How To Spend Christmas Day in New York City

Last Updated on 7th December 2025

This guide about how to spend Christmas Day in New York City contains affiliate links.

Are you planning a New York Christmas trip? Perhaps you’re wondering what to do on Christmas Day in New York City? This huge guide includes all the best things to do on Christmas Day in New York to help you plan the perfect festive trip!

There really is no place on Earth like New York at Christmas and while I’ve already written extensively about the best things to do in NYC in December, the best New York Christmas markets, how to visit Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and much more, I thought it was about time that I wrote a comprehensive guide about all the best things to do in New York City on Christmas Day itself!

Spending Christmas in NYC is one of my favourite things in the world and I’ve been lucky enough to experience the magic of New York during Christmas several times now! If you’re heading to New York for Christmas Day and looking for advice on the best things to do, see and eat, this Christmas in New York itinerary is for you!

This huge New York City Christmas itinerary includes all the best NYC Christmas Day events, the best restaurants in NYC for Christmas Dinner, plus a list of what’s open on Christmas Day in NYC so you can plan your day accordingly! Let’s get into the festive spirit!

Looking for more help to plan your festive trip to NYC? Get a copy of my Ultimate New York City Christmas Travel Guide and use the code XMAS20 to get 20% off!

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Is Christmas in New York worth it?

Festive Things To Do In New York City On Christmas Day

Christmas in New York City is 100% worth it! NYC during the holiday season is one of the most magical places in the world and while it’s certainly not a cheap time to visit the Big Apple, it is undoubtedly the best time!

I was lucky enough to spend an entire month in New York over Christmas and New Year in 2021/2022 and it was the best time of my life. New York is such a festive place, so even though I was away from home and all my family and friends, it still felt super festive to me!

While you’re not guaranteed to get snow in New York on Christmas Day, there will definitely be a cold chill in the air, so it will still feel like Christmas (this is especially true if you’re from a cold Christmas place such as the UK – like me!).

Read more of my New York City Christmas/holiday guides here!

What is open on Christmas Day in NYC?

If you’re wondering “is anything open in NYC on Christmas Day?“, the section below includes plenty of information of all the sights and attractions that are open in New York City on Christmas Day!

Pretty much every government building will be closed on Christmas Day, as well as places such as banks, post offices, libraries and national monuments (such as the Statue of Liberty).

Most retail stores (such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue) are also closed on Christmas Day, as well as major supermarkets such as Target, Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Most local convenience stores such as Duane Read, CVS and Walgreens usually remain open, but will operate on reduced hours on Christmas Day.

Are the observation decks open in New York on Christmas Day?

All five of New York’s observation decks are open on Christmas Day, including the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, Summit One Vanderbilt, Edge and the One World Observatory. Their opening hours will differ slightly on Christmas Day and most observation decks will close earlier, but you can still enjoy views of New York City on this festive occasion!

What museums are open on Christmas Day NYC?

Museums and attractions such as Madame Tussauds in Times Square (open from 10 AM to 10 PM), the Jewish Museum (open from 11 AM to 4 PM) and the 9/11 Memorial are all open on Christmas Day in New York.

Other popular NYC museums such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art and the Met are closed on Christmas Day.

Does the subway run on Christmas Day in NYC?

The subway system in New York usually operates on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, so you will still be able to use it, but hours and schedules will vary slightly. You can check the MTA website for more information.

How to spend Christmas Day in New York City

How to spend Christmas Day in New York 2023

Many of the sights, attractions and restaurants featured in this list of the best Christmas attractions in NYC are likely to get booked up quickly in advance (sometimes months in advance!), so if you want to guarantee a certain time slot, I would suggest booking tickets and making restaurant reservations as soon as possible!

You can get a copy of the Christmas Day New York City map above via Google MyMaps which you can use to plot your own route around the city and see which sights, attractions and restaurants you might want to visit!

1. Visit the remarkable Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Rockefeller Center tree - things to do in New York City on Christmas Day

Not only is the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree one of the most beautiful and magical things to do in NYC over the holiday season, it’s also one of the best free things to do in New York City at Christmas time as it doesn’t cost a penny to visit!

The world-renowned Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a joyous sight to see during the festive season in New York City and it’s something that I would highly recommend adding to your Manhattan Christmas Day itinerary.

