1. Rockefeller Center Tree & The Rink

Located between 48th & 51st Streets and 5th & 6th Avenues, the breathtaking Rockefeller Center Tree never ceases to make my heart flutter. I try to visit it multiple times during my stay, both day and night. The tree is usually lit around the first of December, and will remain up until mid-January. Inside this plaza, you can find so many great shops, restaurants, and an ice skating rink right below the glorious tree. Click here for rink tickets which are pricey, but the view at night is incredible when the tree is lit. Not only is the tree one of the most iconic NYC Christmas hotspots, but you can also think of Rockefeller Center as one-stop area that is walkable to a several other places on this list.

*Restroom alert!! These concourse lower level hidden gems can be tricky to find because they aren’t advertised well. I have found entrances both near the tree for rink access, and also between Free People and Morrell & Co. on 49th St.

2. Saks Fifth Ave Windows & Light Show

Across the street from Rockefeller Center Plaza Tree, you can easily walk to Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. This 10 story tall building is adorned with over 700,000 LED lights every year. Starting around the 4th week of November, this light show is synchronized to festive holiday music and repeats every 10 minutes from 5 pm-11 pm. Talk about mesmerizing!! Prepare to squeeze amongst a large crowd of admirers, but it is truly something you can’t miss (especially if you’re traveling with little ones). In addition the light show, Saks goes above and beyond for their window displays! Even if you aren’t a fashion lover, it is worth walking into this world famous building to peep the festive decorations inside.

**Restroom alert! See elevator map to locate these super clean, warm restrooms.

3. FAO SCHWARZ

Located in Rockefeller Plaza on 49th St. between 5th & 6th Avenues, just steps from the tree. My family loves to visit FAO Schwarz, especially Seth (my husband). It is not just a toy store, it is an experience. It is impossible to not feel joyfully childlike when you step inside and see the most over-the-top toys, interactive staff, and fun activities. It is worth waiting in line to dance across the giant piano – trust me!

**Gift alert! This is one of the largest (and coolest) toy stores in the country. You will find the most special gifts here for the kids on your Christmas list, no matter the size of your budget. They also carry the cutest tree ornaments, which is my souvenir of choice wherever I travel!

4. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

This white marble clad architectural masterpiece lures everyone inside with it’s beauty and musical echoes. Find this stunning historical landmark on 5th Avenue, neighboring Saks. Everyone is welcome to go inside whether they are a spiritual guest or tourist. Light a prayer candle, sit in the pews to pray, or simply admire the stained glass windows and unbelievable Neo-Gothic architecture. I love to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and feel close to God in the midst of a bustling trip.

5. Tiffany & Co. Flagship Store

Just a 9 minute walk will take you from St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the temporary Tiffany & Co. flagship store on the corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street. In Fall 2022, the location will move directly next door to 727 5th Avenue. This may not seem super Christmas-y, but the window displays and interior holiday decorations/building construction is awesome! On the way there, you can also view some other popular window displays such as Cartier and Harry Winston. Within eye shot of Tiffany & Co. you can locate Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton. Inside Tiffany & Co., you can admire all the levels of luxury. Take a photo on the grand staircase next to the Tiffany blue adorned Christmas tree. Treat yourself or a loved one to an elegant Christmas ornament aka the winner of all NYC souvenirs!

**Gift alert!! In addition to Christmas ornaments, you can find quite a few gift ideas under $300, including small perfumes and sterling silver jewelry under $200! Their sales associates are always very friendly and helpful in my experience.

6. The Radio City Rockettes

A 3 minute walk from Rockefeller Center is all it takes to reach Radio City Music Hall on 6th Avenue (enter between 50th and 51st Streets). The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes is the ONE show you need to see. Give yourself ample time to enjoy the beautifully decorated lobby which boasts a 35 ft. Swarovski crystal chandelier! The entire show is packed full of entertainment with 3-D animation, talented dancers, fabulous costume changes, an orchestra, and a LIVE animal nativity scene. I have seen it many times, and there is always increasing innovation each year while keeping a consistent theme of the traditional show we fans cherish. Click here to find tickets that usually go on sale starting in July. The show runs mid-November through the first of January.

