Christmas In New York: Top 10 Things To Do During NYC 2021 Holiday Season

Cities across the U.S. often go to great lengths to ring in the holiday season.

But no city celebrates Christmas quite like New York.

New York is the No. 1 travel destination during the holiday season for a reason, as there is no shortage of things to see and do. Many travelers and local residents stroll the streets of Manhattan and head to the stores for holiday shopping.

A record 66.6 million travelers visited New York in 2019 and many are returning as the world reopens from the pandemic.

The month of December proves that there is more to the country's most populated city than just the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

Here are some great ideas for holiday sightseeing.

1. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Travel out to Brooklyn to step into the ultimate Christmas wonderland in Dyker Heights. Each year, the community celebrates the holiday season by decking out homes with festive decor, including illuminated Santas, giant snowmen, unique wreaths, and more.

Located at 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn​​

2. Holiday Window Display

Whether you’re picking up the perfect gift or in need of some holiday cheer, checking out the window displays at department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales, will certainly get you into the Christmas spirit.

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

3. The Nutcracker

Celebrate the holiday season by snagging tickets to see the classic ballet that tells the story of a girl who finds herself involved in an epic battle between mice and toy soldiers.

Located at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY

4. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

It will be hard not to marvel at the impressive 79 foot tall Norway spruce at the heart of NYC. The Christmas tree has been adorned with more than 50,000 multicolored energy-efficient LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star. The tree will be lit daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. except for Christmas Day when it will be lit for 24 hours.

Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY

5. Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

The seasonal celebration features over 260 festive lanterns representing nearly 70 plant and animal species, animal sculptures, colorful walkways, animated light shows, colored tunnels and arches, seasonal treats, and more.

Located at 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY

6. The Rockettes

Get ready to hear some of your favorite Christmas songs as the Radio City Rockettes perform their famous high kicks and dance moves to celebrate the holiday season. The last day to see “The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes” will be on Jan. 2, 2022. The final show will begin at 5 p.m. EST.

Located at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

7. Union Square Holiday Market

After taking a hiatus last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Union Square Holiday Market has returned. This year’s shop will feature over 160 vendors with unique Christmas gifts, sweet treats, and other items. The final day of the market will be Christmas Eve.

Located at 14th St and Union Square West, New York, NY

8. Rockefeller Center Skating Rink

Hit the ice at the Rockefeller Center Skating Rink where you can make holiday memories while taking in an epic view of the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The ice skating rink is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight.

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

9. Winter Village At Bryant Park

Whether you’re searching for the perfect necklace or need a unique holiday gift idea, the Winter Village at Bryant Park has 170 vendors that have plenty of quirky items to offer. Shoppers have until Jan 2, 2022, to visit the village.

Located at 41 W 40th St between Sixth and Fifth Avenues

10. Cirque du Soleil: ‘Twas the Night Before’

The acrobatic performance is based on the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. It tells the classic Christmas story with a twist. Before Santa arrives, a young girl named Isabella, who isn’t feeding into the hype surrounding Christmas, finds herself in a magical world filled with holiday spirit.

Located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001