The Tree will be lit on the 4th of December 2024 and will remain outside Rockefeller Plaza until the second week of January in 2025. It will be lit daily from 5 AM to midnight, for 24 hours on Christmas Day and from 5 AM to 9 PM on New Year’s Eve.

Learn more about holiday events on the Rockefeller Center website.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111.

2. Go ice skating

Ice skating is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas activities in NYC that can be enjoyed on Christmas Day itself as many of the city’s best ice rinks are open over the holidays.

Whether you’re a pro skater or an amateur who’s experiencing the ice for the first time, ice skating in NYC on Christmas Day might just be as festive as it gets! Below, I’ve shared details of my three favourite ice skating rinks in New York City that are open on Christmas Day!

Wollman Rink at Central Park

Located inside the world-famous Central Park, Wollman Rink might just be one of the most iconic ice skating rinks in the whole world.

Tucked away in the southeast corner of Central Park, just a few hundred metres from The Plaza Hotel, Gapstow Bridge and The Pond, Wollman Rink welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year between its opening months of October to April.

If you’re looking to go ice skating in Central Park on Christmas Day, you can expect to pay the premium price of $38 at Wollman Rink in 2024, compared to the off-peak prices of just $15. However, if you want to experience a magical Christmas Day in New York City that you’ll never forget, I would highly recommend booking a slot at Wollman Rink for your trip!

Get tickets for ice skating at Wollman Rink here!

Check opening times and ticket prices on the Wollman Rink website.
Address: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065.

The Rink at the Rockefeller Center

Known for being home to some of the city’s most romantic proposals throughout the holiday season, The Rink at the Rockefeller Center is another wonderful place to go ice skating on Christmas Day.

Similarly to Wollman Rink in Central Park, you’ll pay a hefty premium price to go ice skating at The Rink, with tickets costing almost $100 per person on Christmas Day!

Ice skating at The Rink opened for the season on the 25th of October and will close sometime in January.

Check opening times and ticket prices on the Rockefeller Center website.
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111.

Bryant Park Ice Rink – New York Christmas itinerary

The 17,000 square foot Ice Rink at Bryant Park is yet another one of the best rinks to visit in New York if you’re wondering where to go on Christmas Day.

The Rink is technically the only “free” ice skating rink in New York City as you don’t have to pay an admission fee if you bring your own skates, but as most people visiting NYC won’t be travelling with their own ice skates, you can expect to pay around $37 for admission to The Rink on Christmas Day. Off-peak tickets start at just $20 and you also have to pay to store backpacks and other items that you cannot take on the ice.

Check opening times and ticket prices on the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park website.
Address: 41st Street 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018.

Read more: 10 Best Ice Rinks In NYC

3. Watch a performance of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is undoubtedly one of the best things to include on your NYC Christmas itinerary and it can even be enjoyed on Christmas Day itself thanks to the five performances that the Rockettes show!

This lively Christmas show is a beacon of festivity during the holiday season in New York and if you want to experience the epitome of festive joy on Christmas Day, I would highly recommend booking tickets to see the Radio City Christmas Rockettes!

The show times on Christmas Day for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular are 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM, and 8 PM and performances usually last around 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to see and do other festive Christmas Day activities in NYC!

Christmas Day tickets to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular start at $134 and can cost as much as $518!

Book tickets to see the Radio City Rockettes here!

Check performance times and get tickets on the Rockettes website.
Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020.

4. Spend time at Bryant Park Winter Village

I’ve already mentioned The Rink at Bryant Park’s Bank of America Winter Village as one of the best things to do on Christmas Day in NYC, but I think the Winter Village as a whole is also worth mentioning as it’s a wonderful, festive place to be!

There are so many fun and festive things to do at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, including the holiday shops, cosy igloos, ice skating, bumper cars on ice, The Lodge and more!

It’s one of the few New York holiday markets that are open on Christmas Day, so if you want to fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit all day long, I would highly recommend adding Bryant Park to your NYC Christmas Day itinerary!

Check opening times and attractions on the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park website.
Address: 41st Street 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018.

5. Visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn

Dyker Heights is one of the best places to go on Christmas Day in New York as it’s truly one of the most magical neighbourhoods in the city! Hundreds of homes decorate for the holiday season and if you’re not sure when to visit Dyker Heights, Christmas Day is probably a good idea!

