Things to Do in New York City in December: A Practical Guide

Updated 2026-10-27. Written with AI assistance and checked against our editorial rules; entry rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.

For a festive winter trip, head to Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side or Brooklyn for the best things to do in New York City in December. You will find famous landmarks, holiday markets and cultural events. December days are short and cold, so pack warm layers and plan ahead.

Quick answer

Here are the top things to do in NYC in December, from famous landmarks to holiday markets.

Ice Skating and Winter Fun

Skate at the famous rink at Rockefeller Center, or try Wollman Rink in Central Park for a calmer session. Bryant Park Winter Village combines ice skating with holiday shops and food stalls.

Holiday Markets and Shopping

The Union Square Holiday Market has local vendors selling handmade goods, crafts and food. The Columbus Circle Holiday Market is similar and is a good place to find gifts. In Brooklyn, look for holiday markets run by the Brooklyn Flea.

Iconic Landmarks and Displays

See the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, a symbol of the season in NYC. Walk through Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, which is known for its huge home light displays. You can also take an evening harbor cruise past the Statue of Liberty and see the city lights from the water.

Museums and Culture

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the American Museum of Natural History both make good indoor stops on cold days. The natural history museum is known for its Origami Holiday Tree. For a classic December night out, see a performance at the New York City Ballet.

Food and Drink

Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies at a classic NYC diner. Chelsea Market has many food stalls, from artisanal cheeses to craft beers. For a holiday meal, book a table early, because December is busy.

Top sights

Iconic skyscrapers

The Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center are two of the city's best-known towers. One World Trade Center has an observation deck with wide views. Walk through Midtown Manhattan to see the Chrysler Building up close.

Museums and galleries

MoMA and the Guggenheim Museum are among the most famous art museums in the world. The American Museum of Natural History covers science and the natural world. Check each museum's website for current exhibitions.

Historic sites

Visit Grand Central Terminal and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Federal Hall stands on the site where George Washington took the oath of office as the first U.S. president. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Explore the best of NYC's sights and attractions, as featured in Best Places to Travel in October: Where to Go and Why
• Take a guided tour of neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy
• Visit Times Square, the busy heart of Manhattan

Times Square

Times Square is famous for its bright lights, giant billboards and street performers. Most first-time visitors stop here at least once.

Catch a Broadway Show

See a hit musical or play in one of the nearby theaters. Check what is playing and book tickets early, as December shows sell out.

Explore the Area

The streets are crowded, especially in the evening. You will find digital billboards, street performers and many restaurants and bars.

• Visit the TKTS booth for same-day theater tickets
• Walk the pedestrian plazas along Broadway and 7th Avenue
• Take a photo at the site of the New Year's Eve ball drop
• Visit Madame Tussauds wax museum

Central Park

Central Park offers a quiet break from the busy streets. In winter, the bare trees and frosty lawns give it a calm, open feel.

Ice Skating and Winter Activities

Wollman Rink is a popular place to skate in December. When it snows, people go sledding on the park's hills. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available.

Holiday Markets and Shopping

The Columbus Circle Holiday Market sits at the park's southwest corner. It is easy to combine with a walk in the park.

• Visit the Central Park Zoo
• Check the park's event calendar for holiday events
• Go on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid crowds
• Check flight prices early and book ahead using Best Time to Book Flights in Advance: A Simple Guide

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is on the Upper East Side. It is the largest art museum in the United States, with more than two million works spanning 5,000 years.

Explore the Collections

The collections include European paintings, American art, ancient Egyptian art and much more. Look for paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Vermeer, or visit the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple.

Highlights

• The Temple of Dendur: an ancient Egyptian temple in a glass-walled gallery
• The Great Hall: the museum's grand Beaux-Arts entrance
• European paintings: works by Monet, Van Gogh and Vermeer
• The American Wing: American art and design from the colonial period onward
• The Costume Institute: a large collection of fashion

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close, then continue to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The ride offers great views of the Manhattan skyline.

Getting There

Ferries leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The boats can feel cold in December, so dress warmly.

What to Expect

The statue is a symbol of freedom and democracy. A museum on Liberty Island explains its history. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum tells the story of the people who passed through the island on their way into the United States.

• Book ferry tickets in advance on the official website, and check the weather before you go.
• Consider a guided tour for more background on the statue and the island.
• Walk around Liberty Island for harbor and skyline views.
• At Ellis Island, look for the personal stories of immigrants.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Iconic Views of Manhattan

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge gives you views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. On a clear day, you can see the Statue of Liberty and the towers of Lower Manhattan.

Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Go in daylight for the best views and photos.
• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds.
• Wear gloves and a hat, as the wind over the river can be strong.

A Walk to Remember

The bridge has a walkway for people on foot. Take time to admire its Gothic-style stone towers. On the Brooklyn side, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a good place to rest and grab a snack.

Frequently asked questions

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