A Taste of Classic New York for the Holidays

By Amy Andrews
November 16, 2025
8 Min Read

New York City is a singular place the whole year through, but come wintertime she really knows how to pull out the old razzle-dazzle. Whether your vision of holiday joy leans heavily into finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, strolling quaint streets, sipping a decadent hot beverage, swirling around an ice rink or some combination of all of the above, New York has it in spades. We’re here to help you zero in on the spots that perennially deliver holiday magic, the locales that embody classic New York and a few newer gems that tick all the festive boxes … grab your coffee and cozy up in your favorite chair as you plan your holiday bite of the Big Apple.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stands illuminated with thousands of multicolored lights and a white star topper, towering over the ice skating rink below where dozens of people skate. The golden Prometheus statue is positioned between the tree and the rink, with Art Deco buildings rising on all sides, their windows glowing against the night sky. Holiday decorations line the plaza level, and crowds of visitors fill the concourse area beneath the rink. — The famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center casts its glow over the ice rink below — a postcard-perfect New York winter scene

New York for the Holidays: The Best Lights, Landmarks & More

Winter Activities

Few seasonal backdrops are as iconic as Rockefeller Center. Don’t miss this big-ticket stop for a spin on the ice in front of the towering Christmas tree — family photos required. Or, if ice skating amid the natural beauty of Central Park is a bit more your speed, head to Wollman Rink, then linger on one of the park’s iconic benches to watch the wintry world float by. A little farther off the tourist path, you can even ice skate at Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll be treated to unbeatable Manhattan skyline views in the process and you can check the Brooklyn Bridge off your list.

The Washington Square Arch stands illuminated against a deep blue twilight sky, with a lit Christmas tree positioned directly beneath its central opening. Through the arch, the Empire State Building is visible in the distance, its spire glowing blue and white. Visitors walk across the plaza in front of the arch, while residential buildings with lit windows frame the scene on both sides, and vintage-style street lamps line the park pathways. — Washington Square Park’s tree, a tradition since 1924, is one of the loveliest in the city

While it may be chilly, it’s worth taking a boat ride to see Lady Liberty or adding a stop at Ellis Island for a glimpse into how it shaped the New York we know today. This is a memorable excursion for young and old alike. A visit to Washington Square Park is another quintessential New York moment, and if you time your visit close enough to Christmas, you might even luck into caroling under the arch.

Six oversized red Christmas ornaments with silver caps are stacked in a pyramid formation atop a fountain, with water cascading down the fountain's edge. The ornaments' glossy surfaces reflect in the wet base below, while a modern office building with illuminated windows rises behind them. A tree wrapped in white lights is visible to the left of the display. — Giant baubles crown a fountain on Sixth Avenue in Midtown West

Charming Streets

While the windows of the luxury retailers on Fifth Avenue will always take top billing in terms of spectacle come the holidays, there are lovely streets across Manhattan festooned with twinkling lights, ready to tempt at every turn. Elizabeth Street in Nolita has a bevy of in-the-know shops from Clare V. to Rowing Blazers, Le Labo and Scent Bar (just walk in and tell the endlessly knowledgeable staff exactly what top notes you like, and they will produce options galore).

The Saks Fifth Avenue building facade is decorated with illuminated swag displays in alternating white and orange-red colors, suspended between yellow light pillars that extend across multiple stories. The street-level windows glow red, while a decorative starburst design in pink and orange lights adorns the center entrance area, and the ground floor is wrapped in white string lights. A crowd of pedestrians gathers on the sidewalk to view the display, with traffic and bare winter trees visible along Fifth Avenue. — The façade of Saks Fifth Avenue is festooned in brilliant lights during the season

Ninth Street east of Second Avenue in the East Village is a treasure trove of tiny, individually owned jewel boxes, with displays showcasing everything from vintage clothing to ceramics, statement jewelry and gifts (don’t miss Pink Olive). Of course, there is Bleecker Street in the West Village — you can pop into the OG Magnolia Bakery before the clothes-shopping spree for a holiday-themed cupcake. And don’t forget Soho, with all the big fashion names you could want and holiday decor that sets off the area’s distinctive architecture.

A white paper cup branded "GLACE New York" holds a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a toasted marshmallow that shows golden-brown caramelization. A small black spoon rests on top of the dessert, and the cup sits on a white surface with a blurred cafe interior visible in the background. — Served in cups edged with piped and toasted marshmallow, the signature hot chocolate at Glace New York is a winter must-try. Photo courtesy of Glace New York

Warm Treats

Nothing tempts like rich hot chocolate on a cold day, and Glace New York, with their gooey toasted marshmallow-rimmed cups, is a winner. Grab one of their over-the-top offerings from either the Madison Avenue flagship or the outpost at Rockefeller Center, and you are sure to have others drooling over your spoils as you continue on your merry way. You can get your warm spiced cider fix at one of the holiday markets dotted around town (scroll down for more on those), or better yet, aim for the grown-up version at Dante West Village, where the cocktail list includes Hot Mulled Cider, a Toffee Apple Manhattan and a Fireside Old Fashioned. (Pssst … if you go for brunch, they have a Mickey Mouse waffle on the menu.)

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Cinnamon rolls are having a bit of a moment in New York, and there are plenty to choose from downtown at spots like Sunday Morning and Spirals. For a fabulous local sidewalk experience, don’t miss the insanely buttery croissants and pastries at bakery L’appartement 4F, which doles out their tasty wares from a cute street-facing window (there will be a line). Lastly, what is more fitting for the holidays than people coming together to lift up others? That’s exactly the case with Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread, a shop that was born out of pandemic necessity and has become a sensation — people line up daily for the delicious scones that Mary makes herself and serves alongside blackberry jam and Irish butter.

The Bryant Park Winter Village features illuminated market stalls with green metal and glass structures lining pathways beneath bare winter trees, with one shop displaying a "Metal Park" sign. Visitors walk through the market area as dusk settles, with tall office buildings rising in the background and their windows glowing against the blue evening sky. Stone planters with evergreen plants and decorative elements are positioned along the walkways and steps. — The Winter Village in Bryant Park includes an ice skating rink, more than 100 market stalls, seasonal restaurants, visits from Santa and more

Holiday Shopping

For sourcing unique gifts amid the magical feel of wintertime, look to than one of the city’s outdoor markets. Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a favorite (there is skating there as well if the mood strikes), as is the Union Square Holiday Market. The stalls offer everything from handmade crafts to crêpes and are sure to win over even skeptics. The markets are busy all day and twinkle under the stars at night, making them great spots to fit in any time during your trip.

The Union Square Holiday Market features rows of vendor stalls with white wooden structures decorated with evergreen garland along their rooflines, creating a covered walkway where shoppers browse goods during early evening. A vintage-style street lamp with multiple globe lights stands in the center of the market, while residential and commercial buildings form the backdrop against a dusky blue sky. Visitors in winter clothing walk along the paved pathway between illuminated stalls displaying various merchandise. — The Union Square Holiday Market is modeled on traditional European Christmas markets

For a big-name sight and holiday shopping in the same place, make a stop at Grand Central Terminal. The iconic train hall somehow always manages to dazzle (look up at the constellation-bedecked ceiling) along with shops, a food hall and the Grand Central Oyster Bar, an impressive slice of Old New York. While you are there, don’t miss the winter holiday toy train display at the New York Transit Museum Gallery & Store (it’s also a great spot for small New York-specific gifts). For shopping venues big in scale as well as holiday wow factor — and ideal for inclement weather days — both the Oculus and Hudson Yards, with its 32-foot suspended holiday hot air balloon, are good bets. If books are on your list, head downtown to the classic New York independent book store The Strand for oodles of must-have gifts and practically every book you could want.

A tufted brown leather banquette lines the wall beneath a whimsical hand-painted mural depicting winter scenes with figures ice skating and playing in falling snow among bare trees. Small round tables with brass-trimmed edges are paired with wooden chairs that have leather seats, each table illuminated by a lamp with a golden parchment-style shade featuring illustrated figures. The rich cognac tones of the leather seating complement the warm glow of the table lamps throughout the intimate bar setting. — One of the handpainted murals in Bemelmans Bar, a mainstay of The Carlyle, depicts ice skating in Central Park. Photo courtesy of The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

Festive Fare

Meals have a powerful way of bringing people together and forging memories, and New York is chock-full of fabulous spots that really know how to bring on the holiday cheer. For a bustling New York staple that tempts for any meal of the day, Balthazar is always a winner. If you want a sophisticated festive meal that is gracious without being fussy, head to Union Square Cafe. Or if you prefer your dinner with a side of sightseeing, head up to the newer spot The View in the theater district. Perched high in the sky, this slowly rotating restaurant offers top-notch American cuisine in a setting your family won’t soon forget.

Back on the ground, you could go classic gilded New York steakhouse at Gallaghers (open since 1927), Keens (whose roots date back to 1885) or downtown haunt Minetta Tavern (open since 1937). Looking for an ideal spot for a holiday cocktail, complete with high-backed leather banquettes and live piano music? A drink at Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, may be in order — its walls feature murals by Ludwig Bemelmans, who created the beloved Madeline children’s books, and the ceiling is covered in 24-karat gold leaf.

A traditional hotel suite living room features an active fireplace with a marble surround, topped by a gold-framed mirror and flanked by wall sconces with cream shades. A writing desk with a modern chair sits against the wall beneath a wall-mounted television, while windows dressed with Roman shades and floor-length draperies allow natural light to filter into the space. The seating area includes upholstered furniture arranged around a glass-topped coffee table styled with books, a bowl of green apples, and a potted white orchid, with a blue and white ceramic garden stool positioned near the fireplace. — The Lowell’s opulent two-bedroom suites, well configured for families, include cozy wood-burning fireplaces in addition to kitchenettes, living rooms and dining areas. Photo courtesy of Leading Hotels of the World

Memorable Hospitality

All of this skating, strolling, eating and shopping will leave you craving somewhere sumptuous to lay your head. There are a few select luxury properties in New York that hardly require an introduction yet somehow seem to become even more endearing in service, ambiance and energy at the holidays. CB favorites include The Plaza; The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel; and The Lowell.

For your very own Home Alone moment, it’s hard to beat The Plaza on Fifth Avenue, right at the doorstep of Central Park. Its facade and interior have been immortalized in movies throughout the years and tea in The Palm Court is one for the memory books. Next up is grand dame The Carlyle, which oozes well-heeled splendor on the Upper East Side. Beyond its iconic Bemelmans Bar, don’t miss Christmas tea at The Gallery or crowd favorite Madeline’s Tea. Not to be outdone, The Lowell, also on the Upper East Side, has been a bastion of quiet luxury since 1927. Highlights of a festive stay here include afternoon tea at Majorelle and a black-tie New Year’s Eve fête.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and activities in New York City on Ciao Bambino

See our favorite ideas for holiday travel with kids

12 of the best places to travel for Christmas and New Year’s

Why a Christmas market river cruise is magical with kids

12 best Christmas markets in Europe with kids

10 iconic Christmas activities in London with kids

Photos courtesy of NYC Tourism & Conventions except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.

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A Taste of Classic New York for the Holidays