While you will have to bear in mind the cost and time it takes to get there, especially as the subway operates on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and taxi/Uber rates will likely be extortionate due to the festivities, if you can make your way to Dyker Heights on Christmas Day, it’s sure to be one of the best ways to celebrate the holidays!

6. Watch a Broadway show

Watching a Broadway show can be done at any time of year in New York City, but if you’re looking for another fun and festive way to celebrate Christmas Day in NYC, consider booking a Broadway performance on the 25th of December.

Wicked, MJ The Musical and Chicago all have performances on Christmas Day in New York, so if you want to experience a slightly different activity on Christmas Day, this could be a great option for you!

I always book tickets to Broadway shows via Ticketmaster as they usually offer the best deals on tickets across a range of different performances.

7. Visit one of New York’s observation decks

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt New York - Everything You Need To Know

While many of New York’s attractions remain closed on Christmas Day, Summit, the Top of the Rock, Edge, One World Trade Center Observatory and the Empire State Building all remain open to visitors wanting to enjoy spectacular vistas of the city on the most festive day of the year!

I’ve already written in great detail about the best observation decks in New York City, so I’m not going to share extensive details of each one individually below, but I do want to suggest visiting one of the city’s best viewing platforms on Christmas Day as a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season!

Opening times and ticket prices vary depending on availability on Christmas Day.

Get tickets for each observation deck on Christmas Day below!

8. Attend Christmas Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral - things to do in New York City on Christmas Day

If you’re looking for one of the best, but non touristy things to do in NYC at Christmas, look no further than attending Christmas Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

While this activity obviously won’t be suited to everyone, if you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas while in New York City, a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a lovely way to do so.

Tickets must be reserved in advance if you want to attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Day, but you can also attend at 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 10.15 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 4 PM and 5.30 PM when no tickets are required.

Check the St. Patrick’s Cathedral website for the full Christmas Mass schedule.
Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022.

9. Watch the New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs

It’s been a tradition of the NBA (National Basketball Association) to play a game on Christmas Day almost every single year since 1947.

The New York Knicks helped start the tradition of playing a game on the 25th of December when they played the Providence Steamrollers in 1947. Continuing their decades-long tradition, the New York Knicks will play the San Antonio Spurs at the world-famous Madison Square Garden on the 25th of December 2024 at midday, so if you’re looking for a fun and alternative way to spend Christmas in New York, consider getting tickets for the Knicks basketball game!

You can buy tickets to watch The Knicks on Christmas Day via Ticketmaster as they are the official sponsor of the NBA!

10. Check out all the festive holiday window displays

New York’s holiday windows are famous the world over thanks to their elaborate decorations, twinkling lights and lavish displays and there’s no better time to see as many as possible than on Christmas Day!

While most of the stores that these holiday window displays belong to will be closed on Christmas Day itself, you can still visit the store windows to admire the festivities from outside.

Here are some of the best NYC holiday window displays worth visiting:

Macy’s – 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001.
Saks Fifth Avenue – 611 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022.
Hudson Yards – 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001.
Bloomingdale’s – 59th Street, 3rd Ave & Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.
Cartier – 653 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022.
Dior – 767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153.
Louis Vuitton – 1 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022.
Tiffany & Co – 727 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022.
Bergdorf Goodman – 754 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019.

Read more: What Is NYC Famous For?

11. Experience Grand Central Terminal without the crowds

This New York City Christmas Day activity might not be quite as fun and festive as some of the other ideas featured in this list, but if you want the chance to experience Grand Central Station on one of its quietest days of the year, you can head there on Christmas Day to experience it without the masses of crowds!

Trains still run via/through Grand Central Terminal on Christmas Day, but fewer people travel on the 25th of December, so it’s likely to be much quieter than many other days of the year.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in New York?

If you’re looking to find the best New York restaurants open on Christmas Day or you want to find somewhere that serves the perfect Christmas Day lunch/dinner, I’ve included some of the best restaurants that are open in New York on Christmas Day in the section below!

Please note that many of these restaurants may already be booked up on Christmas Day as people like to book months in advance. I will try to note the restaurants that are still likely to have availability for Christmas Day in NYC.

