New York City in December feels like it was dipped in glitter, wrapped in velvet, and sprinkled with enough nostalgia to make even a Grinch smile. If you’re searching for the most magical Christmas in NYC activities, this is the season when every block bursts with holiday magic. You’ll find pink winter wonderlands in the sky, festive cruises on the water, holiday cocktails at Christmas bars and iconic holiday markets throughout the city. Whether you’re here for cocktails, cruises, lights, or Mariah-level drama, we’ve rounded up the best 11 Christmas in NYC activities to make your holiday bucket list sparkle. These experiences bring the holidays to life in the most unforgettable way.
1. Pinkmas at The Edge with Museum of Ice Cream
Ever wondered what the holidays would look like in pink? Pinkmas at The Edge x Museum of Ice Cream transforms NYC’s highest outdoor sky deck into a whimsical, sugar-spun wonderland. It is one of the most photogenic Christmas in NYC activities for kids and adults. This dreamy holiday escape features a forest of glowing pink holiday trees, candy-colored installations, life-size ice cream pints, a hanging banana jungle, oversized snow globes and 360° skyline views. You can sip their exclusive pink hot chocolate while you wander, snap city-to-cloud photos and soak up the skyline glow. It’s festive, flirty and totally over-the-top, exactly how December should be.
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Dates: Pinkmas runs Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Ticket Cost: $36+
What to Wear: Cute pink layers
Pro Tip: Go at golden hour for the dreamiest Pinkmas content.
Tickets: https://www.edgenyc.com
f you’re dreaming of a pink Christmas, visit The Edge.
2. Holiday City Cruises (City Cruises by Hornblower)
Holiday magic just hits better when you’re floating past the skyline. City Cruises turns the season into a shimmering experience with festive décor, curated holiday menus and panoramic views wrapped in twinkle lights. You’ll sip something warm, capture Lady Liberty glowing in the winter air and dance as the Brooklyn Bridge sweeps overhead.
Their holiday sailings range from brunch cruises with pastry towers to dinner voyages with multi-course meals, plus specialty cruises featuring DJs, themed cocktails and unbeatable views. It’s one of those Christmas in NYC experiences that manages to feel both effortless and totally unforgettable.
Address: Departs from Pier 15 — 78 South Street, New York, NY 10038
Duration: 2–3 hours
Ticket Cost: $85–$200 depending on cruise
What to Wear: Festive cocktail attire — holiday chic but comfortable for dancing.
Pro Tip: Book early; holiday cruises always sell out.
Tickets: https://www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/holiday
A little sparkle, a little skyline and suddenly the holidays feel brand new again.
3. Holly Jolly Bar at Bomba
Holly Jolly has taken over Bomba with wall-to-wall décor, twinkling lights, and cocktails that taste like Christmas spirit in a glass. Every corner is dressed for the season — cozy, over-the-top, and perfect for anyone craving a festive escape with a little edge. Each ticket includes 90 minutes of open seating plus a Welcome Drink (with a non-alcoholic option available). Additional drinks and holiday-themed bites are available for purchase on-site. The whole space feels intimate and vibey, making it one of the most fun Christmas in NYC activities for holiday girls’ nights or a cute December date.
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Ticket Cost: $25+
What to Wear: Cute holiday sweaters and boots.
Pro Tip: Weeknights are quieter and perfect for filming without the crowd.
Tickets: https://bucketlisters.com/experience/holly-jolly-bar-at-bomba
Step inside, sip something festive and let the holiday mood find you.
4. Winter Wonderland at Watermark
Waterfront magic meets holiday nostalgia at Watermark’s Santa’s Winter Wonderland. This snow-globe dreamscape on the pier has twinkling lights, holiday trees and skyline views. You will step through candy-cane tunnels, stroll past illuminated spruces and take in the views of the Brooklyn Bridge reflecting over the water.
Whether you’re there to meet Santa himself, cozy up in a heated glasshouse with hot cocoa and a curated holiday meal, roast s’mores by fire pit, ride a carousel or snap photos in Santa’s sleigh, this spot transforms the season into a full-on festive escape.
Address: Pier 15 — 78 South Street, New York, NY 10038
Duration: General Admission 45–60 minutes | Glasshouse & Chalet bookings ~90 minutes
Ticket Cost: General Admission from ~$17–$25; Glasshouse/chalet from ~$55–$110 per person
What to Wear: Warm winter layers, it’s outdoors on the pier, even if the glasshouses are heated.
Pro Tip: Book glasshouse or chalet seating when you can. The heated igloos feel especially magical with skyline views after sunset.
Tickets: https://bucketlisters.com/experience/santas-winter-wonderland
When the city lights meet hot cocoa and holiday cheer, this waterfront wonderland becomes one of the best Christmas in NYC activities you’ll find. Trust us, you’ll want to book it before it’s gone.
5. Miracle on 9th Street
Miracle is the original Christmas cocktail bar- the trailblazer that sparked a global holiday pop-up movement. This East Village classic delivers full sensory overload: ceiling-to-floor tinsel, retro ornaments, cheeky menu names and cocktails that taste like pure holiday nostalgia. It’s one of the most iconic Christmas in NYC activities for anyone who loves their December with a side of kitschy charm and Mariah-level energy.
Address: 649 E 9th Street, New York, NY 10009
Duration: 1–2 hours
Ticket Cost: Pay-as-you-order cocktails
What to Wear: Fun holiday outfits — sparkle, velvet, sequins, or holiday sweaters.
Pro Tip: Go early; this tiny spot gets packed every December.
If your holiday vibe leans festive, playful, and delightfully over-the-top, a night at Miracle ensures your night shines just a little brighter.
6. NYC Holiday Markets
No Christmas in NYC itinerary is complete without the city’s most iconic holiday markets. Bundle up and wander through twinkling lights, artisan crafts, handmade goods, festive eats, and seasonal treats. These winter pop-ups are some of the most timeless Christmas in NYC activities, offering the perfect mix of shopping, snacking, and soaking in holiday magic.
Address:
Union Square: 14th St & Union Square West
Herald Square: Broadway & 34th St
Bryant Park: 42nd St & 6th Ave
Columbus Circle: 59th St & Central Park West
Duration: 60–90 minutes per market
Ticket Cost: Free entry
What to Wear: Warm layers, comfy shoes, and gloves as you’ll be walking, shopping, and juggling hot chocolate.
Pro Tip: Go on weekdays or early evenings for fewer crowds and better browsing
Market Info: https://www.urbanspacenyc.com
Each market has its own festive personality, so hop between a few. Ut’s the easiest way to make your December feel extra magical.
7. Frosty’s Christmas Bar
If Santa ever dipped into nightlife, it would look exactly like Frosty’s. This three-level holiday explosion is packed with ornaments, lights, carols, themed drinks, and over-the-top décor in every direction. It’s loud, wild, and unapologetically fun — easily one of the most over-the-top Christmas in NYC activities if you love holiday chaos with a cocktail in hand.
Address: 1604 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Duration: 1–2 hours
Ticket Cost: $25–$35 entry depending on date
What to Wear: Anything festive — but dress light under your coat; it gets warm inside.
Pro Tip: Book the earliest entry slot for shorter lines.
Tickets: https://tickets.frostyschristmasbar.com
A night at Frosty’s guarantees your holiday season comes with a healthy dose of sparkle, spirit, and wild Christmas energy- the kind of memory that defines the best Christmas in NYC activities.
8. Tea Around Town — Winter Edition
Looking for a holiday activity that’s equal parts elegant and cozy? Tea Around Town serves afternoon tea aboard a beautifully decorated bus as it drives through NYC’s iconic sights. Winter pastries, warm brews and holiday music make this one of the charming Christmas in NYC activities.
Address: 888 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (departure location)
Duration: ~90 minutes
Ticket Cost: $59–$129
What to Wear: Cute winter tea-time outfits- think chic coats and boots.
Pro Tip: Sit upstairs for the best city views.
Tickets: https://www.tearoundtown.com
Sip, sightsee, and soak up the holiday magic- this festive tea ride is one NYC tradition worth adding to your December plans.
9. Lillie’s Victorian Christmas
Lillie’s goes all in for Christmas with Victorian décor, lush garlands, oversized ornaments, flickering candles, and that warm old-world holiday charm. It’s one of the most magical Christmas in NYC activities whether you go for brunch, dinner or a festive cocktail with friends.
