NYC during the winter holidays is always a magical place with countless festivities and things to do. There’s the holiday window displays put on by the big department stores, ice skating in Central Park, holiday markets, and any number of incredible sights and attractions. This year is no different, however, we caution you to stay safe and follow all COVID protocols. Without further ado, here is our guide to the winter holidays this year!

There are number of wonderful holiday markets including Bryant Park’s Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Grand Holiday Bazaar. These markets are a fun way to spend the afternoon where you can stroll past vendor booths, purchase handmade goods and enjoy delicious food and warm drinks!

If you’re in the shopping mood, stop in at FAO Schwarz. It is the oldest toy store in the US and has the most unique collection of toys and giant stuffed animals you’ll ever see. With or without children, it’s a fun place that we definitely recommend you make sure to experience.

An interesting option to consider that you might not have put on your list is to visit some of NYC’s major museums. Many are open even on Christmas Eve, which means you can enjoy short lines and a special dose of holiday cheer. Try MoMA, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Whitney Museum.Another staple of the NYC winter holidays is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It is the largest Christmas tree in New York, placed directly in from of Rockefeller Center and decorated with an unreal number of lights with a massive star on top. While the lighting of the tree already took place (December 1^st), you can still enjoy this Christmas tradition anytime for free up until the first week of January.

Looking for an amazing photo? Go see Tower Lights at the Empire State Building. So far, the colors have been blue and with a flickering candle in the mast in celebration of Hanukkah, cyan in partnership with UNICEF in honor of their 75^th anniversary, blue in honor of Dear Evan Hansen’s 5^th anniversary on Broadway, and different shade of blue in partnership with the Diabetes Research Institute in honor of the Empire Ball. Starting December 24^th, the lights will be red, green and white candy cane in celebration of Christmas.

Here is the link to where you can check out the schedule : https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar

Stay safe and warm out there, and we wish you the Happiest of Holidays!

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