Want to know the best things to do in NYC in December that everyone should know? This is the guide that everyone planning a New York City trip should know about to have the most fun trip to NYC.
Planning a NYC trip around the holidays is exciting, but you want to do all the research you can to hit the best spots. As a fellow traveler and someone that lives by NYC, these are the best things to do in NYC in December.
You are going to learn about the best restaurants, best free attractions, and best shows to see.
After reading this post, you will feel prepared to visit the city that never sleeps, New York City.
This post is all about the best things to do in NYC in December.
Best Things To Do In NYC In December
1. Rockefeller Center
First up on the list is the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. While you may have seen it on TV every year, seeing it in person is a must. The tree is always lit up beautifully every single year and the decorations surrounding the area are just as beautiful. You will instantly be put in the holiday spirit the minute you enter this area. It is always a tall tree and you will be amazed at how gorgeous the lights look at night. Try and go there at night to get the whole experience! The tree is still beautiful during the day but for the best lit up pictures, the nighttime is the best. In addition, there are holiday lights all over that area.
2. Radio City Music Hall
Next up is Radio City Music Hall. This iconic place is right by the Rockefeller Center. You could do both of these locations with the same day as you are planning out your itinerary. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a show at Radio City Music Hall that is hosted every year by the Radio City Rockettes. The show stays relatively similar year to year; however, it is an amazing show for people of all ages. The show adds something from all your favorite/iconic holiday stories and is something you do not want to miss. People from all over the world travel to see this magical show. Also, the Radio City Music Hall is breathtaking on the inside. It is truly a place you want to visit with your loved ones in December.
The tickets are relatively affordable and the show runs from early November to right after the New Year. In addition, the Rockettes really are the best you will ever see.
3. Broadway shows
New York City is known for their wide array of Broadway shows. If you want to add a second show to your list, there are many shows to choose from. The holiday shows could be limited, but you will not be disappointed in any of the shows. The Lion King, Wicked, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera to name a few are personal favorites of mine and were worth every penny.
Tip: Look at the list of shows ahead of time so you get a good seat and the show of your choice. Around the holidays, the shows fill up and you do not want to be in the last row (unless that is your preferred seat of course).
4. Ice Skating
You have seen in movies that ice skating is popular in December in NYC. While there are many places to find a nice ice skating rink some of the more popular places are Bryant park and Rockefeller Center. These places tend to be crowded so plan accordingly. However, what these ice skating rink offer that others may not is the location and views. In addition, if you are going to NYC you need to have the best and most iconic experience. Check out the ice skating rinks and plan your day around going to one for a few hours. Trust me, it will be worth it.
5. Eat pizza
If you are a pizza lover, what they say is true, New York City has the best pizza. Think about thin crust, perfect sauce to cheese ratio, and the pizza being piping hot out of the oven. Also, for the most part you cannot go wrong with what you order or where. However, I will be giving you a few recommendations for pizza places for your visit so you ensure to have the best of the best. Keep in mind in December and around some of the major sites, there could be a wait to get inside. Sometimes the lines are long since these places are popular. They are well worth the wait. Plan accordingly so you do or a loved one do not get hangry 😉
- Abitino’s Pizzeria if you are by Rockefeller Center
- Joe’s Pizza Broadway if you are by Times Square
- Il Gusto Pizza
6. Little Italy
Little Italy is located in lower Manhattan and is the perfect place to grab some Italian food. If you want an authentic Italian dinner or dessert, this is your spot. Italian food is big in NYC area since it is so amazing. It is great to walk around and explore a different area of Manhattan. It also tends to be less crowded than other places in NYC in December. Keep in mind that this could be a far walk from the popular attractions so ensure you take a Subway or Uber. Subway is the affordable and fast transportation in NYC.
7. Chinatown
After Little Italy, Chinatown is also a must. You will feel like you literally walked into a different country the minute you see this area. In addition to having amazing pizza/Italian food, Chinese food is also the best in New York City. NYC really is known for their cuisine for a reason. You will find the authentic Chinese food like they have in China and the New York version. Both are amazing btw. There is a reason NYC is so well known in general 😀
8. Macy’s on 34th
Next is Macy’s on 34th street is a must-see when visiting NYC in December. Not only is it iconic since the Macy’s day parade takes place there, but it is always decorated beautifully inside and out. If you are still not in the holiday spirit after seeing all the sites, this will surely put you in the mood. If you are a big shopper, this place is huge and you will surely find something you love. Even if you do not decide to stop inside, this is a must-see!
9. Times Square
Times Square is another place that will put you in the holiday spirit (are you seeing a theme yet with NYC in December 😉 ). First of all, it is ALWAYS super bright. No matter what time of night it is, you will notice the lights by Times Square. It is a beautiful place to snap some pictures and walk around. This is another place to visit at night for the best experience. Times Square is always lit up but at night you could see everything magnified. You will understand why Times Square is in so many movies and shows after passing by. It captures NYC in a small area as it is always populated and never sleeps.
10. City Markets
While you are walking around the city around the holiday season you will see many city markets. You will see anything from food vendors to someone selling jewelry. While the pop ups could be subject to change, keep an eye out to where they will be during your stay in NYC. In addition, any markets in the less popular areas are probably amazing too! Always keep your options open as you could find some of the best food and best deals from those markets.
11. Shopping
NYC is one of the best places for shopping in general. There is anything from high end designer stores to affordable stores. The good thing is if you want to shop in various areas it is easy to get around NYC. Whether you decide to take the subway or rideshare, you will be able to get around no matter what time. There are many places to go shopping for clothes/shoes in Brooklyn and Queens area. The subway is the affordable option to get to these boroughs. For high end stores, Manhattan is flooded with whatever you could imagine. Upper east side and Midtown is where you will find the most places (Louis Vuitton, Prada).
NYC really does have something for everyone. Plan our your trip with these tips and enjoy the city that never sleeps!
This post was all about the best things to do in NYC in December.
Happy and safe travels! xx
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