Addresses:
- 249 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
- 13 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
Duration: 1–2 hours
Ticket Cost: À la carte dining
What to Wear: Dressy-casual holiday looks — it’s fancy but not formal.
Pro Tip: Reserve a table near the fireplace for the full Victorian vibe.
Menu: https://www.lilliesnyc.com
Perfect for cozy catch-ups or festive nights out, Lillie’s is a holiday dining experience that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.
10. Mariah Carey Holiday Bar
All we want for Christmas is a pop-up as extra as Mariah herself. This glitter-drenched bar is packed with nods to the Queen of Christmas with its high-glam décor, themed cocktails, photo ops and Mariah’s greatest hits on loop. It’s festive, fabulous and one of the most delightfully over-the-top Christmas in NYC activities for anyone who loves a little diva-level glam.
Address: 3 Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
Duration: 1–2 hours
Ticket Cost: $20–$30 entry
What to Wear: Holiday glam — metallics, faux fur, sparkles
Pro Tip: Go with your most Mariah-obsessed friend for maximum fun.
Tickets: Via UNTITLED Hotel events page (updated seasonally)
If your holiday plans include sparkle, theatrics, and a touch of Mariah magic, this is one Christmas pop-up you won’t want to miss.
11. 12 Days of Christmas at Thompson
Starting December 1, Thompson Central Park transforms into a festive playground with 12-Days of Thompson, a holiday pop-up series that earns its spot on any Christmas in NYC activities list. Each of the 12 days brings a new holiday treat from themed cocktails and holiday bites to ugly sweater parties.
Address: 119 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 Parker’s Central Park+1
Duration: Varies by event — most last 1–2 hours; overall programming runs December 1–15. Parker’s Central Park+1
Ticket Cost: Depends on the event (from casual cocktails up to full dinner or special-event pricing) Cititour+1
What to Wear: Festive but comfy — think chic winter layers or holiday-glam outfits, especially for cocktail nights or live music evenings.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Parker’s calendar — some nights feature live music or special events that book up quickly. Also consider combining a hotel stay with the 12-days events to make it feel like a full-on holiday getaway.
If you’re after a Christmas in NYC activity that’s equal parts cozy retreat and festive party, 12-Days of Thompson lights up Midtown with all the holiday feels.
NYC doesn’t just celebrate Christmas — it performs Christmas. From sky-high pink wonderlands to cozy igloos, festive cruises, holiday markets, Victorian bars, and Mariah-level magic, December in NYC is an experience like no other. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these Christmas in NYC activities will make your holiday season unforgettable — and totally Instagram-worthy. Click here for more Christmas ideas.
It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the home -W.T. Ellis
You really can’t beat NYC for the holidays. There’s always something going on. These all sound great!
I’ve always wanted to see NYC, especially during the holidays. All those lights and events seem awesome.
NY is the place to go in the holiday season. I didn’t know about the tea around the city, now I need to take that tour!
I’ve always heard that NYC is the place to be during the holidays. I can only imagine how beautiful everything looks and how fun all the activities must be. I’ll be honest though, the traffic would make me a little nervous, but I’d still love to visit someday!
Such a fun roundup. You’ve captured the magic of Christmas in NYC so well. Reading this makes me want to hop on a plane and experience all those lights, holiday markets, cozy cruises, and festive cocktails in person.
I so love NY. The museum of ice cream looks fun, I have never heard of that before. Next time we go back, that will be on my list to see.
All of these look so much fun and this is such a great list of ideas! Thank you so much for inspiring our family.
Wow, NYC during the holidays is definitely an amazing experience. I need to check out the Pinkmas display.
Bryant Park’s Winter Village and Holiday Market is absolutely fun.
It feels less crowded than Rockefeller and still festive. I’d love to try the food kiosks there. 🙂
All these activities look so fun! I must do the tea around town next time I’m there.
This makes NYC at Christmas feel magical yet doable, especially Rockefeller skating and those window displays. As a mum, I can already picture my daughter’s face taking it all in. Such lovely festive inspiration.
That all sounds like a lot of fun, and such fun pictures to take also. I would go there, except the fact that it is pretty far from Belgium