**Restroom and gift alert!! Arrive early to make it through the admissions line and explore the stunning lobby, view the fun little exhibits such as the photo-op station pictured above, take a bathroom break, grab snacks from the concession stand, or buy gifts/ornaments/souvenirs for the Rockette lovers in your life.

7. Giant Red Christmas Balls & Lights

Nearby Radio City between 49th and 50th Streets are the Giant Christmas Balls atop a large fountain, surrounded by warm white LED lit trees. The Giant String Lights are between 48th and 49th Streets and are not to be missed for a cute photo op. These festive landmarks are easy to spot en route to Radio City from Rockefeller Center.

8. Max Brenner

Times Square retail location: A 7 minute walk from Radio City is quicker than a taxi ride if you are craving some late night specialty hot chocolates or candies! Located on the corner of 7th Ave. & 48th St., this new Max Brenner Retail Shop is festively decorated for the holidays and is the perfect end to your magical day in the city.

Union Square restaurant location: A longer journey is required for all my fellow chocoholics who want the FULL experience at this touristy yet tasty dine-in location located at 841 Broadway between 14th & 13th Streets. A 20-30 minute taxi ride from Radio City or 20 minute subway ride from 49th St. to 14 St-Union Sq. is totally worth it. This Max Brenner Chocolate Bar restaurant also has the retail shop. Click here to make reservations in advance (which I highly recommend doing). Click here to view the full dining menu.

**Gift alert!! You will find beautiful gift sets of handcrafted high quality chocolates. Everyone loves receiving these addictive little treats when I return from an NYC trip.

9. Carmine’s Italian Restaurant

First of all, you better come here hungry. Given this restaurant is a 12 minute walk from Rockefeller Center to 44th Street in Times Square (which is still less time than a taxi), you should work up some of the appetite needed for their ridiculously portioned dishes after a long day of sightseeing. I once had a cab drive from NYC tell me that the food tastes better in the city because of all the walking done before eating, and that logic really seems plausible to me! Carmine’s is a legendary tourist attraction, but not a tourist trap given the good quality of food and reasonable (for NYC) prices. The restaurant is decorated beautifully for Christmas during the holiday season as well, which is why it made my list! As always, I recommend making reservations prior to your trip. Seth hates being overly full, and prefers more authentic restaurants, but he still enjoyed the meal. It is hard to hate on generous portions of pasta! Click here for Carmine’s dinner menu.

10. Junior’s Cheesecake

There are 2 Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurants in Times Square. If you are coming from dinner at Carmine’s, you have to make the 5 minute walk to get LIFE CHANGING cheesecake! The 45th Street location has a separate take away entrance at the Shubert Alley of 44th & 45th Streets. During Christmas, they offer special edition Christmas Swirl Cheesecakes. I love to order the Favorite Little Fellas Sampler for holiday gatherings online here. If you are too full after dinner, just know these cheesecake slices of heaven are just as delicious in your hotel room at midnight or the next morning for an indulgent breakfast (blogger tested and approved). My friend and I have also shoved the take-out containers into our luggage to fly them home to our husbands!! FYI, their restaurant food is really good too. I frequently crave their Hungarian Beef Goulash. Junior’s Cheesecake full menu here.

**Gift alert!! You can always, and I mean ALWAYS give me the gift of cheesecake! What a special treat shipped all the way from NYC for that foodie on your Christmas list. Online ordering here.

11. Bryant Park Winter Village

Okay, let’s venture just a little further down the city to Bryant Park Winter Village. This fun winter wonderland is walkable from Rockefeller Center in 15 minutes or less, so not a bad trek. It is located between 40th and 42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues. The closest metro stop is 42nd St/Bryant Park Station. Starting mid-October you will find an ice skating rink with free admission ($15-$45 for rental skates), European style holiday shops, a 50+ ft. Christmas Tree, and amazing food!! I know you had your eye on those “Wafels & Dinges” in the photo above. Good news – this tasty café is open year round and has outdoor seating too. Ice skating requires a time slot even if you bring your own gear, find info and tickets here.

**Restroom alert!! Would you believe me if I told you the restrooms here are a city treasure? Fresh flowers, artwork, classical music, AND an attendant makes for posh experience. My potty list is going to have NYC newbies spoiled when in reality they are scarce and notoriously dirty in this city. Plan accordingly!

