Christmas In New York: Top 10 Things To Do During NYC 2022 Holiday Season

Each year, Christmas enthusiasts flock to New York for the bright lights and extravagant decorations but fall in love with the unique experience that only NYC can offer during the holidays.

Whether you call the Big Apple home or are visiting the area, there are plenty of fun things to do at Christmas time in the city that never sleeps.

Before closing the door on 2022 and ringing in the New Year, check out some of the fun ways you can enjoy Christmas in New York City.

1. Dyker Heights

Escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for a trip to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood, where residents adorn their homes with over-the-top Christmas decorations.

Located between 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Streets in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

2. Holiday Window Displays

Get into the Christmas spirit by stopping by department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue, which leave tourists and locals speechless each year with their creative holiday window displays.

Located between 34th Street up to 60th Street, New York, NY

3. Visit Santa Claus

Head down to Santaland at Macy's to visit old Saint Nick to tell him what you want for Christmas. Those hoping to get some one-on-one time with Santa have until Christmas Eve to make a reservation. A new day for reservations will be available at 6:30 a.m. ET each day.

Located at 151 W. 34th St., New York, NY

4. Union Square Holiday Market

Those hoping to find a unique gift to put under the Christmas tree will surely find what they are looking for at the Union Square Holiday Market. The 2022 market features 185 vendors offering various trinkets, desserts, and more. Shoppers have until 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve to visit the seasonal market.

Located at Union Square Park on 14th Street, New York, NY

5. Tea At The Plaza Hotel

Sit down for holiday tea at The Palm Court in the city's most famous hotel. Over the years, the legendary Plaza Hotel, built in 1905, has welcomed celebrity guests and has been featured in countless movies, including the Christmas classic "Home Alone 2."

Located at 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY

6. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The holiday season in New York won't be complete without a trip to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This year's tree hails from Queensbury, NY, and features more than 50,000 multi-colored LED lights. The stunning tree is topped with a three-dimensional Swarovski star that is covered in three million crystals. The tree will be lit daily from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET. However, it will remain lit for 24 hours on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

7. Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse

Take a trip to Chelsea to visit ARTECHOUSE, which is offering visitors a digital and experiential art experience of an imaginary gift factory. The exhibit features projections of swinging Christmas bells, spinning candy cane carousels, and more.

Located at 439 W. 15th Street, New York, NY

8. Rockefeller Center Skating Rink

Take in one of the best views in NYC during the holiday season while ice skating under the 82-foot tall Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center.

Located at Rockefeller Center, 600 5th Ave, New York, NY

9. Holiday Shops At Bryant Park

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has become a seasonal destination for locals and tourists. Shoppers can look forward to over 170 artisanal vendors selling one-of-a-kind gifts, treats, and more.

Located at 1080 6th Ave, New York, NY

10. The Nutcracker

Enter the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy and watch as a young girl leads the fight against mischievous mice. The classic ballet performance features 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands, and over 125 children from the School of American Ballet.

Located at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY