Shreya It’s almost Christmas. The holiday spirit is in the air. And Christmas in New York is a different vibe altogether. In this post I will be sharing some Christmassy spots in New York from my trips there around this time of year. As soon as you get out of the Grand Central Terminal, you see the city decked up with Christmas decorations, large wreaths, Christmas trees and lights everywhere.
The best way to plan your itinerary would be to try to look at places you wanted to visit beforehand. A lot of the places mentioned in this post are within walking distance of each other which is how I was able to see all of them. Also, stumbling upon a spot you didn’t know about makes for a pleasant surprise. Here are some of the iconic ones which caught my attention.
However, be aware that the crowds are going to be crazy! Especially 5th and 6th avenue around Radio city music hall and times square. Some roads are closed off to cars though, making them easier to walk on. But the views will be worth pushing through the crowds.
Top Christmas spots in NYC
1. Cartier, 5th avenue
This has to be the most iconic Christmas decoration I have ever seen. The whole corner store is lit up like a huge gift with a red ribbon. The side walk is also decorated with pretty Christmas trees.
Address : 653 5th Ave, New York
2. Radio City Music Hall
A 5 minute walk from Cartier, brings you to the radio city music hall. Going to this place has more than one advantage because just the other side of the road has huge candy canes, Christmas balls on a fountain and trees adorned with golden lights. It sure was a spectacular sight.
Address : 1260 6th Ave, New York
3. Saks OFF 5th
Located at just a few minutes walk from the other destinations, this spot is special and attracts swarms of tourists because of the lights display on its walls.
Address : E 57th street, New York
4. Rockefeller center
The iconic Christmas tree at the Rockefeller center and the ice skating rink beneath it is one of the most popular Christmas spots in the city.
Here’s an article about the history of that star which goes on top of the iconic tree.
5. Christmas market in Bryant park
Bryant park has a big Christmas market every year featuring lots of small businesses and local products and you can also sip some hot coco while you shop. It’s only a few blocks from the Grand Central so a good stop to make right as you enter the city of just before leaving to grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy what the local businesses have to offer.
6. Wall Street
The Wall Street Christmas tree right in front of the NYSE is yet another iconic one but it’s on the south end of the city. The best way to traverse across the city has always been the subway for me. You can buy a subway card during your first ride and refill it as required.
Address : 11 Wall St, New York
While you’re in the neighborhood, do check out the famous landmark of the ‘Charging bull’ or the bull of Wall Street as it is also known. It’s perhaps the most famous symbols of the Financial district. You would typically have to stand in a line for a few minutes to get a photo with the bull.
7. Zuccotti park
Only a 6 minute walk from the charging bull, at the corner of liberty street and broadway lies a plaza of golden tree lit paths and lots of pretty decorated evergreen trees on the side. There are also a lot of food carts along the side of the roads if you get hungry from all the walking. This corner was decorated by a path of golden trees.
8. Christmas shops
You can find several cute Christmas shops across the city but this is one I found in Little Italy when I went there for lunch. Oh, the food there is so good! Coming back to the topic, there were all kinds of ornaments, toys and gifts in this store.
Address: 142 Mulberry St, New York
9. Hudson yards
Although the Vessel is closed for tourists to enter now, you can still enjoy a spectacular view of the area adorned with lights as you walk on the high line.
Don’t forget to enter the Hudson yards mall for a lovely photo of a decked up hot air balloon.
And that brings us to the end of this post. Hope you get to explore some beautiful Christmas spots this year.
Merry Christmas!
Check out some of my other travel posts
- Fall in New England
- Explore the best breakfast scene in New Haven
