Christmas in NYC: Holiday Activities & Attractions

 
New York is a beautiful city any time of year, but extra awe-inspiring during the holiday season. In addition to streets and buildings in Bronx, Mount Vernon, and beyond glittering with holiday sparkle, there are endless seasonal activities and attractions in the Big Apple. So what does Christmas in NYC look like for 2023? Check out our guide for a beautiful holiday in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, and feel free to contact us with any questions!

Holidays in Manhattan: Top Things to Do

1) Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Located in the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, enjoy marveling at some 250 houses bedazzled with Christmas lights and other decorations! This neighborhood has provided spectacular displays each Christmas for over 30 years and is regarded as one of the best areas to see holiday lights in New York.

2) Radio City Christmas Spectacular

A classic holiday show starring the famous Radio City Rockettes, the Christmas Spectacular includes Santa, wooden soldiers, and so much more. Why miss that signature kickline this year?

3) Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center

Ice skating is extra fun during Christmas in New York thanks in part to the towering, awe-inspiring Rockefeller Christmas Tree! Once lit, it stays illuminated throughout the holiday season. For the best view of this tree, head to Rockefeller Plaza and situate yourself between West 48th Street and West 51st Street and Fifth and Sixth avenues.

4) Gingerbread Lane

The world’s largest gingerbread village is found in New York! Located at Manhattan’s Chelsea Market, this display is available until January 7th and features 1,000 unique gingerbread houses.

5) Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Christmas in NYC can include following the illuminated art trail at Brooklyn Botanical Garden. It features contributions by local and international artists and includes a 24-foot-high Moravian Star among many other jaw-dropping sights.

6) Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

The New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show features a two-level, 34-foot-long model train display. Following a hiatus since 2020, this amazing display features a model train chugging by dozens of iconic NYC landmarks.

7) Shine Bright Only at Hudson Yards

If you visit Hudson Yards during your holiday in Manhattan for some shopping, you’ll enjoy gazing at over two million lights! There are 115 total miles of string lights, a 16-foot tall illuminated hot air balloon decoration, and decked-out Christmas trees that create a stunning forest.

8) Bronx Zoo Holiday Light Show

Plan on taking the kids to the famous Bronx Zoo as part of your Christmas in NYC? Then you must check out the zoo’s holiday light show, which includes 400 wildlife lanterns all over the premises. This year’s theme is all about New York’s wetlands and coastline!

9) NYC Holiday Markets

Holidays in Manhattan typically include visits to Christmas marketplaces, such as those at Union Square and Bryant Park. Enjoy sampling holiday fare while perusing an endless variety of unique wares!

10) American Natural History Museum Origami Holiday Tree

Whether you love natural history museums, Christmas trees, origami, or all of the above, the Origami Holiday Tree at the American Natural History Museum is a must. Made entirely from colorful origami animals, this 13-foot-tall tree has a 50-year history. Its current theme is “Proboscideans on Parade” to celebrate elephants and the museum’s new related exhibit.

We at Victory Mitsubishi hope you enjoy these and other seasonal attractions for a wonderful holiday in Manhattan! If you need a new or used car to drive around this holiday, please stop by our Bronx dealership! We are conveniently located near New Rochelle and Westchester. See you soon and happy holidays!