**Gift alert!! Given the excellent status of restroom and gift access, they each deserved their own little paragraph. You will be hard-pressed to leave without finding amazing gifts since there are over 170 vendors set up. Artisans from around the world pop up shop to showcase their crafts of all types. I love getting personalized ornaments here too!

12. Macy’s Herald Sq. Holiday Window Display

Located on 34th Street between 7th Avenue & Broadway, Macy’s flagship store is about a 13 minute stroll from Bryant Park. The holiday window displays are my favorite in the entire city! They have created some of the coolest interactive displays that aren’t to be missed if you are visiting NYC during the holidays! The stunning decorations and holiday animation continues inside this massive department store as well.

**Restroom alert!! See directory inside for restroom location.

13. Chelsea Market and High Line

The Chelsea Market is one of the hippest scenes in Manhattan. This shopping mall and food hall takes up an entire block on 9th Avenue in the heart of the meatpacking district. This would be about a 30 minute walk from Macy’s flagship, but there are several subway stations nearby if you are coming from the previous location on this blog! 34th St/Herald Square is probably the closest subway from Macy’s. This stop on my list is the ULTIMATE **Gift alert!! You will find an endless amount of eclectic shops, artisans, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and much more! Be sure to checkout the High Line which is accessible by stairs or elevators at the corner of 16th St.

14. New York Botanical Garden GLOW

Although NYBG GLOW in the Bronx is the furthest adventure on my list, it is worth the ride if you are a fan of Christmas lights! We took the northbound Harlem Line train from Grand Central Station to Botanical Gardens which dropped us off directly across the road from NYBG entrance. It took approximately 35 minutes with a few stops on the way. A train runs each direction every 30 minutes, so be sure to give yourself time to operate the ticket vending machine if you did not book round trip in advance. Here you can enjoy the illuminated grounds, huge ice sculpture, historic buildings, music, shopping, food at the Bronx Night Market, and drinks at the outdoor bars. I give the Peppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa a 10/10!

Tickets have sold out the last couple of years for NYBG GLOW, so purchase them in advance here. There is also a Holiday Train Show requiring an additional ticket that can be purchased here. We regret not attending the Train Show but tickets were sold out upon arrival. Next time, though! Both events run from mid-November through mid-January.

**Gift alert!! The holiday shop here is GOOD! Candles, planters, books, plantable cards, botanical art, sustainable souvenirs, etc. Really unique items for that nature enthusiast on your list! I had a tough time deciding which ornaments and souvenirs I wanted to stuff into Seth’s backpack.

15. Holidays at the Met

Moving on to the Upper East Side of Manhattan bordering Central Park on Fifth Avenue is The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is definitely not the first place that comes to mind for super festive holiday adventures, but it is not to be overlooked. Here you can enjoy holiday concerts and carols, handcrafted decorations, and seasonal exhibits. The hours are being extended starting December 28th, 2022 which offers more opportunities to see their popular lighting ceremonies and enjoy their spectacular holiday activities. Their Christmas Tree Neapolitan Baroque crèche (nativity scene) can be found in the Medieval Sculpture Hall, gallery 305, and this towering evergreen rivals as one of the most beloved Christmas Trees in the city! Tickets can sell out around the holidays, so get tickets in advance here.

**Gift alert!! You will be overwhelmed with a plethora of fun and quirky gift shop goodies. One of my most treasured Christmas ornaments was purchased here!

Okay now that I am finished writing this post, I want to go to NYC like… now! Brooklyn has been peeping my screen and also wants to return during the holidays. Seth loves witnessing the excitement that Christmas brings his family, and he loves the life of the city. Although we have a trip planned in October, we will be in Europe for Christmas/NYE this year. As grateful as I am to head overseas with my family, I will truly miss NYC too. Do not be surprised if I somehow weasel in a quick holiday trip to Manhattan and ask forgiveness from my husband after the fact – I am pretty skilled at that maneuver. Please share any of your favorite holiday hot spots that did not make my list or your experiences should you go for the first time! See comments section/contact form below. – Amanda

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