12. Christmas Dinner Buffet at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – traditional Christmas Dinner options

We spent our Christmas Day in 2021 enjoying a boozy bottomless brunch at one of my favourite rooftop bars in New York City; 230 Fifth.

While the rooftop isn’t offering an exclusive bottomless brunch Christmas Day package this year (they do have one for Christmas Eve, though!), they are hosting an incredible Christmas Dinner Buffet from 2 PM to 9 PM on the Big Day!

The buffet costs $70 for adults and $35 for kids and includes highlights such as oven roasted turkey breast with gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, an assortment of veg, various festive pies and even a pasta and salad station. Drinks are not included in the price of the Christmas Dinner Buffet.

Check the 230 Fifth website for full Christmas in New York packages and to make a reservation.
Address: 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001.

13. Bubby’s Christmas Brunch

Bubby’s is one of my favourite places to eat in NYC and this year, they’re serving a festive take on their classic brunch menus from the 21st of December until the 1st of January.

You’ll find all their usual classic brunch dishes such as pancakes, turkey pastrami reuben and smoked salmon bagel, but festive dishes such as Steak Benedict, roasted duck cranberry hash and eggnog pie will also be on the menu.

They are only accepting walk-ins for these dates, so if you want to guarantee a visit to Bubby’s on Christmas Day, you might have to be prepared to wait for a table. Also note that they will stop serving on Christmas Day at 4 PM.

Check the Bubby’s website for more menu highlights (no reservations accepted on the dates listed above).
Address: 120 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013.

14. La Grande Boucherie

La Grande Boucherie is one of the most notable restaurants in NYC that’s open on Christmas Day and it’s worth making a reservation in advance so you can guarantee your preferred time of dining!

With a spectacular Christmas Tree taking pride of place in the restaurant and specialising in delectable French fare, La Grande Boucherie is a fantastic place to eat on Christmas Day in New York.

You’ll find classics such as steak frites, roast beef and even an entire suckling pig for $600 on the menu!

Visit the La Grande Boucherie website to make a reservation.
Address: 145 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019.

15. Gallaghers Steakhouse

Gallaghers Steakhouse is another one of the most highly coveted restaurants in New York City that keeps its doors open on Christmas Day.

Located just metres from Times Square and Broadway, Gallaghers Steakhouse is an iconic steakhouse institution in NYC that wows celebrities, locals and tourists alike.

On Christmas Day, you can expect a divine choice of dishes such as French onion soup, seafood medley and, of course, plenty of exquisite steaks, including beef, lamb and veal.

It’s not the cheapest steakhouse in New York City, but it certainly is one of the best and it’s a great Christmas Day dining option!

Reservations for Christmas Day are booking up fast, so head to the website link below to book your table!

Check the Gallaghers Steakhouse website for booking details and menus.
Address: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019.

16. Cafe Luxembourg

Located on the Upper West Side, just a few blocks from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, Cafe Luxembourg is an excellent restaurant choice for Christmas Day dinner in New York.

It’s yet another French restaurant in the city that specialises in extraordinary cuisine, but without the extortionate price tag. As Christmas Day restaurants go in New York, Cafe Luxembourg is actually one of the most affordable!

The restaurant is usually open from 5 PM to 10 PM on Christmas Day, so be sure to book as soon as possible to get a reservation.

Check the Cafe Luxembourg website for menus and reservations.
Address: 200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023.

17. Serafina Upper West

Serafina is an incredible Italian restaurant franchise with 16 locations in New York City alone! For Christmas Day in NYC, I would suggest checking out the branch on Upper West 77th as this is one of the most beautiful Serafina restaurants that still has availability on Christmas Day (at the time of writing this guide!).

With authentic Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza and pollo Milanese on the menu, it’s not exactly your typical Christmas Dinner in New York, but it might just be one of the best Italian restaurants on the Upper West Side, making it a great choice for Christmas Day!

Check the Serafina website for locations, menu details and reservations.
Address: Inside the Arthouse Hotel, 2178 Broadway, New York, NY 10024.

18. The Blue Mezze Bar

Situated on the highly coveted Upper East Side, The Blue Mezze Bar is one of the most highly rated Mediterranean restaurants in Manhattan.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, The Blue Mezze Bar are hosting an awesome four-course menu for $69 per person. On the Christmas Day menu, you can expect a choice of soup or salad, a hot and cold mezze, one entree, a dessert and a glass of wine or beer, all included in the fixed price.

