat

Brunch
☐ Bobo — (West Village) 

Shopping / Strolling

☐ Greenwich Village
 • Washington Square Park
 • Bleecker St shopping

Saw Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment building

Grabbed some banana pudding at The Magnolia Bakery– holy cow!

☐ Meatpacking District
☐ Chelsea Market- crowd was insane
☐ High Line walk

Christmas Bars
Lillies victorian/Rolfes/or Oscar wilde/235th rooftop bar – good luck getting into Rolfes. We just walked through Lillie’s to see the decorations.

Dinner
Saitong Thai– Another random dinner because we didn’t have reservations, but it was delicious as well.

Evening Show
☐ Broadway: Just In Time

✅ Day 4 — Sunday

Breakfast
☐ Grabbed a wrap & coffee at Maman

Macy’s window displays & shopping

Show
☐ Rockettes Matinee 

SoHo
☐ Soho shopping

Pizza at John’s of Bleecker Street

Departure
Evening Flight

——

NOTES:

-Use the subway system (google maps for routes)- it’s impossible to get anywhere in a taxi or uber
-Bring your best walking boots because you’re gonna walk 20-30K steps a day with this itinerary lol
-You will want to make dinner reservations well in advance. Don’t wing it.
-Book ALL the shows! Grab some last minute tickets on TodayTix.

We didn’t have time for another show, but if I did, I would have seen Outsiders
Dyker Heights is worth it i’d say- but it is a HIKE to get back to manhattan!
Didn’t have time for it but Upper East side for townhomes that are immaculately decorated

My itinerary would look different if I were with the kids
Next time I go back at christmas I want to go to the Met

Book a spa appointment to have a little time to relax at the Bathhouse
Grab a drink at a rooftop bar one night if you can squeeze it in.

New York City at Christmas is one of those experiences that stays with you long after your feet have recovered from all those steps. The memories of rushing through subway stations to catch a show, stumbling upon the most gorgeous holiday displays, and soaking in the magic around every corner are the kind that make you immediately start planning your return trip.

This is the kind of adventure that deserves to become a tradition. Repeat this trip with your girlfriends annually- you will sure want to!

There’s always another show to see, another neighborhood to explore, another rooftop bar to discover.

Safe travels, and don’t forget to make those dinner reservations early. You’re going to have the most incredible time!

Other restaurants that I recommend trying:

Shukette
Tavern on the Green
Papillon
Bill’s Burgers
Jack’s Wife Frieda
Boucherie
Culture Espresso for the best chocolate chip cookie ever!