NYC For The Holidays? Here’s How To Entertain Yourself For (Mostly) Free
Our list of the extremely festive and incredibly iconic things to do, most of which won’t bust your gift-giving budget.
There’s no place like home for the holidays, and when your home is NYC, why would you want to go anywhere else anyway? Half the city flees to warmer climates or back to their childhood homes, where coffee costs $2 and parking exists. But staying here, even on a budget, is the best holiday hack–you get all the holiday spirit without having to fly Spirit.
To help make your NYC Christmas dreams happen, we’ve put together a list of the extremely festive and incredibly iconic things to do, most of which won’t bust your gift-giving budget.
Classic Christmas Spots
Rockefeller Center Tree
You can pretend to be above the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, but when you’re basking in its glow, the Christmas spirit will punch you right in the heart. Is the crowd intolerable? Yes. Will someone stop in front of you to take a video? Of course. But, if you visit during off hours, like late night or early morning, it’s genuinely magical. If you have a tough time with crowds, try the Wall Street Christmas Tree instead. It has all the charm and a fraction of the people.
Decorations Around Radio City
You know those giant red ornaments in the fountain on 6th Ave? Or the huge candy canes on the northwest corner of 50th St and 6th Ave? Well, they’re here, and they’re worth seeing. The tree above the Radio City marquee is peak NYC Christmas kitsch, and if you’re already in midtown, it’s practically unavoidable.
5th Avenue Displays
Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show is dramatic and dazzling, and it pulls a crowd no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Stroll past Cartier, looking wrapped up like a literal gift box, and Bergdorf’s hyper-detailed windows. (We’ll get to Macy’s, don’t worry.)
Winter Villages and Holiday Markets
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park has the biggest winter village of them all, and unlike other rinks, skating is free if you bring your own skates (renting is not free because it’s still New York). Poke around the shops and try the amazing food vendors. We recommend a smores-inspired hot cocoa from S’mores N’More in the lodge and a fried pickle stickle from Pickle Me Pete.
Union Square Holiday Market
A classic. A staple, even. An almost guarantee you’ll spend $25 on an artisanal jam that will blow your mind. It’s a great spot for gift shopping and people-watching.
Williamsburg Winter Village
New to the Christmas scene and extremely trendy. You do need a ticket to get in, but it’s a cute, festive option if you’re in BK and want something fresh (especially if you’re a carboholic).
Astoria Holiday Market
Hosted inside Bohemian Hall, this one is cozier and neighborhood-y. But it’s only happening on December 7th and 14th, so don’t miss it!
Over-The-Top Light Displays
Dyker Heights
We went to Dyker Heights, and everyone here knew you. These houses on 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St rival Martha May Whovier’s levels of extravagance. Make sure to go between dusk and 9 pm to appreciate the luxurious lights. Get your tickets for a walking tour here or explore on your own for free!
SHINE BRIGHT at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards’ millions of holiday lights are gorgeous and free to wander through. They have 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall illuminated set pieces across the Public Square and Gardens, and inside, there’s a 32-foot hot air balloon. For our Jewish friends, they do a live lighting of the menorah every night!
The Seaport District Winter Wonderland
Lots of photo ops, lights, live performances, a giant tree by the waterfront, and a general cozy vibe. The tourists haven’t found this spot yet, so take advantage.
Activities for the Extremely Nostalgic
Holiday Nostalgia Train Ride
Every Sunday in December, the MTA rolls out a vintage 1930s subway car, fully decorated and shockingly charming. The train will depart from 2 Av-Houston St on the uptown F line and 96 St-2 Av on the Q line (make sure to check the schedule for times and stops). For the price of a MetroCard swipe, you can time-travel.
Macy’s at Herald Square
Have your very own Miracle on 34th Street moment with Macy’s legendary windows and indoor decorations. Visit Santaland and see miles of garland. Most importantly, try not to cry.
See the Original Manuscript of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
The Morgan Library displays Dickens’ manuscript every year, and it’s genuinely cool to see. It’s a very sophisticated and cultured holiday outing if you’re looking for that sort of thing.
The Great Borough Bake-Off
If there’s something more festive than hyper-competitive, borough-based gingerbread-house-making, I have yet to hear about it. See the award-winning homemade holiday homes at the Museum of the City of New York (residents can visit on a pay-what-you-can basis).
Indoor Escapes
The Met and Met Cloisters
The winter weather in NYC can get frightful. Both museums get special holiday decor, like the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at the Met and the Medieval ‘Christmastide’ Decorations at the Cloisters. They’re perfect places to hide from the cold and learn something while you’re feeling fancy.
New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Model trains loop through replicas of the city made entirely of natural materials, like twigs, bark, stems, fruit, seeds, fungus, and pine cones. It’s whimsical and soothing.
Actually Worth Spending a Little
Some things in NYC should cost you a little money. These are those.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanical Garden – $29-44
A stunning illuminated trail through the gardens. It’s breathtaking and worth booking early.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – $41.95-56.95
Animal-shaped lanterns, glowing sculptures, and an all-around family-friendly fun time.
Ice Skating You Pay For
If you want to upgrade from free rinks, check out:
- Domino Park in Williamsburg, $18-22
- Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center in Central Park, $10 entry
- Wollman Rink in Central Park, $28-40
- Roebling Rink at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, $16
Shows to Warm Your Soul
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – Starting at $130
Worth seeing once in your adult life if only to feel cultured.
Cirque du Soleil’s ’Twas the Night Before – Starting at $63
This show is a high-energy, circus-filled take on a holiday story. Great for kids and kids at heart.
New York Philharmonic Performances – Starting at $113
Choose from Handel’s Messiah, Sounds of the Season, and Home Alone in Concert. All of them are packed with holiday serotonin in elegant concert form.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starting at $70
Did you know camels literally live inside Radio City Music Hall for this show? Don’t question it. Just accept it’s part of the holiday canon and go see the Rockettes do their perfect kickline thing. It’s delightful every time.
Weird and Wonderful
Santa’s Secret – $65
This speakeasy meets holiday variety show will put you firmly on the naughty list.
Unsilent Night
This is an avant-garde sound sculpture by Phil Kline in which everyone carries a boombox playing four different tracks at the same time. We can say with certainty that it’s like nothing you’ve seen (or heard) before.
Restaurants that Go Feral for Decorations
Sometimes you want to have dinner under 4,000 ornaments. Hard to blame you. Try these spots:
- Papillon, 22 E 54th Street
- Rolf’s NYC, 281 3rd Avenue
- Oscar Wilde, 45 W 27th Street
- Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington Street
- Pete’s Tavern, 129 E 18th Street
- Skinflints, 7902 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn
- Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, 249 W 49th Street & 13 E 17th Street
Staying in NYC for the holidays might seem like settling, but it’s actually the best way to do it. You get the lights, the markets, the show, the chaos, and the magic without ever packing a suitcase. The city turns into one giant festive playground this time of year, so weave through the tourists like the seasoned New Yorker you are and enjoy the best holiday season in the best city in the world.
