NYC Christmas Bucket list
Bronx
Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo
Where: Bronx Zoo, Bronx
Cost: General admission to the Zoo Lights costs $40-$50 for adults and $30-$40 for children, depending on the date.
Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for better deals, and visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
Brooklyn
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Where: Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Cost: Free (though some tours cost between $25-$60 per person)
Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but you can join a guided walking or bus tour to learn the history of the neighborhood and see the best displays. Parking can be challenging, so public transport or a tour may be easier.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Cost: Tickets are usually $40 for adults, $20 for children, with discounts for members.
Tip: Dress warmly as it’s an outdoor event, and check for any family or group discounts when booking.
Manhattan
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Ice Skating
Where: Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
Cost: Free to see the tree, but ice skating costs around $20-$55 (depending on the date and time) + $15-$20 for skate rentals.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and book your skating tickets online in advance.
Pro Tip: Ice skating with your own skates will save you rental fees!
Holiday Window Displays
Where: Fifth Avenue (Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s)
Cost: Free
Tip: Visit during the evening to see the lights in their full glory, and don’t miss the light show on the facade of Saks Fifth Avenue.
Bryant Park Winter Village
Where: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Cost: Entry is free, but activities and shopping vary. Ice skating is free if you bring your own skates; otherwise, skate rentals are around $18-$33. Vendor prices for food and gifts vary.
Tip: Skating is cheaper earlier in the season, and it’s usually less crowded on weekday mornings.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Where: Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan
Cost: Tickets range from $49 to over $200, depending on seating and time of booking.
Tip: Book tickets early, especially for weekend shows, as they sell out quickly. Matinee performances are often cheaper.
Central Park Carriage Ride
Where: Central Park, Manhattan
Cost: Rides start at around $60 for 20 minutes, and go up based on duration and carriage type.
Tip: For a more affordable option, try a group carriage or visit early in the day for off-peak rates. Bundle up, as it can get cold!
The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center
Where: Lincoln Center, Manhattan
Cost: Tickets range from $100 to $275 depending on the seat and showtime.
Tip: Evening performances create a more festive atmosphere, and booking early secures the best seats at reasonable prices.
Visit the Plaza Hotel
Where: Plaza Hotel, Manhattan
Cost: Entry to the lobby is free, but tea at The Palm Court costs around $100-$120 per person.
Tip: The Plaza is beautifully decorated for the holidays, making it perfect for a quick photo op even if you don’t plan to stay for tea.
Christmas Markets
Where: Union Square, Columbus Circle, Grand Central Terminal
Cost: Free to enter, but vendors offer a wide range of gifts and food at varying prices. Expect to spend $10-$50 per gift item.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busiest shopping times, and don’t forget to try some seasonal treats!
Visit Santa at Macy’s Herald Square
Where: Macy’s Herald Square, Manhattan
Cost: Free to visit Santa, but photos with him start at $40 for digital packages.
Tip: Reserve a time slot for “Santaland” online to avoid waiting in long lines, and explore Macy’s legendary holiday decor throughout the store.
Empire State Building Holiday Lights Show
Where: Empire State Building, Manhattan
Cost: Free to watch from the street or nearby rooftops, but entry to the Empire State Building Observatory starts at $44 for adults and $38 for children.
Tip: For the best view of the light show, head to a nearby rooftop bar, like 230 Fifth, for a drink and a close-up look without the crowds.
Want more?
Check out my interactive map of the top 20 bars to visit in NYC during Christmas!
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