It might not be a super traditional Christmas Dinner, but it is one of the most recommended Mediterranean restaurants in the city, so it’s worth checking out if you want to enjoy a somewhat non-traditional meal.

Check The Blue Mezze Bar website for booking details and menus.
Address: 1480 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10075.

19. The Whitby Bar and Restaurant for an authentic Christmas Dinner in NYC

Situated inside The Whitby Hotel, just a stone’s throw from Fifth Avenue and Central Park, The Whitby Bar and Restaurant is another excellent contender for the best places to eat in New York City on Christmas Day.

This year, they have an incredible festive menu on offer for a hefty price tag of $195 per person. With options such as duck pâté, tuna carpaccio and roasted beetroot for starters, free range turkey with all the trimmings and grass-fed braised short rib for mains and a hearty selection of desserts, Christmas Dinner at The Whitby Bar is sure to be a culinary experience you won’t forget!

It’s definitely one of the more expensive dining options in NYC on Christmas Day, but if you’re looking for a traditional Christmas Dinner in an opulent setting, The Whitby Bar is a great option.

Take a look at The Whitby Bar website for the Christmas Day menu and bookings.
Address: 18 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019.

20. Sea Fire Grill

For one of the best seafood restaurants in Manhattan that boasts various menu choices on Christmas Day, head to the Sea Fire Grill, just a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal and Summit One Vanderbilt.

On Christmas Day, the Sea Fire Grill usually offers the choice of a prix fixe menu (starting at around $95 per person), as well as the choice of many dishes from their a la carte menu, such as lobster bisque, halibut, salmon, swordfish, king crab, as well as plenty of steak options.

If you’re a seafood aficionado and you want to experience one of the best fresh fish restaurants in New York City, considering booking your Christmas Dinner at Sea Fire Grill!

Visit the Sea Fire Grill website for menu details and reservations.
Address: 158 E 48th St, Between 3rd and, Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017.

21. Benjamin Steakhouse

There are actually two Benjamin Steakhouse locations in Manhattan, that are are actually located on the same block, so which one you choose is up to you!

For the purpose of this post, I’ll be sharing details about the original Benjamin Steakhouse on East 41st Street which offers an incredible fixed price Christmas Day menu from $80 per person.

On the menu, you’ll get a choice of lobster bisque, shrimp, salad, rib eye steak, rack of lamb, sea bass and an accompaniment of side dishes, plus a delicious selection of desserts!

Benjamin Steakhouse is also actually part of the restaurant group that owns the Sea Fire Grill featured above, so if you can’t manage to get a booking for one, try the other as they’re super similar in terms of menus and Christmas Day offerings!

Visit the Benjamin Steakhouse website for menu details and reservations.
Address: 52 East 41st Street New York, NY, 10017.

22. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

Carmine’s is another great Italian restaurant in NYC with multiple locations across the city that both get booked up very quickly for Christmas Day.

Both the Times Square branch and the Upper West Side branch are incredibly popular and very highly rated, but it’s the Times Square restaurant that you’ll probably want to get a booking for as it has almost 15,000 reviews and thanks to its awesome Midtown Manhattan location, it makes for a fantastic place to eat on Christmas Day in NYC.

The whole restaurant is adorned in beautiful Christmas decor and it has a super family-friendly and welcoming feel to it; perfect for a Christmas Day meal in New York!

There is so much choice on offer across the extensive menu and the portion sizes are incredibly generous, so you’re guaranteed not to go hungry on Christmas Day! As I mentioned above, Christmas Day reservations get booked up very quickly, so head to the link below to check if there are still reservations available!

Check the Carmine’s website for location details, menus and bookings.
Address: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036.

23. Christmas Day Buffet at The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel is one of my favourite places in New York City and if you want to experience a truly luxurious Christmas Dinner in NYC, you can book their extravagant Christmas Day Buffet for a whopping $225 for adults and $120 for children under 12.

Buffet highlights include a charcuterie station, Beef Wellington, grilled Colorado lamb rack, lobster, king crab, East Coast oysters, shrimp, as well as many salads, side dishes and an incredible array of desserts! You can check the full menu on The Plaza website.

Of course, this is a ridiculously expensive place to eat on Christmas Day in New York, but I thought it was worth mentioning in case you wanted to plan a truly elaborate, once-in-a-lifetime festive meal!

Check The Plaza website for more details and to make a reservation.
Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019.

24. Rolf’s

Rolf's - things to do in New York City on Christmas Day

Rolf’s is one of the most famous and notable festive restaurants in New York City. With spectacular and elaborate Christmas decorations throughout the entire restaurant, Rolf’s might just be the most festive place to dine in New York on Christmas Day!

Specialising in hearty German cuisine, Rolf’s is a restaurant that boasts Christmas decorations all year round, so even if you don’t manage to visit on Christmas Day, it’s still worth checking out at other times of the year. The food itself isn’t necessarily the most highly rated, but it’s a very popular place to visit for over-the-top decorations and festivities!

The restaurant is also pretty overpriced for what you get and many people argue that the food isn’t worth the money, so if you’re not too bothered about dining here, I would suggest visiting the restaurant to try and get a peak inside as the decorations really are some of the best in the city.

Check the Rolf’s website for future bookings and menu details.
Address: 281 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010.

25. Tavern on the Green

Located inside Central Park, just next to the West 67th Street entrance, Tavern on the Green is yet another insanely popular New York Christmas Day restaurant.

The restaurant is popular all year round anyway, but at Christmas time, it’s even more favoured by diners. This year, the four-course feast costs $135 for adults and includes dishes such as glazed country ham, lobster risotto and roast beef tenderloin. The dessert menu also sounds incredible with highlights such as chocolate and orange bread pudding, lemon berry tart and spiced eggnog crème brûlée!

Check the Tavern on the Green website for future bookings, waitlists and menus.
Address: W 67th St, New York, NY 10023.

26. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

There are actually two branches of Lillie’s Victorian Establishment; one in Times Square and one at Union Square and both are worth visiting at Christmas due to the incredible decorations and festive atmosphere.

Dishes such as smoked turkey leg with mashed potatoes and cranberry gravy, apple cider chicken and NY strip steak feature on the menu at Lillie’s, so you can enjoy a more festive and authentic Christmas meal (if you can get a reservation!).

Visit the Lillie’s Victorian Establishment website for menus and future bookings.
Address: 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019.

Where to eat on Christmas Day in New York – summary

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
The Plaza Hotel
Bubby’s
La Grande Boucherie
Gallaghers Steakhouse
Cafe Luxembourg
Serafina Upper West
The Blue Mezze Bar
The Whitby Bar and Restaurant
Sea Fire Grill
Benjamin Steakhouse
Carmine’s Italian Restaurant
Rolf’s
Tavern on the Green
Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

My ideal New York City Christmas Day itinerary

Hopefully the list of the best festive things to do in NYC on Christmas Day above has given you plenty of inspiration for your own trip, but I wanted to include my idea of the perfect New York City Christmas itinerary below that you can use to plan your own Christmas Day in the city!

Breakfast at The Plaza Hotel – 8.30 AM
Ice skating at Wollman Rink (or Bryant Park) – 10.30 AM
Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show – 1 PM
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree – 5 PM
Enjoy a Christmas Day buffet at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – 6 PM to 9 PM

Things to do in New York City on Christmas Eve

All of the New York City Christmas attractions featured above can also be enjoyed and experienced on Christmas Eve, but I also wanted to include a brief list of recommendations of the best things to do on Christmas Eve in NYC so that you can ensure a jam-packed festive few days!

Enjoy a magical Christmas lights carriage ride.
Check out Columbus Circle Holiday Market and Union Square Holiday Market (they close on Christmas Eve for the season).
Embark on a Holiday Yacht Cruise.
See the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Display.
Indulge in the Christmas Eve Bubbles Brunch at 230 Fifth.
Visit Bryant Park Bank of America Winter Village.

Conclusion – Christmas Day in New York City

As you can see from the huge guide above, there are so many wonderful and fun things to do in NYC during Christmas Day. From seeing the emblematic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to ice skating in Bryant Park or Wollman Rink to indulging in a delicious festive buffet or decadent Christmas lunch, there really is no place like Christmas Day in New York City!

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things to do in New York City on Christmas Day

Do you have any more recommendations of the best things to in NYC at Christmas? Let me know in the comments or on my New York City Facebook Group!